I greet this morning of sunshine with open eyes
I see the flowers that greet the sun
I hear the birds call to each other from tree to tree
I sense the trees greeting the sun with me
I ask that today bring gladness and gifts
This summer solstice
Warmth of sun
Clearness of air
Happiness of birds
Purity of flowers
Greeness of plants
Prisms in water
Clarity of sight
Patience of growth
Blessings of the long day
May the gifts of this day surround me and all I love
From morning’s first light
Through the shortness of night.
(Author unknown)
THE COASTAL CRONE 
Excellent words for the day!
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The words just reminded me to take pleasure in the simple things around me – sun and light and perhaps walking on the beach because it is “good for the soul.”
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Beautiful!!
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May we take the blessings of each day as they come – even if they are hot summer days with no rain. Stay cool.. Thanks for the visit and comment, Diana.
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Great prayer, Jo. Here’s hoping you have a super week.
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The prayer didn’t ask for much and I liked that. My week is going well so far. With the heat, sun and Saharan dust, they seem to blend into each other like heat waves.
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Lovely! Wishing you and your family a Happy Summer Solstice!
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Thank you! Husband and I will celebrate with quiche and champagne.
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Happy Summer Solstice Jo , I too have been breathing in the joys of Summer and nature. 💚
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And a happy Summer Solstice to you and yours. I like the idea of breathing in the joys of summer. For some of us in Texas it has meant breathing in dust from the Sahara Desert. How connected the Earth is!
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Lovely. It has echoes of the traditional Irish prayer known as St. Patrick’s Breastplate: one of my favorites, that has been given a musical setting as well as being somewhat revised and included in some hymnals.
The cactus is beautiful. Is it yours?
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I will have to check out St. Patrick’s Breastplate.
Yes, the cactus is mine. This one was taken when we had some in the ground in the back yard. Now I have some in a large clay pot near the entrance where it gets plenty of sun. It has filled the pot. Last week there were six blooms at one time. I am sure you will know the proper name. Our yard is almost xeriscaped with plenty of sun.
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Here’s the best musical setting of the prayer (sometimes called The Deer’s Cry) that I know. As for the cactus, I’m not so good with those! I know a few, but there are so many. The Texas one I know best is the lace cactus, but it’s pretty easy to spot.
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A beautiful poem to welcome summer!
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Thanks – I liked the simplicity of it. May you have a productive summer, Christy!
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You’re so sweet, Jo. Happy summer to you too!
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What a great poem! Thanks for sharing it…
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Thanks, Ann! I like finding it again.
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Keep seeing those gifts around you!
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You always inspire me to embrace the natural world around me even if it is not as beautiful as yours up there! Happy summer!
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So beautiful to start my Monday morning with this poem and picture, Jo Nell. Thank you for it.
wishing you and your loved ones all good things (and the fortitude to manage all challenges.)
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Glad you liked both, Cynthia. My cactus flower is not as elegant as those in your garden, but I treasure every bloom. May summer bring you good days!
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Your cactus flower is more beautiful because they are few. (Borrowing from Anne Morrow).
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Dear Jo Nell, Sunrise was 5:11 on the first day of summer. I was up early and the eastern mountains were navy blue against the dark sky. We had a little rain in the night and the air was clean and sweet smelling of hay and all things growing. Then the sun. How glorious. Your words were of the moment. To be repeated. To be remembers. XXX Virginia
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And I can imagine your world at sunrise. You will cherish and remember. It is extremely dry here with Stage I water restrictions in place until rains come – let us hope it is not with a hurricane. Still I cherish what plants I have in pots on the patio. The lawn is turning brown but that is the way it is in our sun-drenched Briar Cottage. Hope all is well with you. All ok here. Sending hugs!
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How lovely! I was away when you posted this so didn’t see it. I hope you’re enjoying your summer, despite the heat. 🙂
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Thanks! Yes, it has been a good summer despite the heat. I have much to be thankful for! We have good AC and a covered patio that has a nice breeze from the south in the evening. And we don’t have to work out in the heat. Take care, Diana.
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