Limitless Universe

Lately I have felt my level of optimism slipping precariously close to the half empty line. Feeling as if the limits of what I can  accomplish are ever decreasing. Then yesterday Unknown Mami aka Claudya posted her Wednesday Wishes. With just her words she reminded me that those limits are not decreasing, no the universe is abundant with possibilities and opportunities. She inspired me not only to continue wishing but to create this new artwork titled Limitless Universe.

I was so motivated by this project that I worked into the wee hours of the morning creating the image and then making it available in our gift shop, both with and without the encouraging words.

Visit Here to see the full line of Limitless Universe products

 Thank you Unknown Mami for continuing to inspiring me!

If you haven't read her Wednesday Wishes post yet I encourage you to hop over and read it.

To all you wonderful readers:

Dream Big

Wish Often

Explore the limitless possibilities of the Universe!

Memories, Dreams and Reflections 2012

I am happy to be able to take part in Ashley Sisks


1. Me! – A reflection of myself taking this photo. Proudest accomplishment of 2012 . . . surviving!

2. I Love You –Since I couldn't decide on just one photo I did this collage of my grandchildren whom I love with all my heart.

3. Still Laughing… Shortly after going to live with my daughter's family my little dog tried to follow me out of the back yard by going through the fence and got himself stuck. To get him out of his predicament we had to coat him with cooking oil.

4. Winter Wonderland – One of my favorite shots taken near the end of winter before we left South Dakota.

5. Birthday – My youngest grandchild turned six this year. I can't believe how big they are all getting.

6. Friends – My youngest daughter with two of her dearest friends.

7. I Was Inspired… Much of my inspiration this year has come from my grandchildren and the ocean.

8. Spring Fever – I can't think of anything that reflects Spring more than a nest with Robin's eggs.

9. Travel or Vacation – During my vacation to Arizona I was inspired by this adorable couple who visited the Grand Canyon every year for their anniversary.

10. Summer Days – One of my favorite places during the summer has always been the beach.

11. A Day In My Life – Considering I have spent the majority of the year feeling out of focus,  I felt this photo best depicted a day in my life.

12. All Smiles – These two can always get me to smile.

13. Autumn Harvest – No photos this year of fields ready for harvest but I did get this Autumn shot.

14. Family or Home – Where ever my children and grandchildren are will always feel like home.

15. Celebrate! – Fireworks!

16. Let’s Do It Again… – Enjoying visits with my extended family. This one is with my brothers oldest daughter who came for a brief visit.

17. I Miss You – Looking through my photos trying to find a photo taken of my husband before he passed away last February I was disappointed to find that the last picture taken of him was at the end of 2011. Then it dawned on me that he had spent most of January and February in the hospital, so this photo of photos of him will have to do.

18. Beautiful – To me sunset is the most beautiful time of day.

19. Dress Up – One of my favorite photo sessions this year was this Civil War Period dress up session!

20. Macro - Macro of a King Crab found while walking on the beach.

21. Holidays – It looks like Santa forgot his boots.

22. My Favorite – My favorite memories of this year are all those created while spending time with my grandchildren.

23. Don’t Ever Change – This is Bubba, I hope he never loses his exuberance and zest for life.

24. Just Because…So There! – Isn't this a pretty tree?

25. Hopes and Dreams – My hopes and dreams for 2013 can easily be summed up in the words of Emerson.

May your year be filled with all that is good! 

PS. Please click on the button at the top to share your memories, dreams and reflections or visit others who have shared theirs.

Whispered Promise

By Nita Davis

The first rays of morning peak through the curtains waking Rebecca from her restless sleep. The morning rays are calling to her, promising a warm and peaceful day amid the comfort of the woods. If she hurries she can be dressed and out of the cottage before anyone else awakes. She will have to hurry because if they awaken first she will be trapped indoors cleaning and cooking, while she listens to the old couple grumble about how ungrateful she is. How if not for them she would have no one to love and care for her. She slips on her favorite dress, not one of the cast offs from a relative doing their duty, but the pretty new yellow one her mother sent for her 10th birthday. As she softly tip toes down the narrow stairway that leads from the attic to the kitchen, she wonders why her mother or father don't come for her, maybe the old couple is right maybe her parents don't love and want her.  Escaping through the door of the loveless cottage her gloomy thoughts begin to lift. Within her mind her heart whispers 'It was not my parents choice that I live here, they do love me'. 

A path of small footprints is left in the thick morning dew as she makes her way quickly across the yard headed for the forest. The cold dampness of the dew upon her feet is soon forgotten as a warm glow comes over her. Entering the forest she whispers 'one day things will be different'.  The woods are alive with the glory of a new spring. All around her life is happy. The robins are welcoming the new morning with a song. Rebecca laughs with joy as she watches a pair of squirrels race past her in some animated game. The loneliness of the cottage left far behind she soaks in the beauty and love all around her. Gently she picks a bright cheerful blossom from its' home, careful to take only one so as not to erase its' beauty from the forest floor. Following the path that leads to the river she carefully gathers more flowers. Soon she has a small bouquet of fragrant blossoms that will find a new home in jar on her windowsill. Nearing the banks edge a feeling of wonder comes over her as she gazes upon the loveless cottage all aglow. 'One day I will have a home that is as warm and full of love on the inside as this one looks from the outside' staring down into the clear water she begins to see a young woman dressed in a beautiful wedding gown, holding a bouquet of flowers much like her own. The leaves in the trees begin to rustle as a whispered promise is carried upon the gentle breeze, 'Your dreams will come true'.

[ I often draw inspiration from paintings and photographs to write short stories. This story was inspired by a painting of a cottage on a lake in the middle of a forest with a young girl staring at a reflection in the lake. I am not sure who the painter was but I suspect it was either Thomas Kinkade or Terry Redlin as it had the glow they are both famous for. I hope you have enjoyed this short story. Whispered Promise while a short story is also the starting point for my next book project. ~ Nita]