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.
“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.” — Georgia O’Keeffe bobbles of color determined by soil and sun organic painting * * * With their pom-poms of varying shades of purple, pink and blue, Hydrangeas are a virtual … More Organic Painting
“There are no secrets in life; just hidden truths that lie beneath the surface.” — Michael C. Hall get down in the dirt walk barefoot through the grasses stirred by wildness * * * Quiet Discovery ~ Inspiration hides in the simplest spots; just look in the leaves and at things close by • For … More Hidden Truths
“Sometimes the embers are better than the campfire.” — Thomas Overbury flames shrink to embers before bursting forth again restoring day’s light * * * Radiant Heat ~ With its throat of gold, this glowing red daylily illuminates the garden • Photos by Jan Logozzo • “Glowing Embers” haiku by Mary O’Connor © 2024 Say … More Radiant Heat
“The dance is a poem of which each movement is a word.” — Mata Hari listen says the wind choreographed dance of limbs ballet of beauty * * * The world is rich with prompts to help us develop and express our creative selves. For tips and exercises to open up new ways of seeing … More Language of Dance
“You can never go wrong with a little pink; a lot works too.” — Dana Dalgetty totems of color emotions piled to the sky spectrum of pleasure * * * Spectrum of Creativity ~ Colors are important stimulants of creativity, with warm colors, such as pink, provoking emotions of comfort, peace and calm; hot colors, … More Influence of Color
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.” — Albert Einstein gardens all aglow lanterns capture magic moods harvest moon gala Inspired by Lyme Art Colony Harry Hoffman’s “Harvest Moon Walk” (ca 1912) painting of festive merry makers, present day local artists decorated 20” spherical lanterns for display in the Florence Griswold Museum’s gardens ~ Photos and ”Merry … More Merry Makers
“Beauty awakens the soul to act.” — Dante Alighieri impetus of joy sight of beauty stimulates artistic vision * * * Stimulants of creativity ~ Shades of color, fragrance of beauty, softness of petals • Say Yes! to Your Creative Self is filled with tips and exercises for building creativity possibilities. Available here. Pride of … More Shades of Beauty
“Sometimes it’s good to contrast what you like with something else. It makes you appreciate it even more.” — Darby Conley misty morning veil juxtaposition of tone contrasts of beauty Contrasts of tones, interests, intensities offer a powerful way of telling a story. Say Yes! to Your Creative Self is filled with tips and exercises … More Contrast
“I love thinking, I love coming up with great ideas. I just get excited. Sometimes if I get a big idea, I’m just like a kid, like I’ve found a new toy.” — Dolly Parton no, not too heavy never too big to pursue power of playtime To prep our creative selves is simply to … More Power of Playtime
“In creating, the only hard thing’s to begin….” — James Russell Lowell delight of puddles jump in and enjoy the splash sensory freedom Where do creative ideas come from? While they may seem to be elusive, it’s sometimes simply a case of paying attention to our senses, of getting our hands wet, of wandering outside … More The Beginning
Life Is Full of Sweet Spots 