Siblings :: I Sought My Soul...

I sought my soul, but my soul I could not see.  I sought my God, but my God eluded me. 

 I sought my brother and I found all three.  

                                                                                                              ~Author Unknown

Beside the Ocean Blue

The gorgeous backdrop of the Pacific ocean made for some beautifully juxtaposed images of the numerous cacti at the Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens in Encinitas.  Being a long-time Texas resident, there has been no shortage of cacti sightings in my life.  Oh, but to see them against the vast blueness of the ocean was stunning!  These are my favorite shots of my visit to the gardens and it's my hope that you'll have a quiet moment to reflect on the beauty of this wonderful, amazing world we call home.

What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well. ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Ah, San Diego I Do Love Thee

My husband and I were fortunate enough to have a friend getting married in San Diego last weekend so we spent a long weekend enjoying the city.  As much as I love Austin, San Diego is a place I think I could call home.  The weather was a beautiful 72 degrees with blue skies and there was nary a bug to be seen (or felt).   My wonderful sister-in-law took us to the Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens in Encinitas.  The center was founded in 1920 by Paramahansa Yogananda.  It was a visual treat...

The gardens are tucked away on a cliff high above the ocean allowing for expansive views.

I love the variety of textures and colors playing against the brilliant blue of the Pacific.  Purple fountain grass danced in the breeze and the yellow lantana brightened up the hillside while the palms added vertical interest.

Behind us palms, lion's tail, lantana and agave were interspersed with other succulents to create a feast of textural beauty for the eyes.  Benches were thoughtfully placed throughout the garden for quiet meditation.

There was nothing ordinary about this garden.  Everywhere I turned I was captivated by the lush beauty and rich colors.

Plants were harmoniously intermingled - this sweet purple flowering plant tolerates this thorn ridden red flowering neighbor - maybe an octillo?  Sorry, the plants weren't identified...I was supposed to be meditating and becoming self-realized, not taking notes!

Colorful foliage was used extensively throughout the gardens as focal points to keep you interested along the way.

Pathways led us deeper into the garden where we discovered a shady oasis.

The multi-level pond provided soothing sounds and beauty in the heart of the gardens...I love the texture and contrast of the black rocks.  Notice too, how the containers are used to lead your gaze down toward the pond from the upper portion of the path.  From here waterfalls lead you down to the larger pools of the pond.

Koi were happily swimming amongst the lily pads.  The water was so clear that the fish just gleamed.

Deep breath in through the nose...out through the mouth.  Repeat three times and have an awesome day!