• Art/Design,  Photography,  still life

    Dreamcatcher

    “Cesar is not a philosophical man. His life has been one long flight from reflection. At least he is clever enough not to expose the poverty of his general ideas; he never permits the conversation to move toward philosophical principles. Men of his type so dread all deliberation that they glory in the practice of the instantaneous decision. They think they are saving themselves from irresolution; in reality they are sparing themselves the contemplation of all the consequences of their acts. Moreover, in this way they can rejoice in the illusion of never having made a mistake; for act follows so swiftly an act that it is impossible to reconstruct the past and say that an alternative decision would have been better. They can pretend that every act was forced on them under emergency and that every decision was mothered by necessity.”

    Thornton Wilder, The Ides of March

    We had rain and a dusting of snow overnight. The wind continues to blow, gusting at time up to 23 mph, and it is a cold 28 degrees. It is one of those days that staying inside is the wisest choice to make. So, I focused my camera on what is indoors, and found my dreamcatcher hanging on my bedroom wall. Hope you enjoy your Sunday. It is also Ides of March which is an ancient Roman calendar date marking the middle of the month and the first full moon, originally associated with festivals and the new year. Now you know!

  • Art,  lifestyles,  quotes,  shadows,  spirituality,  still life

    …everyday life

    In the end, the only thing that will matter will be how well we loved. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is to pay attention to the person we encounter, more so, to be attentive to the ones we love (and often take for granted). To be present in the moment, heart and soul, attentive to the sounds of life in the midst of anxiety, laughter, sorrow, and wonder…. The moral of the story is that grace is everywhere and love abounds, but it must be received and celebrated. This is the sacrament of everyday life.

    Ilia Delio, The Hours of the Universe

    Looks like snow and cold in the upper Great Lakes while rain in the southeast. Clear and sunny here but cold and windy. I do believe in her words that grace is everywhere and love abounds. However, far too many aren’t aware of it or don’t believe in it or don’t live life as if it is. I wonder could it be that each of us must fan that flame to live it. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, enjoying the sacrament of everyday life we each have, no matter the weather!

  • coffee life,  coffee shops,  fountain pens,  journal,  lifestyles,  musings,  poetry,  still life,  writing/reading

    … with you

    It was an overcast morning and cool. There was no need for a coat, my fleece would do fine. I slept well and felt refreshed. On most mornings I usually start my day by asking and relying on my intuition. Do I want to head to a natural area and all that it has to offer or do I head to a coffee shop and all it has to offer. This is a gift of retirement. After quiet time my intuition lead me to a local coffee shop. I was not disappointed as my barista, Devan, brightened my day with her latte art. Of course a photo needed to be taken followed by my feeble attempts to write about it.

    crafted with frothed milk
    a work of art now created
    no longer just a latte

    the sense of taste awakens
    as the visual sense is transformed
    when lips touch the cups rim

    now sharing this experience
    as a written memory in the journal
    … and with you

    ms

  • Art,  Art/Design,  lifestyles,  still life

    Gifts from Friends

    Favorite Mugs

    While making my latte this morning I grabbed one of my favorite cups and thought of my friend Beth. I smiled. Since then she has come to mind throughout the day. I remember our talks, the trip to NYC when her daughter sang at Carnegie Hall, the carriage ride through Central Park, seeing the Phantom of the Opera,  sharing a bottle of wine and the time we watched the fireworks from the top of her moms house. What a gift those experiences are to me. But what really has touched me today is her simple gift of the four coffee mugs. I’ve had them for 5-6 years now. I like them and use them almost everyday. When I’m in a mindful place while making my latte, I think of her and lift up prayers or positive thoughts for her. And, of course I smile!

    I am aware of how family and friends are gifts. They have been there for me and helped me when I needed them. They let me cry with them. They helped me get back on my feet when I was down. They encouraged and supported me. What a gift that is! Yet, today I am thankful for the material gifts they have given me? Those gifts make me smile.

    We are moving into the season of giving and receiving gifts. I know a giving a simple gift to family and friends, such as a card, a letter, a phone call or a mug, will help them in times when we are not able to be there with them. Family and friends can touch our lives even while we are separated by 100’s of miles. What simple gifts will we receive this Christmas season?  And, what gifts will we give? It can make someone smile!

    Thanks, Beth, for the mugs and thanks for all the gifts you have given me! 🙂