• journal,  journaling,  writing/reading

    A Creative Pursuit

    April 4, 2022

    I’ve discovered the power words have to tell a story from my experience of journaling, reading books and writing and reading blog posts. Words have the ability to touch something within the writer and the reader. I’m seeing words as lovely seeds within each of us that make these stories. And, these stories come to fruition only when they are nurtured to life through our actions of writing them and sharing them. This blog post would not exist unless I write it and post it. Whether it’s content is good or bad is irrelevant. So at this time in my life, I’m comfortable to sit before a blank page in my journal or sit before a blank monitor and ask for words to share. It’s all a creative pursuit. Have a great week!

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  • coffee life,  coffee shops,  consumer,  journal

    New mugs at Mugs

    March 26, 2022

    They have these new mugs at Mugs which they placed in the very middle of the entryway so I had to walk around them, slowly, each time I came in the door. Something about the color that caught my attention. Something about the shape that caught my attention. I was able to hold off the compulsion to buy one for about two weeks, then…

    Sadly, I really don’t enjoy it. Its’ shape does not fit in my car console, nor does the shape fit in my backpack sleeve. But, I must admit the shape is nice to hold in my hand. The lip is designed so that it dribbles and runs down the side of the cup and onto my shirt. So I need to be careful when drinking from it. However, my mocha latte tastes fine in it. My consumer mind causing me to think I needed one, but didn’t. The one I have works fine. Sigh! Have a great weekend!

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  • journal,  Mary Oliver,  quotes,  writing/reading

    Attention

    March 21, 2022

    Attention is the beginning of devotion.

    Mary Oliver

    I found this quote in one of Mary Oliver’s books called Upstream which is a book of essays. I’ve had the book for awhile and felt the need to start reading it. Her quote caused me to reflect on what has my attention and what am I devoted to. I’m pretty much devoted to photography since I have been searching for images for many years now. I am also devoted to my meditation practice. I am devoted to my daily quiet times, reading, and journaling because they have my attention. What draws your attention? What are you devoted to?

    Have a great Monday!

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  • journal,  quotes,  writing/reading

    Real Change

    March 20, 2022

    If any order is to be brought into the chaos of the modern world, if anything is to be salvaged from the wreckage and made the foundation of a better world in the future, this can only be done by those who have attained what Eckhart attained – loss of self and surrender to God in the Soul’s Ground. It is that, and that alone, which can produce real change, because in the last analysis the world can only be changed by changing the people who live in it. 

    Cyprian Smith, The Way of Paradox

    Well, Emma said I was 37 minutes late for coffee this morning. I’ll not do that again!!! All kidding aside, I did sleep in late and arrived later than usual. And, her mocha tasted just just fine. I meet some friends at noon today and then been invited to a spring equinox celebration of Storytelling/Song/Poetry. I’ve never been to anything like this. I know three of the poets today so I will go see what it’s like. 

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  • fountain pens,  journal,  quotes,  writing/reading

    In the Shadows

    March 18, 2022

    I journal because I believe there is a shadow side to me that I desire to acknowledge and understand. Thomas Merton says “The greatest need of our time is to clean out the enormous mass of mental and emotional rubbish that clutters our minds.” As I put down words on blank pages I’m given the grace to look upon these dark and negative sides of my nature as well as the bright and positive sides of my nature. So, I journal for the discovery of my true self, my authentic self, my higher self and discard anything that is not. I hope you are able to relate to what I’m trying to say?

    Have a wonderful Friday!

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

    Time with my friends…

    March 11, 2022

    “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.

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

    Sigh!

    March 10, 2022

    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!

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