Looking up at the bookshelves on the wall over my computer,
I see that they are rather helter skelter,
as I don’t always put things back in their place.
I removed ‘Who Dies?’ by Stephen Levine
right before my hip surgery a year and a half ago,
and I still haven’t found it.
The shelves are rather gracefully askew . . .
some have been put in sideways
and some are stuck in corners between other containers . . .
a string of tiny lights
loops across them,
and are lit all of the time.
There is a picture of my husband playing guitar
in front of a row of books,
and a polished wooden box from India,
that contains four or five types of erasers.
Next to that is a brass Buddha
and a jar holding paint brushes, pliers,
knives, scissors,
and various artist tools.
On the shelf above them
are more books,
a little tidier than the row below,
there’s a basket filled with elaborate beaded earrings that I made years ago,
when I lived in the desert,
and next to them
is an office tray
holding paper,
and hand-copied book in a binder
by Cyprian Smith . . .
‘The Way of Paradox’,
and my garden journal below that.
One the top shelf
is a row of large olive oil cans,
cleaned out to hold an embosser,
glue gun and sticks . . .
the cord for one of them
hangs out over the front,
feathers and strips of leather,
little vials with all sorts of beads and crystals,
a large box
containing old journals,
one of those little ‘Willow Tree’ statues
of an angel with both arms straight out from her sides,
with several birds resting on them.
In the farthest corner
is a box holding music CD’s . . .
then there are bottles of water-based paint,
and oil-based paint,
India ink,
and rolls of copper and brass wire . . .
there are sorts and bits of other things,
not worthy of mention here,
but as I gaze up at this glorious mess above me
I remember the day I filled those shelves,
how inspired and full of energy I was,
twelve years ago,
when we purchased this house,
grateful to have my own studio for the first time in my life.
It has been well used too . . .
I make my Christmas cards here,
I dream my dreams here,
(not the ones about my ex-overseer),
ponder the world,
and meditate.
The cats often join me . . .
they must like the ambiance.
The disorganization
would bother many people,
but I find it rather beautiful and kinetic . . .
the place looks lived in,
enjoyed,
and comfortable.
So those bookshelves are beautiful to me,
not because they are perfect,
which they are not,
but because they have a story
and they look like life to me . . .
vibrant and vital.
No shame here.
Sparrow, I can picture your space so well based on your description. It is a space I would love to spend time in exploring. Thank you for your time in expressing this so vividly. 🩷
I’d love for you to do that,
dear Mary . . .
a few months ago
I made a commitment to myself
to delve into the Questions more deeply
and to think things through . . . 🙂
I am always more at ease in a home that feels lived in, rather than one that looks like a show room………you break it, you buy it. The description of your studio sounds just right, dear Sparrow.
My new neighbors…a young couple…he’s very shy…she’s very open and engaging…she joined me for my morning walk. She is from Mexico and came to this country 3 years ago to work as a nanny. She is absolutely delightful and adds a new perspective to the neighborhood. So glad that I approached them, stepped into their universe, when they moved in.
The fig tree starting to unfold its leaves, preparing to give fruits in a while, which serve for the birds as delicious food and for many friends as a source of compot, cakes and chutney. Yummy!
I love fig trees – and figs! – so much. I left a fig tree behind when we sold our house last year, and I pray that young family gets a lot of fruit from it as it continues to grow. There’s a beautiful fig tree on an empty lot in our neighborhood, and I noticed some leaves coming back on our walk yesterday. It’s a big one right next to the road, so of course I’m dreaming of the perfect figs hanging where I can pick them when the time is right!
Our Seuss tree is covered with more white blossoms every day. Yesterday I noticed that the oregano plant below it had caught one blossom on a dry stem left from last year. It was as if the tree had loaned its beauty to the herb below so it too could bloom. It’s sprinkling its blossoms on the ground below, speckling the corner of the deck with white.
As I sit in my little guest room, with the south facing window, on this dark and cloud covered morning, as the monochromatic light fills this space, I wonder if all beauty comes from light.
And of course, beauty is just something that I have assigned to something. Beauty doesn’t need me, for it to exist. Or does it? I mean, beauty can be an action too. Someone can do something I find beautiful, and I don’t mean visually, I guess I mean something that strikes my heart in a certain way.
Like a kindness. Okay, I’ll say that the source of beauty right now, in front of me is the light, but in general I guess I’m going to say kindness and light are the sources of beauty. For me.
Last night noticing the daffodils are blooming! So pretty! Kinda gloomy here in my neck of the woods this week-end. It’s windy and very chilly. Feels like winter again! Had to put my winter hat and gloves to go out for a short walk. Warming up to 60 though at the end of the week : ).
