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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Keeping Peace Alive
With our our country’s political strife, the pandemic and world violence it is vital for us to keep our inner peace and sanity. So, I wanted to share a question with you that I came across yesterday. I am going to use it as a seed in my meditations and to journal about over the next few days. How are you keeping peace alive in your heart and mind?
Here are some of my ways: quiet time, prayer and meditation, time with nature, journaling, reading, photography, poetry, early mornings at coffee shops, healthy conversations with friends, daily walks and more… which is pretty much what I do every day. I must admit I’m concerned what impact our worlds insanity has on everyone especially those immediately impacted. It’s demonstrated to me how far reaching our actions have on others. Therefore, whatever simple actions I can do to keep peace within my heart and mind matters. And, I have no idea how my actions or words or prayers can reach out into the universe and positively affect others. Maybe just taking a “one-breath” meditation throughout the day will clear the mind, keeping peace alive in our hearts and minds and the world.
We may get above 32 degrees today for the first time in 4 days. As my sister would say, I’m esscited!!!!
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A paragraph at a time…
“The acceptance of oneself is the essence of the whole moral problem and the epitome of a whole outlook on life. That I feed the hungry, that I forgive an insult, that I love my enemy in the name of Christ — all these are undoubtedly great virtues. What I do unto the least of my brethren, that I do unto Christ. But what if I should discover that the least among them all, the poorest of all the beggars, the most impudent of all the offenders, the very enemy himself — that these are within me, and that I myself stand in need of the alms of my own kindness — that I myself am the enemy who must be loved — what then? As a rule, the Christian’s attitude is then reversed; there is no longer any question of love or long-suffering; we say to the brother within us “Raca,” and condemn and rage against ourselves. We hide it from the world; we refuse to admit ever having met this least among the lowly in ourselves.”
C.G. JungPhilosophy has had my interest for the past 25 years but reading some of it can be daunting for me. Yet I have this desire to know myself at a deep level, to gain some enlightenment of the struggles all humans face and more. I have read small bits and pieces of Carl Gustav Jung and know he has impacted many authors I read. I am currently reading my first of his books, The Undiscovered Self. With my thinker this may be a paragraph at a time. Wish me luck.😂
It was three years ago today that I had my open heart surgery where they replaced my aortic valve. Emotional. Grateful.
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Hazy Morning
No clouds this morning but plenty of haze from the smog and smoke drifting from the west coast. Unable to smell them but sure can see their effects. Interesting how the camera sensor does not record the red/orange sun in the sky the same as the reflection in Dixon Reservoir. Hope you had a good weekend and a great week ahead.
Started reading the book Nomadland by Jessica Bruder and finding it interesting. At times it’s sad, at times disturbing, at other times informative and other times funny.
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A Simple Post
listen to the muse
ms
trade a blank page for words
always time well spentCold and light snow falling. Laundry is almost done. Will meet Joe in a few minutes for coffee. Plan to read and journal later. It’s a simple day, a simple post. And, you’ve not seen a post of my journal and fountain pens since March 28th. Way overdue! 😁
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Something New
an open journal
mws
blank pages fill with words
new fountain penCloudy and overcast skies with possible snow flurries later today. May be one of those days for a hot chocolate or tea and a good book. Or, writing with a new fountain pen.
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Was I insane?
I felt the cold of the 18 degree December this morning as soon as I stepped out the door at 6:50 am. I questioned why I would leave my warm condo into this frigid temperature and walk to the bus stop, hoping the bus would be on time. Was I insane? No is my answer, because I knew that in a short while I would be walking into a favorite coffee shop and be greeted with a warm and inviting smile from one of the baristas. I knew I would be told “Good morning Monte. Do you want your usual?” Once I ordered and paid, I would then find a comfy place to journal, read or both and enjoy a warm mocha latte. However, on this particular morning, and because of the cold, I decided I wanted one these chocolate eclairs to go along with my mocha. No, I’m really not insane but living a simple life with things I enjoy. Yes, life is good. Stay warm wherever you are!
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A Few Books
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. 🙂
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Feeding the Soul
“Writing and reading decrease our sense of isolation. They deepen and widen and expand our sense of life: they feed the soul.”
Anne Lamott -
Study Time in the Kindness Lounge
This is a common scene on campus. I probably could come home with a dozen such images each day I wander on campus. However, something interesting about this image is the lack of earbuds by this young lady. She is one of the few with them.
I took this image in the Diane Warren Kindness Lounge at the Lory Student Center. The lounge is a study area with a great view, fireplace and an interesting sculpture located outside the windows. It is usually quiet so it is perfect to finish your last minute readings.









