What does responsibility mean to you?
@Perspectives (7131)
Canada
November 28, 2007 7:49pm CST
Whenever David and I pose that questions to clients or group participants there are a myriad of responses. Oftentimes there is a tendency for people to think of responsibility in terms of whom they are responsible to or what they are responsible for. They state that responsibility involves being a 'responsible person.' Their understanding of responsibility is focused on their work, being a good parent, friend, worker or whatever else they think defines their levels of responsibility. Inarguably that is definitely one aspect of it.
By now some of you have figured out that I also like to look at things from of course...another perspective and here we go again. When you look at the work responsibility it breaks down to...response---ability. If you switch those to words around you have within it the idea that we have the ability...to choose our response. In the work we do our goal is to assist others in understanding (and accepting) that behavior is a product of choice...based on values rather than being a product of their conditions or feeling.
The difference in how people respond is affected by whether they choose to be proactive or reactive. Reactive people are much more affected by their environment. For example when life is going well...the weather is good and interpersonal relationships are running smoothly they feel good. When outward events are troublesome it can affect their attitude and overall performance.
Proactive people do not allow things like the weather, other people's reactions and life circumstances to affect their mood because they are not subordinate to impulses. So I am interested in hearing what responsibility means to you and what you think about the idea that we may not be able to control what happens to us...but we do have a choice in our 'ability' to respond in whatever way we choose.
I'll close with two quotations that summarize the theme of this topic. Eleanor Roosevelt observed, "No one can hurt you without your consent." In the words of Gandhi, "They cannot take away your self respect if we do not give it to them."
So our level of responsibility has to be outwardly directed for sure...but when all is said and done it is our willing permission or consent to how we respond to what happens to us far more than the event itself. To me it is important to keep the lessons...but release the experiences and move on. But as always this is just my viewpoint...I'd welcome yours if you'd care to offer it.
Haven't been around as much due to other work commitments...but I will keep in touch because I love our respectful dialogs and will continue to show up for them...just not as often or as long. Miss chatting when I am not here...but as the Terminator said..."I will be back!" (smile)
Warm regards to friends old and new,
Raia
5 people like this
14 responses
@ssh123 (31073)
• India
29 Nov 07
Thank you very muuch for a detailed discusson topic on Responsibility. Ialso noticed that you have quoted Gandhi, Elenor Roosevelt.
In my opinion, there should not have been a place for use of the word responsibility, if all of us do what we are expected to do. But human beings are different, varied with different levels of understanding and I.Q.s. Some understand responsibility from the time of maturity of mind, a few understand by observing others, some people are to be told about their responsibilities, some people depending on the circumstances play responsible.
By and large I see the word respnsibility is loosng its ground. Because no one wants to take the respnsibility.
Look at the politicians. They make promises before the elections and break it soon after they sit in power seat. I have seen a lots of people shirk from responsibility as if they need not be responsible.
I have come across a section of people who take responsibilities till the time of achieving their personal goal and totally discontinue to be responsible, thereby putting others into inconvenience.
I use to interact with young people who come to me to get their Resume/Curriculum Vitae prepared. I suggest them to write their STRENGTHS. They are reluctant to add the word I LVOE TO TAKE RESPNSIBILITIES AND MEET THE CHALLENGES. Itis a paradox that they do not know their own strengths or they fear to state that.
Your topic an eye opener that everyone of us should know our responsibility and should be ever willing to take up the responsibility. Thanks.
2 people like this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
29 Nov 07
Hello again...good to be back in touch. I miss not being here as much and it is always a joy to have some time to share ideas with good on-line friends like you who also offer much to this site.
Yes, I appreciate Gandhi's life and the amazing role model he was to all of us...one of those timeless leaders who truly walked their talk and led by example. I agree with you on your observations that there seems to be a growing tendency within society to NOT take responsibility for words, thoughts, actions and reactions. It seems they would rather play the blame game and make things about everyone else rather than assessing their part in the cause and effect of their choices.
When we lead groups or do life coaching we have also noticed that some people have a really rough time in accepting their worth, strengths and talents. I have quoted Dizzy Dean the old time baseball player here before. He said..."It isn't bragging if you do it!" So yes, there needs to be a healthy balance between what areas we need to improve in...but also take credit for the things that we do well.
