TIME TO READ...SUCH A LUXURY

"Why are we reading, if not in hope of beauty laid bare, life heightened and its deepest mystery probed? Can the writer isolate and vivify all in experience that most deeply engages our intellects and our hearts? Can the writer renew our hope for literary forms? Why are we reading if not in hope that the writer will magnify and dramatize our days, will illuminate and inspire us with wisdom, courage, and the possibility of meaningfulness, and will press upon our minds the deepest mysteries, so that we may feel again their majesty and power? What do we ever know that is higher than that power which, from time to time, seizes our lives, and reveals us startlingly to ourselves as creatures set down here bewildered? Why does death so catch us by surprise, and why love? We still and always want waking."
— Annie Dillard (The Writing Life)

LAST DAYS OF WINTER

On March 17th, I first noticed the tulips coming up.  They are still determined, even after more snow.  It looks like March will go out like a lamb BUT snow is in the forecast for April 1.

AROUND THE HOUSE...

AROUND MY YARD...

AROUND MY YARD...

ROOTS

ALL THINGS MUST COME TO THE SOUL FROM ITS' ROOTS,
 FROM WHERE IT IS PLANTED.

ST. TERESA OF AVILA

A SOFT DAY

  
                                  TONTO NATIONAL FOREST, ARIZONA

THIS INSPIRES ME...

BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, PICTURESQUE LANDSCAPE, WISE WORDS

Chasing Wild Horses - Clip 1 of 4 from Roberto Dutesco on Vimeo.

Chasing Wild Horses - Clip 2 of 4 from Roberto Dutesco on Vimeo.

Chasing Wild Horses clip 3 of 4 from Roberto Dutesco on Vimeo.

Chasing Wild Horses - clip 4 of 4 from Roberto Dutesco on Vimeo.

AN ELEGY FOR JAPAN, LAND OF THE RISING SUN

I have previously posted the music of Olafur Arnalds. This music and video seem fitting at this time as Japan struggles in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami. It strikes me as being both mournful and hopeful.  I hold them in my heart and prayers.

TODAY I LOOKED AT THE SKY...

TO FIND THE UNIVERSAL ELEMENTS ENOUGH;  TO FIND THE AIR AND THE WATER EXHILARATING;  TO BE REFRESHED BY A MORNING WALK OR AN EVENING SAUNTER...TO BE THRILLED BY THE STARS AT NIGHT;  TO BE ELATED OVER A BIRD'S NEST OR A WILDFLOWER IN SPRING-THESE ARE SOME OF THE REWARDS OF THE SIMPLE LIFE.

JOHN BURROUGHS
AMERICAN WRITER AND NATURALIST

GLASS ART OBJECT

Playing around with my camera today I chose this glass work to photograph.  I have followed this husband and wife team, Steve Pflipsen and Katia Olivova, for a number of years and have made a few purchases.  This is my favorite. If it weren't so heavy I would carry it with me everywhere I go.  I never tire of looking at it.  Check out their website and enjoy reading about their history.

www.pfostudio.com

TROPICAL JEWELRY

Having just returned from a business trip to Mexico I decided to post some photos of jewelry purchases I have made over the years.  The bottom photo is of three necklaces I bought on different trips to Australia, each from a different city: Sydney, Melbourne and Port Macquarie.  The Puka shell necklace is from Hawaii.  The top two photos are from this last trip.  The bracelet is from an artist in Indiana, a gift from our hosts.  The necklace, which looks much more delicate and refined in person is from Pineda Covalin.  Their work reflects the history and culture of Mexico. Preferring to shop in boutiques as well as support independent artists, I enjoy wearing these pieces just as much as I enjoy the memory of my travels.
Check out their websites and enjoy!
www.jillduzanwilley.com
www.pinedacovalin.com

TROPICAL JEWELRY

TROPICAL JEWELRY