of Hope
One thing becomes clearer as one gets older and one’s fishing experience increases, and that is the paramount importance of one’s fishing companions. I’ve had this image of some fishermen hanging out for a while now, and there’s something about it that I just love. That being said, I’ve gotten a little creative with the […]
Read More
NO MATTER WHAT Hmmm… well isn’t that a wee bit grandiloquent?! Between the Word of the Day, grandiloquent, and the weekend writing prompt, peristeronic, I’m beginning to think that I need to keep a thesaurus and a dictionary at my desk! Grandiloquent: Language or behavior is very formal, literary, or exaggerated, and is used by […]
Read More
Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare. Japanese proverb My new laptop is working great, but the screen is VERY small. My little old eyes (that need cheater glasses) were not too thrilled with the size. So… I decided to get creative, and I’m using an old television as a […]
Read More
I started working on this image during my “time out” yesterday. I feel wonderful today, and very well rested. The beach scene is not quite where I wanted it to be, but it will have to do. For now. Striving for perfection is exhausting, so it’s “good enough.” I’ve come to the conclusion that—even with […]
Read More
Journaling through Quarantine An idea on which direction to go with The Quarantine Project finally came to me. It didn’t happen while walking yesterday—as I had hoped—but the light bulb turned on this morning as I sat down to write this. I didn’t take my camera walking with me because I was worried that it […]
Read MoreWhere flowers bloom, so does hope. —Lady Bird Johnson Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends […]
Read More
Resurrecting Gratitude When the (unofficial) quarantine began, I was on a mission. Two if you count the New Lifestyle New, New Me project—but that actually started before “everything changed.” What I’m referring to, and what I totally lost sight of, were my Daily Gratitude posts. It completely slipped my mind. How easy it is to […]
Read More
This morning I read a ‘daily email’ on the subject of Eternity. One of the definitions is: A state of existence outside of time, and this particular meaning reminded me of something that happened years back—something that’s perfect for today’s Daily Gratitude. When I was going in and out of sobriety—and making a mess of […]
Read More
I’m back for another “Daily Gratitude!” Before I start, I have to say that my inner rebel is coming out today. I grew up with the American version—COLOR—and I always feel cheated when I spell it that way. It looks so boring! Who would have thought that a simple little U could offer so much […]
Read More
A quick gratitude stop this evening I decided that earbuds are no longer an option on my walks. For one thing, the last time I put them on I stopped to talk with my neighbor (from 6 feet away, no doubt) and when I pulled the dang cord out of my ear—the little rubber earpiece […]
Read More
If our pain doesn’t destroy us, it might just transform us into truly human beings at last. – Frederick Buechner I’m not very good at finishing books. I’d say that I’m halfway through 4 or 5 at the moment; maybe more. One in particular, A Crazy, Holy Grace: The Healing Power of Pain and Memory, […]
Read More
Before I dig into any New Lifestyle, New Me updates, I thought I’d share some thoughts I’ve had on this COVID-19 dilemma, social distancing, and how it’s helping me come up with some new ideas. Staying away from crowds, as I’ve mentioned, hasn’t been difficult. Dealing with the recent rains, on the other hand, was […]
Read More
Sometimes a dramatic rescue is a simple act of showing up. This piece is all about Gil. I think of him when I see red, especially if it’s an emergency vehicle. He’s the kind of person that just shows up. I’m extremely grateful for his friendship, ear, wisdom, and his extraordinary ability to point people […]
Read More
One of my best friends from high school remembers everything. Whenever we talk, she reminisces about our old shenanigans as if they happened yesterday. Things that we did decades ago; things I’ve long since forgotten. Last year, I (briefly) dated a man who reminded me of her. Our conversations were like time travel; we’d always […]
Read More
Before I say anything about the “G” word, I want to share where my thoughts were headed last night. It occurred to me that I need to keep these alphabet posts simple. The idea was to use the letters as a prompt, to do some quick, fun, and easy gratitude exercises. The next thing you […]
Read More
“Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.” Guillaume Apollinaire I’m on the letter “C” today and this quote is perfect. I’m starting with a word that I’m not necessarily a fan of, but I won’t make a habit of that. Contradiction: a combination of statements, ideas, […]
Read More
Soul in dark night weeps, Gratitude strengthens spirit, Harmony restored. Ronovan Writes Haiku: Gratitude & Harmony
Read More
Not to be confused with Heart’s song of the 70’s, Dog and Butterfly. Continuing The Alphabet Game, my ongoing series about the things that I love—from A to Z—today I’m on the Bold & the Beautiful letter B: Blogging and Butterflies I’ll skip the details about blogging (for now); you all know how awesome it […]
Read More
I thought it would be fun to do a new series while I’m on my “time out.” I realize that sounds a bit paradoxical, but I’ve had a long weekend—with plenty of time to ponder the idea. After posting the little things, I was amazed at how it affected me. Taking the time to think […]
Read More
I love… morning coffee to tinker; a little bit of this and a little bit of that thunder and lightning, especially when I’m enjoying coffee and tinkering the sound of rain on a tin roof rainbows and butterflies the way my body feels after doing something strenuous (rare, but happens) swimming in cool waters when […]
Read MoreTime can be a little deceptive. It’s been two months since the fall semester ended, and—to be honest—it feels like it’s been a year. I’m grateful for the “down time,” don’t get me wrong, but that old familiar feeling… that it’s time to get moving… has taken hold, and Tuesday can’t come soon enough. It’s […]
Read More
Oftentimes I tell the people I meet about my transformation; how much I’ve changed since entering recovery and coming to believe. The way I usually describe it is that all of these changes are internal… they can’t be seen. Well, aside from the fact that you won’t “see” me drinking anymore. Sometimes I refer to […]
Read MoreFear, like a giant boulder…Stays weighted at my feet.—Afraid I’ll miss the curtain call, I stay paralyzed…Gazing at the stage to find my cue. Impatience, like a cold wind…Sends me sailing into a flurry.—I shatter into pieces, chasing a million things…Until all that’s left are tiny shards. Reason, like a brilliant scientist…Wants to put me […]
Read More
I saw this sunset a week ago, just before my Thursday evening class started. It was beautiful just the way it was, but I wanted to do something with it. I feel like I need a ‘creative reprieve’ more and more these days. Not that anything is going bad, or I am stressed out or […]
Read More
Sometimes you have to let life turn you upside down so you can learn how to live right side up. I’ve been having some weird feelings lately. I think I’d call it “lack of joy,” but at the same time I keep reminding myself to stay grateful. What I’m REALLY grateful for is the fact […]
Read More
It is not happy people who are thankful, it is thankful people who are happy! I think I’ve finally hit the last of the archived images I had saved. I’m sure glad I’m leaving tomorrow! Perfect timing. I may drive my sister crazy with the camera, but lucky for me she’s a very patient soul. […]
Read More