Several years ago, I created ‘Proverbial Friday’ on my blog which morphed into Sunday Sayings.
I became fascinated with traditional proverbs and sayings, their metaphorical layers and the many different interpretations found within just a few, succinct words. I marveled at their ability to transcend race, religion, opinions and age.
Weekly Proverb
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.
The second best time is now.”
Chinese proverb
Sayings, quotes and proverbs offer us knowledge; knowledge that is passed to us in much the same way relay runners might pass a baton.
Once it’s handed over, it is up to us what we do with it and how we pass it on.
A philosophic Aussie writes here at StPA, one who will readily admit to loving Scandinavia. I'm interested in global politics and what drives us to be who we are. Scratch the surface and you'll find a practical Environmentalist with an egalitarian bent, trying to unleash a little creativity via the written word.
Scandinavian culture, literature and traditions are close to my heart, even though I'm Australian. Travel and courteous discussions greatly broaden the mind, so I travel if I can and am always up for a vigorous, respectful discussion. I'm an avid reader, a writer and I enjoy photography and crafts, particularly traditional art forms. I hope you'll find 'Something to Ponder About,' in my WordPress Community.
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36 thoughts on “Sunday Sayings – Trees and Doors”
Amanda, two beautiful sayings for us and profound reflections upon the power of quotations … and it’s upon us to act on them!
Love the Chinese tree quote. The door one made me laugh. We’ve minded a standard schnauzer puppy today. He’s 9 months old and tall, and repeatedly tried to open the dog door with his foot. In the end and after many demonstrations, he figured it out.
Oh bless! Themed you got a laugh out of Helen Keller.The standard Schnauzer is so funny. Did it have a coarse coat? It must be part giant. The giant schnauzers I have met have all been pretty goofy!!
He’s a straight standard with a coarse coat. Our girl has the same. Both dogs are from the same breeder. Both had been kept as show dogs, but both got too tall. The two dogs aren’t related.
Well there you go. The standards are getting harder to find. Mind you, I went to a Schnauzer picnic yesterday and there were more standards than minis. That is good to see as the prevalence of smaller apartments and houses make miniature schnauzies very popular. Then there is the bambi factor too.
Let me know if you or anyone you know wants a standard. There’s a great breeder not far from Canberra. I really admire her operation. Totally ethical and raising the greatest dogs possible.
I love the Chinese proverb. And I’ve got to that point in my life when much of what I try to do will impact on – well, almost anybody but me. But funnily enough, doing what I can now seems more worthwhile to me than it did when I was younger.
I am similar to you, Jo, in that I easily forget their wise words, which is one reason I started blogging about them. I have been collecting them for a while, and Leggy Peggy ( do you follow her?) sent me a book of sayings and quotes. Bloggers are such a kind community.
There are always doors, which are closing and which are opening and – sometimes – it gives meaning to find the key to the closed one, when it holds great significance for you. Doors are not all the same.
But having said that – yes, it is always, always a good idea to look around. To try to spot the open door. To explore it… 😉
The Chinese proverb is … beautiful. And made me think. For yes, I love trees…
Have a great weekend, dear Amanda! With beauty and peace and lots of exciting, open doors! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Really enjoyed the quotes here, Amanda, beautiful photos, too. I especially appreciate being reminded of the closed and opened doors…amazing that someone like Helen Keller, who could have faced so very many closed doors, can think and write something so positive.
I know, Jet, you are so right! Helen Keller was an amazing human being. If the film was true to her life, it was her teacher that opened many that would have remained closed for her. Once they were open, she ran in with enthusiam.
Hi what a great door quote, I’ve heard the other version about one door closing and another opening, but the part about yearning after the closed door adds a new perspective. I see myself in that. Thanks for sharing.
The door quote is marvellous, because it allows us to interpret the words, in many different ways, tailoring their meaning to each individual situation. I am glad it had meaning for you, too. I do agree at times, some of us tend to be a little too nostalgic about the past. Was that what you gleaned from the quote? I think that it is okay to reminisce, as long as we can appreciate and learn from the past, without letting our minds dwell there too often.
