~ early spring rainfall creeks and waterfalls flowing nature’s healing mode ~ ~ We had some much needed rain in early March. It brought a little relief to our parched creeks, lakes, and fields. We’ve had a much drier and warmer winter and early spring. I’ve never seen the grass and yards brown in early…
~ Reading this book was both hard and insightful. Zephyr Teachout’s premise is corporations have become too big and powerful, thereby dominating both our economic and political systems. Teachout argues that the consolidation of power in large corporations (monopolies) across sectors like agriculture, technology, and finance is a primary threat to American democracy, leading to…
nature / photography / poetry
“Where flowers bloom so does hope.” ~ Lady Bird Johnson ~ Spring has been bursting forth the last few weeks with spring rains, daffodils, red buds, and a profusion of buds and green everywhere. Here are a few photos from around town with nature’s gift of renewal, reminding us that we can begin again. ~…
From my perspective, our democracy is in deep decline. It has been for many years, and accelerating under the Trump administration. There has been an expansion of the executive power, abuse of presidential power, ignoring of the laws and procedures, extreme partisanship of agencies and government positions, and gerrymandering. Additionally, Trump and the media are…
~ I wish that I had a clear plan and purpose like so many other people. Instead, I allow life circumstances and my emotions to toss me around like a ship on stormy waters. This has been exaggerated by the chaotic nature of this political administration who seem intent on retribution, undermining democracy, personal gain,…
This post resonates with me deeply. It explains much of what I’m feeling. I also believe the chaos of our political and economic systems have pushed many of us into overwhelm and paralysis. Thankfully, there are steps we can take to acknowledge the feelings, ground in our bodies, find connections, and move to purposeful action.
~ This has been a hard post to write. I find myself less motivated to write and blog lately. After taking a break and enjoying it, I realized once again that I’ve lost my passion for blogging. My blog and some others I follow seem stale and repetitive. After blogging for 14 plus years, I…
This may be my last post for the year. I’m heading back east to spend Christmas with my brother and his kids. It will be nice to hang out for the holidays, other than the hectic pace and material focus. Although we have different lives and values, we’ve gotten better at accepting each other as…
~ Christmas time of year gifts of heart, home, family the season of love ~ This week Ann-Christine invited us to share our holiday fun for the Lens Artists Challenge. She’s hoping to see happy memories from our holidays, at home or traveling. They can be from Christmas or any holiday we celebrate and enjoy.…
“I love to see the sunshine on the wings of the dragonflies… there is magic in it.” ~ Ama H.Vanniarachchy ~ dragonfly hovers pausing to charge in sunlight messenger of love ~ This week Beth invited us to share photos of anything with wings. She offered a beautiful collection of birds, bees, butterflies, angels, and…
~ Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, mainly for the opportunity to be with family and friends sharing food. It’s also a seasonal reminder for me to be more mindful of gratitude. I feel good when I practice gratitude, occasionally shifting to a more expansive feeling and perspective on my life. Gratitude has been…
~ autumn fading fast pockets of beauty and grace relish the moments ~ ~ We have had a very warm and late Autumn. It was in the upper 70s yesterday, and we’ve only had one week of cool weather. The colors were relatively muted and late this year. The surrounding forests and mountains were mostly…
“A landscape is a condition of the spirit.” ~ Henry Frederic Amiel ~ these simple vistas mountains, skies, trees, and water etched in my heart ~ Thus week Egidio invited us to look back at landscapes. I haven’t been involved with the Lens Artists long enough to look back, but I do have landscapes and…
“We are given this moment. To hold gently. To fill with meaning. and then let go.” – Author Unknown, via Goodreads ~ nature’s changing view seasons, blooms, rains, storms, and dew temporary joys ~ This week Tina invited us to explore the ephemeral nature of life in the Lens Artists Challenge. Beauty, birth, death, storms,…
“See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream.” ~ Ray Bradbury ~ see details little things appreciate the world around nature’s marvels, beauty mysteries to unfold engage curiosity connections reveal symmetry symbiotic wonders all around nature’s blessings unfold with loving grace ~ This week Ritva invited us to notice small details in the world…
writing to freedom 