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.
“The air was warm and breezy. with windows reflecting the still bright sun.” — Victoria Kahler absorbing last light awaiting brightness of dawn tomorrow brings new * * * Transition ~ Tied up for the night • Photo and “Recharging” haiku by Mary O’Connor © 2024
“It takes patience to thread the needle. The more you learn the technique, the better you will get at it in the future.” — Kemi Sogunle shaky hand won’t work pathway’s fine eye elusive practice makes perfect * * * Threading the Needle ~ Maneuvering through eye of the bridge • Photo by Jan Logozzo … More Steady Hand
“The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.” — Robert Frost resting in silence not forgotten over time spirit carries on * * * Memories ~ Isles of Glencoe tombstones mark lives of Scottish clans lost in 1692 massacre • Photo by Jan … More Preserved
“Music is like creating an emotional painting. The sounds are the colors.” — Yanni picture of feelings sounds paint emotions in air blues predominate * * * Xylophone Palette ~ Sidewalk instrument for passers-by to play • Photo and “Music in Air” haiku by Mary O’Connor © 2024
“We understand how dangerous a mask can be. We all become what we pretend to be.” — Patrick Rothfuss disguise of face mask an invented persona eyes reveal the truth * * * Behind the mask ~ Nighttime raider of garbage cans and gardens, the common raccoon tries to pass itself off as cute and … More In disguise
“That’s another great thing about getting older. Your life is written on your face.” — Frances McDormand toll of battles won scars and wrinkles price to pay facial work of art * * * Story Told ~ Signs of wear and tear • Photo by Jan Logozzo • “Etchings of Age” haiku and blog post … More Etchings of Age
“When life is not coming up roses, look to the weeds and find the beauty hidden within them.” — L.F. Young stand still in the weeds hiding place for pure beauty mix of counterparts * * * Hidden Presence ~ Beauty stands out • Photo of heron in hiding spot and “Lost in the Weeds” … More Lost in the Weeds
“If you cut corners, you just keep on going in circles.” — Grant Stoelwinder figuring out life one direction then other straight path works the best * * * Getting nowhere ~ Going round and round, over and over • Photo by Jan Logozzo • “In Circles” haiku and blog post by Mary O’Connor © … More In Circles
“Life is like a jigsaw puzzle, you have to see the whole picture, then put it together piece by piece!” — Terry McMillan thousands of pieces one life-size jigsaw puzzle put all in order * * * Fragmented Picture ~ What piece goes where? • Photo of forest canopy and “Jigsaw Puzzle” haiku by Mary … More Jigsaw Puzzle
“People who soar are those who refuse to sit back and wish things would change.” — Chuck Swindoll looking down on earth viewpoint of stunning beauty best seat in the house * * * Powerful view ~ Powered paragliding or paramotoring is a form of ultralight aviation in which a paraglider pilot wears a back-pack … More Powerful View
Life Is Full of Sweet Spots 