Friday, October 12, 2012

The sky is everywhere, oh yes

I wouldn't cope well with the crap we all step in from time to time if it weren't for this world giving me stunners like this:
When nature is glorious my spirit soars. I put my feet in the sea, reach for the sky and drag in the air. Have you ever gone flying in your dreams? It feels so right. Like we somehow in daily life forget how natural it is to let go and just be.
And, yes, I titled this post using a phrase that popped in my head but is also the title of a brilliant novel by Jandy Nelson. I'd reviewed it some time ago but never forgot the story of a girl upended by grief at the sudden death of her sister. Here's the unforgettable last line of the first chapter: It's as if someone vacuumed up the horizon while we were looking the other way. I know that empty, lost feeling too well. I think I need to read the book again, to remember how this story, which is also funny and passionate, never forgets the grief but discovers purpose--a place to flourish in this world.

We've all been buried by grief. We've all cowered from our demons or learned to stand up to them. We've all been betrayed by someone we trusted. We've all lost confidence at one time or another. Or, at least, I believe these things are universal.

But there is healing. There is beauty. There is hope.

The sky is everywhere.



25 comments:

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Hi, Alex! Thank you. I have so much fun taking photos when the world looks like this. :)

J.B. Chicoine said...

Just when I really needed an uplifting moment! Just perfect--thanks for sharing Tricia. I need to get outdoors more...

Donna said...

Wow!

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Bridget: That makes me happy. See my face? :-)

Donna: Right? It was fabulous.

Stina said...

Love the pictures. I enjoyed The Sky is Everywhere. I really need to read it again.

Jemi Fraser said...

Stunning photos!!!

That's the 1st time I've heard the line from the book - wow! That sure packs a punch and sets a tone!

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Stina: There are a number of wonderful books I want to read again, but more books keep coming! Can we put the world on hold so we can read, please?

Jemi: Thank you!
Jandy Nelson's writing is nothing short of jaw-dropping at times.

Golden Eagle said...

Those images are gorgeous. And yes, I have flown in my dreams--it's an exhilarating feeling. :)

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Thanks, Golden Eagle! I love those night flights. ;)

Yvonne Osborne said...

Stunning photographs and the simple statement is so true..."the sky is everywhere". I have flown at night, but only in a plane.

Anonymous said...

These pictures open up my heart. Now I feel like going to the beach.

I want to read Nelson's book again.

Julie Dao said...

Your photos are like a dream. There's something about the connection between sky and water that is so healing and relaxing. I'll have to post some of the pictures I took of the beach in Hawaii soon!

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Yvonne: You just made me laugh! I like night flying in my dreams far better than in a plane.

Medeia: Oooo, what a lovely way to phrase it, thank you.

Julie: You must have taken your new photo in Hawaii. You look so pretty and relaxed. Can't wait to see what other pictures you took. :)

Sarah Wylie said...

I love this so much. Love the book, love your words, love the hope in this post.

Carolina M. Valdez Schneider said...

That was beautiful, Tricia. I think the most profound kind of hope can only come through grief. Hope is easy in happy, prosperous times. But in difficult times, hope takes on new meaning, a bit like a life raft, I think.

As always, beautiful photographs--they capture hope in a single moment.

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Sarah: <3

Christina Lee said...

WOW--- beautiful pics and such a beautiful book! *sigh*

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Carol: *waves* It's so good to see you here, and what a profound thing you've said about hope that comes through grief. It is like a life raft. What a gift it is.
Thank you so much.

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Christina: Thank you, thank you! :)

Angela Ackerman said...

Those are AMAZING shots! Wow! I have The Sky Is Everywhere on my desk! Haven't read it yet but looking forward to it.

Sending you a hug,

Angela

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Angela, Angela! You will be wowed by some of Jandy Nelson's imagery, amazing lines in that book.

BTW, I have my copy of The Emotion Thesaurus out and ready for my rewrite, which I'm getting closer to having the time to do. :)

Sherrie Petersen said...

Omigosh, you take the most stunning photographs!! I'm glad you're finding healing and hope. xo

Sarah Laurence said...

Absolutely gorgeous! I liked the writing in that novel too. I'm having a bit of a lost week myself but I'm starting to see the horizon. It's all coming back into focus. I hope that's so with you too.

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Sherrie: I am turning a corner and trying not to spin out! Thanks for the good wishes and kudos. Sending you tons of good wishes, too.

Sarah: Thank you! Focus. Yes, when I lose that I stumble. Glad you're finding it, too.

Faith Pray said...

Wow. A breathtaking post, Pat! Truly beautiful - words and pics.