When you look up at the stars, what do you see? Does the panorama of tiny infinite lights give you answers, or, as it does for many of us, raise infinite questions?
Every point of light in this sky is a star or an entire galaxy. Each galaxy holds billions of stars, with solar systems like ours orbiting each of them. Is it the Great Unknown or the Meaning of Life?
Because we are born egocentric, the prospect of our personal insignificance, and thus no afterlife, is disturbing.
Fear of our own mortality creates a need to believe in something greater than we are and that our death is not the end. In addition, if there is life after death, there is the belief in reunion with those we loved, lost, and grieve for.
But if you hold an atheistic view, you accept and may even appreciate the notion of your own insignificance. If this was your attitude, would it make you feel that everything you do is futile?
Or is it simply the freedom and beauty of seeing our world, and our lives, from an omniscient perspective? The universe was here in all its immensity before we arrived, and will be long after we’re gone. Doesn’t that make our time here on earth all the more exquisite?
Are we forgetting the value of living in the moment, the desire to improve the world for others, and the joy and privilege of telling those we love how much they mean to us, because one day our time will be up?
Alas, this is just a blog post, not a lofty dissertation.
Tell me what you think of, when you look up at the stars.
*Photos in this post were taken by my husband’s cousin, Paul Sautter Jr., on his recent visit with us. His superior camera, lens, and photography skills allowed him to capture the night sky on Perry’s Point in a way that is “light years” beyond my ability. I have so much to learn!
Remember how we looked when we were adopted?
Every day, it is a slightly different colour, morphing between shades of blue sapphire, steel grey, or deep, dark navy with racing waves and frothy white-caps. On other days, it is as calm and flat as a mirror.
The sea is a living thing: mercurial, organic, merciless, and endlessly beautiful.
2. I’ve always had a passion for all animals (no, not just my cats! 😉 ).
…natural beings of the forest and untamed creatures of the sea and sky.
4. My grandson inspires me with those impossibly long eyelashes, his sense of humour, his quick wit, and his infectious laughter (even when he teases his crinkly Nanny).
5. Teaching children about Nature, and why we need to respect it, appreciate it and care for it is a spark for my imagination. I love answering their many questions…
… and listening to them tell of their own experiences in the beautiful, natural world.
Welcome back, my peeps and pets, to Vivian’s View From Here.
Our “staff” took a break from St. John’s this past week
It was beautiful and secluded there in our pine log chalet,
Maisie and I especially loved the loft, because we like perching up high.
So peaceful, so cozy…
We weren’t particularly fond of the noise from the jacuzzi jets, however.
But we appreciated the bird’s-eye view of our beloved staff.
Here I am practising my “lumbersexual” poses. That’s a thing!
If you never heard of it, go google it! I’ll wait.
As nice and comfy as it was, after a while
“Hey, I hear lots of birds and squirrels!”
After all, we’re used to going out all the time on Perry’s Point.
And look how beautiful and sunny it is out there!
Please???
Begging works! Our staff fashioned makeshift leashes,
So even though nearly everything else has been renovated, replaced or upgraded,
And though they may not be modern or practical…
