Hints of Fall

California has wind and heat and fires in the Fall. 

However, sometimes we're lucky enough to see hints 

that Autumn is near in the Golden State.

A Ground Squirrel's Squeal

     A Curious Cat (not quite all black)

Then through the trees and in the heart

that feeling that only this time of year

can bring.

Let's slow down and enjoy 

before it is gone

Blessings This Fall 

The New Seekers - I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing 1972 with Lyrics

Harmony In Our World

As world leaders meet . . .

Let's hope for togetherness, oneness, kinship--

In another word like that beautiful song from

The New Seekers in 1972: Harmony.

Surprise

Daily we must remind ourselves 

that surprises happen when we 

least expect them. The secret: 

be alert and ready to embrace them.

          Black-crowned Night Heron 

                     
. . .And for the artist to happen onto something
beautiful is a true gift.
     Be prepared.
     Be attentive.
     Be generous--share the gift.

And in light of the word SHARE.
Here is a link to the latest issue of the CRESSET.

http://thecresset.org/index.html

http://thecresset.org/2019/Trinity/Gunton_T19.html


(Yours truly is proud and honored to have one of
her cento poems published in this literary review
that hails from Valparaiso University.)

                      Peace

Do you Need Something Beautiful Today?

What a day!

I won't get political in these posts, but I will say as

human beings we have a lot to learn about being kind.

                                  Egret In Hiding

       

                                                       

        Plumeria In Bloom

                                                             

                                                      Agapanthus Reaching Out

                                            Nature brings me back to a better place.

                                                       May it also be with you.

                

                                                                  PEACE

                                 

MARCH MADNESS

(Nature's) March Madness

An afternoon walk gave me a media card full of flowers.
Yes--call it nature's slam-dunk after all the rain.

                      

                                        And here comes the bunny . . .

                                       Time for a walk and a smile.

W. S. MERWIN

Two days ago . . .

                 March 15th 2019

       

  

A Famous Poet Dies In His Sleep
   

   

W. S. Merwin was a gentleman--a gentle man. I met 

him only once--once was enough for a memory that

would last me until this day 20 years later.

I had carried around a collection of his poems

since my college days at CSULB.

In 1999 I noted that Merwin would be reading

at the Times/UCLA Festival of Books. That

day I rushed to the Poetry Corner, knowing there

would likely be a crowd.

I spotted him approaching the tent and like any

crazy with enthusiasm poet, words of appreciation

gushed, "Oh, Mr. Merwin, I love your poems!"

      "Good afternoon." He smiled. 

      " I just wanted you to know my favorite. . ."

      "Oh, what poem is that?" When I saw that he

really wanted to know, I pulled out my copy of

Writings To An Unfinished Accompaniment  and

turned to page 22. 

When he saw the book, he mused "that's an old one."

Glancing over the page, recalling whatever feelings

had engender the writing of "Their Week" he asked

if he could borrow the book, "I'll read that poem--I kinda like it."

And so he did.

While he read it, I brought up my camera and very discreetly 

captured an image as I listened. A poor quality photo--but

the moment was captured. After the reading, Merwin signed

the page and handed the book back to me. And now I am

handing on this story to you. 

The memory as fresh as that day: April 24, 1999.

                    Rest In Peace W. S. Merwin

           May you weave the bells of poetry forever.

                              

CLOUDS

You may recall the Joni Mitchell song,
"Both Sides Now."
             
I've looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down . . .

Well, these days there are lots of clouds in
Southern California!  We are grateful for
the rain they bring. (No flooding, please.)

The Santiago Creek offered her gift to me this week.

   

They say we write the words we need to hear;
perhaps we take the pictures we need to see.

"Clouds" arrive in everyone's life -- sometimes when
we are least prepared for them. You know what I
mean.
If there are clouds in your life today, I pray for you--
for the grace to somehow see your trials from both sides.

                    I wish you Peace.

 

POET MARY OLIVER

Today the world lost a friend.

Mary Oliver died at the age of 83.

Mary Oliver was a poet of nature, with language

that did more than celebrate--it taught us how

to live. Her voice will be missed. 

I am indebted to Oliver and inspired by her 

words on prayer being a "doorway/

into thanks and a silence in which/

another voice may speak. . ."

                 Rest In Peace