Here’s a link to my review in the Sacramento Book Review of Marie Ponsot’s excellent volume of poetry, Easy.
A Bowl of Flowers
During the right seasons, my middle son often brings me flowers. Today is was a fistful of dandelions and a little lavender weed. He was delighted with his find, and his delight was contagious. I know it’s cliche, but I really do think we would all be better off if we could see the world through a child’s eyes now and again.
Great Quote
“Don’t ask what the world needs.
Ask what makes you come alive and go do it.
Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
-Howard Thurman
Fantastic Post on Writing
I read several blogs on writing, but this post by Patti Digh at 37days gets right to the heart of the matter. She’s blunt, but darn it’s nice to not dance around the heart of the matter.
And she’s right. Her advice applies to a lot more than writing.
Beautiful Moment
We were driving home the other day when I noticed these trees with the snow caps in the background.
Disclosure
Disclosure of Material Connections: Some of the links in my posts are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission, although I have yet to do so. In other instances, I receive free books from a book review publisher for whom I write book reviews. I am not required to write positive reviews. Furthermore, I only give my honest opinion of products and services mentioned in this blog. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Look Who Came to Visit Today!
We had a beautiful day here today.
Indeed, beauty was everywhere.
Apparently, it was also a good day for visitors.
This little fellow’s two friends were too cagey, but this little one let me take a picture.
And this lovely couple have been spending more and more time at the pond.
Couple of Updates
It’s odd how events come together at times. The last few days, I’ve been spending my precious blog-posting time, working on my blogs to move away from Google products.
While transitioning, however, I’ve been a bit cut off from my virtual world, especially my blog reader. The break has been surprisingly refreshing.
At the same time, I am Catholic, and today is Ash Wednesday, which is the start of Lent.
I happened to read today that the Bishop of our diocese suggests that we attempt a virtual fast for this season, taking a break from our computers and tech devices to turn toward God, our friends and family. He does not suggest a ban, but moderation.
Given my earlier experience this week, I’ve decided to try the fast. I wont stop posting, but I will be attempting to spend less time on the net.
What makes this fast even more interesting to me, however, is that I discovered the Creative Every Day 2010 challenge earlier this week. I’ve decided to join the challenge.
I’m curious to see where the opportunity to turn inward and be creative will take me.
I love my neighbors!
I’ve been trying for some weeks to get a photograph of my neighbors. No, I’m not some obnoxious person who pries into others’ private affairs. Rather, this lovely doe and her twins sleep just up the hill from our patio and graze on the grass in the morning. More than once, we’ve forgotten their presence and left in a hurry at night, only to hear what sounds like a police raid.
I really do love my neighbors!
New Year’s Resolutions
The end of 2009 approaches rapidly, and my thoughts have turned to resolutions. Having reviewed my current circumstances, I find little in need of serious improvement. I think Dr. Oz made some good suggestions. To these, I would add the following:
(1) Eat more home cooked meals made from fresh ingredients – Let’s face it: fresh, homemade food tastes better. I might as well enjoy my food.
(2) Spend some time each day in prayer and attend weekly Mass – This isn’t some desire to be more religious in the conventional sense. I simply want to find more peace and joy in life. Taking time to be grateful is a good start.
(3) Make regular time for my creative outlets – Instead of putting my books, paints, yarn and sheet music on the shelf to gather dust, why not just use them?
Those sound reasonable. Let’s see how I do.