Ornate door at a monastery, Kathmandu.
An unquestionable truth becomes more pronounced with every birthday that passes: time is limited. Focusing on the people we love and work that sustains our spirit becomes more important than ever.
So on this birthday, I'm "hearing blessings dropping their blossoms around me," as the mystic poet Rumi said. I'm thinking about the doors I still can open and the opportunities yet to emerge. I'm also choosing to savour the moments in which I find myself and try to forgive my imperfections, real or imagined.
"There's courage involved if you want to become truth.
There is a broken-open place in a lover. Where are
those qualities of bravery and sharp compassion
in this group? What's the use of old and
frozen thought? I want
a howling hurt. This is not a treasury
where gold is stored; this is for copper.
We alchemists look for talent that
can heat up and change.
Lukewarm won't do. Halfhearted holding back,
well-enough, getting by?
Not here." - Rumi.
Tara Tara! Happy belated birthday!
I forgot we are sister Virgos. I hope you had an amazing and wonderful time. I can't wait to see you again!
Posted by: Chris | 20 September 2011 at 01:42
Keep searching for those doors and opportunities. Happiest birthday wishes, Tara.
xx,
deb
Posted by: Westlander Poetry (Deborah Smith) | 12 September 2011 at 04:22
Happy Birthday, Tara. Beautiful photo, and I love the Rumi poem.
Posted by: Mary Jane | 11 September 2011 at 19:50
Happy Birthday my lovely friend...smooches
Posted by: Leau | 11 September 2011 at 15:24
Tara, Happy Birthday! Wishing you a wonderful year ahead.
A great day to celebrate --my daughter's birthday too!
Today, the anniversary of the Trade Center tragedy, I'm going to walk the dog and really just send good thoughts to all the people still grieving.
Oddly, when I look South, I still see the ghost of the towers.
All best wishes.
Posted by: elizabeth | 11 September 2011 at 13:12
Happy birthday, Tara! I love the imagery of these words (and that door is breathtaking). I wish you years of blessings dropping like blossoms and fascinating new doors to open!
Posted by: Karen@PasGrande-Chose | 11 September 2011 at 10:53
Happy Birthday Tara.
Posted by: Jo | 11 September 2011 at 09:45
Happy birthday Tara! :D It's been a couple of years since i first read your blog, and i want you to know that your blog is still one of my constant reads. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and passion to the world. You inspire me!
Godbless you always! Wish you good health and more bliss!
love,
your friend from across the pacific ;)
Posted by: gracey | 11 September 2011 at 05:01
Happy birthday and van harte gefeliciteerd Tara I love doors You never know what's behind it and this one is a very beautiful one. Rumi's words are full of wisdom and beauty
Posted by: marja | 11 September 2011 at 00:44
Brilliant post and the colors are so vivid. Happy Birthday, Tara!
Thank you for another year of the priceless Paris Parfait.
Posted by: Mary H. | 10 September 2011 at 22:42
Happy, happy birthday fellow Virgo!!! This is what I love about Rumi, that call for ... wholeheartedness ... no half-measures will do. I can tell Rumi isn't just words for you!
Posted by: Barbara | 10 September 2011 at 22:10
Oh the photo and the colors are magnificent. It's your birthday? Have a totally delightful birthday, celebrate fully!
Posted by: Marilyn | 10 September 2011 at 18:19
Thank you Tara for this thought provoking post. What a lovely door, what wise words.
Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | 10 September 2011 at 18:15