The Gratitude Pool

I’m grateful today for the tiniest bit of ease.

A breath of cool air in the middle of a non breathable, hot day; the moistness of water as it slakes the dryness of one’s throat; the softness of cotton on the skin; a bit of food to delight the tongue and stem the stomach’s rumblings; the ability to move one’s limbs; a smile; a kind word; rest in safe harbor at the end of the day…all are precious moments of noticing good, like patches of Silver Swords on the slopes of a volcano.

There is enough pain, frustration, disappointment and discomfort pounding down around us in the workplace, home responsibilities, interactions and expectations to cause a giant “Arrgghh!” to rise Heavenward.

They don’t call it the daily grind for nothin’.

Live And In Person For A Limited Run...

by
Florence Ondré

There is a stark beauty to winter. Leaves all gone and trees go into their second act ballet, leaning into winds, gracefully bending to and fro, arms outlined like sculptured, dark shapes shifting in the flame of stark sunsets. Nature's panoramic play of light and dark against vivacious hues is made denser by the crispness in the air.
I love winter trees with their arms uplifted to show us what is hidden for most of the year by their Spring blossoms, Summer greenery and Fall freckles of color. Winter is where even the white of snowfall defines rather than masks the lovely limbs in statuesque poses of play and peace. At no other time during the year do these stately beings have this opportunity to display unfettered, their artistic curves and lines. Even the sun conspires to take part in their theatre by backlighting to illumine to best advantage winter's show of shows.
This reality show is where we may view the pure, unclad form of these givers of life, shelter and shade without commercials.
Bundle up. No tickets needed. Come to the cabaret!

The Why Of Butterflies

by Florence Ondré

While everyone (me included) is talking about how the world is going to Hell in a handbasket and my blood is boiling over the shame of man's worst behavior, here are all these butterflies; georgeousness on the wing, flitting, flying to and fro in multitudes to remind me that there is still beauty in the world; nearer than I think.
This is a much better focus.
As these creatures of grace and shimmering flutter come calling, I find my anger disintegrating, like smoke into air, and my despair that goodness is succumbing to the tide of offal, shivering off my shoulders. I am warmed by sighs of relief and gratitude for their reminder of simple profound beauty.
As they hang upside down sipping nectar from flower bells; as they light upon leaves and pose ever so patiently in the grass until just the right ray of sunshine shows these artists models off to their best advantage, they urge me to keep my eye on that which heals my soul instead of rending it.
There is more beauty and more light in the world.
The rest is merely moving on through.