Characters

When I'm out and about in the crowds, I look for people who catch my eye because there's something about their character that make them 'special'.

Sometimes it's the way they make their mark among the others.

Sometimes it's the way they move.

They might dare to do something you're afraid to do.

Or they know how to control themselves, their body.

Sometimes they look at you with that deep, wise look.

Or you feel in tune when hanging around them.

Sometimes you're fascinated by their 'happy-to-be-here' look.

And sometimes the whole personality pops-out like a shining star.

Some characters are so strong that you notice them right away, but I believe, when you stay long enough among the people, you can find something that fascinates you in every person you see.

For-ever

Some things are meant to last for-ever:

celebrations (with a style)...

focusing on important things...

tender thoughtfulness...

smiles...

and smiles and smiles and smiles...

greatness...

humbleness...

glowing personality...

a little connection with roots...

great company...

and walking home with a fulfilled heart...

No matter the year, the season, the age... - some things are meant to last for-ever.

Transformations

It was a long, beautiful summer - a good one for taking pictures and not so good one to sit behind the screen and update the blog regularly. Oh, well, let's hope things will get back to normal again now that the days are shorter and cooler...

So today, I'd like to take you on a special journey - to the place where the past meets the future...

It is colorful.

It is melodical.

It is happy, although in pain.

It is mysterious...

...and serious.

It is brave...

...and it is strong.

It is modest...

...and proud.

And now imagine 'you' - how would you look like when transformed by the past?? Summer is almost over and it's time to put ourselves together again. What will you choose?

Transparent door

Imagine having a transparent door. Nothing to hide, no fear from breaking in, no separation from 'in' or 'out'.
Do you think you have to be brave to have a door like this? I think so.

Imagine that that kind of door is the door to your heart... Transparent, clear, 'open'. What a brave heart you have to have to show it to the whole world! Not many people can do that.

I think there's still a way to be brave when we are not brave enough to choose a transparent door. We can decide to have an inviting door and when people knock on our door, we can let them in or not.
Choose the door that represents you - big, small, wide, decorated, painted, vintage... The door will invite people who have the same feelings, the same expectations, the same values. It will be easier to decide to let them in or not when they knock on your door. (Of course, practicing to let everyone in would be the best thing to do, but for a start, this is one way to practice bravery).
Free yourself from fear!  And be creative on a search for the door that fit you the most.

The June's theme for photo-project 'Beauty is where you find it' was: 'Doors'. Let yourself get inspired by other bloggers and their marvelous images by clicking the links on the Luzia Pimpinella's blog. Enjoy and be brave! 

Art of Wood

Nature is full of gifts. One of them is wood - it can be used in so many ways, shapes and forms. Here, in Austria, I think living with wood has become a tradition, glorification of Nature and art.

There's something about wood that makes you feel 'at home', warm and comfortable. Like you are held in the arms of Mother Nature. 

But here, people went further with it. Full of imagination and love for Nature, they started to play with the wood, carve in it, paint it, build with it... You will find it everywhere in their lives.

Houses, fences, playgrounds, furniture, bikes, shoes, bowls, pots... Things are not just made from wood - they are carved in, decorated little pieces of art. With a personal touch, every piece of wood becomes more than just a wood. It becomes a story-teller, an expression of feelings and a dance of natural forces.

Wood lets you play with it, but it doesn't allow you to do everything with it. It gives you freedom and boundaries. It gives you a lot, but not everything. You still need to listen to it, love it and care for it. You still have to respect it and use it the proper way.

Wood is like a living being. It can make your heart sing when you treat it with love and care. Or it can burn out in a few minutes when you treat it bad.

We always have a choice how we treat others, how we treat everything in our world. In our Lab, we are choosing harmony, beauty and respect. How about you? Has art of wood taught you anything for life, too?