“When adversity strikes, that’s when you have to be the most calm. Take a step back, stay strong, stay grounded and press on.” — LL Cool J * * * Out of the Alaskan woods — Brown Bear watercolor painting (above) by Mary O’Connor, based on bear photos taken by Thomas Chambers by … More Strength
“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 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
“Strange to see how a good dinner and feasting reconciles everybody.” — Samuel Pepys * * * Dinner, plain and simple — Photo by Mary O’Connor © 2017
“It may not be irrelevant to note that even the very modest forms of life, like earthworms, dung beetles and fiddler crabs, have no real problems they must deal with if they are to survive.” — Edward Goldsmith “The necessary fiddling about and moving things can be greatly facilitated by a bit of forethought.” — … More Fiddling Around
“The day is gone and all its sweets are gone.” — John Keats * * * Canada Geese picking over the harvested cornfield — Photo by Jan Logozzo © 2017
Life Is Full of Sweet Spots 