Inspiration from the beach

Here I was again.  A place of beginnings and a place of conclusions. Lost in my thoughts, I stared, examined and observed. Little cracks and little ants marching in line in the sand. The water had run there and left its marks. I could see the deep ridges it had formed right there in the middle of the beach. You know how it is, we have all been there at one time or another. Remember that time? Your feet were deep into it, warm and cozy. Time had slowed down just enough for you to look around. Time to breathe a sigh of relief . A moment alone with the sand and its treasures. Sylvie Parisien Summer 2010

Joy and Sorrow - Sold

"Then a woman said, "Speak to us of Joy and Sorrow."
And he answered:
Your joy is your sorrow unmasked.
And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears.
And how else can it be?
The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.
Is not the cup that hold your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven?
And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives?
When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.
Some of you say, "Joy is greater than sorrow," and others say, "Nay, sorrow is the greater."
But I say unto you, they are inseparable.
Together they come, and when one sits alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.
Verily you are suspended like scales between your sorrow and your joy.
Only when you are empty are you at standstill and balanced.
When the treasure-keeper lifts you to weigh his gold and his silver, needs must your joy or your sorrow rise or fall."  Khalil Gibran