“There are, in fact, certain roads that one may follow. Simplification of life is one of them.”

― Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gift from the Sea

the dear that crossed the lawn during longevity stick class, the birds announcing them,
stopping for a minute to just watch and listen, the two tiny hummers at the feeder,
allowing myself to unfold with spring, in my own way, feeding my sourdough starter
and thinking of my father, slowing down to allow memories to surface,
and noticing a glimmer of hope within them, finding a little bit more of myself in those memories
and letting go of mistakes and anger

***

the hummers are back

By the way, did you fellows know that a hummingbird weighs as much as a quarter? Do you think a hummingbird also weighs the same as two dimes and a nickel? But then she asked a question of her own: How do they weigh a hummingbird?

- Calvin Trillin

hummers at the feeder, a gentle rain, allowing my thoughts to just be without judgement,
the smell of banana bread baking, reading a really good book with the dog in my lap,
mulling over a new project, a slow day all to myself to just be with my thoughts, knowing…
there are leftovers for dinner!

***

blooming

“And the secret garden bloomed and bloomed and every morning revealed new miracles.”

― Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

He and I walk his neighborhood. Along the way I teach him all the flower names. He blooms right along with the glorious colors of spring.

***

a bit of gratitude

“For being human, we remember and forget. We stray and return, fall down and get up, and cling and let go, again and again. But it is this straying and returning that makes life interesting, this clinging and letting go – damned as it is – that exercises the heart.”
— Mark Nepo

***

a morning walk with Percy, looking for bugs, a quick text exchange with a close friend, a reminder to reach out, the late afternoon light, blooming rhododendrons. .

simplify

What's really important is to simplify. The work of most photographers would be improved immensely if they could do one thing: get rid of the extraneous. If you strive for simplicity, you are more likely to reach the viewer.
-William Albert Allard

I often spend too much time trying to find the perfect quote, and a layout that speaks to me. Frustration mounts as I look at the clock and see just how long I have been sitting here. I get up, walk a way and take a break. When I come back it all seems to click and I feel I can let go now, having found peace.

***