discovering a tiny nest tucked away
made
step by step
a little little bit at a time
until
at last
this became
a safe and comforting home
a place to grow and thrive
and fly
when the time is right.
—
‘*little by little, the bird makes its nest.’
– french proverb
at the moment of kickoff
at my grandson’s game
the skies opened up
serving up a main course
of biting sideways rain
with a side dish of high-winded temperature drop
no lighting or thunder
so the game went on
having just taken the umbrella out of my car
at least there was a rain jacket still on the seat
yet quickly apparent that it wasn’t built
for sudden deluge-level weather
nor were the fans’ soon to be inside-out umbrellas
but they kept on playing and playing
while they didn’t win
they stayed in the game
as did the families/fans
showing a lot of heart
when we got to the car
as we made our way out
and onto the road home
the weather left
just as quickly as it had arrived
not one more drop of rain fell
not a wisp of wind was blown
not a chill in the air to be found
as we dripped and dropped in the car
laughing about the crazy storm
so looking forward to hot showers, warm food, and cozy, dry pajamas
our just desserts
after a game
well-played by all.
—
‘the best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain.’
-henry wadsworth longfellow
let us celebrate cinco de mayo by recognizing the power of determination and the courage to never give up.
On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army unexpectedly defeated the French in the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. Although not the end of the war, the victory was a testament to the Mexican military’s unshakeable spirit and inspired the Cinco de Mayo celebrations we still see today. Outside of the state of Puebla, where the battle occurred, it’s a relatively minor holiday in Mexico. But many Mexican immigrants carried the tradition with them to America. Today, Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo with festivals, parades, music, food, and artesanía.
In Mexico, artesanía is a traditional craft or folk art piece. Artists of all skill levels produce artesanía, including pottery, fabrics, toys, and other crafts. It often features bright colors and decorative details that date back to the ancient temples, pyramids, and other historical objects found throughout Mexico.
—
aftermath of our afternoon trip down the river – 2020 style
—
what started out as a promising enterprise
full of air and up on top
waylaid by the first set of cascades
day’s lazy dreams dashed against the rocks
so quickly deflated
yet just as suddenly
floated back up
found a way
after all
not as planned
this will always be remembered as the year that was
for so many reasons
that taught us how to make it to the end
safety vests strapped on and fingers crossed
even if we had to body surf our way through it
or borrow a raft now and then.
—
“there is even rhythm in being empty.”
-miyamoto musashi
that moment when you understand
that a little thing like a snowstorm
won’t stop you from getting where you need to go.
—
“determination gives you the resolve to keep going
in spite of the roadblocks that lay before you.”
-denis waitley
this may take a while….
what a surprise and delight
it was to meet peter
(who is known as jonathan when in trouble)
the proprietor of a tiny shop near the beach.
how was i to know
that he was
a visiting nurse
a gentle spirit
a master
of local lore, directions, recommendations
who worries about what will happen to his store
when he is gone
and wonders
if the people who take it over
will be able to make enough money
in spite of some adversity
he was brimming
with happiness and passion
as we spoke at length
about the joys of sea glass
with all of its pits and scratches and imperfections
that only serve to prove
it’s the real thing
having survived
a long and challenging journey
having arrived at last
on a soft and sandy shore
collected by hands
that appreciate it for all of its beauty
exactly as it is
and he was extraordinary.
“for me, the difference between an ‘ordinary’ and an ‘extraordinary’ person
is not the title that person might have,
but what they do to make the world a better place for us all.”
-jody williams
—
wells, maine – august 2019
wearing an ac/dc t-shirt, ripped up jeans, and velcro shoes
all while wrapped in a cape made from your swaddling blanket
bestows unlimited strength and heroic powers upon you.
—
“a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength
to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”
-christopher reeve
tiny kinder spent nearly an hour
focused
working alone
not asking for any help
very carefully snipping tiny pieces
from the roll of sticky green tape
placing them on her fringed orange paper.
when she was happy with what she had created
her beautiful piece of art was done.
“great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”
-vincent van gogh
I didn't have my glasses on.... 