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Weekly Photo Challenge: Renewal…

09/11/2012
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“The great renewal of the world will perhaps consist in this, that man and maid, freed of all false feelings and reluctance, will seek each other not as opposites, but as brother and sister, as neighbors, and will come together as human beings.” Rainer Maria Rilke

Weekly Photo Challenge: Renewal… Renew. Refresh. Resolve to work together.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Renewal… Kinkaku-ji Golden Temple & Rising Phoenix, Kyoto, Japan

Weekly Photo Challenge: Renewal… symbols of renewal – Keep Hope alive

The phoenix has long been presented as a symbol of rebirth, immortality, and renewal. In modern Greece, the phoenix became established as a symbol of the nation’s rebirth during the Greek War of Independence. via Wikipedia.com

For this week’s challenge on – Renewal – I did some research on symbols of renewal, and the first thing that popped up was the mythical Rising Phoenix; known to rise again from the ashes to a new dawn. Then I found out that the beautiful golden temple, Kinkaku-ji, in Kyoto, has a phoenix attached to the top of it. So I’m sharing a photo I took of our visit to the temple and have also included an enlarged size of the Phoenix from Wikipedia.

Rilke’s quote above gave me food for thought. Given the recent elections here in the US, it is imperative that we come together during this time of renewal. I have added other photos below with relevant quotes explaining how they represent the renewal process. Thank you!

“To cherish what remains of the Earth and to foster its renewal is our only legitimate hope of survival.” Wendell Berry

Weekly Photo Challenge: Renewal… Spring blooms and renewals – Crocus, Hellebore, and Daffodils…

Weekly Photo Challenge: Renewal… Stirring of lifeforms…

The widely popular symbols of Spring: the deep purple crocus, brightly colored eggs, fuzzy chicks, rabbits, and the robin are accepted symbols of new beginnings, new life, fertility and freedom – and firmly rooted in ancient traditions. Blossoming branches of fruit and nut trees hold a special place in our ancestors’ collective unconscious. via Artcorner.com

Spring time and spring blossoms always remind me of the rebirth and renewal process taking place around us. When we leap forward into a new spring season, Crocus and Daffodils are some of our earliest blooms, so I’ve shared some from my garden. There is also a stirring as all sorts of lifeforms come to life after a lengthy hibernation, and my garden welcomes her many new guests. I’ve included some of the lifeforms around us. Let us come together to uplift and renew each other. More below!

“Liturgy is like a strong tree whose beauty is derived from the continuous renewal of its leaves, but whose strength comes from the old trunk, with solid roots in the ground.” Pope Paul VI

Weekly Photo Challenge: Renewal… Green = Rebirth= Life…

Weekly Photo Challenge: Renewal… Green = Renew= Love…

Green–The symbol of growth, renewal, and the rebirth of plant life (sometimes all life) on earth; an expression of fertility, freshness, youth as well as inexperience. It is the color of paper money. Some mixtures suggest envy, jealousy, guilt, disease, or terror. Green light is otherworldly because we experience almost no natural green light. via arts.unomaha.edu

Green is one of the first signs of life in nature. It provides a canvas for the many shades of colors competing for our attention, and brings a sense of balance and lushness to an environment. I’m not a big wearer of things green, but I love gardening. Any gardener will understand the exhilaration we feel when we see that first shoot or bud or leaf push through. More below!

“I believe that in the history of art and of thought there has always been at every living moment of culture a ‘will to renewal’. This is not the prerogative of the last decade only. All history is nothing but a succession of ‘crises’, of rupture, re” Eugene Ionesco

Weekly Photo Challenge: Renewal… Flowering trees…

Weekly Photo Challenge: Renewal… Butterflies renew us too.

