Tuesday, February 19, 2008

An earthly paradise

I have always imagined paradise as a kind of secret garden. I walk from my dream into a narrow shrubbery patch, barefooted; I can hear a small trickling stream faintly running along the bushes, towards the light at the end of the narrow path.

I continue on foot on this soft mossy thriving path; trees lightly rustling above my head, butterflies fluttering around me, as I move effortlessly, until all of a sudden the foliage opens up, and in front of me appears the most enchanting place I have ever seen. This sweet purity leaves me breathless.

No, I’ve never been to paradise, at least not yet; but there is an enchanted paradise here on earth, where I can always find peace and love. Every time I visit this paradise, I am surrounded by amazing grace.... warmth pulls my spirit upward, lifting my heart to the brightest cloud.

This paradise is not as lush, or as beautiful as the one in my dreams, in fact, there is not even a single fruit tree; only potted foliage, and few flowered bushes, but the sweetest fragrance fills the air; the fragrance of love, grace, and tolerance.


Peacefulness comes down to me whenever I visit this paradise. There is a sense of reverence, calm, and acceptance, I feel a kind of presence, a feeling of benevolence almost conscious.... like if God is there; like real paradise. It evokes that.


A beautiful angel lives here; she asks no questions, believe in all the best; never doubting, ever trusting, withstanding any test.


In this paradise the flowers of the heart overflow in abundance, the sweet scent of love, acceptance and affection fills the silent serene air, compassionately, mingling with the gentle perfume of the potted caladiums and impatiens. This is not paradise; it’s just a mere garden, a simple garden...

A treasure to be cherished, a gift from God above; is the beauty of this paradise, touched by unconditional love.

A space covered in bougainvilleas and love, where the breezes carry the aromas of all good things. Never overpowering, never judgmental.


This earthly paradise is my mother's garden. And this is a tribute to her, on her birthday, a tribute to her goodness and wisdom, and to the unconditional love she has given me all my life.


To you, mom!

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;

When troubles come and my heart burdened be;

Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,

Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;

You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;

I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;

You raise me up... to more than I can be




27 comments:

  1. Hi Cielo! Happy birthday to your sweet mom! OH what a DREAM this garden is, an absolute dream! This was definitely my dose of sunshine for today! Simply gorgeous! I hope your mom has a wonderful day!

    Hugs,
    Amy

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  2. Hey sweetie,

    "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUR SWEET MOMMY!!!" I hope she has a lovely day with you;-))

    Come by and see my Tag..it's up(the last two I copied you, cause we are both alike...lol!
    Love,
    Jeannene

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  3. Thank you for stopping by my blog and for your kind comments. I love these pictures. I want to walk down that pathway. It is breathtaking. I love all your pictures and all your flowers. Gorgeous!

    Happy birthday to your sweet mother took. Hugs~~ Kathi

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  4. How adorable! Your mom must love this posting, you are a sweet daughter.

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  5. So beautiful! Happy Birthday to your mother. Your tribute is awesome. Thank you for sharing from your heart! xo Rachel

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  6. Happy Birthday to your mom Cielo!!
    Hope she has a wonderful day,
    Rosemary

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  7. How Sweet - enjoy her because I cannot begin to tell you how much I miss my Mom!

    I forgot to tell you that I posted 7 strange things about myself on my blog.

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  8. Hi sweet Cielo! Happy Birthday to your Mom!! Give your Mom a huge hug for us from across the seas !! What a gorgeous tribute Cielo, you are a darling daughter :) Jenn and Jacqui

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  9. what a beautiful and sweet tribute. You are blessed!

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  10. Happy Birthday to your sweet mom
    you girls look lovely!!

    smiles, Deena

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  11. Beautiful post, beautiful garden, happy birthday to your beautiful Mum:) Rachael

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  12. Dear Cielo,
    What a beautiful tribute to your Mother. She must be one lovely spirit of a woman to have raised a daughter so very thoughtful.

    Happy Birthday to your Mom and happy day to you too, Sweet Cielo. Thank you for sharing this with us~

    Gardens of love to you two today,
    xo~Tracie

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  13. Me again!

    I forgot to say how great the picture is! Smile ladies!!

    xo~Tracie

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  14. What a beautiful garden your mother has! You two look great together!
    Penny

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  15. Happy Birthday to your Mom! :-)

    I just love those flowering bushes that drape themselves over fences. My honeysuckle bushes were really nice last year and drew lots of fun hummingbirds and butterflies.

    Best wishes.

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  16. Just stunningly beautiful tribute! Thanks for sharing with me...between the music and writings I was tearful. Humbly thank you!
    Hugs,
    Robyn

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  17. Hoooola Cielo
    Volví... Que hermosas fotos y todo lo que escribiste en mi ausencia es precioso...Feliz cumpleaños a tu mamá.
    y Gracias por el award.... Hoy voy a publicarlo en mi blog. Besos miles....
    Marcela

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  18. Me olvidé de decirte que tu hija es HERMOSA !!!!
    Te felicito !!!
    Besitso
    Marcela

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  19. Dear Cielo,
    Happy Birthday to your sweet mom!

    bindi

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  20. Good Morning Cielo,
    I came by yesterday twice to try and leave a comment, but blogger wasn't being very nice, so I'm late in making my comment now. "HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY" to your beautiful Mother. This is such a wonderful tribute to her. All of the pictures are so beautiful and very serene looking. "THANK YOU" for sharing it with us. They are indeed a paradise. Take care my friend and have a great day. May God Bless You and Yours.

    Love & Hugs,
    Karen H.

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  21. Happy birthday to your sweet mum...she has a beautiful garden and a very loving daughter!!

    Cheers!
    Linda

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  22. Happy birthday to your beautiful mother!! Many blessings to you both!

    Hugs,
    Sue

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  23. Hi Cielo!
    I was touched reading your beautiful post-tribute to your sweet, lovely and beautiful mom.

    Happy Birthday to your Mom!

    Peace-Love-Happiness be always with you both!

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  24. Mom's garden is amazing!
    Excellent!

    Thanks for sharing!

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  25. What a wonderful tribute to your Mom! And she has an awesome garden. Happy Belated Birhtday to your sweet Mom!

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  26. Oh this is a wonderful post. I bet it brought tears to your mother's eyes. What a wonderful tribute to mom.

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  27. Another wonderful post. I hope that your mother had a very happy birthday. I have a theory about gardens and why we love them so much and why they feel like paradise. I think God put Adam and Eve in the garden because that is where we were meant to live. Rhondi xo

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