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.
“Majesty is not just in size, but in the beauty of the moment.” — Unknown stature of greatness distinction of an icon borders on supreme * * * Tending to be more solitary than female does, the male buck is differentiated by its rack of antlers, which are made of bone and can grow up … More Majestic
“If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.” — Napolean Hill small things fill one’s eyes tiny bouquet of posies petite perfection * * * Tiny little vase holds oversized beauty • Photo and “Little Things” haiku and photo by Mary O’Connor © 2025
“What is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare.” — W. H. Davies nature’s loveliness there it is in front of you just staring you down * * * Little fawn stares right back at the camera • Photo by Jan Logozzo • “Staring” haiku by Mary O’Connor … More Staring
“I see a blanket of benevolence covering the planet, helping to transform Earth’s consciousness from fear to love.” — Louise Hay wrap self in comfort would that life be so easy soft as eiderdown * * * Blanket of softness spans the evening sky • Photo by Jan Logozzo • “Softness” haiku by Mary O’Connor … More Softness
“When one is remarkably, magnificently, strikingly and unequivocally cute, obedience is overkill.” — Unknown long ears, soulful eyes loyalty personified soul of gentleness * * * Humphrey and Walter, the epitome of beloved Basset Hounds, sit patiently on their people Ron and Scott’s doorstep • Watercolor painting and “Beloved” haiku by Mary O’Connor © 2025
“It is moments like these that force us to try harder, and dig deeper, and to discover gifts we never knew we had – to find the greatness that lies within each of us” —Barack Obama dig deep for answers buried under thick layers dust off sleeping mind * * * Bumble bee digs deep … More Dig Deep
“The world accommodates you for fitting in, but only rewards you for standing out.” — Matshona Dhliwayo stand out from the crowd be an individual just be who you are * * * This common seagull stands out from the background gathering of Canada Geese. Gulls have a cosmopolitan distribution, making their presence known on … More Stand Out
“Hiding under the bed doesn’t make the worry stop.” — Cynthia Voigt feeling safe somewhat hiding in nooks and crannies but ditch the red dress * * * Ladybug tucks self away though remains fully in predators’ sight • Photo by Jan Logozzo • “Hidden” haiku by Mary O’Connor © 2025
“Life would be pretty boring if I didn’t explore. It’s about letting my ears take me on an adventure to soak in everything I can.” — Trombone Shorty ears kept close to ground way to sense what’s going on catch what eyes don’t see * * * Known for its long ears and distinctive white, … More All Ears
“I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion.” — Henry David Thoreau draw of sand and waves nature’s alluring appeal corrupted by crowds * * * Just how many can fit in limited beach space during a disappearing summer season—that is the question … More Jam-packed
Life Is Full of Sweet Spots 