• John O'Donohue,  lifestyles,  quotes,  shadows

    Sojourners

    Morning shadows in my bedroom

    “We rush through our days in such stress and intensity, as if we were here to stay and the serious project of the world depended on us. We worry and grow anxious; we magnify trivia until they become important enough to control our lives. Yet all the time, we have forgotten that we are but temporary sojourners on the surface of a strange planet spinning slowly in the infinite night of the cosmos.” 

    John O’Donohue, Eternal Echoes
  • coffee shops,  lifestyles,  window

    The Morning’s Mood

    Empty French Press on an overcast and misting morning

    Good morning. It is misting and at 25 degrees a fine layer of ice is covering everything. As I took in the view from my bedroom window, I thought this would make a decent image that expressed the mood of this morning.

    Awe and Wonder…

    With eyes fixed on the horizon
    I realize how small, insignificant
    I am in this vast universe.

    Yet, within me there’s a sense I am
    a part of all this, of being connected,
    even though a small part.

    I cannot define, comprehend or
    name this sense within me but at this
    moment I feel this huge mysterious love.

    May we be the gift we were meant to be,
    created to be. May we never lose the
    awe and wonder of living this life!

  • Cityscapes/Urban,  clouds,  landscape,  lifestyles,  sunrises,  window

    Maybe today

    Sunrise from my wicker rocker at my bay window in my bedroom

    I’m pretty much in a self induced quarantine, maintaining physical distancing. I think I’m adjusting to doing without my lattes and coffee shop community, although it is not easy. Morning coffee is made with a french press and I bought some different coffee beans that I really do like. In many ways it’s nice to spend a bit more time at home. I’m also getting in a walk or two each day for physical health and sanity.

    Right now I’m in my wicker rocker looking out the bay window of my bedroom that faces southeast. The sun has just crested the neighboring apartments so I now have bright sunshine in my face and almost done with my cup of coffee. So,what to do with a full day ahead.

    Some of you may not believe this but I have a corner in my living room where a pile of stuff is slowly growing in height and width. I’ve always told myself the reason I have not picked up this pile in the corner of my living room was because I didn’t have the time. Well, I now know that is not the reason. 🙂 Maybe today. Or Saturday.

  • Candid Portraits,  coffee shops,  Documentary/Street,  John O'Donohue,  lifestyles,  People/Portraits,  quotes

    The Warmth of the Coffee Shop

    It’s cold outside but nice and warm inside the coffee shop

    A Blessing of Solitude
    “May you recognize in your life the presence, power, and light of your soul. May you realize that you are never alone, that your soul in its brightness and belonging connects you intimately with the rhythm of the universe. May you have respect for your own individuality and difference. May you realize that the shape of your soul is unique, that you have a special destiny here, that behind the facade of your life there is something beautiful, good, and eternal happening. May you learn to see yourself with the same delight, pride, and expectation with which God sees you in every moment.” 

    John O’Donohue, Anam Cara
  • gratitude,  lifestyles,  window,  writing/reading

    A bit of gratitude

    Window light in my bedroom

    “Let’s work to enjoy every sunrise and every sunset to the maximum degree possible, soaking it all in, mindfully.” Beth Frates

    I believe each day is a chance for gratitude, not that I do that each morning. It’s progress I’m after. This morning started out with a red sky in the east but has been cold and overcast with a chance of snow. So that red sky offered a moment of gratitude. I am also grateful for this small little condo I have. It is a cozy one bedroom, one bath place of about 760 square feet. It’s just right for a slothful bachelor to keep “sorta” clean. I am grateful for the wicker rocker I’m sitting in that looks out from my bedroom bay window. This window faces south/southeast so with morning sun coming in I have a place for quiet time in the sun. Yes, feeling some gratitude this morning. Stay warm!

  • architecture,  Black and White,  window

    Winter means…

    The inviting morning light.

    “If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.” Anne Bradstreet

    Winter means more time indoors. Winter time means longer shadows. Winter means more crockpots of hot soup. Winter means dressing warmer for the bus stop and morning walks. Winter means crawling between the sheets at night with cold feet. Winter means reading more books. There are more but…