Glad you enjoyed the topic...I enjoyed your response. We have another win-win!
Take care,
Raia
@ssh123 (31073)
• India
29 Nov 07
Thanks for placing me in a win-win situation.
I was working for an international organization dedicated to development of youth and I was trained to be trainer. I used to participate in the group discussions as a resource person. Whenever an opportunity came to select a leader among themselves, no one would comeforward, fearing this would lead to a lot of work, exhibition of their idiosyncracies, revealing of weaknesses and also may be due to inhibitions.
But then I use to pull someone who is very weak in all aspects, and ask others to give him a chance to be their leader. The appeal appeals and herecomes a leader. He is enthused, he gets the required shot in the arm and he performs like a leader within couple of hours. I found several of them became undisputable leaders in their community and made progress.
So, to make people take responsibility, the encouragement is also required, instead we generally indulge in criticising people that no one wants to take the responsibility.
This is one piece I forgot to add to my previous response. Hope you accommodate it.
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@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
29 Nov 07
This is a wonderful addition to the topic and I completely understand your wisdom within the balancing act of developing confidence without creating egotism. I also agree that we do live in what seems to be a pathologically negative society where people do not know how to handle positive feedback and fear taking responsibility.
Having positive role models is the key. We do not have children of our own bug have been involved with the Big Brother/Big Sister organization and have mentored two sets of children from other countries. One from Iraq and the second set of siblings came from Mexico. Being involved with caring adults who are there because they love kids and give their time is very reinforcing to these children who usually come from underprivileged homes with single parents.
So yes, your addition to the discussion shows how your personal and professional experiences have revealed some pertinent perspectives to the subject of responsibility. Thanks for broadening awareness in the unique way you do.
Best regards,
Raia
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
30 Nov 07
Hi Raia,
I have been very busy for the past few days and could not respond to your earlier topic too. After a long time I am logging in today.
Coming to the topic, as a friend I totally disagree with this explanation of yours. I know you always accept every perspective and are never rigid about others ' view points.I too normally follow the principle /
However, the words 'respond and 'responsible are not linked at all. 'Responsibility' is totally different from the word 'response' right from their roots to their different forms.[they are a different set-eg responsible, responsibility, responsibly, etc etc] The verb for this adjective is only to 'be responsible' or 'feel responsible' or someone can take responsibility for something.
On the other hand--'to respond' by itself is a verb and the accompanying other forms are responsive, respond, response.
Now, 'being responsible' can have different perspectives. I do agree.
I am responsible for my family, for my clients[when I have been entrusted with a job], for myself, for my mistakes etc etc...., for my responses too. It is looking inward-because we have certain rules within ourselves and only when we break these we do really feel regret.
When you take up responsibility for a public cause then you are answerable to outsiders.
This sense of responsibility is purely subjective and different people have a different sense of responsibility.
I agree with different perspectives for the same thing-after all,' nothing is good or bad but thinking makes it so.'
But different words cannot be treated as though they are alike and 'responsible' cannot be split like' respond +able.
2 people like this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
13 Dec 07
Hi again..
Thank you for your acknowledgment about honoring other people's views whether I agree or not. It is a good observation because it is how I live...both on-line and off.
Also I value the lesson in proper word usage Kalav...but I think it is important that in many of my discussions I use metaphorical examples. So yes, I understand your interpretation and trust you will respect mine. To respond...'ably' fits with the idea of responsibility whether the concept is take literally or figuratively.
So I understand your position about holding to strict 'word ethics' as you have stated it...but I will continue to take some liberties with them as all writers do to create a philosophical discussion that allows others to state their viewpoints.
From what I have had in feedback from other members that is why they like coming here. Discussions with a little bit different flavor that allow them to present their views in an atmosphere of 'respectful dialog.'
So your point is well taken...but I am sorry Kalav..I will always take some liberties with words to express my ideas...because it is my style and it works for me!
Best regards,
Raia
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
29 Nov 07
ok I saved this from last night to respond.
I wanted to think about it.
and I still am not sure what ya want in responce lol.
