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

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.

Finches’ Nest

Two finches build a nest of grasses, interwoven with the tiniest of white spring blossoms— soft grasses cradle delicate eggs, blossoms speak to the fragility of hope. *   *   * Finches’ Nest – photo and poem by Mary O’Connor © 2013

“There is a wild and untamable beauty in us when we are in harmony with nature.” – Bernard Leach, British studio potter

My cousin, Bill, is in love with gryphons, mythical guardians of the divine. A majestic combination of lionesque body, tail and hind legs, eagle’s head and wings and talons, gryphons are more than the king of beasts, soar beyond the kingdom of birds. Bill carves them, shaping raw wood into legendary feathers and fur. The task … More “There is a wild and untamable beauty in us when we are in harmony with nature.” – Bernard Leach, British studio potter

Who Are the Trees?

“Trees are the earth’s endless effort to speak to the listening heaven.”    ~ Rabindranath Tagore, poet and voice of India’s spiritual heritage. Trees — in truth — offer no words, no answers, no intent. But feel their furrowed and ancient limbs. Gather their seeds. Be still, and ponder presence. Photo by Mary O’Connor © 2013

When Morning Comes

Today is a day for pocketeers. Sponsored by poets.org, National Poem in Your Pocket Day is a day to put a poem in your pocket and share its words–and joy–with others.  According to the Academy of American Poets, millions of American will be doing so. Using this blog as my pocket, here’s one I thought I’d … More When Morning Comes

Reason Enough to Be

The great master artist, Leonardo da Vinci felt the artist had a special advantage when it came to realizing the most complete and magnificent view of the infinite works of nature. If the artist wishes “to produce places or deserts, or shady or cool spots in hot weather, he can depict them. … If he seeks … More Reason Enough to Be