My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
Back in February I shot some phots for my friend Beth as she needed them for her upcoming book of poetry titled catchments and for the website of the publishing company. This past week she sent me a copy of her book. It is a beautifully laid out book and I love her poems. It is true that writers to put something of themselves in their words. Congratulations, my friend!
Awoke early. Couldn’t go back to sleep. Spent a bit more time reading and writing while enjoying toast and coffee. Took a walk this afternoon to Fisher Nature Area, even put in some extra steps. Needed to burn off the jelly I put on the toast.
I heard the jets coming as I stepped outside to take the camera for a walk when. They were on top of me so quickly. I didn’t even look, just raised the camera and fired away.
I had heard earlier this morning that the US Air Force Thunderbirds were planning a flyover across communities in Colorado to honor “healthcare workers, first responders, military members and other essential personnel who are working on the front lines to combat the coronavirus.” The flight path was to take them over more than 40 medical facilities.
I find it a contradiction that military aircraft, designed to kill thousands of people, would plan a flyover in tribute to healthcare workers, first responders whose purpose is to keep people alive and include military members. I’m confused!
This is some of the books I’ve read or going to read for this retreat starting on Saturday. There are going to be 17 books used in these five weeks where we will cover a chapter or two of the book and no written essays. There will be a lot of practicum in this retreat, actual participation, rather than just gathering more knowledge and information.
Today is my 69th birthday. The coffee shop, Mugs, gave me a free mocha and a chocolate éclair, which made my morning. I also receive the sweetest phone message from Julie and Tom as they sang happy birthday. Brought me to tears and not because their singing was bad. 🙂
It is sometimes difficult for those who move into the later years of life, the aging years, for the need to let go of certain things. These can be such things as driving, some physical abilities like dancing the twist, carousing late into the night, or whatever you can come up with. I’ve heard it said the opposite of letting go is hanging on. What do we hang on to and why? Hanging on can have a sense of scarcity and fear of loss. This then asks the question what do we want to hang on to and what do we want to let go of. However, Parker J. Palmer rephrases this question and asks, “What do I want to let go of and what do I want to give myself to?” I like the sound of that. Something for me to ponder.
It’s Sunday morning. Cold! Present temperature is -5 degrees. Our second day of sub-zero temperatures. The high yesterday was only 6 degrees. As I parked the car at the curb in front of the Bean Cycle I questioned my sanity. Oh, well the mocha and Leslie’s and Carly’s smiles are worth it.
The Bean Cycle shares their space with Wolverine Press, a used book store and a local publishing company. I’ve shared images from the bookshelves at Wolverine Press before. I come down here to relax with a cup of coffee or a mocha, maybe write or use the internet and wander through the used books. I enjoy sitting in the loft and look down on the regulars, even in this cold. By patronizing a favorite coffeehouse I establish a connection with the baristas and other patrons. They become an extended family. Therefore my insanity. 🙂
“Reading is like breathing in , writing is like breathing out . ” Pam Allyn
Spent an enjoyable weekend with my parents. The drive is only about an hour and a half but most of that is through the center of Phoenix. I went over Saturday at noon and drove back Monday afternoon. Driving in a big city is not my cup of tea. And, it’s becoming quite obvious to me that our parents do gain an amazing amount of wisdom the older we get. 🙂