Wise sayings, Amanda. I like the Chinese proverb in particular. And I wanted to let you know that the past week where being less judgmental (with the higher aim of not being at all) was something you had made us ponder about…I was able to stick with it and it was such a blessing. There were no convoluted emotions, my mental space and energy were mine to cherish! The person, I had mentioned , had been occupying too much and by letting go, I was able to function so much better as if a huge weight had been uplifted! Keep these coming, dear Amanda. My bedside notebook is always happy to have more of these. Sending positive energy your way:)
I cannot tell you how pleased I am to hear that you conducted the “experiment” to be non-judgemental and kept it up for a minimum of a week. Personally, I found doing so revealed many opportunities to consider other options I had not had previously. One example was that a snarky person in my midst was viewed as a challenge instead of a nuisance/bothersome. I felt calmer and smiled more rather than internally raising my blood pressure! I think we should continue with the experiment, don’t you, Moon?
Oh I agree! This ‘experiment’ was for this one person only… I hope I did not come off as someone very judgmental in general 😨 And the person in question is someone that I know a little too well and hence I know the lies from the truth. And I care for them. And have always wanted to help them see the dangerous act of deceit. But I think it’s time I stepped back and helped them figure things out on their own while remaining neutral. You are right… the mindset change helps a lot and the person who benefits the most is none other than us. The past week has certainly been more calming as they were the one occupying my mind a whole lot and letting myself free of all the doubt and questions, has been good. I am letting my judgments go … that’s for sure. I am with you on this… a great thing to practice and a great tool for mindful living 🙂
I am glad that the experiment helped and while I knew it only applied to the one person and difficulty, it can be applied across the board in varying degrees through life. However, I did not think you a judgemental person at all, Moon. Far from it.
And that is a big Yay! to mindful living. I am on board!
Your kind and encouraging words have been a big support ever since we started communicating and I am so happy for that. The more I get to know you through your posts,the more I find things to get inspired by…and I mean it 100%. Hope you are having a good weekend! would you say you have settled in comfortable in your home now?
Thanks so much for those very sweet words, Moon. What a kind person you are! It is a shame that we don’t get to chat irl. But there is always online!
Yes a lovely weekend so far, some neighbours coming over for tea soon. I guess you could say we are settled in. It feels like ages since we were in our last home and rental accommodation. But I still look around me and can’t stop smiling! I love it here so much! There is still more to explore too.
Something to Ponder About 
Amanda, two beautiful sayings for us and profound reflections upon the power of quotations … and it’s upon us to act on them!
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Love the Chinese tree quote. The door one made me laugh. We’ve minded a standard schnauzer puppy today. He’s 9 months old and tall, and repeatedly tried to open the dog door with his foot. In the end and after many demonstrations, he figured it out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh bless! Themed you got a laugh out of Helen Keller.The standard Schnauzer is so funny. Did it have a coarse coat? It must be part giant. The giant schnauzers I have met have all been pretty goofy!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s a straight standard with a coarse coat. Our girl has the same. Both dogs are from the same breeder. Both had been kept as show dogs, but both got too tall. The two dogs aren’t related.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought you had a mini!! Standards are the best. Even though I love my mini. Tiffany was a standard sch. Passed away several years ago.
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I’ve only ever owned standards. I’ve known a couple of gorgeous minis, but a bullheaded standard is my go-to.
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Well there you go. The standards are getting harder to find. Mind you, I went to a Schnauzer picnic yesterday and there were more standards than minis. That is good to see as the prevalence of smaller apartments and houses make miniature schnauzies very popular. Then there is the bambi factor too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Let me know if you or anyone you know wants a standard. There’s a great breeder not far from Canberra. I really admire her operation. Totally ethical and raising the greatest dogs possible.
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I will keep that in mind. Can you email me a contact for her?
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Sure.
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I love the Chinese proverb. And I’ve got to that point in my life when much of what I try to do will impact on – well, almost anybody but me. But funnily enough, doing what I can now seems more worthwhile to me than it did when I was younger.
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Age changes our perspective and the situation is turning critical, quickly.
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Great post 😁
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Thanks for stopping by. I am a big fan of these old wisdoms. I usually post one or two each Sunday.
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How do you go about finding/choosing your proverb, Amanda? Although they often resonate, I find I can seldom remember them until I see them again. 🙂 🙂
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I am similar to you, Jo, in that I easily forget their wise words, which is one reason I started blogging about them. I have been collecting them for a while, and Leggy Peggy ( do you follow her?) sent me a book of sayings and quotes. Bloggers are such a kind community.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve not met Leggy Peggy- what a great name! 🙂 🙂
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It is – She blogs at Riding in Cars with Dogs.
