“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” — Henry Ford family bonding assembly of young minds learning together * * * Under mama’s watchful eye, still fuzzy Canada Geese brood huddles together as if to figure the best way to navigate their big new world • Photo by Jan … More Togetherness
“What fun is life without a bit of showing off?” — Matt Lucas memorable style vibrant personality life lived with pizazz * * * With its showy display, the vibrant purple salvia is remembered for its ability to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to pollinate the garden. It is celebrated for its legendary powers of … More Pizazz
“One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.” — Luciano Pavarotti dining out is good enjoy sense of fine feasting take-out menu works * * * Tender spring leaves make tasty roadside snack for young white-tailed … More Dining Out
“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.” – Frances Hodgson Burnett blossoms line pathway releasing peace with each step tranquility trail * * * Bessie Van Wickle turned the Blithewold estate into an American garden treasure with practical as well as poetic plantings. Integrated into the landscape, … More Tranquility Trail
“There is a serene and settled majesty to woodland scenery that enters into the soul and delights and elevates it, and fills it with noble inclinations.” — Washington Irving woodland ecstasy wind music colored with leaves total rhapsody * * * Blithewold, Old English for “happy woodland,” is the name given to the Van Wickle … More Happy Woodland
There’s nothing like the peace of the countryside, the quiet and the lack of distraction. It helps you to focus your mind.” — Jenny Nimmo countryside escape tranquility wrapped in green acres of treasures * * * Built at the turn of the 20th century as a summer retreat of the Augustus and Bessie Van … More Tranquility
“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” — Jimmy Johnson when stars shine their light standout an understatement extraordinary Well over six feet tall, the Sandhill Crane on the Blithewold estate lawn is a standout presence in its own right, not to be outdone by a simply extraordinary peacock with its iridescent … More Extraordinary
“There is little in life so reassuring as a genuine welcome.” — Robin Hobb welcome with a smile joy of meeting and greeting ignite happiness * * * The Greeter –- One of six big, beautiful, bamboo birds that greet visitors to the Bristol, RI, summer estate of Augustus and Marjorie Van Wickle, this dapper … More Greeter
“Togetherness is forged in the gentle arms a family cuddle.” — Sophia Loren snuggle together warmth and closeness soothe the soul comfort of cuddles * * * Comfort in numbers, Muscovy ducklings all tucked in with Mama • Photo by Jan Logozzo • “Snuggles” haiku by Mary O’Connor • Happy Mother’s Day! © 2025
“Do not get caught in your anger, worries, or fears. Come back to the present moment, and touch life deeply.” – Thich Nhat Hanh limited thinking the trap of tunnel vision loss of perspective * * * Lobster traps piled high, ready to catch unsuspecting prey • Photo by Jan Logozzo • “Trapped” haiku by … More Trapped
Life Is Full of Sweet Spots 