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.
“Eternity is a moment standing still forever.” — James Montgomery Founded in the 6th century by St. Ciaran, one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland, Clonmacnoise is among the most famous monastic sites in Ireland. Located along the River Shannon, it became a major center of religion and learning, visited by scholars from all over … More Standing Still
“Whisky making is an act of cooperation between the blessings of nature and the wisdom of man.” – Masataka Taketsuru Founded in 1757, Kilbeggan Distillery is the oldest licensed Whiskey distillery in Ireland. (a) * * * A 19th-century waterwheel has been restored to working condition. The distillery can also be powered by a steam … More Distilled Wisdom
“Ireland is so saturated with green that it’s the things not green that catch one’s eye: the roads, walls, shorelines, even sheep…” — Hope Jahren Scenic drive looking down on Galway Bay. Typical view of Ireland – immersed in green, dotted with ruins, framed with stone, softened with gorse and fragrant may flower. Ireland Journey … More Ireland Travels
“A name is the blueprint of the thing we call character. You ask, What’s in a name? I answer, Just about everything you do.” — Morris Mandel her name says it all Lucy: saucy sassy sweet gift of light and love * * * I Love Lucy ~ Sweet and saucy, little Lucy fits her … More All in a Name
“The songs of our ancestors are also the songs of our children.” — Philip Carr-Gomm ancestor’s playthings suggest songs and stories past DNA passed on * * * My Father’s Portrait ~ Dad at age one with favorite toys • Photographer unknown • “Ancestry” haiku by Mary O’Connor © 2023
“The structure of a play is always the story of how the birds came home to roost.” — Arthur Miller lost leaves spell drama branches write on cloudless sky Hitchcock storyline * * * On Stage ~ Manuscript of Lines • Photo by Jan Logozzo • “Drama” haiku poem by Mary O’Connor © 2023
“The well is within us, and if we dig deeply in the present moment, the water will spring forth.” — Nhat Hanh deep hole in the ground entryway to earth’s essence healing spring water * * * Cool Water ~ Deep spring water held in rock-clad well • Photo at Harkness Memorial State Park, Waterford, … More Inner Spring
“Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired.” — Jules Reynard warm sunshine in spring nourishes one’s comfort zone builds lazy habits * * * Sheep on Hillside ~ Soaking up the sunshine • Photo by Jan Logozzo • “Laziness” haiku by Mary O’Connor © 2023
“Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny inner sparks of possibility into flames of possibility.” — Golda Meir red, orange, yellow hot embers erupt as torches dreams burst forth as stars * * * Tulip Embers ~ Open tulip petals release bursts of springtime hope • Photo and “Sparks of Hope” haiku poem … More Sparks of Hope
“I am struck by how precarious it all is. How the things that hold us are only as strong as the faith we have in them.” — David Levithan shaky foundation future built on lies won’t stand needs cement of truth * * * Strong Walls ~ Surging waters encircle solid walls • Photo at … More Precarious
Life Is Full of Sweet Spots 