Seems like I have always had the ability to respond to alot of things.
and in responding I can very well get myself in trouble with some .
I like the quote from Elenor.
BUt how do you know sometimes if you have gave your consent or not.?
I have noticed on mylot that some peopls use a shock treatment to responces and you are taken back on what they have responded to what you have said and take it a completely different way from what you have said. Very disruppting. For some
and they dont know just how to respond back to that peerson most times it is the negitive side of what the whole post was about. and when that has happened in here it has hurt some of our friends on here and they have left to only come back once in awhile to let us know they are doing ok.
NOw I hope this is what you were lokking for .
I have missed ya being here havent seen ya much since we had our phone chat .
Also I have missed alot of my friends on here that arent posting like they did.
HUgs and blessings
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
30 Nov 07
yup every one does come down to have to make there own choices . and how they respond to each other makes alot of difference I just hope that some of those differences dont hurt any one.
Glad ya go tmy email. adn am like you need more to happen before saying anything for in an hour talikng we go alot of places lol Glad to have you 2 in my life to hugs and blessings
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@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
30 Nov 07
Hello friend...
So you paused and got your 'thinker' going before posting...good to know. In regard to knowing whether you've given consent or not...how I take that is we always have a choice about how things affect us. I have commented often as you have moved through your healing journey how much I respect your choices and...responses to the whole situation...and your honey's passing. I think her quote indicates that people can say and think what they want about us...but we are the ones who make up our minds about what defines us...not them.
I agree with your observations about how people respond to things and often take things the wrong way...but it is still their issue. I have noticed that things are quieter here but it could be the holiday season coming up...or maybe the requests for referrals to other sites are enticing them away. However, I am happy here and view my site here as a responsibility I took on and do not intend to let it go at this point anyway. I miss chatting and sharing ideas when I am not here and that is why I decided to try and post a few more discussion than I have lately. It is such a joy to share ideas with valued friends like you and it is good to be chatting again.
I received your last e-mail about being caught up for a few days and was waiting to have a little more news to share before calling or e-mailing. I miss you too Lakota...but the bond we have built is strong and I trust it will continue because David and I value your presence in our lives.
So many blessings to you and yours and another biggie hug...still gentle of course!
Raia
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
30 Nov 07
You strike me as a person who is very willing to assume responsibility for the direction you want to take your life. I admire and respect you immensely Lakota and David and I are both grateful that we've become friends too! So we have a real win-win dynamic going on.
As always my thoughts, prayers and well wishes are with you...the candle continues to be part of my daily ritual as I send warm, loving wishes and energetic support your way.
Hugs, love and light,
Raia
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
29 Nov 07
As usual I'll have a bit of a problem with things like "No one can hurt you without your consent." As much as I like those ideas, I haven't gotten to a point where I can accept them.
When it comes to responsibility, to be honest what I think of is accepting the consequences of decisions I make. This is a huge part of my life path: the idea of honor and taking action only when you can accept the consequences of those actions. It's all religious for me at the core, but you don't have to see it that way to understand it.
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@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
30 Nov 07
Hi Lecanis, always good to hear from you my friend. You and I have had differing views on things before...but it is what makes our sharing so meaningful. We don't have to see everything the same way...and I welcome your views because they do differ upon occasion. When I read what your upbringing was like and how you have had to have immense inner strength to overcome many things in your life I can appreciate why you have a problem with the above comment.
It took me awhile to get to this point too. When I felt more incomplete I looked outside myself for answers...now as my healing journey has come to a point where I feel more whole I realize that it involved filling myself with love and allowing that to heal all my empty, shattered spaces. As I did that what other people thought about me mattered less and as long as I have the spiritual clarity to know that I am doing my best to live and honorable, ethical life..what others think of me, my view, or soul path no longer has the same capacity to hurt me the way it once did. So yes, life is a process of of learning to love ourselves and then extending that love to others at every encounter. That is however, only my perspective and if your way works for you it is the right way...and so it is for each of us. Free will...what a gift that is!
Anyway take care of yourself, your hubby and your sweet baby. My thoughts are with you and I hope everything continues to work for your highest good.