Van Gogh writes of the weather and that the almond trees are coming into full flower. “The weather here is changeable, often windy with turbulent skies, but the almond trees are beginning to flower everywhere.” [20] The rendering of an Almond Tree in Blossom is positioned close and accessible to the viewer and the branches appear to reach out beyond the paintings frame. A yellow butterfly flies among the pink blossoms that are growing on the red branches. (Van Gogh’s painting is above far left top box)The BUTTERFLY is a symbol of Renewal, Rebirth, and Transformation. via Wikipedia

Brilliant timing for us to think about renewal; even as we enter a period of hibernation for the winter months. It is a reminder to make the best use of our time… Let us Renew, Refresh, and Resolve to move forward together as a united community. Thanks for stopping by. I’ll be by to see yours soon! What are your thoughts? What photos did you share on RENEWAL to fit the challenge? Was it easy/hard to find photos that supported your perspective on the subject? Were you drawn to certain types of photos for the prompt? Do share? Thank you! 🙂 Have an awesome weekend!

*Please bear with me as I continue to catch up on reading and commenting on your blogs… I’m halfway there. Thank you all for your patience! 🙂

My fellow bloggers were equally creative with their selections. I will list some when Zemanta offers them up! I added a few from WP Daily Post below. (I will update it and add more). We all appreciate trackbacks/ping-backs and Likes from fellow bloggers too! Check out how others interpreted the theme – RENEWAL – also below. ***

This post was inspired by a prompt from WP Daily Post: Weekly Photo Challenge: Renewal. RENEWAL: This word conjures a variety of images, from bright blossoms to meditating monks. When I think of “renewal,” I think of starting a new job, arriving in a new city that’s ripe for exploration, walking through a new apartment with white walls, and taking a hot shower after a challenging day. I also recall a trip several years ago to the Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland, Oregon, which is where I took the photograph above. This lone pink flower amongst lily pads makes me feel renewed, fresh, and ready for what’s to come.
I think of beginnings. Life. Opportunity. What images does Renewal conjure for you? Get creative. Think beyond the usual images (a sunrise, a birth). We want to see what else you can come up with. Share a picture that means RENEWAL to you!

Positive Motivation Tip: Renew. Refresh. Resolve to move forward… Keep an open mind. 😎

PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos from my personal collection.

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet

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from → Love Life, Positive Advice, Posts & Photos 2012, Weekly Photo Challenge
94 Comments leave one →
  1. deepa permalink
    10/11/2012 2:10 am

    Wonderful thoughts Eliz! thanks for the pingback.

    Reply
  2. frizztext permalink
    10/11/2012 3:03 am

    and there was an electricity support renewal after Sandy … – and now some trouble with snow?

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      14/11/2012 11:47 pm

      I’m not sure what you are referring to…? 🙁

      Reply
  3. mtlawleyshire permalink
    10/11/2012 3:13 am

    love some of those flowers & thanks for the pingback 🙂

    Reply
  4. Colline permalink
    10/11/2012 3:47 am

    The temple looks interesting. And I love your photos of the spring flowers (especially the blossoms).

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      14/11/2012 11:49 pm

      TY Colline! Finally catching up and will be by to see yours. 😉

      Reply
      • Colline permalink
        15/11/2012 10:04 am

        Seems we are all in the boat boat. Not enough time for blogging! 🙂

      • eof737 permalink*
        15/11/2012 11:14 am

        So true! 😆

  5. babyjill7...Marilyn Griffin permalink
    10/11/2012 5:10 am

    Well said…as always…”renewal” to me is having hope that things will be better…brighter…clearer…You stated it well!..mkg

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      14/11/2012 11:50 pm

      Amen to a brighter future for all… TY! 🙂

      Reply
  6. adinparadise permalink
    10/11/2012 5:31 am

    Wonderful images and thoughts for the theme, Elizabeth. I love that Rainer Maria Rilke quote, and enjoyed following the link and reading about him. Have a great weekend. 🙂

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      14/11/2012 11:52 pm

      TY Adin and glad you enjoyed the post and Rilke’s quote… Loved it too. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Naomi Baltuck permalink
    10/11/2012 6:59 am

    A wonderful post, as always! I love the pairing of photographs and informations-stories, quotes, and your thoughts.

