Earth's Oldest Trees and the Universe

"If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore; and preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God which had been shown!"  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson 

There is so much beauty out there waiting to be revealed.  Beauty that is so much bigger than us and our everyday problems.  Beauty that, however fleetingly, lifts aside the veil between us and eternity.

These pieces of art are actual photographs created by Beth Moon, who traveled to far off locations to capture Earth's oldest trees.  She used extra-long exposures to capture the awe-inspiring backdrop of our incredible heavenly neighbors.  I am sharing these photographs on RBG today, because I want you to feel the same sense of awe and wonder that I did when I saw them for the first time.

Read more about her journey by clicking here.

All rights reserved by Beth Moon Photography.

Aquila, by Beth Moon

Octans by Beth Moon

Lyra by Beth Moon

Andromeda by Beth Moon

Beth Moon's art is truly spectacular.  If you would like to support her by purchasing prints,  contact one of the following galleries:
    
San Francisco, California - Corden Potts Gallery - www.cordenpottsgallery.com
Santa Fe, New Mexico - Verve Gallery of Photography - www.vervelabs.com
Boston, Mass - The Iris Gallery of Fine Art - www.irisgallery.net
Verona, Italy - PH Neutro Fotografia Fine-Art - www.ph-neutro.com
Jerusalem, Israel - Vision Fine Art Photography Gallery - www.visiongallery.com
Sao Paolo, Brazil - Galeria Fass - www.fassbrasil.com
Dubai, UAE - The Empty Quarter - www.theemptyquarter.com
Singapore - Zott's Artspace - www.zottsartspace.com

    

Wednesday Wisdom - Two Roads Diverged in a Wood

Sometimes, a few simple, ordinary words combine in a way that produces magic.

For me, that is what these few lines from a selection of Robert Frost's poetry do.  Taken in context of the entire poem, these words may have a far different meaning.*  But standing alone, these 22 words convey adventure, destiny, freedom and the extraordinary - and make you believe that they are written just for you.

I hope these words of wisdom from one of our greatest literary magicians (whether he intended them to be so taken or not) inspire you to think of your path not just as the road you are walking, but as your own unique destiny, leading you to seldom seen wonders and your own definition of success.  May they also remind you of the futility of regret.

~Jaelyn

*Full text of The Road Not Taken:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

This poem is perhaps a tongue-in-cheek look at the inevitable regrets of the indecisive among us, but the magic and beauty of the last three lines has transcended the original poem and taken on a meaning greater than the artist intended.  And after all, isn't that the true value of art?  The ability of each of us to personally interpret the beauty of the creation in a way that reflects our own soul or desires?

Monday Motivation - You Won't Get Far if You Travel in a Straight Line

Isn't this the truth?  What would happen if we only traveled straight?  How would we get past the road blocks, walls, mountains?  We certainly couldn't climb the mountain - the hardest way up a mountain is - you guessed it - in a straight line.

May today bring you the determination and empowerment you need to take those turns when they come, as well as the patience to weather the u-turns.  Enjoy the anticipation offered by the bends in the road.  Life really is about the journey - and maybe sometimes the best adventures happen when you go off-roading!  ;-)

Wednesday Wisdom - Everybody Should Believe in Something

Happy Wednesday!

For the majority of my adult life, I have not been much of a coffee drinker - even when working multiple jobs while grinding through college.  I survived what I thought were tough challenges, and green tea (or iced tea, or white tea, or peppermint tea) was always able to get me through.   No reason to drink coffee, right?

And then I had children.  Children who don't sleep.   Thanks to coffee, we have all survived levels of sleep deprivation I didn't know existed.   The babies have long since started sleeping better and I am back to my beloved tea, but forevermore, coffee will have a place in my heart.

So, for those days when you are struggling to get your brain working and just need a warm, delicious cup of energy to get you through, here are your caffeine-infused words of wisdom.

