• 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,  Food,  haiku,  writing/reading

    Chocolate Eclair

    March 28, 2022
    Last bite of a chocolate eclair

    morning coffee time
    fountain pen and blank pages
    chocolate eclair

    ms

    Emma is one of my favorite baristas, not just because she makes a good mocha latte but because she entices me with the biggest chocolate eclair from the bunch. And no way you can take a bite without the filling oozing out.

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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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  • 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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  • haiku,  Plants,  trees,  writing/reading

    Offer of Peace

    March 16, 2022

    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!

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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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