“Some journeys take us far from home. Some adventures lead us to our destiny.” — Unknown This Egyptian Goose is a long way from home. A native of Sub-Saharan Africa, the Nile Valley and parts of the Middle East, the species was considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians. Imported into Great Britain in the 18th … More Away from home
“Frost grows on the window glass, forming whorl patterns of lovely translucent geometry. Breathe on the glass, and you give frost more ammunition. Now it can build castles and cities and whole ice continents with your breath’s vapor. In a few blinks you can almost see the winter fairies moving in.” — Vera Nazarian … More Promise
“People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy.” — Anton Chekhov * * * “Goodbye winter, hello sunshine!” — Photo by Jan Logozzo © 2018
“There’s only one thing I never did and wish I had done: climbed over a fence.” — Mary of Teck * * * “I just know the grass is greener…” — Photo by Mary O’Connor © 2018
“Migration is as natural as breathing, as eating, as sleeping. It is part of life, part of nature. So we have to find a way of establishing a proper kind of scenario for modern migration to exist. And when I say ‘we,’ I mean the world. We need to find ways of making that migration … More Migration
JGGFF “Beauty in things exists in the mind that contemplates them.” — David Hume * * * Plain and Simple Beauty — Photo by Mary O’Connor
“When adversity strikes, that’s when you have to be the most calm. Take a step back, stay strong, stay grounded and press on.” — LL Cool J * * * Out of the Alaskan woods — Brown Bear watercolor painting (above) by Mary O’Connor, based on bear photos taken by Thomas Chambers by … More Strength
“Confidence is what makes you beautiful, not showing off.” — Author unknown Affectionately known as “Hoodies,” Hooded Merganser males show off their striking crests, black with large white patches on either side, during late December-early January mating season. Females display crests, too, though less showy—a light reddish-brown crest extending from the back of the … More Showing off
It is tempting to believe, once the year is ended, once the page is turned, that we will move on to a new and more ordered life—and it will be different. For a while, you might think so. * * * New Year’s Promise — Photo and poem by Mary O’Connor. Poem reprinted … More New Year’s Promise
Call it a wreath. See it as a crown. Know that it is a gift of love. Nine-year-old Olivia used her perception, imagination and creativity to fashion this perfect Christmas gift for her next-door neighbor. Knowing that her special friend was particularly fond of Tootsie Pops, but would be departing to warmer climes for the … More A Perfect Gift
Life Is Full of Sweet Spots 