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No Walk in the Park
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Our life
much like an eagles’ nest
is no walk in the park
It can be dislodged suddenly
in autumnal storms
stolen, silenced, and stark
~
Our years
of work and wishes wed
destroyed in one single night
Pieces of our past
scattered and strewn
from the totem to take flight
~
Our choice
whether to sink or soar
Inner integrity is showcased
when we rise up victorious
pursuing and reclaiming
lost ground now abased
~
Our love
rebuilds a haven home
Life is no walk in the park
Survival of the faithful
not deterred on paths of pain
Weaving our nest while grace filled
~
Our setbacks
detour our hearts but briefly
and send our wings to the plow
Flying ahead to furrow new ground
determined and destined
despite life’s furrows in our brow.
~
Wendy/2013
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Ian and I were able to go walking in a local park
now that my silly foot has mended
from a recent attack in our autumn age.
~
~
Another kind walker pointed out the eagle nest high above us.
He informed us that the eagles are rebuilding their nest.
Our first intense fall storm had knocked their old nest down.
~
~
That same storm knocked down some large branches from our evergreen giants.
My son has cut them into firewood for my husband’s shop stove.
Waste not ~ want not!
~
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I believe we can let the storms of our lives be used for good.
We can waste a good lesson that we may be in want of.
I’m learning (slowly) to give the storms to God.
~
~
I ask him to use it for good.
Such a release of tension occurs when I relinquish trials to my Father.
He truly does have plans to prosper us – spiritually speaking!
~
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Autumn of Life Blessings ~ Wendy
~
Wendy L. Macdonald 
So true! Amen! Your photos are so beautiful!
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Thank you! It was a lovely walk.
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I love these places you share with us and I appreciate the line, “He truly does have plans to prosper us – spiritually speaking!” We seem to value what the storms are trying to blow away in order to make room for what’s real and lasting, what He calls valuable.
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I love your comment, Brad! Our ‘stuff’ is truly dross – our faith is precious gold.
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Wonderfully poem and walk in the park.
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Thank you, Marylou! I really enjoyed the walk. 🙂
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An eagle in a park -wow! Thanks for your poem & wise words Blessings
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Thank you! I’ve had an eagle visit one of our own trees, and I never tire of them.
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I love how you combine your words and images so beautifully x
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Thank you, Pooky! I really enjoy matching them up.
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Nice walk in the park, Wendy, and how fun that you found an eagle’s nest. Your words today are touched with bits of melancholy, but I love that there is triumph in them as well. Life, for me, as well as most folks I expect, has always been a bittersweet proposition. The best part of that is that like bittersweet chocolate, good is the overpowering taste that’s left. I’m so glad your foot is so much better. Have a great day! Natalie 🙂
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Thank you, Natalie! I was just thinking about chocolate today. 🙂 My husband often brings me some on the weekend.My foot is almost normal again and it is such a huge relief . I like how you described the bittersweetness of life – so true! I am thankful for the One who leads us from one victory to another. (Would you believe my husband just walked into the room with chocolate…once a week shouldn’t hurt?) Blessings, dear Natalie.
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He must have been reading our minds. Of course, chocolate once a week won’t hurt anything. At least that’s what I tell myself. I too am very thankful to the Holy One who leads us from one victory to another. Enjoy your chocolates, Wendy! Blessings, Natalie
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Thanks! I share them with the family and it makes them ‘twice as nice’. 😉
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fabulous photos…fabulous to find a nest and the eagle!
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Thank you, Heather! It was an unexpected joy.
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Really speaks to my heart Wendy … thank you. Needed to take this spiritual ‘Autumn’ walk …. struggling with loss (praying temporary) of my physical ‘Spring’ season.
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Gentle hugs. I found myself embarrassed that I was limping past patients in the hospital that were much older than me and walking so much easier.It was humbling, and I don’t want the limp to return anytime soon; however, I won’t limp alone…
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Lovely. This is comforting as I am weaving my own story and healing.
Thanks.
Love –
Laurie
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Thank you, Laurie! Thank you also for the healing posts you put together. I will never lose my gratefulness for my own healing of eating disorders so many years ago. So many women are still in the middle of that battle. Blessings upon your family and your blog. xo
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Thank you. Yes, my cousin is suffering as I did. That is how I started blogging – as it was the only way I could reach her. Thankful that others have found me.
Love to you –
Laurie
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Oh I SO love this one, Wendy–beautifully and humbly put; His grace is all over your words, so as to encourage us. I relate well to this–thank you! God bless you with a wonderful weekend–love, sis Caddo (victorious even in the midst of “less than perfection”)
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Thank you, dear Caddo! I am hoping for the fog to lift a bit tomorrow so I can take some pictures. If it’s less than perfect I’ll enjoy some garden work instead – I always find something to photograph when I should be working. 😉
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Ha ha–Yes! I emailed your post to a friend, as I think she’ll enjoy it too.
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Thank you! By the way, Caddo, please feel free to ‘borrow’ a picture when you see one you like ( from any of my blogs ) . I’ve just said yes to another Christian poet who promises to link back when she uses one for her own blog poems. I feel peace about it as long as they are not used for commercial purposes.
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Oh how wonderful–I just might, Wendy, and of course I would do the link thingy–thanks!!
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Thank you, thank you Wendy, for the so needed gentle reminder that there are things to be learned in the storms. Things I don’t want to miss! God bless you and your family this autumn and always!
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Thank you, Debbie! I am learning not to rush through my days anymore. May we mine the beauty in each of our seasons.
