“Simplicity is the glory of expression.” — Walt Whitman simple elegance showcase of finest beauty picture of glory .*. *. * With simple layers of petals surrounding a prominent center of pollen-swollen stamen, Single Fernleaf Peonies are said by many to outshine their Double Fernleaf Peony cousins, whose classic multiple petal layers hide their center’s … More Simplicity
“There is a deep need in the world just now for guidance— almost any sort of spiritual guidance.” — Carl Jung bright beacon of light lights stony shapes of darkness sheltering guidance *. *. * Standing 65’ tall at the mouth of the Connecticut River, the octagonal Lynde Point Lighthouse guides navigators into Saybrook Harbor … More Guidance
“There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature.” – Rachel Carson tree of life motif echoing nature’s rhythm reigniting hope *. *. * Set against the evergreen needles of pines, delicate blossoms capture the returning life and hope of springtime • Photo and “Healing” haiku by Mary O’Connor © 2026
“Like water which can clearly mirror the sky and the trees only so long as its surface is undisturbed, the mind can only reflect the true image of the Self when it is tranquil and wholly relaxed.” — Indra Devi looking glass study reflected limitations see surface only *. *. * Springtime reflection simply hints … More Looking Glass
“Liquid brown eyes begged: ‘Take me with you. I’ll be good.’ Oh, the lies that dogs told.” ― Courtney Milan soulful brown eyes overflowing affection utter loyalty *. *. * “Don’t leave me,” Sharky begs his person, Sammy, speaking with simply his eyes • Watercolor painting and “Forever Friend” haiku by Mary O’Connor © 2026
“There was almost a fairy quality to this place… the clear air and the feeling of detachment that touched almost on greatness of the spirit.” — Clifford D. Simak pastoral beauty drenched with tranquility idyllic stillness *. *. * Spring blossoms crowd out any residual trace of winter’s gloom • Photo by Jan Logozzo • … More Idyllic
“The kind of happy that goes all the way through your soul happy. I need to finger paint more often! “ — Carolyn Dube sensory freedom happiness in the making artistic statement *. *. * Opening to the day’s sun, water lilies appear as tiny pots of colorful paints— happy expression in the making • Photo … More Paint Pots
“Every day is not just another assignment; it is a small, but contained, voyage of discovery.” — David Doubilet leaving safe harbor open to uncertainty testing the unknown *. *. * Destined to become one of the most tragic legends of the sea, the doomed RMS Titanic steams toward its intended New York destination with … More Voyage
“Do not allow negative thoughts to enter your mind for they are weeds that strangle confidence.” — Bruce Lee choking beauty out appealing in their own right wildness gone amuck *. *. * Weeds edge out fresh waters of wildlife preserve • Photo and “Weeds” haiku by Mary O’Connor © 2026
“What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight — it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” — Dwight D. Eisenhower you talkin’ to me? power of size dynamic positive mind wins *. *. * More than 170 to 180 bird species of large and small shapes and sizes … More Mindset
Life Is Full of Sweet Spots 