Sparks
Cooper Murphy and Mau suggested we present a Spark about “surprise.” They both received some surprises at the Cat Scouts Jamboree Closing Ceremonies on Saturday night. As promised yesterday, they will tell you all about that tomorrow. But for today, here is the Spark they selected.
This is another of Dad Tom’s photos. It, however, was not taken this fall. It is from October 24, 2017. The photo was taken on the Blue Ridge Parkway near the Peaks of Otter, Virginia. The town of Montvale is in the distance.
The author of this week’s Spark, Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen, was a Dutch Catholic priest, professor, writer and theologian. His interests were rooted primarily in psychology, pastoral ministry, spirituality, social justice and community. After nearly two decades of teaching at academic institutions, including the University of Notre Dame, Yale Divinity School and Harvard Divinity School, Nouwen went on to work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Prior to his death in 1996 at age 64, Nouwen published 39 books and authored hundreds of articles. His books have sold more than seven million copies worldwide and been published in more than 30 languages.
Sparks began as a blog hop, created by our friend, Annie (McGuffy’s Reader). Annie is taking a “break” from blogging, so there is no hop. Many of us still continue to post a Spark on Monday, as we believe in Annie’s vision: “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world!”
Sunday Selfies Hop Problems
Please accept my apologies for the problem yesterday with the blog hop. When I got up in the morning I had an e-mail from the developer that Linky Tools was working. I added the hop to the post at that time. Though I promised to add those to the hop who left the link to their post in the Comments, I was only able to do that for a few participates. In most cases Linky Tools would not accept the links I entered. If you would like to check if your link is included and add it if it isn’t, click on the link to yesterday’s post at the bottom of this one.
Thanks for understanding that sometimes technology just DOES NOT work.
Your dad takes gorgeous photos! We like the spark too! Happy Monday!
Beautiful photo. Excellent spark too. XO
OMC! Dad Tom took another stunning photo!
FYI, we were able to add our link to the blog hop but not the way we have usually done it. We had to upload a photo from our computer, not from our blog. We don’t know why Mr. Linky won’t let us use photos from our blog. The only thing that changed is that we switched to https. That must have something to do with it.
Surprises are what keeps us alert. A happy surprise is fun and the others are well, life.
Tom’s picture is breathtaking. I never cared for Fall as it heralds the arrival, shortly, of winter. Although the colours are fabulous.
Jean
Surprises keep us on our toes! Be they coughed-up hairballs, or a gift from friend…how we react is the key!
Great photo and great Sparks. Mom is reading one of his books right now.
The Florida Furkids
Love the photograph and love the Spark. Beautiful.
Have a fabulous day filled with wonderful surprises. Scritches to all the kitties. ♥
I love our Blue Ridge Mountains! Got to see them in NC for my birthday trip.
That is a beautiful photo and a terrific Spark too! Hey, we added our link to the Blog Hop.
Love Dad Tom’s photo – you know how much we love the Parkway too…..a beautiful place to feel some peace and quiet…..and inspiration. Mom says every single day she just knows there will be at least one surprise – and if we look we will always find it.
Hugs, Teddy
That sure is a wonderful dreamy picture, so serene and peaceful!
Indeed a beautiful landscape.
What a pretty photo!