• haiku,  Plants,  trees,  writing/reading

    Offer of Peace

    white down feather
    clings to the branch
    an offer of peace

    ms

    While sitting outside a couple days ago to journal, I notice this down goose feather clinging to a branch. Three days later it still clings tightly to the branch even as the wind blew. I wondered why it seemed to still be attached and what the feather could symbolize. As I watched it flutter in the wind I felt there was something I could write about this scene in a post. So, I took this image. Then later after a quick search I found that finding a feather can symbolize angels are watching over you or finding a white feather can be a symbol of peace. So, I pray today for white feathers of peace to descend over all of the world. The world needs it!

  • Plants,  poems,  poetry,  seasons,  snow,  winter scenes

    …something stronger

    My dear,
    In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love.
    In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile.
    In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm.
    I realized, through it all, that…
    In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.
    And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.

    Albert Camus

    I was making a trash-run then going to check my mail when I saw these tracks on the edge of the frozen pond. After tossing the trash and checking the mail I spent about 15 minutes outside taking a few photos so my hands were cold when I got inside.

    I do not know if I’ve ever read this complete poem by Albert Camus until today. I’m familiar with only a portion of it; “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.” But this whole poem had much to say to me about the chaos in our world today and the ability to push back. I totally agree with him that there is something stronger within all of us. He only lists three, love, smile and calm, to overcome hate, tears and chaos, but there are many more. We can begin with the Prayer of St. Francis. What’s interesting to me is he adds the adjective invincible to each of them. Webster’s defines invincible as: incapable of being conquered, overcome, or subdued. Yes, I believe in that “something stronger– something better” within all of us, is pushing right back.

  • fountain pens,  journal,  lifestyles,  shadows,  writing/reading

    Time with my friends…

    “Solace is what we must look for when the mind cannot bear the pain, the loss or the suffering that eventually touches every life and every endeavour; when longing does not come to fruition in a form we can recognize, when people we know and love disappear, when hope must take a different form than the one we have shaped for it.”

    David Whyte

    With the state of the world I’ve been spending more time with a couple of familiar friends; my journal and fountain pens. I’m entering into these blank pages to find solace from the pain I feel inside, the suffering of humanity and our natural world. I ask my two friends to help me embrace in a hope beyond what my finite mind is capable of perceiving. I pray that I have the willingness to be vulnerable and accept the risk of this unforeseen hope. So, I add to my gratitude list the time spent with my two friends today.

  • coffee life,  coffee shops,  Documentary/Street,  fountain pens,  journal,  lifestyles,  writing/reading

    Sigh!

    It was 3 degrees this morning when I left the condo. And, we are expecting it to stay cold all day and into the night but no snow. I changed up my routine this morning and made it to the Little Bird Bakeshop for a mocha and one of their bostocks. I do have about six different coffee shops I regularly visit. Each one has its own ambiance. I’m sure most of my decision in selecting which one I visit is based on my subconscious. I’ve found it wise to listen to that voice. It had been a while since visiting the Little Bird because they open later, 8:00 am, and they serve pastries. I’m usually at the other coffee shops by 7:00 am. The Little Bird Bakeshop is primarily a bakery so there’s always the possibility one of their pastries calling my name as I walk in the door. If When that happens it equates to spending more money. Sigh! Along with more calorie intake. Sigh! To combat against more calorie intake I order smaller mochas in my attempt to justify the bostock. Sigh! Stay warm!