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It is an excellent name – She blogs at Riding in Cars with Dogs.
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I should have a poster of the tree saying on the wall of our Landcare office.
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Yes, make one up and print it out!! Or I will make it up for you in picmonkey or similar program
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I will make one so I can stick the logo on as well as some trees. thanks for the offer Amanda 🙂
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Please post it on your blog when you are done?
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Sounds like a plan
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There are always doors, which are closing and which are opening and – sometimes – it gives meaning to find the key to the closed one, when it holds great significance for you. Doors are not all the same.
But having said that – yes, it is always, always a good idea to look around. To try to spot the open door. To explore it… 😉
The Chinese proverb is … beautiful. And made me think. For yes, I love trees…
Have a great weekend, dear Amanda! With beauty and peace and lots of exciting, open doors! 🙂 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind and welcome words, Elena. I will keep searching for the open door and behind the closed ones! Plant more trees!
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Really enjoyed the quotes here, Amanda, beautiful photos, too. I especially appreciate being reminded of the closed and opened doors…amazing that someone like Helen Keller, who could have faced so very many closed doors, can think and write something so positive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, Jet, you are so right! Helen Keller was an amazing human being. If the film was true to her life, it was her teacher that opened many that would have remained closed for her. Once they were open, she ran in with enthusiam.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi what a great door quote, I’ve heard the other version about one door closing and another opening, but the part about yearning after the closed door adds a new perspective. I see myself in that. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The door quote is marvellous, because it allows us to interpret the words, in many different ways, tailoring their meaning to each individual situation. I am glad it had meaning for you, too. I do agree at times, some of us tend to be a little too nostalgic about the past. Was that what you gleaned from the quote? I think that it is okay to reminisce, as long as we can appreciate and learn from the past, without letting our minds dwell there too often.
LikeLike
Wise sayings, Amanda. I like the Chinese proverb in particular. And I wanted to let you know that the past week where being less judgmental (with the higher aim of not being at all) was something you had made us ponder about…I was able to stick with it and it was such a blessing. There were no convoluted emotions, my mental space and energy were mine to cherish! The person, I had mentioned , had been occupying too much and by letting go, I was able to function so much better as if a huge weight had been uplifted! Keep these coming, dear Amanda. My bedside notebook is always happy to have more of these. Sending positive energy your way:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I cannot tell you how pleased I am to hear that you conducted the “experiment” to be non-judgemental and kept it up for a minimum of a week. Personally, I found doing so revealed many opportunities to consider other options I had not had previously. One example was that a snarky person in my midst was viewed as a challenge instead of a nuisance/bothersome. I felt calmer and smiled more rather than internally raising my blood pressure! I think we should continue with the experiment, don’t you, Moon?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I agree! This ‘experiment’ was for this one person only… I hope I did not come off as someone very judgmental in general 😨 And the person in question is someone that I know a little too well and hence I know the lies from the truth. And I care for them. And have always wanted to help them see the dangerous act of deceit. But I think it’s time I stepped back and helped them figure things out on their own while remaining neutral. You are right… the mindset change helps a lot and the person who benefits the most is none other than us. The past week has certainly been more calming as they were the one occupying my mind a whole lot and letting myself free of all the doubt and questions, has been good. I am letting my judgments go … that’s for sure. I am with you on this… a great thing to practice and a great tool for mindful living 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am glad that the experiment helped and while I knew it only applied to the one person and difficulty, it can be applied across the board in varying degrees through life. However, I did not think you a judgemental person at all, Moon. Far from it.
And that is a big Yay! to mindful living. I am on board!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your kind and encouraging words have been a big support ever since we started communicating and I am so happy for that. The more I get to know you through your posts,the more I find things to get inspired by…and I mean it 100%. Hope you are having a good weekend! would you say you have settled in comfortable in your home now?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for those very sweet words, Moon. What a kind person you are! It is a shame that we don’t get to chat irl. But there is always online!
Yes a lovely weekend so far, some neighbours coming over for tea soon. I guess you could say we are settled in. It feels like ages since we were in our last home and rental accommodation. But I still look around me and can’t stop smiling! I love it here so much! There is still more to explore too.
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