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      14/11/2012 11:53 pm

      TY Naomi! This was an interesting one to do… timely too. 😉

      Reply
  8. ideflex permalink
    10/11/2012 7:50 am

    Lovely and informative – thanks for the pingback!

    Reply
  9. travelgardeneat permalink
    10/11/2012 8:36 am

    Rilke’s quote went into my “Favorite Quotes” document for future reference. The Rising Phoenix is such a classic depiction of renewal — and your response is the first I have seen to use it. Such a thoughtful post, Elizabeth — and coming together after the election is so important to renew our relationships with one another, but also after a disaster — just think of the renewal that comes after destruction! ~ Kat

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      14/11/2012 11:55 pm

      TY and you covered all the key issues in your comment… It is an important transitional and transformational time…

      Reply
  10. suellen1234 permalink
    10/11/2012 8:47 am

    I always love your Weekly Photo Challenge posts. Your deep thoughts and creativity shine through – always inspirational.

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      14/11/2012 11:57 pm

      TY Suellen s for your kind words… I do enjoy doing the the photo challenge.

      Reply
  11. Madhu permalink
    10/11/2012 9:48 am

    A beautiful interpretation as always Eliz.. I had the good fortune of visiting Kinkaku-ji and was awed by it as well.

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      14/11/2012 11:58 pm

      Great! I bet you have some fabulous photos of it too… I have good memories of our visit on a sweltering hot day. It was worth it. TY! 😉

      Reply
  12. Jo Bryant permalink
    10/11/2012 10:50 am

    I love your post for renewal Elizabeth…you put so much in to your post. Great photos, inspiring thoughts and words. You are an inspiration

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:00 am

      TY Jo! I appreciate your feedback. Still catching up but will be by. 🙂

      Reply
  13. poppytump permalink
    10/11/2012 12:10 pm

    Such a lot of thought and research in this post ! I shall mull it all over 🙂
    thanks for the pingback !

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:02 am

      TY for stopping by too… I appreciate your comment. 😉

      Reply
  14. Cardinal Guzman permalink
    10/11/2012 1:30 pm

    Would love to see that temple in Kyoto. Japan seems like such a fascinating place.

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:03 am

      It is a fascinating place and you’d enjoy the variety and the juxtaposition of tradition with modern. I love Japan. TY!

      Reply
  15. Veronica Roth permalink
    10/11/2012 1:38 pm

    Elizabeth, you are so good at these challenges. I love the variety of photos you show each time. Very well done. 🙂

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:05 am

      TY Veronica! This was a fun one to do… Will be by soon. 🙂

      Reply
  16. Les Petits Pas de Juls permalink
    10/11/2012 3:49 pm

    your entries are always so thoughtfully prepared and interesting! and your pictures are just for eye candy! thanks again for sharing so much!

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:08 am

      TY for your kind feedback… I appreciate it. 😉

      Reply
  17. InsideJourneys (@InsideJourneys) permalink
    10/11/2012 7:32 pm

    Great choices, Elizabeth. Love your photos.

    Reply
  18. Fergiemoto permalink
    10/11/2012 8:23 pm

    Great examples and images of renewal, Eliz!
    Great post!

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:11 am

      This was/is a timely topic… TY for your feedback Fergie! 🙂

      Reply
  19. viviankirkfield permalink
    10/11/2012 9:09 pm

    The perfect topic for post-Sandy…how did you fare, Eliz? NYC will definitely need a bunch of renewal in the coming weeks and months…and NJ as well. Hope any friends/family you have in those areas are ok. I know so many that have lost alot…and many that were unscathed…just depending on where you were.
    Wonderful photos and words, Eliz…thank you. 🙂

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:13 am

      We are doing better Vivian. TY for asking! My prayers go out to all who lost so much…

      Reply
  20. rommel permalink
    10/11/2012 10:43 pm

    Ow, Eliz. You are darn great blogger! Love the many variations of the word, Renewal. You like posted everything that bloggers have to show or say for the week’s challenge.
    A clever, awesome discovery on the Phoenix, segue to timely political awareness. The fall. The flowers, the animals, the greens awesome pics! And then, the brilliant turn about butterflies.
    OUTSTANDING POST!

