• natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  poems,  poetry,  seasons,  winter scenes

    It Is Enough

    A couple inches of wet snow fell during the night, the best kind.
    Took this on my way home from the coffee shop at Pineridge Natural Area.

    Half of me is filled with bursting words
    and half of me is painfully shy.
    I crave solitude yet also crave people.
    I want to pour life and love into everything
    yet also nurture my self-care and go gently.
    I want to live within the rush of primal, intuitive decision,
    yet also wish to sit and contemplate.

    This is the messiness of life – that we all carry multitudes,
    so must sit with the shifts.
    We are complicated creatures, and ultimately,
    the balance comes from this understanding.

    Be water.
    Flowing, flexible and soft.
    Subtly powerful and open.
    Wild and serene.
    Able to accept all changes,
    yet still led by the pull of steady tides.

    It is enough.

    Victoria Erickson

    I also experience the messiness of life she talks about in the above quote, those constant changes, challenges and especially the surprises. At this time of my life these changes and challenges are becoming more acceptable and in many ways I’m eager to face them with all the gifts and talents I’ve attained in life so far. Some of these challenges have become adventures. Not sure I would have said that 20 years ago but I do now. Hope you enjoy this quote by Victoria Erickson. I especially like this line, “I want to live within the rush of primal, intuitive decision, yet also wish to sit and contemplate.” Hope you have a great weekend!

  • Avian,  Canada Goose,  landscape,  poems,  poetry,  snow,  writing/reading

    Winter is not done…

    Reminded this morning
    that winter is not done
    as big fluffy wet snowflakes
    descend on our world.

    Nature’s paintbrush dripping
    with pure white snowflakes
    drapes its blanket across
    the backs of the Geese.

    ms

    Had my follow up appointment with the cardiologist, Amy Dickinson, this morning and all is going well one week after the surgery. She said my heart sounds good and I’m progressing as expected. Will have an Echocardiogram on April 10th for a look-see inside then a one month follow up with the surgeon, Dr. Lazkani, on April 13th. I will begin a cardiac rehab in a week or two. She suggested I continue to increase my activity as tolerated. Also, have another blood draw on April 3rd then a meeting with the hematologist on April 6th and discuss how things are going in that area of my life. Thankfully, everything from the bone marrow biopsy came back negative. My world is much brighter today than 12 weeks ago. This mornings snow has continued throughout the day with no accumulation, but loving the moisture content it brings. Hoping you had a good day!

  • poems,  poetry,  prayer,  quotes

    This Precious Planet

    Nature’s art of fallen leaves – 2021

    May I become at all times, both now and forever,
    A protector for those without protection
    A guide for those who have lost their way
    A ship for those with oceans to cross
    A bridge for those with rivers to cross
    A sanctuary for those in danger
    A lamp for those without light
    A place of refuge for those who lack shelter
    And a servant to all in need.

    For as long as space endures,
    And for as long as living beings remain,
    Until then may I, too, abide
    To dispel the misery of the world.

    Heart to Heart: A Conversation on Love and Hope for Our Precious Planet by Dalai Lama

    It is cloudy and cold as I watch tiny snowflakes, that look more like sleet than snow, drift in the wind outside my window. While the juniper shrub outside my window gently sways with the same wind. Everything about this morning has that cold wintery look and feel to it. I find myself grateful for what I have knowing there are many who do not. It begs the question, “What can I do to dispel the misery of the world?” And, it is International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate the women in our world, embracing what they offer us and dispel the misery some of them endure. Not much on my schedule today except lunch with my oldest daughter, Christine. Stay warm!

  • clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  poems,  poetry,  quotes,  sunrises

    Intense Sky

    Predawn sky over Dixon Reservoir this morning

    May all I say and all I think
    be in harmony with thee,
    God within me,
    God beyond me,
    maker of the trees.

    Chinook prayer, Pacific Northwest Coast

    Almost 9:45 am. It has been a busy morning already. Made a drive to Pineridge Natural Area to greet the morning sunrise. The predawn sky was an intense red, not sure my sensor would pickup the true color. Shortly after shooting this image the clouds did take on a beautiful shade of pink and orange colors. Interestingly I preferred this image. Later, people at the coffee shop were talking about the morning’s intense sunrise. Reminded me the gift of sunrises are not just for my pleasure but for all of creation.

    Will meet with friends at noon and then later in the evening with other friends but it will not be to watch the game. My interest in such events has passed on to other interests. Tomorrow morning will be my procedure (Left Heart Cath) then will meet with surgeons on Wednesday.

    A smile comes across my face as I imagine what a peaceful world it would be if everyone prayed the simple prayer above as a way to start each day. And each day we changed the word trees to something different, naming anything of creation. Anyway, may you have a wonderful day and may all we say and all we think be in harmony.

  • poems,  poetry,  shadows

    Looking For Me

    I have been sitting here resting
    after my morning stroll, and the sun
    in its soft yellow work gloves
    has come in through the window
    and is feeling around on the opposite wall
    looking for me, having seen me
    cheerfully walking along the road
    just as it rose, having followed me home
    to see what I have to be happy about.

    Ted Kooser, Winter Morning Walks

    Another bitter cold morning at -8 degrees. However, the forecast is promising. I’m liking Kooser’s poetry in this new book called Winter Morning Walks recommended by Joe. Stay warm!