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 quality of strength lined with tenderness is an unbeatable combination.” — Maya Angelou propulsion of wings side wheels sustain dynamics turbo powered fun * * * Unbeatable Mae conquers the road under the propulsion of butterfly wings and red-sneakered pedaling • Watercolor painting and “Turbo Power” haiku by Mary O’Connor © 2025
“Everything changes, but those things that change can also last forever with the right kind of appreciation.” — Adriana Camile delicate artwork encapsulated moments collage of beauty * * * Colors, shapes and patterns of dried flowers preserve the delight and delicacy of yesterday’s botanical glory • “Dried flowers” haiku and artwork by Mary O’Connor … More Dried Flowers
“We have a responsibility to stand watch over one another, we are watchers, all of us, watchers, guarding against the darkness.” — Dean Koontz keeping an eye out watching out for those around basics of concern * * * Nesting sparrow pokes head out of house, always on guard • Photo by Jan Logozzo • … More On Guard
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” — Nelson Mandela iris stretch so high hanging petals open wide pageant of beauty * * * Stained in divine purple, Japanese Iris stand straight and tall, relaxed petals stroking the essence of life • Photo and “Divine … More Divine Display
“It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.” — Howard Ruff may be warm today get set for tomorrow’s cold be snug as a bug * * * Dried leaves, gathered now, will insulate gray squirrel’s version of tomorrow’s warm and cozy feather bed • Photo by Jan Logozzo • “Ready Set” haiku by Mary … More Ready Set
“Beauty is heaven’s gift, and how few can boast of beauty.” — Ovid delicate beauty symbolic layers of grace bouquet of heaven # # # If heaven is a mass of delicate hues and fragrance, stored in perennial elegance, then peonies are heaven • Photo and “Peonies” haiku by Mary O’Connor © 2025
“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” — Henry Ford family bonding assembly of young minds learning together * * * Under mama’s watchful eye, still fuzzy Canada Geese brood huddles together as if to figure the best way to navigate their big new world • Photo by Jan … More Togetherness
“What fun is life without a bit of showing off?” — Matt Lucas memorable style vibrant personality life lived with pizazz * * * With its showy display, the vibrant purple salvia is remembered for its ability to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to pollinate the garden. It is celebrated for its legendary powers of … More Pizazz
“One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.” — Luciano Pavarotti dining out is good enjoy sense of fine feasting take-out menu works * * * Tender spring leaves make tasty roadside snack for young white-tailed … More Dining Out
“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.” – Frances Hodgson Burnett blossoms line pathway releasing peace with each step tranquility trail * * * Bessie Van Wickle turned the Blithewold estate into an American garden treasure with practical as well as poetic plantings. Integrated into the landscape, … More Tranquility Trail
Life Is Full of Sweet Spots 