My online journal sharing interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
I believe poetry is very old.
Mary Oliver
It’s very sacred.
It wishes for a community.
It’s a community ritual, certainly.
And that’s why, when you write a poem,
you write it for anybody and everybody…
It’s a gift to yourself,
but it’s a gift to anybody who has a hunger for it.
“You are a light. You are the light. Never let anyone—any person or any force—dampen, dim or diminish your light. Study the path of others to make your way easier and more abundant. Lean toward the whispers of your own heart, discover the universal truth, and follow its dictates. […] Release the need to hate, to harbor division, and the enticement of revenge. Release all bitterness. Hold only love, only peace in your heart, knowing that the battle of good to overcome evil is already won. Choose confrontation wisely, but when it is your time don’t be afraid to stand up, speak up, and speak out against injustice. And if you follow your truth down the road to peace and the affirmation of love, if you shine like a beacon for all to see, then the poetry of all the great dreamers and philosophers is yours to manifest in a nation, a world community, and a Beloved Community that is finally at peace with itself.”
John Lewis
“It’s not possible to save the world by trying to save it. You need to find what is genuinely yours to offer the world before you can make it a better place. Discovering your unique gift to bring to your community is your greatest opportunity and challenge. The offering of that gift — your true self — is the most you can do to love and serve the world. And it is all the world needs.”
Thomas Berry
There seems to be a correlation between the increase in my age and a decrease in sunrise images and increase of sunsets images. Now at Momo Lolos coffeehouse and listening to a pianist and flutist duet. Love the change from the piped music we find most of the time.
Family and community are an essential part of my life as well as my solitude. There are some who avoid solitude, finding it uncomfortable. And, there are some who avoid communities, finding it uncomfortable. I need both. Community and fellowship helps me to appreciate the solitude and quiet. While the solitude and quiet help me appreciate community.
Solitude is important in my life. Community is important in my life. Time alone nurtures my inner spirit, clears out the cobwebs, and heals. Yet, spending time with others also nurtures my spirit, helps me see life through others eyes and community also heals. Spending time alone shooting photographs helps me become a better photographer. Shooting with and sharing experiences with fellow photographers helps me become a better photographer. Why shouldn’t I embrace both solitude and community.
Not everyone drinks coffee or tea at coffee shops. These shops, both small mom-and-pop and corporate, have become gathering places for conversation, study groups, romantic meetings and business deals. It’s a place for perking up in the morning and relaxing in the afternoon. People will go out to eat then stop for a coffee and conversation before going home. If you find a favorite one you will find yourself building a community of fellow coffee drinkers. I have a accumulated a family of friends from visits to these shops. Some of those will be life long friendships. Yep, coffee shops are a gathering place.
For these children it’s also a time to play. I like the comparison of the mother in the background talking with her hands while the children are playing a game with their hands.