Thursday, July 21, 2011

Seen In A Nearby Place

The winds have welcomed you with softness,P6259624The sun has greeted you with it’s warm hands,P6259622You have flown so high and well,
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That God has joined you in laughter,    
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And set you back gently into     P6259618The loving arms of the earth below.

— Anonymous, known as 'The Balloonist's Prayer,' believed to have been adapted from an old Irish sailors' prayer.

The morning we left for vacation – just minutes after we left home – we saw several hot air balloons high overhead.  It didn’t take us long to realize they were descending and it appeared they were going to land in a nearby field beside a business we would soon pass.  I have dreamed of taking a hot air balloon ride some day – and I intend to do it one of these days.  Perhaps next Spring or Summer.  As we turned to pass the area where the balloons would soon land my sweetheart (and he is a sweetheart!) pulled over to the side of the road so I could get out of the truck and capture it all with my camera.  I loved every minute of it – the sights of the big balloons.  The sounds of the hot air being released to keep the balloons afloat.  The voices of the people riding, floating, in the baskets. And those on the earth below.  My heart longed to stay but I knew it was time to be on our way, headed out of town.  To the lake.  For a long-awaited vacation.  Oh, how I wished I climb on-board and fly away!  One of these days I will.  And you will know it’s me up there.  I’ll be the one with the camera.  And the big smile on my face!  Be sure to wave!!

The balloon seems to stand still in the air
while the earth flies past underneath.
— Alberto Santos-Dumont.

9 comments:

  1. what beautiful pictures and quotes/sentiments to go along - love it all. so meaningful and heart-provoking. (((((hug)))))

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  2. Such beautiful pictures. I would love to go in a hot air balloon myself.
    Have a wonderful trip!
    Camille

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  3. I love the God joins us in laughter. That is so true and just lovely in your sharing here. This is something I would very much enjoy too. I hope you have your opportunity soon.

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  4. Hello my friend. Thinking of you and missing you. Let me know how you and yours are doing.

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  5. Beautiful thoughts! I think it would be amazing to fly in a hot air balloon, but I am afraid of heights! Hubby might convince me to try it some day!

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  6. Hi Adrienne! OH, I love these snaps! It makes me feel like a child to see a hot air balloon. When we lived in New Mexico, we went to the hot air balloon festival in Albuquerque! It was marvelous! Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  7. :) A sweet post, my friend. I'm glad you are on your way to the lake for a vacation. Have a wonderful time.

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  8. I will be glad to wave at you and take pictures looking UP at you! Have a wonderful vacation!

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  9. Will look forward tot he photos when the time comes.

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