Book – Page 130 – Life Is Full of Sweet Spots

Said simply, these are ferns, one of over 12,000 species of this plant that adds loveliness throughout the world. As told by the Maori peoples of New Zealand, their story is one of healing and new beginnings, of peace, tranquility and spirituality. In ancient African symbology, they bring rain, luck, and prosperity. Through their unfolding, they … More In the language of folklore

The Wedding Gift

June 6, 2013

Of all the gifts you might desire, I offer one—a wish that speaks of wonder, bids you rest by the side of the wandering river, watch it idle through meadows and fields, be soothed by the opus of crickets and frogs, caressed with the velvet dust of flight song, and feel earth’s soul. Together, may you … More The Wedding Gift

Enjoy the here and now

May 30, 2013

Ride the magnificence of the wave, before it breaks and you find it is gone. Neither can the wave that has passed by be recalled, nor the hour which has passed return again. – Ovid Newport, RI, waves photo by Mary O’Connor © 2013

Springtime Harbinger

May 23, 2013

Name this Flower

May 20, 2013

Can anyone name this delightful flower I saw in a field by the Connecticut River this weekend? Based on its shape and variegated color, my imagination saw it as an Indian Paintbrush. Curiously though, the images of my wildflower ID resources didn’t match when I later checked it out. Perhaps someone can tell me what it is? Maybe some kind of clover? In the meantime, … More Name this Flower

Everything begins with a story – Joseph Campbell

May 16, 2013

Karen Rancourt writes a bi-weekly advice column for the popular mommybites.com site devoted to parenting resources, support and education. Typically, she devotes her “Ask Dr. Gramma Karen” column to answering questions on how to improve relationships and appreciation between parents and grandparents. This week was a bit different. She chose to write about stories, and … More Everything begins with a story – Joseph Campbell

Just be here, here and now.

May 13, 2013

Brigitte Brüggemann is an artist who creates joy through color and light. Her work is inspired by nature and her connection to a spiritual reality manifested through nature and life. If she has any recipe for capturing it, it is simply to be present. Just be here, here and now. “I think the first thing … More Just be here, here and now.

Wonder, in its own breathless, fantastical way, is far from ordinary when it comes to the senses.

May 9, 2013

It’s tempting to call it our sixth sense. But call it what you will—a sense, an emotion, a mindset—one way or another, wonder opens the door to the delights of imagination, of curiosity, creativity, intellectual discovery. Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson, a “paper paintings” collage artist whose interview is in my book, Life Is Full of … More Wonder, in its own breathless, fantastical way, is far from ordinary when it comes to the senses.