“None of us knows what fairy palaces we may build of beautiful thought—proof against all adversity.” — John Ruskin * * * Weaver Bird nest, Tarangire National Park, Tanzania; photo by Mary O’Connor © 2010
Sometimes this feeling sets in— as if that whole field of flowers is gold and wine and perfect. Some feel that way when spring unfolds its leaves and petals and sunshine flows and we listen to the cadence of downy reds, drumming their way ’round an old tree trunk. Others think—as the peepers gather and … More The Nature of Peace
“but nature always gets the last word, and what it says is usually untidy by human standards. But I find all states of nature beautiful, and because I want to delight in my garden, not rule it, I just accept my yen to tame the chaos on one day and let the Japanese beetles run … More “Gardeners may create order briefly out of chaos,
we are its guardians.” — Dejan Stojanovic * * * Lynde Point lighthouse, Old Saybrook, CT; photo by Mary O’Connor © 2014
“The same way a dog that runs after rabbits will dream of rabbits. It’s what you do that makes your soul, not the other way around.” — Barbara Kingsolver * * * Photo credit: Jan Logozzo © 2014
“and become rich.” — African proverb (Ashanti tribe) * * * Holstein cow, Tiffany Farm, Lyme, Connecticut. Photo credit: Mary O’Connor © 2007
“When you say something, don’t be in the shadow; let everyone see you! Whatever you say always put your name under it! Be courageous enough not to use any mask; don’t forget that hiding among the bushes is the affair of the cowards! Let the Sun shines on your face and everyman see you!” — … More “Never hide yourself!
“for a castle in the clouds.” — Gilbert K. Chesterton The Charles W. Morgan, the last of an American whaling fleet that once numbered more than 2,700 vessels, lies at rest in New London, Connecticut, first stop of her 38th voyage, made in celebration of her complete restoration. Capable of carrying approximately 13,000 square feet of sail when fully rigged, the classic … More “There are no rules of architecture…
“And the wonderful thing is that once a child learns to use a library, the doors to learning are always open.” — Laura Bush Miriam Epstein, founder of Books to Dreams, helps children open such doors. In her interview in Life Is Full of Sweet Spots, Miriam notes that the best way to experience joy is … More “Libraries allow children to ask questions about the world and find the answers.
“even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.” — Henry Miller * * * Photo by Mary O’Connor © 2014
Life Is Full of Sweet Spots 