Sometimes I cannot find words. Nor can I imagine what photos/videos portray. These places - all so familiar, having lived there. People's lives altered forever. The tenderness with which responders lifted terrified children and the elderly to bring them to safe places. The stories, the stories. All pieces of a gigantic event so beyond what any of us have ever seen or experienced.
People caring for each other - and determined to put life back in some semblance of order. Walking to work because there is no public transit - in a city where owning a car is not something worth doing.
The confluence of weather striking at the heart of our countries. May there be healing and new wisdom.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
SKY DANCE
Returning
cranes’ uplifting flight
over fields of new
green sprouts.
Willows brighten
flowers grace trees.
Harbingers
of life’s opening.
Fresh starts
new directions.
______________________________________________________
Everyone should go at least once in their life! It's not too early to think of spring plans.
Each spring, ninety percent of the Sandhill Cranes in the world converge along a ninety-mile stretch of the Platte River in central Nebraska. Here, they pause to fatten up before they complete their northward journey to millennia-old breeding grounds stretching across the high Arctic from Siberia to eastern Canada.
The first cranes arrive mid-February and the last leave in April. The best time is somewhere around the third week in March, where their numbers swell to almost a half a million. If you go at the peak of their migration, be sure to make motel reservations, because this seventh wonder of the natural world attracts people from all around the world!
The cranes spend nights, sleeping balanced on one leg, in the shallow Platte River. Some cranes act as sentinels, alert to any sound of creatures such as fox, who might have fantasies of midnight snacks. In the morning, they fly out to surrounding fields to feast.
During their evening return, they call out to each other and to their one adolescent chick, who stays with its parents for two years. The are joined by Canada, Snow, and Blue Geese, all calling out to their compatriots. The cacophony of sound is so loud, you can not hold a conversation – and the sound reverberates through your body and bones.
cranes’ uplifting flight
over fields of new
green sprouts.
Willows brighten
flowers grace trees.
Harbingers
of life’s opening.
Fresh starts
new directions.
______________________________________________________
Everyone should go at least once in their life! It's not too early to think of spring plans.
Each spring, ninety percent of the Sandhill Cranes in the world converge along a ninety-mile stretch of the Platte River in central Nebraska. Here, they pause to fatten up before they complete their northward journey to millennia-old breeding grounds stretching across the high Arctic from Siberia to eastern Canada.
The first cranes arrive mid-February and the last leave in April. The best time is somewhere around the third week in March, where their numbers swell to almost a half a million. If you go at the peak of their migration, be sure to make motel reservations, because this seventh wonder of the natural world attracts people from all around the world!
The cranes spend nights, sleeping balanced on one leg, in the shallow Platte River. Some cranes act as sentinels, alert to any sound of creatures such as fox, who might have fantasies of midnight snacks. In the morning, they fly out to surrounding fields to feast.
During their evening return, they call out to each other and to their one adolescent chick, who stays with its parents for two years. The are joined by Canada, Snow, and Blue Geese, all calling out to their compatriots. The cacophony of sound is so loud, you can not hold a conversation – and the sound reverberates through your body and bones.
Monday, October 15, 2012
What Do Cats Do When Their Humans Are Gone?
Our two feline friends are fast friends with each other. They play together and sleep together Everyday they lie under the desk lamp on my desk when it is on - basking in its warmth as though they have gone to the beach.
By now, they are familiar with our habits. The sounds of us getting ready to go out the door. When we return, they are perched on the table by the door, waiting to greet us. Who ever said dogs greet you when you return, while cats disdain to notice you have returned? Not our two!
What happens in between our leaving and returning? Do they sigh and say, there they go again - abandoning us of warm lamps and the hope of extra cat food? Do they sulk just a bit before deciding how to fill the time until our return?
Or do they say, there they go again with a bit of glee - what can we explore in this big house? Where haven't we poked around? What games shall we play together? Any mischief we might create? How about a nice long nap in the sun streaming in a window?