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:17 am

      WoW TY! 🙂 TY for the vote of confidence Rommel… I enjoyed doing this challenge. 😉

      Reply
  21. Mal permalink
    11/11/2012 1:20 am

    Love the images, Eliz… my fave ones are of the daffs, the woodlands, the squirrel and the beautiful butterfly! Thanks for sharing..God bless… 🙂

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:19 am

      TY and so good to see you here after so long. 😉

      Reply
  22. granny1947 permalink
    11/11/2012 2:36 am

    A really interesting post…thank you.

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:30 am

      TY Granny… I appreciate the feedback. 😉

      Reply
  23. island traveler permalink
    11/11/2012 4:51 am

    Just love it all. A post that helps us renew our selves and motivates to embrace a new day. Have a great weekend.

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:35 am

      TY IT! I love your uplifting comments… Have a blessed day! 😉

      Reply
  24. starlaschat permalink
    11/11/2012 5:10 am

    It is so nice to think of renew now as we are going into winter. Your images are wonderful lots of great examples of renewl. I really like the idea of going into the winter months with the thought of renewl. Yesterday I was looking at open feilds of white snow your photos are such a treat.:+)

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:37 am

      TY Star! It’s always a joy to look around us and at nature to see what nuggets of wisdom it will share… 🙂

      Reply
  25. thepetalpusher permalink
    11/11/2012 5:35 am

    Much food for thought here. I also chose that Wendell Berry quote! And, yes, it is a time for us to come together as a community.

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:39 am

      I fell in love with that quote the minute I saw it… then the Rilke one popped up… TY for adding your voice Terri. 😉

      Reply
  26. Mariane permalink
    11/11/2012 8:10 am

    Hello there

    I come to let you know as you have been following my Blog Far Away, but it has been moved and it seems you haven’t read it yet?
    Far Away is moved to another server on http://www.starhouse.nl/star4/ . I welcome you back on the new place and hope to be in contact with you.

    Thanks in advanced
    Kind regards
    Mariane Cordes
    (sorry to let you know this way – but I couldn’t find another place to write to you)

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:40 am

      TY for letting me know Mariane… I’ve subscribed to your new blog…
      Best wishes on the move. 😉

      Reply
      • Mariane permalink
        15/11/2012 3:32 am

        Thanks thanks… I am looking at the Star you told me that led you to nowhere?? .. It takes a little time to load is my experience but it goes to the Christmas place 🙂 If that was the star you meant ?

  27. Bree permalink
    11/11/2012 9:37 am

    This is an important time to drop our baggage, our prejudice, our hatreds, and our myopic thinking and embrace the spirit of renewal. Your daily post staff chose the perfect word for this week’s challenge and you did a brilliant job of it too. Be blessed and God Bless America and the world too!
    B

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:41 am

      Well said! TY for the feedback… much appreciated. 😉

      Reply
  28. Fast Pam permalink
    11/11/2012 10:33 am

    Hey there…love your blog so much, I wanted to nominate you for the Very Inspiring Blog Award! Think you might get these quite often!

    http://thelifebus.com/2012/11/11/the-very-inspiring-blogger-award-wow/

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:41 am

      What a lovely surprise. TY Pam… Will stop by your blog to thank you too. 🙂

      Reply
  29. The Retiring Sort permalink
    11/11/2012 11:53 am

    Great post, quotes, and images. The Phoenix is the quintessential image of renewal – perfect!