~Anonymous

Now grab your double-shot extra-hot 2-pump mocha latte and tackle all those mid-week tasks like the hyper-focused coffee beast you are!

If you need an even larger dose of energy injected into your day, check out this post.
~ Jaelyn

Monday Motivation - Courtesy of Shia LeBeouf and the Internet. WARNING: Intense Motivation Included.

You need some motivation, and Shia LeBeouf is going to give it to you!   Apparently, he was filming some green screen material to help students, and the internet had a field day with it.  This one is awesome - a TED Talk parody.  And if you've never seen the real TED Talks, DO IT!  They are great!

 

Something Pretty on a Gloomy Day

The clouds and rain are lingering here in Austin again today, where many folks are still cleaning up after the Memorial Day floods.  We could all use something pretty to look at right now!

I took this picture with my phone on a gorgeous, sunny, springtime day while walking in my neighborhood.  I hope it adds a little joy to your day, and reminds you that the clouds don't last forever!

Texas Mountain Laurel

~Jaelyn

Wednesday Wisdom - There is Nothing That Cannot Happen

When I feel like I am living a day that has become mired in a steady flow of bad luck, I like to be reminded by this quote that there is nothing that cannot happen.

Even on the days that seem filled with darkness, it's possible that you just might find the light switch!

Mark Twain - one of the most American of Americans.  An ordinary man who lived an extraordinary life with little more than a winning personality and a sense of adventure to help him achieve it.  His humor, wit, camaraderie and appreciation of language made him a legend.   If you haven't yet, read his first major book, The Innocents Abroad.  It was essentially released as a tongue-in-cheek travel guide (travel guides being a popular genre at the time),  and it was enormously popular.  Reading the book today, it provides a very interesting (sometimes cringe-inducing) glimpse into international cultures, peoples and conflicts of the time, from the viewpoint of a witty, wild, unapologetic young journalist from Missouri. 

The quote today is from Mark Twain's Autobiography, and is in reference to discovering that a rather ridiculous character with an outlandish name from his early work, "The Gilded Age," shared a name with an actual person who was none too pleased by the publicity.   What I've shared above is actually a bit of a misquote - Americans seem to have tacked on the "today" over the years, but it still captures the spirit of the original quote, so I'll keep it.

The original quote reads, "Apparently there is nothing that cannot happen.  Even the existence of two unrelated men wearing the impossible name of Eschol Sellers is a possible thing."

Happy Wednesday!

Monday Motivation - Memorial Day

Wednesday Wisdom: Hard Work & Luck

Happy Wednesday!  
We all at times wonder when our luck is going to get better.  I love this quotation from Thomas Jefferson because in those frustrating moments, it reminds me that "good luck" isn't entirely out of our control!

Wishing you good luck to get you over that midweek slump!  :-)

Three-Ingredient Blueberry-Lemon Pastry Pop

This could be the easiest "pretty" dessert you'll ever bake!

No mixing. Three main ingredients (plus egg wash and an optional topping).  Ready to eat in 30 minutes.  Everyone loves these.  Honestly, they taste like delicious homemade Pop Tarts (but better).  Breakfast, brunch, parties, just because... they are perfect for every occasion!

What you'll need:

Ready-made refrigerated pie crust, left out of the fridge long enough to be cool and pliable, not cold and stiff (but not too warm!)  Pillsbury has a good flavor.

Jar of good-quality lemon curd

Jar of good-quality blueberry preserves (Bonne Maman is good and widely available).

Egg wash (1 egg white and 1 tsp. cold water, whisk to combine)

Cookie sheet

Cookie cutter

optional:  lollipop sticks, confectioner's (aka powdered) sugar, Silpat

 

 Let's get baking!

1.  Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

2.  Unroll the pie crust on your counter or a piece of wax paper, cut desired shapes with cookie cutter - 2 per pastry pop.

3.  Place a Silpat on the cookie sheet to help prevent sticking.  Using 1/2 of the pie crust shapes, place them on the Silpat, 1 inch apart.  If you are using lollipop sticks, be sure to allow room for those to stick out the bottom.

