Does artificial light have the potential for clouding our vision? Metaphorically speaking, a light at the end of the tunnel would signal the end of uncertainty or misgivings. A sudden upswing in the housing market, a baby sleeping through the night…Troops pulling out of a war zone. The first sign of that light suggests a dash of optimism, a basket of hope and silently restores our faith. Turn your face to the sun and let it shine, shine, shine down on you.
It isn't always easy, and there is no set path. So many things in our path to prevail over before the light can be reached. And, of course, as a more cynical person warned me: the light may turn out to be a train.
Trees are underappreciated in so many ways. It would be fair to say that most people know that they provide us with oxygen, but, do you also know that they play a role in the earth's water, and have their hand in climate change?
These trees here in Arlington Cemetery add grace, beauty, and a sense of order. They lend a hand in the overall grandeur of these hallowed grounds. If a cemetery can use the term grandeur without offending. They have over 142 memorial trees, a wonderful collection of trees to commemorate the people. battles and units that were involved. Even in the middle of winter when I was there yesterday, the peacefulness of it is like a warm blanket covering me. I walked for miles up and down the rows, reading the stones and trying to imagine the people buried there.
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So many of the trees at Arlington are gloriously ancient. They have nice wooded areas throughout and near Arlington House, General Lee's private residence. The cemetery's oldest trees are almost 250 years old, pre-date the very first burials. The picture below shows the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the background.
Trees drape gracefully over the canon overlooking the hilltop. They are actually still used at Arlington, The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment — also known as the Old Guard, practices firing canons, The Regiment is called “The Presidential Salute Battery" and they continuously practice synchronized firing training within Arlington National Cemetery. Here is one that is no longer in use, but rather a historical piece.
I have admired trees all day as I wandered about. I came home and the snow began soon after. I want to thank 
Flowers. There must be flowers. I dedicate this picture to #WednesdayYellow #ColorChallenge by @Kalemandra who colors my world every day.
Thank you for visiting my post 💖 Because of you, I come back to post, again and again, I am encouraged by you, for the time you take to visit, comment or even upvote. For all of these reasons, I am eternally grateful. Don't ever forget what a wonderful world we live in, people. Let's hold hands around the globe and make this earth really spin. Some days, it is not as easy to see, how wonderful it really is. Kindness counts. Wherever you go, whatever you do.
they set my aunts house on fire
i cried the way women on tv do
folding at the middle
like a five pound note.
i called the boy who use to love me
tried to ‘okay’ my voice
i said hello
he said warsan, what’s wrong, what’s happened?
i’ve been praying,
and these are what my prayers look like;
dear god
i come from two countries
one is thirsty
the other is on fire
both need water.
later that night
i held an atlas in my lap
ran my fingers across the whole world
and whispered,
"where does it hurt?"
it answered,
"everywhere"
"everywhere"
"everywhere"
warsan shire