Warm regards,
Raia
2 people like this
@wisedragon (2325)
• Philippines
29 Nov 07
For me responsibility is doing what needs to be done. It means caring for the people around you, caring for your environment. It means not relying on other people to perform your duties for you.
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
30 Nov 07
Well wisedragon...I'd say you have a lot of wisdom in what you said here. You have stated responsibility is a way that shows you understand the cause and effect of choices made and how important it is to develop self-reliance and a self-responsibility approach to life.
I am sure those around you respect your value system too. Thanks for adding that to the topic.
Raia
1 person likes this
@zigzagbuddha (4601)
• United States
29 Nov 07
I don't know if you've noticed or not, but often people associate 'blame' with responsibility.
Actually I don't care for the word. It has such seriousness to the feel of it. Although I do believe that if an individual doesn't take 'responsibility' for their life, then how to they expect to get where they want to go?
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@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
29 Nov 07
You have brought up a good point here...and yes I have noticed that. Maybe that is why they play the 'blame game' rather than taking responsibility. ARGH...kind of hurts the head!!! (smile).
Anyway I have reached a point where I don't mind the serious feel to the word responsibility. It used to be right up there with discipline in seriousness...but now I find that living by right principles and having greater discipline and self-responsibility keeps life on track and in balance. Everything is a trade-off...and living this way allows my spirit to feel freer because my life is finally anchored in a lifestyle that doesn't involve the kind of overreach David and I once had.
Anyway, good observation and input thanks for that. Also how is your wayward kitty doing? Hope you both are doing better.
Take care and let me know if you decide to anything with your Blog.
Warm regards,
Raia
1 person likes this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
6 Dec 07
Hi again...
Been busy with work and holiday preparations and haven't been around Mylot Land much...but have a few moments and decided to catch up a little.
Ahh yes...the blame game...and not wanting to make our lives about ourselves and the choices WE are making...been there and done that too! However, I no longer criticize myself for how I used to be...because it is all what led me to the awareness I have now. It is much sweeter to have been there and 'own' the positive changes as they occur. With your attitude now and the approach you are taking to you life I am sure the answers you seek with come.
Thanks for the update on your sweet kitty...glad you have her back. You both are survivors and belong together. Hope you and she enjoy your bond and have many happy, healthy years together.
Warm regards,
Raia
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
29 Nov 07
Stepping up to the plate is what I call it. At present time that is what I have had to do. I don't want to go into detail about the situation. Not sure I could put into words what is going on lately. But, someone has to assume responsibility of matters and risk rocking the boat. Guess I am a boat rocker.
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
29 Nov 07
Good for you! I love boat rockers!!! You go girl!! Everyone needs original thinkers and those who see problems and are willing to ask the hard questions in order to get things resolved.
Wishing you every success in your boat rocking ventures...it can be daunting to go through but usually worth it in the end if it creates much needed course corrections for all involved.
My thoughts and well wishes are with you and hope everything resolves itself for your highest good.
Warm and caring regards your on-line gal pal Raia
1 person likes this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
29 Nov 07
I am proactive as I try not to let things affect my mood. I am aware that there are some things in my life over which I have no control and if they become intrusive enough to actually interfere with my life or moods. I try to consider it a learning experience, deal with it and then move on.
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@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
30 Nov 07
From what you have offered in other discussions I can see how you have developed that way of being. You have overcome much and it sounds as though your proactive approach was learned through some daunting life lessons.
Yes, all things are experiential learning opportunities when viewed that way. Keep on keeping on my friend...you appear to be be able to chart your course and do corrections as needed. Your responses are always appreciated.
Best regards,
Raia
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
29 Nov 07
Well... your first responsability is to yourself.
You have to look after yourself in order to survive and stay healthy. If you don't do that... you cannot do anything else. You are a machine which need maintenance. You cannot drill an hole with a broken drill.
Your responsability start at 6 when you enter primary school. You have to learn in order to get an education... so that you can get a job in order to feed yourself.
Besides that... other responsabilities start with the commitments you make.
If you choose to have children... you are making a commitment and you are assuming the full responsability to look after those children until the age of 18... while doing the very best you possibly can to educate them. Their lives depends on you.
Getting a pet is a responsability. I have a cat... and his life depends on me. It does not matter what problem I have... I always think of the cat first. I have made many sacrifices in order to make sure the cat was going to be alright.
