laughing…

“With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.” ― William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice (Not so fast there Bill)

Light please…

This time of year, in the Pacific NW, gets darker and blah if you don’t make an effort to get out and take in some form of light. I wouldn’t have done well cooped up in a cabin, snow bound, months on end….’stir crazy’ comes to mind.

Photo from a Fall outing on Sauvie Island, NW of Portland, Oregon

what was it…

I obviously was there and recall the situation when I snapped this shot…a beautiful Summer’s day coming to an end…at a festive event. Warmth was in the air, the trees offered a welcome respite from the heat…a positive recollection.

Now, years later, I can imagine the image eliciting varied emotions…some good, some bittersweet, suggestive of melancholia. Or, thoughts of begging the warmth and sun to remain as we (I) set off into Fall/Winter and many months of gray and rain. I prefer to bathe in the positive warmth right now. No need to rush cabin fever.

Cliche yes…but stop to smell the roses!

“Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know.” Ernest Hemingway, The Garden of Eden

Determination…

“No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” Samuel Beckett

Oregon Eagle near Linnton, Oregon

peaceful backwater…

A quiet spot on a back channel of the Lewis R. in Washington state.

life’s swirl…

‘What you discover about life’s shell game is that it’s hardest to follow the pea when you’re the pea.’ Robert Brault…Enjoying a lovely backyard rose, is escaping the shell game.

memories & smiles…

‘A smile is an inexpensive way to change your looks.’  Charles Gordy

locked out…

An acquaintance died this week. A private, lonely man with few friends, no known family. He shared wisdom, but couldn’t live the words. He shared kindness, but didn’t love himself. He exited this place by harsh means.  No key to his heart, mind nor the lock into his home. His life seemed to reflect this image of his front door. RIP John

Avoid the dark clouds…

“Learning to distance yourself from all the negativity is one of the greatest lessons to achieve inner peace.” Roy Bennett

Avoid the little ‘dark clouds’ incessantly pouring down negativity. It is infectious and destructive.