Some Thoughts on Simplicity

It seems this last year or so I am gradually but surely simplifying my life.  My belongings are being evaluated for functionality and usefulness and I am saying no to more things that drain precious time and energy.  I think that my knee surgery was instrumental in slowing down my life and showing me the value of living a less hectic existence and finding myself at home in stillness and quiet.

 I hope you enjoy the following photos and quotes on simplicity.

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

~ Leonardo da Vinci

"Voluntary simplicity means . . .
 going fewer places in one day rather than more, 
seeing less so I can see more, doing less so I can do more, 
acquiring less so I can have more."

~John Kabat-Zinn

  

"Nature is what we know, yet have not art to say

so impotent our wisdom is to her simplicity."

~ Emily Dickinson

"To find the universal elements enough;

to find the air and the water exhilarating;

to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter. . . 

to be thrilled by the stars at night;
to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring . . .
these are some of the rewards of the simple life."
~ John Burroughs

Linking with . . . .

Cosmos - Sonata White

I so enjoyed participating in Flower Art Friday last week and I am up for round two . . . well it's actually Week #4 of this link-up but my second go round.  LeAnne, at Photos By LeAnne is our gracious hostess.

This week I chose this lovely cosmos to submit.  

These were one of my mama's favourites and they always remind me of her.

 The cosmos is native to Mexico and on down to Brazil.  It is also known as the "love flower" and is said to be favoured as a gift on Valentine's Day.

"The magical bloom with its soft petals, with its wobbly magic, is as if a dream turned into reality . . . 

a song remembered, a verse sung."

(Author Unknown)

 "Sonata White"

This is the same flower as in the first image, slightly different angle.  My edits are all done by playing with the contrast, brightness, shadows and highlights, then adjusting temperature, tint and saturation. The last thing I do is adjust the detail.  Pretty low-tech, I know, but I love the results.