Everything happens for a reason.
No, I don’t think so. I’ve never believed in this. I’m not against it–it just doesn’t hold much weight with me. Lately I’ve been hearing it quite a bit, and I nod and smile politely in response, but I don’t believe everything happens for a reason. Especially when things happen and I don’t understand the lesson I’m supposed to learn. If everything happens for a reason, then why don’t I get it? Why am I left completely confused by it all? These emotional punches in the gut knock the wind out of me. Time heals, but I don’t know that I’ll ever fully understand. And that’s a tough pill to swallow. My mind continues to search for answers, even when it knows there are none.
I guess I’m more of a “shit happens and then you die” kind of a girl.
But then sometimes things happen and I wonder if I’m wrong. You know, like when all your life you’ve dreamed of seeing dolphins in the wild, then suddenly the universe puts you in the middle of 500 of them. And you wonder why the universe has to mess with your head like that. Because you don’t trust the universe not to pull the rug out from under you again. Because your heart still hurts and the questions linger. But maybe, perhaps, the universe is trying to answer my questions. Or maybe it’s not. I don’t really know.
I suppose what I’m trying to say is that somewhere in my heart I wish that everything does, indeed, happen for a reason. Maybe, anyway.
Your move, universe. I’m waiting.
Here are this month’s photos:
Photo #1
Title: Audrey
I took photos of this little lady a few years ago. She was but an itty bitty baby then. ❤
Photo #2
Title: Best Assistant Ever
Chaelon is graduating from CSUS and going off to do wonderful things with her life. I will miss her tons.
Photo#3
Title: Eagle Falls
I booked a mentoring session with uber awesome photographer Brian Rueb a couple of weeks ago. His work is amazing and I want to be like him when I grow up.
Photo #4
Title: Lake Tahoe
We were on our way back when Brian pulled over because he saw these rock piles from the road. Randomly pulling over because of a photo op is one of my favorite activities.
Patty Nguyen Zurilgen 
I’ve gone through confusing times, too, and it’s hard to understand the “why” when it doesn’t make any sense! Your photos are all great–the one of Lake Tahoe is stunning!
I don’t like when things don’t make sense, Nancy! It drives me batty. At least I have my camera to distract me. 😀
A giant bear hug 😘❤️❤️
A giant one right back, Sonal. ❤
Be happy with your hobbies. Wonderful shots and I love them all.:):):)
You’re the best mom. ❤
Dear Patty-everything does happen for reason although sometimes we do not understand why?! The photo’s as usual are all stunning my friend. Hugs to YOU! xx
Why is my favorite question! It’s rather annoying, I know. Hugs, my dear friend. xoxo
LOL-xoxo hugs back! Have a great weekend!!! xoxoxo
Patty, continue to make us dream with your amazing pictures. The last photo is stunning, you’re an artist! 🙂 xx
Thank you, Linda. I think the last one is my favorite as well.
I think the Universe just pokes and prods. That is its function. Simple and without reason or purpose. What makes us human is our ability to make meaning from those occurrences. It is a choice. We are surrounded by beauty and opportunity and it is only by choice that we take notice of them and and add them to the many observations that provide us with meaning. When people say that things happen for a reason they are often trying to comfort you but I find it more comforting that the reason things happen is up to us to derive. So really it’s your move.
I love the lines and bold foreground in the Tahoe picture. And you really captured the little girl in a natural moment. Amazing.
My move? That’s scary. How about I just sit and stare for a bit until my eyes adjust? 🙂
Hugs to you, Patty. xo Wish I had the answers… All I know is to keep moving, chin up and breathe.
Gorgeous photos as always!
Yes, always chin up. Thanks, Nancy. I hope you’re doing well!
Hi Patty — so sorry to hear you’re gong through this rough time. I’m beginning to look at life more in terms of seasons. Sometimes seasons of good, sometimes seasons of not so good…but it gives me encouragement to know that the seasons change and pass… hugs to you! And I simply love that last image especially — pulling off the road when something catches your eye is the best — like finding a treasure!
I like your seasons idea, Neely. I’m ready to move onto the next one! But really only figuratively because literally we’re moving into summer, which is way too hot up here in Sacramento for me. 😉
Sorry you are going through some rough times, I often think I live in a state of confusion. Things do have a way of working themselves out. You are uber talented, beautiful and probably one of the nicest people I know. You have so much going for you, you can’t help but end up on top of whatever you do.
Oh I forgot, as always your photo’s are nothing short of amazing.
❤ ❤ ❤
You’re too sweet, Suzanne. Thank you for the kind words. Also, we’re looking to visit NY again in September. I will keep you posted once we nail down a date! xoxo
So sorry you are going through some unsettled times Patty. I wish there were reasons for everything that happens, but one cannot help but wonder why?? Here’s wishing you see the light. Your photos are just stunning! Love how you’ve captured each and every one of them. Chin up!
Yes, wondering why makes my head tired. Propping my chin up on a camera helps. 😛
Darling Patty, such beautiful photos 😀😀
You will be okay, it will get easier, my love, but don’t wait for the universe to tell you…take control and make things happen and let the universe catch up with you xxx
I like that idea, Elaine. Making things happen makes a lot more sense to me! 😀
Do it! Grab life by the horns and make it happen xxxx
When you grow up… Patty your work is already amazing! Beautiful photos!
Such beautiful words this month. I’m also more of a shit happens then you die type of girl… well because do we really need to go through an eternity of struggle? However your month is also making me rethink that maybe I should be open to see what the universe has in store. Sending you bug hugs my friend! xx
Growing up is hard work. All the emotional baggage is a beast! At least we’ll always have photos and food to get us through, right? xoxoxo
Yes! And each other ☺️
Always!! ❤❤❤
Patty, I do believe things happen for a reason. Sometimes we are way on the other side of whatever we were questioning, but at some point you are going to look back and say, “It wasn’t easy, but now I get it.” And, you will realize that you have become a stronger person because of the trial. Let go of the negative influences around you and keep on being the dedicated and talented person you are, one who inspires and leads.
Pat, thank you for your heartfelt words. They mean a lot. I am working on letting go and I know I’m a stronger person because of this. Onward and upward!
Your words are amazing Patty. No matter what you may have come across, things happen–life happen. Whether they may make sense now or later it’s a purpose in our life that shows our growth as well and experiences. Lovely photos! I hope to get as good just for my own hobby. ☺
Yes, growth is always a good thing. No pain no gain, right? Sandy, you’re already awesome! 💕
Stay positive Patty and believe all things happen for a reason. You inspire so many of us with your photos and I keep waiting to see the recipes like you use to post. You’re a creative and good cook too 🙂
Thank you, Judi. I will have to post a recipe for you soon. Once summer arrives I’ll have loads more time! Yay!
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Heyy Patty! Visited your space after a long time. Missed you and your posts. Heyy, be strong and keep going. The almighty will give you the best of everything because you deserve it. 😘😘
Btw lovely shots, I am a fan. 😍😍
Thank you, Sadia! I hope you are doing well. I’ll have to hop on over to your page soon! xoxo
Beautiful photo of Lake Tahoe. I’m so happy that I stumbled upon your blog today. I love the honesty in your post. I look forward to reading more.
Really liked this series for it’s diversity 🙂
First and last images are just incredible 🙂
“Everything happens for a reason.” ???
Now a days, I would like to believe in it, because that gives us some kind of hope, when things are not going well around us 🙂