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Wendy, a soul-searching poem; one i enjoyed very much! Beautiful photos. The eagles can teach us plenty – never give up, no matter what is thrown at us!
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Thank you, Sheila! I was impressed that they rebuilt it in anticipation of spring returning. They have been at that spot for a few years.
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A beautiful walk and poem…:-)
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Thank you, Sriram! It was peaceful.
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Glad you are much better, Wendy. Lovely inspirational thoughts. You have lovely parks in that part of Canada where you live. Praise be to our Creator God!
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Indeed, “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!” I love that old hymn…
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This is an amazing post Wendy! And the photos re just fabulous.
I can relate so very much to your gorgeous poem. In fact I have just completed a piece of prose which I intend to post next, which covers the subject of how I deal with what is presented to me in relation to my illness and how I can either use the negatives to help me grow or keep me stuc; itscmy choice..
Wonderful food for my thoughts in this lovely poem.
Blessings
Christine x
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Thank you, Christine! Such powerful wisdom in yours words: ‘it’s my choice’. It reminds me of an old quote: ‘It’s our reaction that blesses or burns.’ Life is hard, and there is no point making it harder.
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Absolutely! Great quote. And apologies for my typos, !ive just noticed them! I need to take more time to check; my enthusiasm gets in the way! 😊
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When I make typos I figure it will just endear me more to the reader. 😉 xo You are a dear poet friend to me.
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Thank you! And you to me 😊
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I love this perspective 🙂 Your poem is beautiful and perhaps inspired from within. God indeed is awesome and truly doesn’t waste a hurt or anything for that matter 😉
I love your use of the words ‘autumn age’ 🙂 May God prosper you in this season!
Blessings to you always my friend….(you were the very first person to follow my blog and you will always hold a special place in my heart 😉
JC
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Wow, I had not noticed I was the first. When I was overdue with my first baby I was sent to a specialist – later when I went regarding my second child he told me I had been his first patient in his new practice. I felt honored then too. He is a wonderful doctor with a good reputation (and he can accurately guess a baby’s weight ahead of the birth) .
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🙂 🙂
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Beautiful words and pictures, as always! I also love the words ‘autumn age’. I can truly relate! Glad to know that your foot has mended. many blessings.
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Thank you! Autumn age has definitely meant a natural color change of my hair. I just don’t want it to fall away like leaves though. 😉
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You are quite right that it is a CHOICE whether to “sink or soar” — I choose to soar, with arms open wide 🙂
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Lovely attitude, Christy! 🙂 Embracing hope requires open arms and heart.
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Yes. I remember watching an interview once with a woman who discussed the beginning of her relationship with her husband. She said her heart was “open.” It was a “wow” moment for me. x
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It is a joy when hearts are safe to open. Sadly, some spouses are abusive and this closes up the hearts of both the children and partner. May intervention open eyes so that healing can take place in those homes.
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Yes, sadly I had to overcome some issues you touch on here. May your day be full of health, healing and love x
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Such beautiful photos and accompanying words.
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Thank you, Libby! It was a wonderful walk.
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So beautiful. I especially love the fallen tree photograph. It’s gorgeous. Yes, weathering the storms…such an important (often unsettling) part of our lives. Knowing it serves a purpose helps ease the pain.
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Thank you! The fallen tree stopped me in my tracks. 🙂
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Loved the metaphor and contest between bird and human movement. Beautiful words.
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Thank you! I was impressed with the eagle couples fortitude.
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Very nice pictures, Wendy!! Nice to see Mr & Mrs Eagle! 🙂 Hugs~
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Thank you, Camilla! They kept their eyes on us even though we were no threat – being that we are wingless. 🙂
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Wendy, this poem couldn’t of came at a better time for us right now..sigh. I can’t stand going through trials and tribulation….but it is all part of our faith…sigh. Growing in him…Laurie
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Laurie, I love your honesty and your relinquishment to growth. Trials are never something I long for either…
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Beautiful photos – beautiful words!
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Thank you, Becky! 🙂
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Amazing shots – and lovely words too.
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Thank you! It was a wonderful morning.
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You said over on my blog that you have some lovely color this season, and I can see that you do 🙂 How wonderful that you saw an eagle, they are amazing birds. Nice post 🙂
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Thank you! Their nest tree is beside the river near where it meets the ocean.
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What a great spot for them 🙂
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Such true words. But there is always much to be thankful for, sometimes we just have to look a bit harder. Loved your poem and these great photos. Glad you’re foot is on the mend. I know all about foot issues and how just taking a walk can seem like a wonderful thing, after that kind of “storm” is ended.
happy weekend, G
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Happy weekend to you also, Geraldine! I am enjoying walking more than ever… 🙂
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Thank you for this lovely post. As I face a medical situation which fills me with fear and dread, I find your poems very comforting, and your photos are inspiring too.
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My heart goes out to you over your situation. Our bodies seem almost to betray us at times. I hope that you find the right answers and the perfect solution. Gentle hugs.
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Thanks so much. I try not to share too much personal stuff on my blog, but putting it out there is bringing me many encouraging messages, which are so appreciated.
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Encouragement can be more powerful than pain killers for lifting a heavy spirit; kind words don’t have bad side effects either. 🙂
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very pleasant photography
with regards
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Thank you; it was a pleasant walk. Blessings.
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yes it is pleasant one
thank u
with regards
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Beautiful images !
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Thank you, and nice to meet you!
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