Symbolically, Acacia trees represent immortality, innocence, initiation of life. Considered sacred by the ancient Hebrews, its wood was said to be used by Moses to build the Ark of Covenant. A thorny tree, it is believed to have been used to make the crown of Christ. On the Serengeti, where this photo was taken, it shelters the … More Serengeti Sunrise
One of the sky theater’s most popular performances is that of the rainbow. An optical phenomenon of refracted sun rays reflected in air borne droplets of water, rainbows tell us a storm is over, a clear day is ahead—or, for the wishful thinkers and idealists among us, that there is a pot of gold at its … More Big Screen Performance
I hear the wind among the trees Playing the celestial symphonies; I see the branches downward bent, Like keys of some great instrument. – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Celebrate National Arbor Day this Friday, April 26. Plant a tree, give the gift of a tree, give yourself the gift of listening to their music. Photo by … More Listen for their Music
“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
“Find joy and peace in this very moment.” – Thich Nhat Hanh It was moments such as these, when the sun hung big and low overhead, burning through dust filled sky over the Serengeti in Tanzania, that the expanse and wildness and enormity of the day’s trek fell into perspective, and we found ourselves looking, instead, at simple moments … More Musings while on Safari
One of my favorite fascinations is to observe the earth’s flying things, whether butterflies or birds, or even kites, as they ride on currents of air high above the ground to which I am generally tethered. Seeing these winged beauties swoop and dive and glide, buck the winds, loiter in search of prey, simply cruise away … More Romance the Wind
“If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive.” – Eleanora Duse, Italian actress Photo: Along Saybrook Point, by … More Fed by the sight of the sky
Josh Simpson creates planets of glass and wonder. Sometimes they appear as celestial delights. Other times, as seen here, they evoke images of undersea fantasies, images that take you to the core of our world. Jules Verne told us that the sea is everything. “It covers seven-tenths of the terrestrial globe. Its breath is pure … More “The Sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” – Jacques Cousteau
Sunrise and sunset present us with two of the most dramatic contrasts between light and darkness, the division between day and night. Both are sky paintings of color. Dawn is more typically soft and pale and pastel. Sunsets tend to be vibrant with reds and yellows, remnants of the day’s energy and warmth, or, as … More Celebrate the Milestones
Thinking about joy and the question of just when and where I have found it in my own life, I look back on my memories as a very young child and realize that the roots of joy run deep. One of my happiest memories–one that can still start my day off right–is that of listening to … More Three Anchors of Joy
Life Is Full of Sweet Spots 