4.  With a pastry brush, brush egg wash on the outer 1/2-inch of the pie crust shapes.  This will act as the "glue" to keep the two pieces of crust together.

5.  Place appr. 1/2 tsp. Lemon Curd in the center of each pastry shape.  Do not spread.

6.  Place 1/2 tsp. Blueberry Preserves on top of the Lemon Curd.  Again, don't spread it out.

7.  Place a stick in the pop (on top of filling), with the top of the stick appr. 1/2-in. below the top of the pie crust.  If you would rather not use sticks, just skip this step and you will be making delicious hand pastries!

8.  Place the top piece of pie crust on top of each shape, gently pressing the edges together.  Be sure not to press the filling! Use a fork to crimp/seal the edges.  Pierce the center with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape.

9.  Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden and crisp.  Let cool.

10.  Optional:  when cooled, dust with confectioner's sugar.  

Now make your mouth happy and eat!

The best thing about this recipe is that you can use any flavor filling your mind can invent.  

What are your favorites?   I'd love to hear from you! 

Monday Motivation! Are You Feeling Stuck?

If you are feeling stuck in a rut, maybe you just need a few words to change your perspective!
Check out this bit of Monday Motivation...

 

Writer's Block

I hope your voices are telling you exciting (but not too exciting) things this weekend! ;-)

Gift Ideas for Your Favorite Book Geek

Note:  I am not compensated in any way for these suggestions.  These are simply a few products I love, and if you know a book lover, she will probably love them, too! 

 Novel Teas - $12.50

A book is even more comforting than a warm cup of tea.  But a book and a cup of tea?  That is bliss.

Personal Library Kit - $12.99 

Feel the joy again of a 7-year-old checking out a book from library!  

Also, for those who lend their books out and never receive them back, ensure that your friends never forget whose book they stole.

USB Typewriter - $899  

Sometimes, your instrument is your inspiration.

Jane Austen - Seven Novels - Leather Bound $20  

These leather bound books from Barnes & Noble feel luxurious and look great on a shelf.

 

Literary Quote Wall Art - $16-23 (depending on size)

Inspiring words made even more beautiful.

 

I Like Big Books  - $21

Book geeks love a good laugh, and a big comfy t-shirt to wear while reading.

 

A First Edition or Early Copy of a Classic Book - Price Varies 

Rare and precious, old books seem to include not only the wisdom of the words they contain, but also the wisdom of the years they have existed.  They inspire reverence.

 

Literary Scarf - $48  

A scarf of classic literature - it's like a magical force field against the vacuity of the world.

 

Vintage-Style Book Kindle Cover  -  $13.99

It brings a virtual book into the real world.

What do you like the best?  Anything I missed?  

Leave a comment!!  No sign-in required.

Wednesday Wisdom - The Worst Thing You Can Do is Nothing

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Theodore Roosevelt was such a fascinating person.  He was one of the great Progressive leaders of our country, and won adulation and popularity on an enormous scale.  He also was deliciously quotable!  Below is one of my favorites.

We are all stricken by indecision at some point or another.  Especially folks like me, with a strong, stubborn, perfectionist streak, who are terrified of making the wrong decision.  If you are likewise afflicted today, may these words of wisdom strike home and allow you to get out of that rut of indecisiveness!  

7 Life Lessons from Anne of Green Gables

L.M Montgomery is most well-known for the Anne of Green Gables series, and she is one of my all-time favorite authors.  Her books spoke to my soul as I was growing up, and still, every time I open them, they have more to tell.  Her humor, love of beauty and nature, and descriptions of the human experience have made her books classics.

Here are some of my favorite lessons:

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1.  Get outdoors and appreciate nature - it can be a spiritual experience

“Why must people kneel down to pray? If I really wanted to pray I’ll tell you what I'd do. I'd go out into a great big field all alone or in the deep, deep woods and I'd look up into the sky—up—up—up—into that lovely blue sky that looks as if there was no end to its blueness. And then I'd just feel a prayer.”

