A GIFT BASKET OF FRIENDS . . .

                                    For All Of You Who Share With Me

                                            Your OCTOBER Birthday:

                                                   Fred C. -- Oct. 2

                                                   Zachary H. -- Oct. 3

                                                   Nick D. -- Oct. 10

                                                   Judith K. -- Oct. 12

                                                   Jackie C. -- Oct. 12

                                                   Mike M. -- Oct. 15

                                                   Teresa G. -- Oct. 21

                                                   Dave F. -- Oct. 24

                                                   Brooke D. -- Oct. 29

                                                   Susan S. -- Oct. 30

             

                            Wherever you are remember:

                              The first person to celebrate

                              your Birth Day should be YOU!

                                             

                              Always With Love & Peace

       

                                                                                                                         

AIRPORTS: CONVERSATION, CLOUDS

 . . . NO 

                                          Just returned from an adventure into 

                                  what airports and plane travel feel like in 2025. 

                                                   

                                                                     Meet Chrissy

                        This beautiful Golden Retriever is commonly known as 

                                                                  Therapy Dog.

                              She and her trainer/volunteer from OC Animal Allies

                               help bring a smile and calm to children and adults

                               who may be anxious about flying on a plane 

                                with over 100 strangers . . .  I use the word strangers

                                       because after hours of travel, it's very likely 

                                  that person next to you will still be someone who 

                                    has not shared one word of conversation with you.

                                                                        WHY?

                                             They have headphones or earbuds on 

                                               with a laptop or cell phone in their lap --

                                                             they never heard your 

                                                 greetings or few words of small talk.

                                       I really don't believe that these people intend to be rude. 

                                                       The new norm has been set and this is it.

                                                                        

How about Clouds as companions?

They talk to us as they change every few minutes;

however, in a plane we won't see them

because we are asked (kindly) 

to keep the windows down.

Perhaps I am the only person who misses

the idea of meeting others on the journey.

       I welcome your thoughts💁

Safe travels.

                                                            

                                                                    

Decisions, decisions?

Kathleen Gunton 

August 2025

Those of you who post anything on the Internet know

becoming a digital citizen can be complicated:

Maybe you just want to share and receive comment;

Maybe you just need to get your work out there.

As a writer/photographer I am being asked

more and more by editors to name 

the platforms I am on?

So today, I am doing a bit of updating . . .

(This is not the face that launched a thousand ships)

I have been working in literary waters

for over thirty years now--

and hope to continue.

May every person who

takes that brave step into

the world of creativity know 

there is a reason:

you were called!

Enjoy!

"Hope always catches us by surprise.

                                     -Anne Lamott

   

A LONG AND WINDING ROAD . . .

. . .  and this passenger/photographer is so grateful for the generous driver.

 Camera is clicking. So much to try and capture in the San Jacinto Mts.

 Oh, did I mention--car was moving at normal speed for all photos except

 the chipmunk (who scampered along at his own speed).

                        

  

                                

                                           At 3,000 feet overlooking Riverside, CA

        

                                                            

                                     May you be blessed

                                              with a driver who knows you

                                                        and the road you are traveling.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY!

 To HFL:

  May you enjoy the rewards that a life of dedication brings.

  I am forever grateful.

  

National Photography Day -- August 19th

 To all who carry a camera and believe in the power and joy

of taking/making photos--

especially on National Photography Day--

Happy review of all your captured images!

This photographer spent two amazing early hours with a congregation of egrets. 

Daily I am rewarded on the path along Santiago creek

near my home--but never so many birds at one time. 

 

                              

   

Recalling the advice of poet Rainer Maria Rilke:

. . . attach yourself to Nature, the simple and small . . .        (Letters, 1903)

GLORIA (R.I.P.)

       My Dear Sister Gloria,

       Gone from our world--two years now--we speak love to you and about you.

       Remembering with grateful hearts your generosity in all ways. 

       Your journey is ended; our journey continues.

       Love and Peace from all your family & friends.