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Georgi de la Torre's avatar

I hope Jeremiah or one of his siblings shows up again! But your lesson is a good one. "“Nothing in the world is permanent, and we’re foolish when we ask anything to last, but surely we’re still more foolish not to take delight in it while we have it.” ~ W. Somerset Maugham

The work is to replace fretting about impending loss with joyful presence.

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Wells Of Goodness's avatar

I love the quote too, Georgi. And you’ve summed the task up perfectly! It’s often such a challenge and I do think it can be helpful to prepare ourselves (though not armour ourselves) for a known impending loss. The joyful presence to what is present, as you said, is the most important part.

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Tom Duzanica's avatar

"The lesson: Nothing lasts, all is ephemeral; everything that comes also goes, we are not in control. And, it’s all a fleeting gift. Jeremiah was a joy! And perhaps, the brevity of his life has made the present of his presence that much sweeter." I wouldn't count Jeremiah out too soon as frogs can hide away in any many of places that you or the birds don't have a clue where they are. Still treasure every bit of our leisure and all that we find that comes with it. As I have said time and again life can be too short for some and so learn from them and appreciate what we have, when we have it, as we hope that brevity can bring levity with a ribbit or two too, warts included ;o)) peace and love

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Wells Of Goodness's avatar

Love that Tom: Brevity can bring levity with a ribbit or two too, warts included. We take the bad with the good, always. And savor every experience in the gift of being alive. Grateful that we both are.

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Mohika Mudgal's avatar

Here's hoping Jeremiah is not in the magpie's stomach! And if he is, then speedy travels to him and hope the magpie enjoyed the meal 🧡🔮 I absolutely love ferns and dream of growing a graden one day!

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Wells Of Goodness's avatar

And I dreamed of having a frog in my pond… and got one! You shall have your ferny garden if you follow your dreams, Mohika!

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Rae Cod's avatar

What a beautiful photo of Jeremiah. I’ve also never heard that song but I love it and now his name all makes sense ☺️

We encountered 2 frogs on our climb down a boggy Irish mountain & they were like a reward for all our hard work as Jeremiah was a reward for yours, may he be living well wherever he’s gone (or serving the circle of life if he’s in the great beyond).

I’m reading the first in a historical fiction series called Boudica by Manda Scott that’s set in ancient Britain, and it’s really interesting to read how the Celts treated death and the rituals they had around it.

As you say, it’s all beyond our control, but we can choose to celebrate the beauty of this wonderful life, and I love coming to your Substack to see what beauty you have for us each week, thanks Melanie ☺️

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Wells Of Goodness's avatar

I always love your comments, Rae.😘 Thank you dearheart.

I’m adding that book to my list. And it makes me happy that you had frog encounters in Ireland! Thank you for your kind words about my photo of beloved Jeremiah and I did spot him 2 hours after I posted this blog, but not since. Oh well, he is wild!

You are too young to know that song but it was quite popular in its day and was a favorite of mine. It’s catchy!

I feel the exact same way about your Wordpress blog.. you always have something fun, inspirational, beautiful and good to brighten my day and life.

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Rae Cod's avatar

That’s lovely to hear, thank you ☺️

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Michael McCarty's avatar

Perhaps your efforts brought more than just one.

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Wells Of Goodness's avatar

Thanks for the encouragement Mike! I’m hoping that’s the case! There’s been another sighting since this post first went out! 🐸👏🏻

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