If someone gives you a job... you are making the commitment to do the job well. It is your responsability to do so. That person did not had to give you a job. In giving you a job... that person is actually keeping you alive by procuring you with the money for your survival. The least you can do is to take the responsability of giving your employer what he is paying you for.
Like I say... responsabilities start with commitments. The more commitments you make... the more responsabilities you have.
We are not responsible for the planet, the environment, the war in Iraq... etc... Governments are responsible for those. People can do little things to improve things. But no single individual can change the world. Not even a community. It has to be the whole country standing together for one common cause... or better still... if you want to save the planet... it requires the whole world to agree to do so.
We don't have a responsability to other people unless we have made a commitment to do so. In this world... it is pretty much everyone for itself as we struggle to survive.
But one thing is for sure... and I just proved it to myself again as I have just resolved a few of my problems...
If you help yourself and fulfill your responsabilities to others... everything will fall into place and life will be good.
If you don't establish those all important relationships with those people who can help you in time of need... you will fall into the hole of poverty and will never be able to climb out of it on your own.
I devoted my whole life in building those relationships. I don't have many... but the ones I have are solid. And I did it by always fullfilling my responsabilities towards those people.
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@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
30 Nov 07
Wow...how I love to hear what you think and how you present it Aussie! Your summation on responsibility and the parallel aspect of it within honoring commitments is so true. So much of what you have come to understand about yourself in relation to others is very similar to where I am in my life. I used to think that one person could change the world or that I had a responsibility to do all that I could for the planet, wildlife, the underprivileged...you name it I wanted to be a part of the cause.
As I grew in awareness I am at a place where I recognize that I can affect people and events within my immediate sphere of influence...but beyond that I realize there are larger forces at play and the biggest one may be mass consciousness. So I agree wholeheartedly that saving the planet has to be a global intent...and I have accepted that and do the best I can to show respect in our little corner of the universe by recycling, composting and having an 'au natural' living space as best we can.
I also value you comment; "I just resolved a few of my problems, help yourself and fulfill your responsibilities to others...everything will fall into place." A big resounding 'YES!' on the view. David and I are similarly in a place of clearing up some incurred debt due to his health challenges and addressing problems as they come up rather than taking an ostrich like approach as we sometimes did in the past and yes, everything is falling into place for us too. Good to hear that things are working well there.
Your observations about pets is another area where we share similar views. We took on the responsibility for our 2 big dogs and 5 cats and knew that going in. We have been and will continue to give them the best quality of life we can. Even when money was tight the animals had good food and litter because they are dependent upon us to provide that. I have included a photo of Cherokee our 8 year old husky/shepherd cross male with one of our cats. Ah yes, pampered pets they are!
We view friendships the same way and like you have built strong ties by doing treating others with a thoughtful, responsible approach and it has come back to us and we are grateful for the few, but strong bonds we share with a few people within what we call our soul community.
Once again I am appreciative of the input you offer here. Love to read your perspectives! Hope you like the photo...being that you love your cat. Our animals add a lot to our lives.
Good chatting and we will again soon.
Raia
@healwell (1268)
• Ahmedabad, India
11 Dec 07
Responsibility… A word, which has so many responsibilities to prove itself!
When I am with my Reiki class, I discuss and share two major things in the beginning: One is LOVE YOUR SELF! And second one is I AM MAKING YOU RESPONSIBLE FOR YOURSELF! And almost expressed through these two things that love your responsibility as a whole and make your responsibility lovable!
Since our childhood we are used to hear this word and so many people have considered responsibility as a part of their duty concept! What ever is come under duty is connected with responsibility… Other things may go in vein, we are not responsible!
Categorically, there are so many responsibilities with any person; because you are living in a world where you are responsible for living and so there are so many other things come to you as responsibility by default! It is different matter weather you are performing those with responsibility or not!
As a real stuff of the life one has to understand his/her priorities regarding the living life and needs which could not cross others boundary as a harmful thing! This is also responsibility for all of us and such indications provide us that our each and every step is related with our responsibility or THE RESPONSIBILITY!
