THE RAINBOW'S WAY

[Photo Source: My photos, my camera, my backyard The Rainbow's Way 3 NOV 2011)

(3 NOV 2011 – As sunset began its song and the rain eased for the last rays of sunlight, the sky was alight with the Double delight of a Rainbow.  The Rainbow's Way arched in the sky from North to South in a Double Blessing that anointed the Earth.  Too short the Life span – for as the sunlight faded – so the sky emptied and the sudden magic of the Rainbow in my backyard was Gone! 

BUT – not before I was quick with my digital camera and captured some photos and video footage so I can share them with you here – ENJOY!  The photos were taken in my backyard while I was facing East and the sun was setting in the West behind me  - the rain was a soft mist that sprinkled my nose and shoulders as I took these photos.  The Double Rainbow filled me with glee and thanksgiving – and I was so glad I was home and happened to see this fabulous Double rainbow in my own backyard!  dht-2011

Below is a Poem written by my Maternal Cousin Emily Elizabeth Dickinson.  I wonder what her Rainbow looked like as she looked at it then later wrote these words to its Tribute.  Thank you Cousin Emily for sharing your words.)

Delight is as the flight —
Or in the Ratio of it,
As the Schools would say —
The Rainbow's way —
A Skein
Flung colored, after Rain,
Would suit as bright,
Except that flight
Were Aliment —

"If it would last"
I asked the East,
When that Bent Stripe
Struck up my childish
Firmament —
And I, for glee,
Took Rainbows, as the common way,
And empty Skies
The Eccentricity —

And so with Lives —
And so with Butterflies —
Seen magic — through the fright
That they will cheat the sight —
And Dower latitudes far on —
Some sudden morn —
Our portion — in the fashion —
Done —

[Poem #257 by Emily Elizabeth Dickinson,

poetess extraordinaire and my maternal Cousin]

***************

THE STORY WITHIN

[Photo Source: Google online images --  Fall with many colors on two sides of a Path with depth.]

(I wrote this on 21 OCT 2011, thinking of someone special and how they changed their attitude from one of condescension to prayer for another.  Hopefully, those of my acquaintance will take the time to 'hear' my Story and hold me in their prayers.  -dht)

Whenever I hear an account about the behavior or actions of another – I usually wonder about what Life circumstances led those individuals to the lives that they lead.

There are so many factors that affect our Lives, that influence our decisions, and that determine our Life's Path.

A quick cursory observation of another's Life Decisions, too often result in an unfortunate and biased opinion.

It is amazing to me that so many of those old sayings hold so much truth - - 

"There but for the Grace of God, go I !"  [~unknown]

"Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes."  [~Jack Handey]

"Three quarters of the miseries and misunderstandings in the world would finish, if people were to put on the shoes of their adversaries and understood their points of view."  [~Mahatma Gandhi]

"You never truly know someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes."  [~unknown]

"You have brains in your head.  You have feet in your shoes.  You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.  You're on your own.  And, you know what you know.  You are the one who'll decide where to go.'  [~Dr. Seuss]

It would seem that more compassionate answers would surface, if you were to know the 'whole' of another's situation, and would pause and take the time to wonder and question the motives and actions of others with your Heart.

There is always a Story Within the Story – within the individual – within the situation.  It takes a special person to see "The Story Within".

The rewards of using this kind of introspection are many, but may require one to set aside all their preconceived ideas of propriety, etiquette, commitment, politics, faith, or whatever.  Personal growth and maturation are but some of the rewards for a compassionate Heart and mind.

Learning and understanding The Story Within the Story is an incredible Journey, and one that has precedence in the Biblical Sense – in the miracles of Forgiveness and Love.

So before you venture an opinion about me, try to hear The Story Within the Story of my Life!

[Dorothy Hazel Tarr - 2011]