“That’s the thing with handmade items. They still have the person’s mark on them, and when you hold them, you feel less alone.” ― Aimee Bender handmade over time textured and layered with love hallmark of caring * * * Handcrafted Beauty ~ Hummingbird ornament made by Jennifer Avalone, Master Quiller, for the Quilling Tree exhibited … More Ornamentation
“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.” — J.M. Barre flight of fantasy window shopping for delight life’s necessity * * * Land of Enchantment ~ The Wayfinder Society window display takes Chester, Conn., holiday shoppers on flight of fancy • Photo by Jan … More Fantasyland
“Not just beautiful, though— the stars are like the trees in the forest, alive and breathing. And they’re watching me.” – Haruki Murakami points of light above reflections of reverence a hallowed stillness * * * Stars Everywhere ~ The magical illumination of stars, hung in celebration of the holiday season, may be found throughout … More Starry Night
“Moons and years pass by and are gone forever, but a beautiful moment shimmers through like a ray of light.” — Franz Grillparzer floating gently past shimmering hues of color bubbles filled with dreams * * * Glass Act ~ Master Glassblower, Jeffrey P’an of Mystic, Conn., decorates a Florence Griswold Museum holiday tree with … More Shimmering
“Time is a daunting thing; it’s inescapable. Some moments pass unobserved and others stay with us, remaining frozen, lasting a lifetime.” — Jacqueline Simon Gunn wrapped in silence motionless fragments of life frozen memories * * * Frozen ~ John Henry Twachman’s painting “Connecticut Shore – Winter” and motionless sailboat model set the mood of peaceful … More Moment in Time
“God gave you a gift of 84,600 seconds today. Have you used one of them to say thank you?” — William Arthur Ward seconds tick away countdown of daily blessings timely reflection * * * Making Minutes Count ~ Hands of Scottish train station clock serve as pointers to both passing and approaching time • … More Gratitude
“Out of the crooked timber of humanity, nothing completely straight was ever made.” — Isaiah Berlin once crooked tree limbs offer foothold to climb sky shiver me timbers! * * * Ship’s Rigging ~ Ready to face the wind • Photo and “Foothold” haiku poem by Mary O’Connor © 2022
“One must always maintain one’s connection to the past and yet ceaselessly pull away from it.” — Gaston Bachelard bridge above water schooner in bay with cruise ship spanning the ages * * * Newport Bridge spans Narraganset Bay, filled with craft from 80’ coasting schooner Aquidneck to 848’ cruise ship Norwegian Sun • Photo … More Connection
“Patience is, in and of itself, a great challenge and it often holds the key to breaking through a seeming impasse.” — Daisaku Ikeda follow road to goal perceived obstacle blocks way persistence wins out * * * No Entry ~ Silken spider web impedes Vermont covered bridge crossing • Photo by John Kurowski • … More Barrier
“Every moment is beautiful; delicious even!” — Alicia Keys even when it rains something enchanting appears traces of sunshine * * * Last Sips ~ As sunny season fades, Monarch butterfly takes long tasty sips • Photo by Jan Logozzo • “Delicious” haiku poem by Mary O’Connor © 2022
Life Is Full of Sweet Spots 