I am a writer, poet, community volunteer, pupil of psychology, writing instructor, guest speaker, artist, lover of nature, curious traveler and author of Life Is Full of Sweet Spots, An Exploration of Joy, as well as Dreams of a Wingless Child, a book of award-winning poetry. An advocate of the power of writing as an agent of change, I enjoy speaking to community groups about the joy of making words sing and conduct creative poetry writing workshops for inmates at the State of Connecticut’s York Correctional Institution. As a writer and a painter, I enjoy living along the Connecticut shore, where I infuse everyday observations of the natural world with the sensitivity and insightfulness that tend to define my experience of life. It is these reflections that have helped me realize that one need not look far to find an element of peace, of celebration, of joy, in this inordinate world of which we are all a part.
“Think what a better world it would be if we all, the whole world, had cookies and milk about three o’clock every afternoon and then lay down on our blankets for a nap.” — Barbara Jordan close eyes to the world block out the day’s commotion nothing will be lost * * * Hunter by … More Naptime
“Kindness is like snow— it beautifies everything it covers.” Kahlil Gibran crystalized snowflakes blanketing mountains and plains frosty coats of warmth * * * It’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride, as evidenced by antique toy sleigh and passenger in the Florence Griswold Museum Holiday Magic decor, Old Lyme, CT • “Snowbound” haiku and photo … More Snowbound
“The best Christmas trees come very close to exceeding nature.” — Richelle Goodrich floral ornaments outshine colored Christmas lights adornments of hope * * * A Winter Wonderland of Flowers, created by Stacey Danielson for Florence Griswold Museum 2023 Holiday celebration • Photo and “Floral Ornaments” haiku by Mary O’Connor • A Merry Christmas and … More Floral Ornaments
“Nature’s beauty is a gift that cultivates appreciation and gratitude.” – Louie Schwartzberg holiday decor red holly berries and greens dispatch from heaven * * * Colors of the Season ~ Red berries, green boughs, holiday décor • Photo and “Holiday Decor” haiku by Mary O’Connor © 2024
“Don’t be afraid to be yourself, because you are unique and special just the way you are.” — Big Bird universal goal spread smiles of holiday joy whimsical parade * * * Big Bird and his Sesame Street friends line up for an evening of lighting smiles on the faces of Niantic, CT, Holiday Light … More Whimsical
“Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.” — Dalai Lama enjoy little things relish the taste of a laugh happiness menu * * * “Be as happy as a seagull with a French fry.” So says this whimsical artistic creation hung on a 2024 Buoys by the Bay Holiday Tree, Niantic, … More Be Happy
“Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.” — Rumi holding on ‘til end betting on better future relax and let go * * * Survival of the fittest, or tenuous hold • Harvest holdovers photo by Jan Logozzo • “Holdovers” haiku by Mary O’Connor © 2024
“Like a paper sculpture, our lives can be molded into works of art.” — Unknown curls of rolled paper simplicity at its best realm of creation * * * The art of Quilling uses thin strips of rolled, coiled, pleated or folded paper to create images, such as this curled cat ornament by Master Quiller, … More Curled Cat
“People have a real love of looking at small worlds— something inside them is innately attracted to that ‘miniature’ realm.” — John Lasseter province of childhood miniature surroundings bigtime enjoyments * * * Miniature model captures hobbyist’s imagination • “It’s a small, small world” haiku and photo from Florence Griswold Museum holiday magic by Mary O’Connor … More It’s a small, small world
“Mere color, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways.” Oscar Wilde holiday baubles elegant jewels of light adornments of joy * * * Tiny lights explode baubles of color into bursts of joy • Tiny lights and colorful ornaments line the walls of the … More Baubles and Lights
Life Is Full of Sweet Spots 