Hope, like the gleaming taper’s light,
Adorns and cheers our way;
And still, as darker grows the night,
Emits a brighter ray.
Oliver Goldsmith, The Captivity, Act II
This candlestick was in my mother’s bedroom when she was a young girl. She told of forgetting to blow it out at bedtime, once, and nearly burning the house down. Scorch is still visible on it, in places.
We must always be cautious about hope, not to let it burn too long without checking on it. Let’s always remember the purpose of hope is to lead us to something better. Let’s never merely hope for hope’s sake.
It’s all about follow-through. Yes, hope lights the darkness, but those who sleep don’t need it.
Home's Cool! 
What a great post. Excellent story. Thanks!
Welcome to Home’s Cool, Karina, and I am so glad you enjoyed this!
What an heirloom! It sounds like your mother passed on to you a lot more than a candlestick! Thanks for sharing this image of Hope.
So true, but I cherish this piece and its twin, two candlesticks that show how God protected her and gave her to me for a mom. Also taught me to remember to blow out candles!
Oh my goodness! How scary … burning the house down. I love the picture though! The circumstance — not so much! I thought you said you could see scotch on it!
Yes, you are right as usual … must always work on Hope. Have had my slump in the last few days … feeling more hopeful — reaching out, embracing others. So many of us need extra hugs … even when we’re not asking for them. I’m offerin!!!! 😉 xoxoxox m
😀 SCOR-RCH. Ha! It used to terrify me to think of it when she told me this story when I was little, but her purpose was to scare me into being careful with fire and not leaving candles unattended. It worked. A little terror is appropriate, I think. And I always love extra hugs! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by! ❤
Oh, and btw, i’ve started on your landscape pic. I have a good start. The paper is not good. I don’t like the way the paint absorbs into the paper. It sits on top, and it looks rather blah. I’ll keep layering the paint if i can. Sometimes the paper will not take that much wetness though.
Painting isn’t all about slappin’ it around, ya know. There’s a little logic involved. YES, i can be logical xoxo m
Wow. I am so eager to see the painting when it is done! Believe it or not, I actually know about painting with watercolors. Had a great art teacher in high school and she taught us how to soak and stretch the paper with boxing tape on a board, and how to use water on the paper to dilute the edges for softening, etc. I just never learned how to make it LOOK like anything. Heh. 🙂
Beautiful interpretation of the challenge. A wonderful memory,too.
Very nice,
Isadora
http://insidethemindofisadora.wordpress.com/2012/01/28/weekly-photo-challenge-hope/
Hello, Isadora! Welcome to Home’s Cool and thank you for this kind comment! Yours are beautiful, too! 😉
Kathy,
I have nominated you for the 7X7 Link Award
see: http://steponacrack.wordpress.com/2012/01/28/7×7-link-award-thank-you-eric-alagan/
for details!
XO Jen
Wow, Jen, you have been so kind to me so many times! I thank you for this honor and hope I can live up to your high opinion of me. 😉 Blessings on you, Dear.
Thank you for those thoughtful words.
~Anne
Thanks for stopping by, Anne, and welcome to Home’s Cool! Glad you enjoyed this and hope you come again sometime! 🙂
” Let’s always remember the purpose of hope is to lead us to something better. Let’s never merely hope for hope’s sake.
It’s all about follow-through. Yes, hope lights the darkness, but those who sleep don’t need it.”
Oh Katharine…what an eloquent and important distinction. You are so right about that. We must always be cognizant that we are to be on our road home to Him. It is indeed all about follow- through.
Wonderful post. <3–Kate
Thanks so much, Kate! How often we sing, “I have decided to follow Jesus . . . ” and then we never, actually, DO follow Him. Not enough. 😐