“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
“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.” — W.T. Ellis Wishing you and yours peace, love and joy this Christmas Day. * * * Holiday Dress — Photos by Mary O’Connor © 2017
“The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment, then where is it to be found?” — JB Priestley * * * White tailed deer, … More Magical new world
Poet by nature and street photographer by perspective, author Jennifer Payne turns to the curious thematic image of a flosser to make an arresting statement in her new book about our world and about how, in so many ways, we influence its being. The thought of marrying a cast-off dental apparatus with such discordant thoughts … More Evidence … New Book Review
“The smell of pine needles, spruce and the smell of a Christmas tree – those to me, are the scents of the holidays.” — Blake Lively * * * Pine cones, new and old — Photo by Mary O’Connor © 2017
“The nutcracker sits under the holiday tree, a guardian of childhood stories. Feed him walnuts and he will crack open a tale…” — Vera Nazarian Store windows decorated for the holidays are annual highlights of New York City’s retailers. Saks Fifth Avenue chose this year to bring the Grimm Brothers’ tale of Snow White … More Fantasia
“Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart.” — Anonymous This delightful West Highland/Carin Terrier rescue came with the name of Dutch. It didn’t take him long, however, to capture the hearts and days of Donna and Michael, going everywhere with them. He is now known simply as Party … More Special
“Strange to see how a good dinner and feasting reconciles everybody.” — Samuel Pepys * * * Dinner, plain and simple — Photo by Mary O’Connor © 2017
Life Is Full of Sweet Spots 