for danger and heartache and laughter, for a life beyond fear, a life that got bigger, really got bigger, as it receded.” — Jonathan Evison “We should not be afraid to go into a new era, to leave the old beyond.” — Zack Wamp * * * Leaving Tanzania, heading out over Indian Ocean to … More “He prayed for clear skies and discovery,
because they are afraid to look straight. All you have to do is look straight and see the road, and when you see it, don’t sit looking at it – walk.” — Ayn Rand And, to paraphrase the words of author Anne Lamott when she said that the road to enlightenment is long and difficult, be … More “People create their own questions
and just stare into the water. I don’t fish, I don’t hunt, I don’t scuba, don’t spear, don’t boat, don’t play basketball or football ̶ I excel at staring into space. I’m really good at that.” — Iggy Pop * * * “Kingfisher meditation”—watercolor painting by Mary O’Connor © 2015
and sit in silence and kind of meditate. Nature is calming, and it’s nice to go out there and clear my head.” — Devon Werkheiser “Your best ideas, those eureka moments that turn the world upside down, seldom come when you’re juggling emails, rushing to meet the 5 P.M. deadline or straining to make your … More “I like to sit in my backyard. I go out on the hammock…
only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” — Martin Luther King, Jr. * * * Peony. Photo by Mary O’Connor © 2015
And if our times are difficult and perplexing, so are they challenging and filled with opportunity.” — Robert Kennedy Promising Reflections. Photo by Jane Kelsey © 2015
In our effort to improve on nature, we are guided by a vision of paradise. Whether the result is a horticultural masterpiece or only a modest vegetable patch, it is based on the expectation of a glorious future. This hope for the future is at the heart of all gardening.” — Marina Schinz “If you … More “To create a garden is to search for a better world.
blind you to the fact that each new day carries with it a plethora of opportunities to move your life into the right direction.” — Steve Maraboli * * * “Lighthouse in thinning fog” acrylics painting by Mary O’Connor © 2015
Or white with black stripes? And the zebra asked me, Are you good with bad habits? Or are you bad with good habits? Are you noisy with quiet times? Or are you quiet with noisy times? Are you happy with some sad days? Or are you sad with some happy days? Are you neat with … More “I asked the Zebra, are you black with white stripes?
We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today.” — Dale Carnegie * * * “Outside my window” photo by Mary O’Connor © 2015
Life Is Full of Sweet Spots 