Quietly seeking to meet Trust wherever Life leads, I understand service as key to gratitude and balance. Freshwater woodlands evoke the most serenity in me wherever they're found. I've shared space & time on terrain of my Ligurian and Oscan ancestors, feeling their souls guiding me, especially in silent contemplation. Today, after over thirty years of engagement in programs for children, secondary, university and adult learning, the gifts life brings on Long Island's Matinecock-Algonquin earth, I try to give & receive with grace.
Today’s low pressure system circles the Island spilling storm waters in torrents through neighborhood streets.
I watch the mourning dove from my window below. She sits unsteady with stoicism in the fork of a branch on her haphazard nest of twigs and twine, weak and waiting.
Conversation tonight with a friend who lifted me through darkness, then, reveals her confusion, her expectation of death nearing each day.
I can only listen, with gratitude for then–present at every breath…and I must in silence let my heart only answer.
This spring’s pallid purple clematis climbs and stretches bold with size and largess, to confront the impossible
despite the awareness that surrounds, even the flowers know enough is enough…
Many years ago when I was just a child, my godmother and aunt, treated me to a Broadway show – Mary Martin in the Sound of Music. I’ll never forget the Playlist, songs, inspiration, and captive imagination that sparkled my awe, just waiting to explore and absorb the evolution of that story.
I can’t sing well, but doing so evokes very deep feelings of joy as well as sadness. Discussing spirituality, our roles in life, our directions, witnessing Love, art, music, compassion, relating to all that surrounds, gives me a sense of joy and belonging that many, today, just seem too busy to “pay attention” and absorb in their daily lives.
Today, I was honored to be in the company of three incredibly exemplary women, engaged in discussions about Life, Creation, and our roles in bridging an old world, and the new one emerging.
On the drive home and after hours of discussion, I neared home and turned onto the familiar street, catching sight of an incredible sky — that yes, spoke through its unusual pattern of clouds that seemed as Hills in the Sky. I had to stop the car at the side of the road to take a camera shot before these wisps dissipated into their azure past.
Then, for the first time ever in this place, after arriving home, I caught sight of a pair of Rose Breasted Evening Grosbeaks in our backyard. The bright red coloring of the male against his stark white and black body lured my unsuspecting attention. Later, I saw what seemed to be a brown finch, however, after some research, it probably was a female brown Evening Grosbeak. Again, something I have never witnessed in my over 20 years on this Island. The Message? – Pay attention to details and the messages they seek to convey and transmit to your heart & soul. Find the connections all around us.
Learn to be silent and recognize yourself as a humble part of Nature & you may be given gifts. Today through an unseasonable spring, and after a dry but safe winter, struggling white blossoms strain their petals to appear on cherry and Goji bushes. Though not as many as in years past.
Alone? Mastermind? Or are we an integral part of this intricately woven Pattern of Life?
Feel the gift and strength of being part, however small yet essential, of such a glorious Plan and relinquish the fantasy of control to mutual respect, care, stewardship, awe & admiration for all creation connected to you.
The past two days of this 2023 Triduum has been shrouded in late afternoon cloud cover that stares back at Earth and almost speaks.
When we eliminate the noise of the usual routines and choose to observe, think, ponder and pray in silence with nothing but the sounds of Nature, messages emerge from all that surrounds us. And there is nothing blocking that communicative process – no distractions, no divided attention, no interference.
This late afternoon Good Friday sky hides a far-away sun with darkening clouds, barely visible as night nears.
While today’s Holy Saturday sun radiates brighter and more hopeful, still with dark streaks menacing the cloud cover as sunset approaches. Both photos were taken about two hours before actual sunset. Both speak of these days of uncertainty and encourage us to believe in something more than what we can see — but what we feel in our hearts & souls.
It has often been printed that purple exists rarely in nature. Yet, on this 4th of April 2023 in bright sunshine promising an easing into spring, I find three examples in a tiny, suburban backyard.
This hue is associated with royalty, spirituality, and wisdom, at the intersection of blue and red, in a variety of degrees. Finding the balance in the shades of red and blue shows just how emotional life can be. In today’s blossoms alone, each flower face reminds me of a childhood in your presence, in your care and growth. So today’s wishes include a celebration of life, yours and that same gift you also gave me.
A warm Saturday yesterday filled with showers and threatening winds coasted in Sunday’s 43 degree cold gusts and dazzling sunshine. The low temperatures will register in the high 20s, chilling the blooms that smile and struggle to absorb the sun’s warm guarantees.
Despite cracking bones and arthritic knees unhappy in such temperatures, I survey the garden emerging from its winter lethargy with chores to be done. And in this biting, unrelenting winter mirage of spring, a double curly daffodil whispers its greetings.
This afternoon was a marvelous spring day with a few soft clouds in the sky. A slight breeze whispered by every now and then, but my warm, lined jacket proved just enough to resist any chill. Possibly, this time, Nature was kind or my extreme caution outsmarted Her limits of today’s walk in sunshine.
As I walked the neighborhood to complete almost 2 miles, I arrived at a usual corner and spotted the pre-flowering firethorn bush with something inside. Noticing the napkin-wrapped soda can jammed between branches, I imagined the cavalier culprit whose disregard showed a level of mindless action. Across the street, of course, is a park with a few metal bins to dispose of trash. But then, one would have to walk across the street! These moves take place every day by those lost and impulsive who have yet to see and understand.
And I was reminded by a friend, that many of the community parks have their trash bins removed which further complicates the issue – there are enough excuses and blame to easily cover government and its citizenry!
