The sun behind a cloud. Pink, rose, orange, magenta, wispy, fluffy, spiraled, the comforting sound of the wind, the sun's reflections off the waves. I am at peace with God and the Universe around me. I love the Blessed Mother and the child and the great love expressed through them; the most wonderful and loving iconic image in the World. A piece of wood with whitish and dark layers exposed to the elements and to my eyes. The blue sky, the mountain range of puffy clouds to the South as the breath of my ancestors bears down with the on rushing winds. I am at peace, most merciful God.

I am including a hymn by Ruth C. Duck, from Circles of Care: Hymns and Song. Copyright 1996 The Pilgrim Press. All rights reserved.

Healing river of the Spirit, bathe the wounds that living brings.
Plunge our pain, our sin, our sadness deep beneath your sacred springs. Weary from the restless searching that has lured us from your side,
we discover in your presence peace that world cannot provide.

Wellspring of the healing Spirit, stream that flows to bring release,
as we gain our selves, our senses, may our lives reflect your peace.
Grateful for the flood that heals us, may your church enact your grace.
As we meet both friend and stranger, may we see our Savior's face.

January 10, 2012 Walking the Wildwood Beach at Dusk

On beach late in afternoon of beautiful day. Warm in 40s. Dusk is gathering, ducks gently quacking, mauve sky colors, blessed quietness.

How clear the edges of the pointed firs are at dusk, etched by tangential rays of light. Gulls soaring, buffleheads gracefully flying and landing, so softly on the water in beautiful flocks.

First Day of 2012

Winslow Park, Freeport, Maine, on the first day of the new year. As Hemingway was the master of simple declarative sentences, so is this beautiful, sunny morning by the sea a master of simple, yet elegant, declarative sentences. Earth, how sweet is the fruit of thy womb. I am content.

Reflections on Walk at Winslow Park, Freeport, Maine - December 28, 2011

The wind rustling through the pine trees, the ocean waves reflecting a thousand points of light, the blueness of the sky and the whiteness of the clouds; coastal Maine in winter, where else would I want to be. And walking with my eldest son before he leaves on an adventure of a lifetime to Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and India with his lovely, artistic Vermont girl friend, life could not be richer. Art and nature, one and one, unification, biodiversity, these are words I love.