Or perhaps, they say, the house is ours again. We are in charge and need to keep track of everything that happens inside and out.
I will never know. Yes I know, a person can buy some sort of web cam device so that I could spy on them. But I wouldn't want them to do so with me.
A part of their lives will forever be a mystery to me!
By now, they are familiar with our habits. The sounds of us getting ready to go out the door. When we return, they are perched on the table by the door, waiting to greet us. Who ever said dogs greet you when you return, while cats disdain to notice you have returned? Not our two!
What happens in between our leaving and returning? Do they sigh and say, there they go again - abandoning us of warm lamps and the hope of extra cat food? Do they sulk just a bit before deciding how to fill the time until our return?
Or do they say, there they go again with a bit of glee - what can we explore in this big house? Where haven't we poked around? What games shall we play together? Any mischief we might create? How about a nice long nap in the sun streaming in a window?
Or perhaps, they say, the house is ours again. We are in charge and need to keep track of everything that happens inside and out.
I will never know. Yes I know, a person can buy some sort of web cam device so that I could spy on them. But I wouldn't want them to do so with me.
A part of their lives will forever be a mystery to me!
Almost Time!
In the next few days our new book CONVERSATIONS Images and Poetry will roll off the presses! To say that we are eager to hold a copy in our hand is understated.
I have had a love affair with books ever sincre I was old enough to turn the pages in picture books. I love the way a book feels, its scent when it is new, the wonder of turning pages that have never been turned before. Or well worn pages from the library, a history of sorts as to a book's importance in many poeople's lives. Some books fill my shelves as markers in my life. Other books are re-read from time to time - always learning something that I'd missed before.
And when it is your own book! As a friend in grad school once remarked, "there is something so satisfying to hold the tangible pages of a term paper just off the printer."
I have watched the behemouth presses through a large window at the printing company we use. Big pale grey mysterious machines, all run by computer data. Some are color presses, while others print black words on white or creamy paper. Big rolls of various types of paper stand around like giant wheels, ready to be moved in place for another big event in someone's writing life. Rolls that sometimes are four feet in diameter.
Now it is almost time for our latest creation to take it final form. And we can hardly wait!
I have had a love affair with books ever sincre I was old enough to turn the pages in picture books. I love the way a book feels, its scent when it is new, the wonder of turning pages that have never been turned before. Or well worn pages from the library, a history of sorts as to a book's importance in many poeople's lives. Some books fill my shelves as markers in my life. Other books are re-read from time to time - always learning something that I'd missed before.
And when it is your own book! As a friend in grad school once remarked, "there is something so satisfying to hold the tangible pages of a term paper just off the printer."
I have watched the behemouth presses through a large window at the printing company we use. Big pale grey mysterious machines, all run by computer data. Some are color presses, while others print black words on white or creamy paper. Big rolls of various types of paper stand around like giant wheels, ready to be moved in place for another big event in someone's writing life. Rolls that sometimes are four feet in diameter.
Now it is almost time for our latest creation to take it final form. And we can hardly wait!
Friday, October 12, 2012
RAIN TAXI 'S ANNUAL BOOK FESTIVAL
Put on your walking shoes and be ready for the biggest book event of the year!
Every year, Rain Taxi (a Minneapolis-based book review and literary organization) has a a grand book event that is NOT to be missed. It outgrew its previous space at Metro Community College and this year will be at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Go to their website for directions to the building in which it will take up residence on Saturday, October 13th from 10am-5pm. It is a free event and the abundant parking is free as well.
Take a look at the schedule for the day - writers reading from their own works and other interesting topics related to books. Make the rounds from table to table of three hundred publishers, bookstores, individual writers, and arts/ literary centers. It also is a place to have lots of informal conversations with writers and readers. And it is likely you will see folks you know - all there to see what is new in the book world.
