• coffee life,  coffee shops,  fountain pens,  journal,  lifestyles,  musings,  poetry,  still life,  writing/reading

    … with you

    May 13, 2022

    It was an overcast morning and cool. There was no need for a coat, my fleece would do fine. I slept well and felt refreshed. On most mornings I usually start my day by asking and relying on my intuition. Do I want to head to a natural area and all that it has to offer or do I head to a coffee shop and all it has to offer. This is a gift of retirement. After quiet time my intuition lead me to a local coffee shop. I was not disappointed as my barista, Devan, brightened my day with her latte art. Of course a photo needed to be taken followed by my feeble attempts to write about it.

    crafted with frothed milk
    a work of art now created
    no longer just a latte

    the sense of taste awakens
    as the visual sense is transformed
    when lips touch the cups rim

    now sharing this experience
    as a written memory in the journal
    … and with you

    ms

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  • landscape,  Plants,  poems,  sunsets,  trees,  writing/reading

    Quieting of my spirit

    May 2, 2022
    Sunset from Red Fox Meadows

    looking out across the meadow 
    my mind restless and troubled
    seeking the quieting of my spirit.

    as the sun sets over the mountains 
    nature empties herself completely  
    finding the quieting of my spirit.

    ms

    This simple poem was inspired by one of Mary Oliver’s poems. She spent time in nature on an almost daily basis which is motivating me to do the same. At times I feel regret for those times I could have spent in nature. I wonder if time in nature inspires me to write or if my writing inspires me to spend more time in nature. Have a great day!!

    P.S. We have water falling from the sky. People are telling me it’s called rain. ☔

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  • 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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  • 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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  • landscape,  seasons,  snow,  trees,  winter scenes

    Keeping Peace Alive

    February 26, 2022
    More blue skies

    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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  • clouds,  haiku,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  sunrises,  writing/reading

    Ever Changing Light

    February 20, 2022

    While the city slept I made a trip to Pineridge Natural Area hoping for colors on the eastern sunrise. I was not disappointed.

    Quite often I see a lady walking her two dogs at this natural area. Not sure if she lives nearby or not but they are regulars. This morning both dogs wore these reflective dog harnesses or some sort of battery operated harnesses. The dogs always get a good workout with her as she does set them on a pretty good pace. Looks like her and the dogs stay fit.

    Just before sunrise a man arrived and stood next to me using his phone to take images while both of us oohed and awed the gift we were witnessing. We shared in small chit-chat then each headed for coffee after the sun had risen.

    This second image was taken 26 minutes after the first image at roughly the same point. Gives an idea of the ever changing light and how nature continuously creates something new. And, I want to believe it’s just for our enjoyment. We are expecting a warm day today before snow and cold return tomorrow.

    on the horizon
    the sun offers a new day
    ever changing light

    ms
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