As I sit here this morning with my coffee, journal, and each of you, next to me is my husband with his journal, 2 daily inspirational books he reads each morning. Peter, my husband is an incredible, inspiring source of beauty. His heart is one of the gentlest I know, his wit makes me smile and laugh, never biting. His eyes are the most amazing blue, so much so
that people often comment on them. And humble, always creating space for others. Sometimes a bit too much I think, but that is not my business. We dated in HS, went separate ways briefly here and there, ended up at the same college, and married while we were in college. 52 years later, we are still having a blast, along with all the ups and downs of life. So this man has been one source of beauty in my life for a very long time. For many years in my life now, I have not wanted to be “told” by experts/gurus/ etc. how I should live, rather I have wanted to be “inspired”. Peter is one source of beauty in my life that continues to inspire me after all these years.
Antoinette, as I wrote about Peter, the words just flowed. As I proofread it before posting, I thought it quite intimate and had a 2nd thought about posting it. The essence of all who come here made me hit the post button w/out further thought. For that, I am grateful.🩷
I love this! So nice he enjoys journaling and inspirational books.
My son has blue eyes too and receives a lot of comments too. My daughter has green eyes and I didn’t know how rare that was until a few years ago.
Many faces of our ancestors, many children of many parentages, dogs, even some cows and a lamb. Pictures, all a reminder of so much stardust involved in our two families, now one, collective DNA. May all encounter a bit of beauty, peace and love today. Namaste.
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The ocean
Looking up at the bookshelves on the wall over my computer,
I see that they are rather helter skelter,
as I don’t always put things back in their place.
I removed ‘Who Dies?’ by Stephen Levine
right before my hip surgery a year and a half ago,
and I still haven’t found it.
The shelves are rather gracefully askew . . .
some have been put in sideways
and some are stuck in corners between other containers . . .
a string of tiny lights
loops across them,
and are lit all of the time.
There is a picture of my husband playing guitar
in front of a row of books,
and a polished wooden box from India,
that contains four or five types of erasers.
Next to that is a brass Buddha
and a jar holding paint brushes, pliers,
knives, scissors,
and various artist tools.
On the shelf above them
are more books,
a little tidier than the row below,
there’s a basket filled with elaborate beaded earrings that I made years ago,
when I lived in the desert,
and next to them
is an office tray
holding paper,
and hand-copied book in a binder
by Cyprian Smith . . .
‘The Way of Paradox’,
and my garden journal below that.
One the top shelf
is a row of large olive oil cans,
cleaned out to hold an embosser,
glue gun and sticks . . .
the cord for one of them
hangs out over the front,
feathers and strips of leather,
little vials with all sorts of beads and crystals,
a large box
containing old journals,
one of those little ‘Willow Tree’ statues
of an angel with both arms straight out from her sides,
with several birds resting on them.
In the farthest corner
is a box holding music CD’s . . .
then there are bottles of water-based paint,
and oil-based paint,
India ink,
and rolls of copper and brass wire . . .
there are sorts and bits of other things,
not worthy of mention here,
but as I gaze up at this glorious mess above me
I remember the day I filled those shelves,
how inspired and full of energy I was,
twelve years ago,
when we purchased this house,
grateful to have my own studio for the first time in my life.
It has been well used too . . .
I make my Christmas cards here,
I dream my dreams here,
(not the ones about my ex-overseer),
ponder the world,
and meditate.
The cats often join me . . .
they must like the ambiance.
The disorganization
would bother many people,
but I find it rather beautiful and kinetic . . .
the place looks lived in,
enjoyed,
and comfortable.
So those bookshelves are beautiful to me,
not because they are perfect,
which they are not,
but because they have a story
and they look like life to me . . .
vibrant and vital.
No shame here.
Sparrow, I can picture your space so well based on your description. It is a space I would love to spend time in exploring. Thank you for your time in expressing this so vividly. 🩷
I’d love for you to do that,
dear Mary . . .
a few months ago
I made a commitment to myself
to delve into the Questions more deeply
and to think things through . . . 🙂
I am always more at ease in a home that feels lived in, rather than one that looks like a show room………you break it, you buy it. The description of your studio sounds just right, dear Sparrow.
Thank you,
dear Joseph . . .
I love my studio.
It is my safe place. ♥
My new neighbors…a young couple…he’s very shy…she’s very open and engaging…she joined me for my morning walk. She is from Mexico and came to this country 3 years ago to work as a nanny. She is absolutely delightful and adds a new perspective to the neighborhood. So glad that I approached them, stepped into their universe, when they moved in.
I am sure they will love all your delicious baked goods too 🙂
I already made them cookies!
❤️
The fig tree starting to unfold its leaves, preparing to give fruits in a while, which serve for the birds as delicious food and for many friends as a source of compot, cakes and chutney. Yummy!
I love fig trees – and figs! – so much. I left a fig tree behind when we sold our house last year, and I pray that young family gets a lot of fruit from it as it continues to grow. There’s a beautiful fig tree on an empty lot in our neighborhood, and I noticed some leaves coming back on our walk yesterday. It’s a big one right next to the road, so of course I’m dreaming of the perfect figs hanging where I can pick them when the time is right!
Oh my,
dear Ose . . .
what a treat to have a fig tree. ♥
Daffodils! There is brilliant yellow everywhere I look. I love this time of year. Rebirth.
