Nicole's Zen Moment - Beauty

"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God's handwriting - a wayside sacrament. Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, and thank God for it as a cup of blessing." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I could state the obvious things - like a sunset, a perfect smile, a diamond ring... these things are, without a doubt, beautiful. But there are more ~ tons more!

Just a few minutes ago I walked by the TV in my bedroom and lit a small candle. It's a white votive that smells like the ocean. After it was lit, I stood there, just admiring the frosted candle,watching the little flame flicker about.

And it struck me.... I find ZEN moments in beauty.

This post will include some of the things in this world that actually cause me pause, change the tone of my voice, and take a breath. I always stop and say, "I loooooove_____. Isn't it beautiful?"

1. White Peacock.

The first time I ever saw one was back in 2004. My Colombian exchange student and I were visiting the Fountain of Youth and original site where Ponce de Leon landed in America. I remember walking through the gardens and lo and behold - there she (or he) was ~ a beautiful white peacock. It immediately reminded me of a bride on her wedding day. So beautiful, so elegant. A treasure for sure. I have always said, if I ever had my own little home out in the country, I would invest in a few peacocks.

2. A Chandelier

Ever since I was a child, I would marvel at chandeliers. Since I would perform often, I remember being in awe of the brilliant lighting fixtures in the different play houses or opera houses. I always said as a child, that wanted a magnificent chandelier in my home when I became an adult. Maybe one day I will have a big formal dining room with my brilliant light fixture.

3. A fainting couch

Forever, and as long as I can remember - I thought a fainting couch was just too feminine. I love the style, the curves, everything it stands for. Every time I see one, I light up and think - OOOh.. how I would love to own one.

4.Tree covered in fairy lights.

Okay, okay.. so they aren't fairy lights, but that's what I call the twinkle lights. My eyes are dazzled near the holidays when I see these. I love to head down little streets where all of the trees are wrapped in lights. It's like a magical fairy land! I want to suddenly spin around with my arms above singing Christmas carols.

Anytime I see the sea, I am mesmerized. The sound, the smell, the endless view ~ the water twinkling with swirls of aqua... I am always silenced when in the presence of a beautiful sea.

A String of pearls. So dainty, so delicate, so feminine... just beautiful. You can NEVER go wrong with pearls.

A beautiful wedding cake. Even if I frown on some things, I am always delighted when I see a beautiful wedding cake. It's just sooo.. well.. pretty.

Cotton Candy is one of the prettiest yummy treats a girl can get. It's soft, billowy, and .. well.. pretty. I always smile when I see cotton candy.

A perfect cupcake. Enough to have women driving all over town for the dainty delectable.

A simple white candle burning. It's what inspired this blog post.

A ballerina.

A perfect french manicure

Stemware - glassware. When I enter a store, I just stand in awe. I am not sure why, I love glass.

A Crystal Brooch. I admire brooches. I simply do not wear them enough.

Icicles..

Sparklers

This very view in Greece

Fluffy white kittens with bright blue eyes

Cherry blossom trees -with their delicate pink blossoms..

Wedding gowns. Maybe it is the princess mentality.. but I love love love bridal magazines. The dresses are just gorgeous.

This looks very similar to the very bed I am sleeping on. I LOVE white beds.

Finally - white roses. Soooooo pure, soooo elegant, soooo beautiful.

What about you? Name 3 - 5things you find beautiful.