Don't wait to come at the last hour - there is so much to satiate your book-mind that you will need to give it some time. After you have luxuriated in this wonderful atmosphere, go home, take of your shoes, put up your feet, and give a long, contented sigh. Books and publishing are alive and well - whether you have an e-book reader, buy print copies of books, or use your library card!
As for those of you world-wide who read this blog, eat your hearts out for not being able to attend this wonderful gathering. Maybe next year!
Every year, Rain Taxi (a Minneapolis-based book review and literary organization) has a a grand book event that is NOT to be missed. It outgrew its previous space at Metro Community College and this year will be at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Go to their website for directions to the building in which it will take up residence on Saturday, October 13th from 10am-5pm. It is a free event and the abundant parking is free as well.
Take a look at the schedule for the day - writers reading from their own works and other interesting topics related to books. Make the rounds from table to table of three hundred publishers, bookstores, individual writers, and arts/ literary centers. It also is a place to have lots of informal conversations with writers and readers. And it is likely you will see folks you know - all there to see what is new in the book world.
Don't wait to come at the last hour - there is so much to satiate your book-mind that you will need to give it some time. After you have luxuriated in this wonderful atmosphere, go home, take of your shoes, put up your feet, and give a long, contented sigh. Books and publishing are alive and well - whether you have an e-book reader, buy print copies of books, or use your library card!
As for those of you world-wide who read this blog, eat your hearts out for not being able to attend this wonderful gathering. Maybe next year!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
'Tis the Season For Hot Chocolate!
I am a firm believer that the hot chocolate season begins several months before the winter solstice.
I mean, why would you wait until then?
There is nothing like a steaming cup of hot chocolate, a fire in the fireplace, and a cat curled up in your lap. This is true living, when my memories of the long hot and humid summer have faded.
I remember the first time we were in San Diego, California. We couldn't get a decent weather report on the radio. And weather to a Midwesterner is of vital importance. It is the way we greet each other - "think it will rain today?" or "mighty hot yesterday" or "hope it snows a lot so that skiing is a possibility." I don't even know how to talk southern California.
Besides, when we are traveling, the weather IS important. Will it be a day inside at a museum or a hike in wide open places?
That hot chocolate. We buy the one serving packets of various versions (a Land O' Lake's product - our son-in-law works there). so the first decision is what kind shall I have tonight. Raspberry chocolate? Mint chocolate? Chocolate amareto? Irish creme? Hazelnut?
I imagine it won't be long before my young cats recognize the sound of the jar opening and know it is hot chocolate time.
And the jar? It is from my childhood and was our cookie jar - says Nash's Toasted Coffee on its faded lid. I think hot chocolate is its best use yet!
I mean, why would you wait until then?
There is nothing like a steaming cup of hot chocolate, a fire in the fireplace, and a cat curled up in your lap. This is true living, when my memories of the long hot and humid summer have faded.
I remember the first time we were in San Diego, California. We couldn't get a decent weather report on the radio. And weather to a Midwesterner is of vital importance. It is the way we greet each other - "think it will rain today?" or "mighty hot yesterday" or "hope it snows a lot so that skiing is a possibility." I don't even know how to talk southern California.
Besides, when we are traveling, the weather IS important. Will it be a day inside at a museum or a hike in wide open places?
That hot chocolate. We buy the one serving packets of various versions (a Land O' Lake's product - our son-in-law works there). so the first decision is what kind shall I have tonight. Raspberry chocolate? Mint chocolate? Chocolate amareto? Irish creme? Hazelnut?
I imagine it won't be long before my young cats recognize the sound of the jar opening and know it is hot chocolate time.
And the jar? It is from my childhood and was our cookie jar - says Nash's Toasted Coffee on its faded lid. I think hot chocolate is its best use yet!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Uncovering Some of the Wonders of the Natural World
Nature issues an invitation. It sneaks up on us in a beckoning fashion. It lures and calls us. If we pay attention, we will find its beauty irresistible. Perhaps we even are compelled to share with others what we experience.
