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Some I know have had, still have such difficult, even tragic lives.. and yet they continue to amaze me with their courage and grace, their love.. and most of all their ability to still feel gratitude for all the blessings in their lives. These loved ones inspire and lift us all up to be courageous too, when life takes an unforeseen turn. A safe landing on a friend’s shoulder, soft words shared in private, all bear the brunt of what could be unbearable. With Thanksgiving just around the corner.. and on every day of my life, I try to remember to be thankful.. and so grateful for the many blessings in my life.. and to share a my Cloak of Comfort where I can.
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I have a small chalkboard in my back entryway. It used to hang on our kitchen wall at the lake. But time relentlessly brings change into our lives.. and so this little chalkboard made its way home with me. We’ve filled it with many inspired doodles, menus and lighthearted scribblings.
Today, in an attempt at chalkboard art, I played around a bit with fonts. I enlarged and reversed Rumi’s poem. Then carefully traced over each letter in order to rub onto the chalkboard. Of course.. it was far too small, so I wiped the board clean and began again.. free-hand.
I like to think that sometimes we’re fortunate enough have the chance to “wipe the slate clean” in our lives.. and just wing it.. free-hand!
♥
Wear gratitude like a cloak and it will feed every corner of your life.
~ Rumi
So if you have a chalkboard..
you can download this if you wish, I recommend printing on ledger sized paper, depending on your chalkboard size. When you print, select Layout and Flip Horizontally. Then write over each letter in reverse with white chalk, it helps to sharpen your chalk, although my chalk seemed to break in the sharpener, lol. I just used the sharper edge. Place your paper, chalk side down and rub to transfer the outlines for your words. Then go over each letter and leaf with colored chalk. According to “Google”, you can rub the back of the paper with chalk, flip it over and print on the graphic with a pencil to transfer the letters.
Better still, write this in your own handwriting and enjoy a moment of creativity. If you don’t have a chalkboard.. you could print the colorful version out for your fridge.
I love this quote.. and I hope you all share your “Cloak of Comfort” with someone today…
Beautiful Barbara. I’m right here, in this moment, absorbing these words. x wendy
Thank you for the lovely post – it’s just right today.
wonderful.. we have so much to be grateful for.. well said.. beautiful poem.. c
I love the quote and your poem Smidge. I have another one of your inspirational quotes printed off in my quiet space at home. 🙂 This may join it. Thank you.
I love that quote too Barbara. It really is true. And your poem is simply magical. What wonderful words!
I love the words in your poem, Smidge and they are all so true. It’s true that some people receive more than their fair share of hardship and tragedy in their lifetime. Your chalkboard is beautiful and the words very powerful xx
Great quotes and thoughts.
Love the poem and the quote. Lovely post!
What a beautiful sentiment Barbara, you always have such a way with your words.
Beautiful Barbara. We take too much for granted and find we are so ungrateful at times. I am most disheartened when I see my children, the youth of today are so entitled and ungrateful and I try so hard to bring them down to reality, constantly reminding them to be thankful and grateful, for all that we have and to those who do so much for us.
Thank you for reminding me today.
Nazneen
I loveee that freehand version you made!! What a cool idea to put onto the chalk board. I also love what you said about wiping the slate clean…yes!
Every time you post, my dear, you wrap us all up in your cloak. Thank you.
xoxo
K
Beautiful thought (and post). Thanks.
At the risk of repeating what others have said… The poem and the saying are beautiful indeed… Diane
Smidge, you have such a beautiful way with words. You almost brought a tear to my eyes. I think you should get this one published! Sometimes it takes a great tragedy for us to be thankful for the small things and then you never forget to be thankful again for the things you took for granted. Peaceful thoughts coming your way over this Thanksgiving season. Take Care, BAM
I was on the search for places to publish last year and did publish a few, but now I’m just content publishing here. I’m always just so grateful that someone like you can visit and be moved by my writing, that’s the best compliment ever:) xx
So nice. So true and a great little reminder
Greeting from Iran. Beautiful Poem. Beautiful Quote. Thank you Barbara. Seeking another work of Rumi, I fortunately landed on your blog and really enjoyed it.
My heart is going to stop every time I read this poem from Rumi in Persian words. I can not explain the moment!
I need a lover and a friend
All friendships you transcend
And impotent I remain
—–
You are Noah and the Ark
You are the light and the dark
Behind the veil I remain
—–
You are passion and are rage
You are the bird and the cage
Lost in flight I remain
—–
You are the wine and the cup
You are the ocean and the drop
While afloat I remain
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