What do you see? What do you hear?……..
I see a box; I see a rug;
I see a flower on the Tree of Life; I touch a flower on the Tree of Life;
I see a tray;
I sense tea; I taste cake;
I feel the shape of the tea-cup in my hand;
the warmth of the teapot in the afternoon sun
and I hear the quiet silence of my house on a winter’s afternoon.
Today, 27 June, is Helen Keller’s birthday. If you would like to honour this remarkable woman, spend a few moments honouring and treasuring each of your five senses, no matter how perfect or imperfect they may actually be.
Then enjoy some time with the wonderful people at Helen Keller International; and be inspired by my dear friend Victoria Quinn as she writes about the Human Yardstick; and, finally, check out Good Housekeeping and up date yourself on 10 Facts about Helen Keller. Did you know she loved dogs?
https://www.facebook.com/HelenKellerInternational
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/family/inspirational-people/facts-about-helen-keller#slide-1
© silkannthreades
Quite often I think we get rushed and perhaps take our senses for granted…we do not always stop to “smell the roses,” so to speak, or to fully enjoy and understand our surroundings and our interactions with the physical world. A beautiful reminder….
Thank you. I hope you are having a lovely weekend “smelling the roses.”
You chose an outstanding person to honor here. A miracle that blossomed.
Thank you. America is the birthplace of so many remarkable people but, on the basis of universal influence, Helen Keller must be one of the most remarkable. Would you agree?
Most definitely. It was amazing that she ever learned to communicate, but when she did – such wisdom came out.
Helen Keller is an inspiration to me, I need to be grateful. p.s. can i stop by for tea?
I would love to have you stop by for tea. But perhaps wait till my cold is vanquished. I wouldn’t want to pass on any ‘bugs’.
She is my favourite! And my favourite quote of all times is:
“Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.”
― Helen Keller, The Open Door
Brilliant! An encouragement to be brave if ever there were one. Being a blogger is a daring adventure for me 🙂
Me too! 🙂
Do you think Helen would appreciate the daring? In a way we are feeling our way through a new landscape; learning the language and how to communicate in a new medium.
I think she would be ecstatic over the progress of technology and would be blogging right along side us! Maybe even have a twitter feed. Imagine….
Definitely a twitter feed.
In my post today I’ve nominated you for the Shine On! Award. Even if you have an award-free blog, you deserve the recognition.
Thank you so much.
Great post! It’s wonderful how Helen Keller was able to focus on her abilities rather than her disabilities.
Yes that was a wonderful focus and one we should focus on too, I would think. We are all differently abled.
What a lovely post! How homey. Now I want to come to your house for tea. Helen Keller is remarkable. Thank you for the links and for honoring her birthday~
Wait a moment! I will just put on the kettle and take out another cup. Do you take milk? And sugar?
feeling grateful.
truly.
One of the most compelling and pioneering spirits — “Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content” — thank you for posting about her birthday.
And thank you for that lovely quote. Perfect, perfect.
I remember we read about Helen Keller when I was in school, maybe age 10 or 11 and I really was inspired by her story.
I think I was about that age too when I first read about Helen Keller. I wonder if her story is still told in schools.
What a wonderful idea of a post to celebrate this great lady’s birthday . I love her too!
I am glad you enjoyed the celebration.
She was one of the most remarkable women…always has been a role model for me.
It’s wonderful how her legacy and spirit have travelled the world. I haven’t thought about her for awhile so this birthday seemed a good time to refresh my memory. Still so much to learn about her, though.
I see your cute dog. I like miniature Schnauzer. I see your lovely items. Unfortunately, I can’t test or sense the smell 🙂
So true! I tested and sensed them for you! The cake was very tasty. 😀 My dog is much too cute for his own good. And he is so silky and soft to stroke.
One of the first books I read as a young girl was the story of Helen Keller. What an amazing story and what an amazing person! You did justice to her today with your post. Lovely…xo Joanne
Thank you so much. I am delighted to know that you were a fan at such a young age.
Lovely, lovely post, and what charming photos… I knew someone who had met Helen Keller when she was seven, and Helen Keller an old lady. She said that Helen Keller radiated happiness and joy, and she never forgot it…
Thank you. It is unforgettable when you meet someone who radiates joy and happiness; I have met one or two like that …not famous, simply radiant.
i lost my vision for about 24 hours, and because of that ‘wakeup call’ i will forever cherish the gift of sight – and of my other senses.
thank you for reminding us!
That must have been scary. I am glad we, too, are able to appreciate your vision through your wonderful art.
thank you; maybe b/c it’s midnight here, and i’m about to go to sleep, but your reply touched me deeply! thanks so much, and yes, i now treasure my vision!
Sleep well.:)