"Wasn't that a beautiful sunset last night!" Or "Over there, a parent bird is feeding newly hatched babies!" Or "Look, a rainbow!"
We are invited to revel in the natural world's beauty. Majesty, simple and complex designs. Amazing patterns, surprises, perseverance, and abundance. Robert Frost's poem about the pasture has always been one of my favorites "I'm going out to clean the pasture spring . . . you come too."
Jessica Powers is another poet writing about this invitation: " Make decoys he told me/set them on the blue . . . Let him have his decoys . . . My decoys are fashioned /to bring heaven down."
Nature is about listening to silence. I just finished reading the book One Square Inch of Silence. The writer makes a journey across country recording the amount of sound that surrounds us - and the lack of places to experience natural silence. A very thought-provoking book that has made me aware of how much sound intrudes and invades my life. Sound that I previously filtered out, just as we talk louder in restaurants to be heard by others at our table, not consciously realizing why we have raised our voices.
And I have been re-reading the Rule of Saint Benedict - and notice how often he uses the word listen.
It is a challenge to find times and places of silence. But I return again and again to favorite places in the natural world to find silence to nourish my heart and soul.
"Wasn't that a beautiful sunset last night!" Or "Over there, a parent bird is feeding newly hatched babies!" Or "Look, a rainbow!"
We are invited to revel in the natural world's beauty. Majesty, simple and complex designs. Amazing patterns, surprises, perseverance, and abundance. Robert Frost's poem about the pasture has always been one of my favorites "I'm going out to clean the pasture spring . . . you come too."
Jessica Powers is another poet writing about this invitation: " Make decoys he told me/set them on the blue . . . Let him have his decoys . . . My decoys are fashioned /to bring heaven down."
Nature is about listening to silence. I just finished reading the book One Square Inch of Silence. The writer makes a journey across country recording the amount of sound that surrounds us - and the lack of places to experience natural silence. A very thought-provoking book that has made me aware of how much sound intrudes and invades my life. Sound that I previously filtered out, just as we talk louder in restaurants to be heard by others at our table, not consciously realizing why we have raised our voices.
And I have been re-reading the Rule of Saint Benedict - and notice how often he uses the word listen.
It is a challenge to find times and places of silence. But I return again and again to favorite places in the natural world to find silence to nourish my heart and soul.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Embracing the Natural World
Humankind, being a part of the entire web of life, owes its existence and its quality of life to how it reads and heeds the signs of the natural world. Paying attention to the approach of a violent storm and decidng what action to take. Or knowing the optimum time for planting crops for harvest. These are just two examples of crucial readings of the natural world.
Individuals and humanity have survived and thrived by being aware and in tune with the surrounding environment. How seriously, quickly, and steadfastly our world civilizations become comfortable in living interdependently within this world ecology.
Let's start at the beginning! Discernment is a key element to figuring out to use our awareness to create healthful living. Discernment is all about being whoever you are. It is not simply figuring out how to resist what is destrucutive to one's living. Discernment is coming to believe the wonder of wonders - that we are loved for who we are, not for what we achieve.
We were created good - all of us. As Parker Palmer says "truth that was seeded in the earth when each of us arrived here" The clue lies in the assurance that you are nothing less than a good seed planted by a river of water.
Individuals and humanity have survived and thrived by being aware and in tune with the surrounding environment. How seriously, quickly, and steadfastly our world civilizations become comfortable in living interdependently within this world ecology.
Let's start at the beginning! Discernment is a key element to figuring out to use our awareness to create healthful living. Discernment is all about being whoever you are. It is not simply figuring out how to resist what is destrucutive to one's living. Discernment is coming to believe the wonder of wonders - that we are loved for who we are, not for what we achieve.
We were created good - all of us. As Parker Palmer says "truth that was seeded in the earth when each of us arrived here" The clue lies in the assurance that you are nothing less than a good seed planted by a river of water.
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