Well knowingly or unknowingly we are following responsibilities and as a human factor forgot to follow also! Is the concept of responsibility creating walls against the freedom concept? Or is it not justifying time and generation gaps?
Well, I want to put here the concept of spiritual responsibility: Perhaps so many individuals may not like or consider this but basically we are here with our spiritual responsibility to make/ create this world a living place happily and peacefully: I think that all other responsibilities are part of this or this is the base of all other responsibilities! And I hope that we mostly accept this, because our inner sense always got the message of spiritual vibration regarding this!
I hope it would be now clear that what i mean by responsibility!
Here I will stop my pen to get other’s responses…
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@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
13 Dec 07
I gave you my best response on this one because I greatly appreciate your grounded, yet expansive view of responsibility and what it means to you. Your comments about 'spiritual responsibility' as a center from where all self-responsibility and responsibility to others originates is an excellent one. You were very clear about what you mean by responsibility. Great comments as usual!
As always your additions to Perspectives topics are always appreciated. Thanks so much for stopping by and keeping in touch.
So long for now...best regards to you,
Raia
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@lucky_witch (2707)
• Philippines
29 Nov 07
Responsibility to me is to be able to accept and do the best that we can in regards with the things taht we do whether we like it or not. We do something, whether we like it or not, voluntarily or by accident, it doesn't matter... we have a responsibility to perform with that thing. For me, wholeheartedly accepting it, and giving the best for it, is what we call responsibility.
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@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
30 Nov 07
Interesting perspective and I thank you for offering it. Yes, embracing circumstances and responding---ably is the key to moving through life with dignity and integrity. Not always easy to do...but it often shifts the outcome. So yes, there are many levels to responsibility and you have certainly confirmed that by your input.
Raia
@okwusman1 (2247)
• Abuja, Nigeria
29 Nov 07
responsibility is taking charge for your action. it is for an individual to agree to take the full control of an action be it positively or negatively. the ability is the action while the control is the response, knowing full well that a response could be positive or negative. Though, most people shy away from their responsibilities either because they are incapable in case of job task or ammateur in the case of parental care. which ever way we look at it, every man must take responsibility for any situation or action.
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
30 Nov 07
Hi and thanks for dropping by with your input and observations. I agree with you that it is up to each person to take a self-responsible approach to the situation they are in. Sometimes things appear beyond our control...but our response to them is always within our control. Sometimes taking the higher road and not blaming others can be tough...but when we do it builds a strength of character. At least that has been what I have found both personally and professionally.
Raia
@inday312saylon (747)
• Philippines
29 Nov 07
Responsibility is such a big thing, especially when a person or an organization has been lodged with great powers. But for me, responsibility is just the proper execution of the various roles that a person plays in life.
When you are an employee, you play your role properly (bound to the ethical norms and standards of society) and when you execute your roles to the best of your abilities, then you are responsible.
In the organization level, the media have social responsibilities too. So do the big multinational corporations and the governments.
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@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
29 Nov 07
Hi and thanks for you input.
Your comments remind me of the phrase...'to whom much is given...much is expected.' Yes,responsibility is outwardly expressed in as you wisely say..."the ethical norms and standards of society." Very true.
It is true that responsibility or the lack of it has ripple effects that impact on our lives in large and small ways every day.
Best regards,
Raia
@prEttyNbluE (299)
• Philippines
29 Nov 07
thank you for sharing this wonderful point of views. these can surely help a lot of people in mylot. For me, being responsible is remembering what should be done. Like, you cannot say that a person is responsible if he/she keeps on forgetting what should be done (except if he/she is suffering "short-term memory loss" like Dory in Finding Nemo). :-)
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@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
29 Nov 07
I appreciate your positive feedback...thanks for that and your contribution here. Yes, I absolutely agree that 'forgetting to remember' things that have been taken on is a great example of irresponsible behavior. We could probably include those who are perpetually late, bit off more than they can chew and then make excuses to boot! (laugh).
I like your lovely beach scene for an Avatar...winter is here where we live and even though it is just starting I am already missing the hot, warm, long and sunny days of summer and the beach. Oh well such is life in Southwestern Manitoba! Makes for a lovely white Christmas so in the end it is all good!
Cheers,
Raia