Indeed Pattee. Enjoy.🩷
The rain splashing on my windows.
The skies are heavy, gray & laden with moisture.
It’s winter again after a spurt of spring. 😞
I too,
love rainy days,
dear PKR. ♥
I love this. Such a perfect poem.
Our Seuss tree is covered with more white blossoms every day. Yesterday I noticed that the oregano plant below it had caught one blossom on a dry stem left from last year. It was as if the tree had loaned its beauty to the herb below so it too could bloom. It’s sprinkling its blossoms on the ground below, speckling the corner of the deck with white.
As I sit in my little guest room, with the south facing window, on this dark and cloud covered morning, as the monochromatic light fills this space, I wonder if all beauty comes from light.
And of course, beauty is just something that I have assigned to something. Beauty doesn’t need me, for it to exist. Or does it? I mean, beauty can be an action too. Someone can do something I find beautiful, and I don’t mean visually, I guess I mean something that strikes my heart in a certain way.
Like a kindness. Okay, I’ll say that the source of beauty right now, in front of me is the light, but in general I guess I’m going to say kindness and light are the sources of beauty. For me.
Light is everything, Charlie. Thanks for lifting it up as beauty’s partner.
Thank you, Charlie. I agree whole heatedly that kindness and light are sources for great beauty.
So lovely, Charlie what a beautiful way to express beauty! 💓
You have stirred my heart,
dear Charlie,
to think more deeply on this . . .
thank you. ♥
Me, too, Sparrow
Charlie, I love this so much. It feels true.
Last night noticing the daffodils are blooming! So pretty! Kinda gloomy here in my neck of the woods this week-end. It’s windy and very chilly. Feels like winter again! Had to put my winter hat and gloves to go out for a short walk. Warming up to 60 though at the end of the week : ).
The yellow daisies in a vase on our table. They’re from our anniversary but still have a little life in them. I love having flowers on the table!
The morphing of boquets is quite lovely, Sunny Patti. Right down to the very last stem.🩷
Me too, Sunny Patti !
As I sit here this morning with my coffee, journal, and each of you, next to me is my husband with his journal, 2 daily inspirational books he reads each morning. Peter, my husband is an incredible, inspiring source of beauty. His heart is one of the gentlest I know, his wit makes me smile and laugh, never biting. His eyes are the most amazing blue, so much so
that people often comment on them. And humble, always creating space for others. Sometimes a bit too much I think, but that is not my business. We dated in HS, went separate ways briefly here and there, ended up at the same college, and married while we were in college. 52 years later, we are still having a blast, along with all the ups and downs of life. So this man has been one source of beauty in my life for a very long time. For many years in my life now, I have not wanted to be “told” by experts/gurus/ etc. how I should live, rather I have wanted to be “inspired”. Peter is one source of beauty in my life that continues to inspire me after all these years.
Thank you for sharing a snippet of your love story. Peter sounds like a great man, who obviously married a great woman!
From a long-lasting marriage, I applaud you and Peter, Mary M.
Thank you, Joseph.
Wow, Mary, that’s really touching. I’m so happy for you. It’s really nice of you to share this with us..
Antoinette, as I wrote about Peter, the words just flowed. As I proofread it before posting, I thought it quite intimate and had a 2nd thought about posting it. The essence of all who come here made me hit the post button w/out further thought. For that, I am grateful.🩷
Mary, how sweet…..🩷
You are blessed.✨
Indeed I am, PKR. Thank you.🩷
What an enduring testament of your love,
dear Mary . . .
Peter must be very special to you.
Guard that love with your heart. ♥
Thank you, Sparrow. Your words, “guard that love with your heart”, are beautiful. 🩷
I love this! So nice he enjoys journaling and inspirational books.
My son has blue eyes too and receives a lot of comments too. My daughter has green eyes and I didn’t know how rare that was until a few years ago.
Indeed it is nice, Robin Ann. Eyes can really capture one’s attention.🩷
I have predominantly green eyes. I did not know that green eyes were rare.
I see beauty in my coffee mug – a cute Siamese cat.
Many faces of our ancestors, many children of many parentages, dogs, even some cows and a lamb. Pictures, all a reminder of so much stardust involved in our two families, now one, collective DNA. May all encounter a bit of beauty, peace and love today. Namaste.
We all blend into each other,
don’t we,
dear Joseph?
I honor your two families,
made one.
Namaste. ♥
This new day bringing with it every heartbeat and every breath…..beauty.
https://youtu.be/GIVouW60fSY?si=4ck4P8hkrdG8ej6m
This video expresses how the vast True perspective is so beautiful. 🤩
Hope it works to share it with you .
Thanks Antoinette.
You’re very welcome, Joseph. I’m glad it worked.!
Thank you,
dear Antoinette,
for the link to this video . . .
I’ve been hoping you would post it. ♥
You’re welcome, sparrow have you seen it before??
No,
I haven’t
but was curious
when I noticed
that you frequently mention
Truth.
🙏