These words are from this quote - "It is very sinple to be happy, but it is very difficult to be simple" - Rabindranth Tagore.
I found them in the most recent post of 'Beating the Bounds' blogger Mark.
His post was filled with delightful images of primroses, moths, butterflies, spring buds, violets, bumblebees, cowslips, hoverflies, marsh marigolds and a blackbird.
The post concluded with this quote.
"Instructions for living a life.
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it"
- Mary Oliver
These words epitomise my outlook on life. This post will have few words, just photos of the beauty that has made me happy in the past few weeks, whilst out and about in our wonderful Aussie outdoors.
Reflection of a bird diving for a refreshing dip. This activity was regularly repeated.
We were walking along the shoreline of a reservoir when we spotted Mother Duck with her very young ducklings. They had us laughing with their antics on the lily pads.
We had to tear ourselves away. About 50m further on, we spotted this little fellow who had to have been a sibbling. We just hoped he managed to swim back to his Mum.
On another occasion, this echidna crossed our path. He waddled ahead of us until he found his hollow log beside the path.
Frenzied feeding on the ponds.
Over the past few weeks our hikes have been slowed by the abundance of wildlife just begging to be photographed.
On Saturday evening we were able to slow down completely and relax on the lawns of the Gold Coast's new outdoor entertainment centre, along with another 15,000 patrons. We were all here for the performance of 'The Symphony of the World' - a captivating and sensational National Geogrphic film supported bythe full Queensland Chamber Orchestra. The orchestral backing to this wildlife spectacular was sensational.
Yes, finding happiness is simple. Just stop, look and listen.
I would love to read your comment.
Wonderful images! They made me very happy. Thanks...
ReplyDeleteI loved this post! The duckling made me laugh too. Nice collection of wildlife and nature photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder. I've been a little down in the dumps because of our cold, rainy weather, when it is supposed to be summer!
ReplyDeleteI love your first shot and the little kingfisher. Being a photography adds to the delight in our wonderful world I think because it makes us stop and "see". Mary Oliver is a favoured poet of mine because she does that with words.
ReplyDelete"Instructions for living a life.
ReplyDeletePay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it" - Mary Oliver
Thanks for taking those instructions to heart and not only telling, but showing us, about life in Australia. I loved the photos, and I would have loved that concert. What a treat!
Great series of photographs, Helen, all exactly of the kind that would make me happy.I especially like the "Tell about it" part, because I do! Every day!
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots and quotes!
ReplyDeleteA spectacular post, Helen! In a good way, of course - showing us all how wonderful our world is.
ReplyDeleteThe title of this post is an effective one, it surely captured my attention. The beginning is almost irritating, but the latter part of the sentence washes the irritation away. :D Indeed, it's difficult to be simple. We think, expect, analyze, pursue, fear etc. so many things!
Thank you for the thought-provoking post! xx
A wonderful set of photos, and I very much like the quote. "Difficult to be simple" is very true when you think about it!
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful collection of photos Helen. The kookaburra certainly brought a big smile to my face.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your special responses to this post. Through your blogs, I know that you all know the joy of the 'simple' things.
ReplyDeleteLoved walking with you and seeing the sights, Helen. Mary Oliver had the right idea!
ReplyDeleteSo many reminders of the nature, wildlife and birdsong on our own visit to Queensland. Seems a long time ago now.
ReplyDelete