 

2. Find joy in the little things 

“After all," Anne had said to Marilla once, "I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string."

 

3.  Have some gumption.

“Anyone who has gumption knows what it is, and anyone who hasn’t can never know what it is. So there is no need of defining it.”

 

4.  When you’ve behaved badly, always apologize sincerely.  

"I apologized pretty well, didn't I?" she said proudly as they went down the lane. "I thought since I had to do it I might as well do it thoroughly."

 

5. Keep your soul open and alert for “kindred spirits”

“Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It's splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.”

 

6.  If today was a bad day, at least there's always tomorrow

“Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it...well with no mistakes in it yet.”   

 

7.  Try to arrange your love life so that your hardest choice is between marrying a handsome and adoring millionaire or a handsome and adoring doctor.

Boy-Next-Door Doctor or Romantic Millionaire?   How's a girl to choose?

 

  

A Little Monday Motivation!

If this doesn't get you up and moving toward your goals today, I don't know what will!  Not many of us are content to be called mediocre - now go wrestle this day to the ground!

Wednesday Wisdom - Conquer All Things

Sometimes, the world seems like a cold, dark, lonely place.  But sometimes, even just a few words of wisdom can help you see the light on the other side of the curtain. 

Here are a few words from one of the greatest Americans - Benjamin Franklin.  No go out there and conquer this crazy world!

~Jaelyn

Easy Halloween Treat - Chocolate-Dipped Marshmallow Pops

 It's no secret that I love Halloween!  As a holiday, it has so many wonderful elements:  crisp autumn weather, pumpkins, mystery, silliness, candy and fun!  And it's a great excuse to throw a party!

These adorable little snacks are perfect for a get-together.  They are a super-easy crowd-pleaser!   Kids love them, and something about a marshmallow-on-a-stick makes adults feel like kids again.

The best part?  You only need 4 ingredients that you probably already have at home.

Chocolate-Dipped Marshmallow Pops

1 bag regular-size marshmallows (or if you are super ambitious, make your own with this recipe)
1/2 bag (6 oz) chocolate chips (regular or mini) OR 6 oz of your favorite chocolate, chopped
2 Tbsp vegetable or coconut oil
Your favorite holiday sprinkles

mini cupcake liners
paper straws or cake pop sticks

Instructions

1.  Prep your assembly area:  Put the sprinkles in a small bowl, and place cupcake liners on a serving plate.

2.  Gently press straws/sticks into center of marshmallows, being careful not to flatten the marshmallow.

3.  Melt your chocolate:  Place the chocolate and oil in a microwave-safe dish.  Microwave on 50% power for 1 minute.  Stir well.  Place back in the microwave for 30-second intervals on 50% power, stirring after every interval, until chocolate is melted.  DO NOT OVERHEAT - this will cause the chocolate to become unworkable.  Check out this link for more great tips on working with chocolate.

4.  Get to dipping!  Dip each marshmallow 2/3 in chocolate, let excess drip, then gently press into sprinkles, one side at a time.  Place in the cupcake liner and allow to cool.

You're done!  Enjoy these sweet cuties!

Dairy-Free (depending on the chocolate used)

If You Know What Changes a Heart...

I heard this quote today from Marianne Williamson today, and it touched and inspired me, so I'm sharing it with you!

Happy Thursday!

A Few of My Favorite (Halloween) Things

by Jaelyn 

1.  This Halloween Table Decor Tutorial - Some great advice on how to decorate a spooky Halloween table with items you already have at home!

2.  If this slideshow doesn't make you feel Halloween-y, nothing will!  It is filled with the most amazing, haunting images of abandoned buildings in the UK.

 3.  Cheese and Pretzel Brooms - ADORABLE.

4.  The Great Pumpkin Pie-tini - This is the perfect, pumpkin-y cocktail for your Halloween bash!