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:42 am

      It is indeed… That mythical bird holds the secret to all efforts at renewal and re-invention. TY! 😉

      Reply
  30. babs50nfab permalink
    11/11/2012 4:02 pm

    It’s so funny I hadn’t thought about renewal and spring and how we have our elections in fall. Odd, isn’t it? In any case we, in the U.S.,are heading toward a transformation/renewal, and I welcome it.
    Thanks for this post!
    b

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:43 am

      Interesting observations Barb! I look forward to the dawn of a new day without hate speeches and vitriol. TY! 🙂

      Reply
  31. csroth3 permalink
    11/11/2012 7:08 pm

    Lovely thoughts and photos as usual! Thanks for the pingback.

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:44 am

      TY for checking in… Glad to see you again! 😉

      Reply
  32. friendlytm permalink
    12/11/2012 1:51 am

    http://speakingabouttravel2.wordpress.com/2012/11/12/reader-appreciation-award/

    Hi, I have just nominated you for the Reader Appreciation Award.

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:44 am

      TY for the nomination… Much appreciated and will stop by your blog to thank you! 😉

      Reply
  33. Allyson Mellone permalink
    12/11/2012 5:51 am

    You’ve created beautiful collages of renewal. I love that you included Wendell Berry’s quote to express life on earth through the process of renewal – regeneration of life through people, places, and things. It is inspiring to read at the start of a day. Thank you!

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:45 am

      TY Allyson… Appreciate the comment. I really love that quote too… It reminds me to keep hope alive. TY! 🙂

      Reply
  34. Julian Peña permalink
    12/11/2012 1:15 pm

    Oh the Phoenix! Love the mythology behind it, I’ve included it as an avatar in my works! Great post btw.

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:46 am

      TY for stopping by Julian! Cool thing that you used it in your works… Brilliant! 🙂

      Reply
  35. evilnymphstuff permalink
    12/11/2012 11:04 pm

    You did a beautiful post on ‘renewal’! The phoenix rising… yes that’s an inspiring image of the theme! Great photos 🙂

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:47 am

      TY Lovely lady! This was a fun one to do. 🙂

      Reply
  36. restlessjo permalink
    13/11/2012 12:19 am

    You certainly give value for money, m’dear. Wonderful post!

    Reply
  37. readinpleasure permalink
    13/11/2012 9:53 am

    Lovely post, Elizabeth.

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:48 am

      TY Ce! Hope you are holding up… My prayers are with you and your family… Thinking of you.

      Reply
  38. lagottocattleya permalink
    14/11/2012 1:21 pm

    If I haven’t said it before – wonderful post!

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      15/11/2012 12:49 am

      TY! TY! TY! I’m glad you enjoyed this week’s assignment. 🙂

      Reply
  39. BohemianMamma permalink
    15/11/2012 1:47 pm

    I love the way you set up your posts and the Rilke quote is great, we have to try to keep growing towards that goal :-).

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      17/11/2012 11:43 pm

      Thank you for your kind comment! I love the Rilke quite too and pray we rise above fractional disputes and get moving… 🙂

      Reply
  40. imexcited permalink
    16/11/2012 2:46 am

    Wonderful and informative post Eliz! I love the photos of green = rebirth = life and green = renew = love. Have a blessed day my friend!

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      17/11/2012 11:44 pm

      TY dear one… this was a much needed topic to help us all grow. 😉

      Reply
  41. Team Oyeniyi permalink
    18/11/2012 3:10 am

    Here we go, being reminded of the opposite seasons again. 🙂 We are coming into summer and the sunny days are lovely. The kids getting out playing ball in the yard (now we have the space) and riding their bikes. Ty has finished school for the summer break already (year 11 finish early).

    I wish you a safe winter, Elizabeth.

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      18/11/2012 5:51 am

      TY for the well wishes and I wish you a bountiful summer… We truly are on opposite sides of the earth. 🙂

      Reply

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