Are you ready for Oprah Magazine’s October Big Question? This month the magazine is asking “What’s beautiful to you?” This was probably the easiest answer for me for all of the questions of the year so far. Despite all of the bad in the world, I choose to see all of the beauty. I’ve mentioned it before, but I am the optimistic “glass is half full” girl in the room.
The magazine says that “if you are willing to take the time and really look, beauty is all around us.”
What is beautiful to me?
- I find nature to be beautiful. God created this beautiful earth for us and I love to take it in with all of my senses. I love looking at flowers, mountains and glaciers. I love listening to the sounds of the ocean, a rolling river or a babbling brook. Below are a few of my favorite pictures from some of the beautiful places that I’ve visited or things that I find beautiful.
This is a rock that my Grandmother brought back from Israel for me in the 1970’s. It’s held meaning to me almost my entire life and started my collection of rocks from all over the world. I’m just fascinated with the way the rock was formed (all of the layers and the colors) and how beautiful it is. It looks small in this picture, but it’s actually about the size of my palm.
This is one of my MANY flower pictures (taken at Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC). I’m in awe of the beauty and perfection of flowers. I have read that there is a real psychological connection between flowers and happiness.
This picture needs no explanation, right?! This is at Banff in Alberta, Canada. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful places on earth. Put it on your bucket list if you’ve never been there.
We went on a family trip to Iceland a few years ago. This picture is us on a glacier in the middle of summer. What beautiful scenery!!
Sunsets can be so beautiful and have so much meaning. It’s the way we end each and every day, no matter if it was good or bad. It gives us hope for tomorrow. This shot is from a family vacation on Lake Michigan.
Clouds are beautiful from the ground. However, they’re even more fascinating from up in the air. I probably have enough pictures of the clouds from the view out the plane window to fill an entire book! The funny thing is that I have a fear of flying and I’m not too keen on heights either. However, the beauty of the clouds can be so soothing.
What else is beautiful to me?
- I find that witnessing people being kind to one another as something so beautiful. I love seeing something as simple as someone holding a door open for another person. Simple acts of kindness are beautiful and can make someone’s day!
- Music is beautiful. Oh how I love good music! It’s amazing what a beautiful voice that sings to your heart can do. Chicago is one of my all time favorite bands whose music I find to be beautiful. I can feel it running through my veins. The video below is from a concert that I attended back in 2011. The words to the song are so fitting for this post (coincidentally).
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Chicago-concert from Stacie Hamilton on Vimeo.
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- Children – I think children are beautiful. They’re so kind and innocent. I love interacting with them. I love watching them interact with one another. Childhood is such a beautiful stage of life.
Life is beautiful! There is so much beauty to see in our world. Thanks for stopping by to see some of the things that are beautiful to me. I’d love to know what’s beautiful to you!
You can read last month’s answer to The Oprah Magazine Big Question here.
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My in-laws went to Banff and it looked incredible!!!! I for sure want to add that to my bucket list!
Oh yes, but definitely go in the summer. LOL! Stacie xo
Stacie recently posted…Oprah Magazine’s October Big Question
Agree with all of your beautiful statements/pictures. For me, animals are beautiful. Innocent, loyal and loving. 100% pure positive energy!
Thanks Liz! And I agree, animals are beautiful!! Stacie xo
Stacie recently posted…Oprah Magazine’s October Big Question
What a lovely way that you answered this question. There is so much division and craziness in the world right now that it is important to see the beauty anywhere and everywhere that you ca. Nature is always a great place to start, and to feel inspiration!
Thank you! I always do my best to see the good in everything. Stacie xo
Stacie recently posted…Oprah Magazine’s October Big Question
I love this! I agree with everything you posted. I too, would love ti visit Banff one day.
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Thank you!! You really need to go for a visit some day. It is so beautiful there. Stacie xo
Stacie recently posted…Oprah Magazine’s October Big Question
Love this! So many beautiful things! Thanks for sharing!
xo Michael
Thanks and thanks for stopping by! Stacie xo
Stacie recently posted…Oprah Magazine’s October Big Question
How wonderful! I love what you said about the relationship between flowers and happiness. Guess that’s why I love gardening. Love seeing the photo of you and your family in Iceland. First, I thought you were one of the kids. Second, I didn’t know you had 3 children!
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I love gardening too! We have a lot in common!! Yes, I have 3. My son just doesn’t make it into the beauty part of my blog like the girls do. Stacie xo
Stacie recently posted…Oprah Magazine’s October Big Question
What a beautiful post Stacie. I love that you have experienced so much in your life and I think that it’s beautiful to read about. I certain have several places that you mentioned on my bucket list like Alberta, Canada and Iceland. Thanks for giving me even more inspiration to go.
Thank you so very much!! Yes, you need to have those places on your bucket list. I think most people have your home on their buck lists! Stacie xo
Stacie recently posted…Oprah Magazine’s October Big Question
This is so great and beautiful, some amazing pictures! Love that you shared this!
Thank you!! Stacie xo
Stacie recently posted…Oprah Magazine’s October Big Question
Your post is so refreshing and a reminder I needed after watching the evening news. Nature is beautiful but more beautiful to me are children. My whole life has been about children and I continue the love even though I’m no longer teaching. Spending time with my family and grandkids is my favorite thing in the world.
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Thank you! I love kids too. I worked in special ed as an occupational therapist. Children are the sweetest. I can’t wait for grandbabies!! You are blessed! Stacie xo
Stacie recently posted…Oprah Magazine’s October Big Question
I see beauty all around me. I live in a beautiful place: mountains, lakes, rivers, pine trees and blue skies! All I have to do is look outside!
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I can’t wait to visit Banff one day with my family! Look so really fun!
Beautiful and insightful post as always. Amidst all the negativity, it’s always a breath of fresh air to read something that is uplifting
Aww this is such a positive and uplifting post. Your family and photos are stunning! Thanks for making my day brighter. 🙂
I love what you said about happiness and flowers. This is a wonderful article, thank you for sharing!
So many beautiful surrounding us but my favorite has to be my family! Loved reading your words.
Thanks so much!! I’m glad you stopped by to read this. Stacie xo
Stacie recently posted…Oprah Magazine’s October Big Question
What a great post! It’s great to take the time to reflect on the good aspects of life once and a while.
Thank you! I agree, take timing for reflection is important. Stacie xo
Stacie recently posted…Oprah Magazine’s October Big Question
Loved this post! All those pics remind me how much I love nature!
Thank you! There’s not much better than nature. Stacie xo
Stacie recently posted…Oprah Magazine’s October Big Question
I love watching sunsets – they are beautiful!
Oh yes, especially those colorful cotton candy ones! Stacie xo