Something Different

A friend and I went out for brunch on Memorial Day to the Sky Cafe in a nearby town. They have great food, and source much of it from local farmers, always a plus. They are located at the Sky Manor Airport, a small one that is a home and a landing spot for many small planes.

I know very little about planes other than your standard flights and that I was once in an 8-seater “breakfast flight”, one of the scarier moments of my life!

However, these small planes have a charm all their own. While I was respecting the “No trespassing” sign at the edge of a parking area and using my zoom feature, a pilot approached us and gave me persmission to go up and photograph the planes.

He then asked if we’d like to see a couple planes in their hangars. We said yes, and were soon getting an up-close-and-personal view. The pilot’s name was Bill, and he indulged all our questions and shared more about what flying a one or two-seater plane entailed.

I don’t know that I can retain all he shared, but he successfully convinced me (not my friend), that flying in that size plane would be terrifying. I am a great admirer from the ground! And we both absolutely loved meeting his rescue dog, Angel.

This time chatting with a local resident reminds me of how wonderful it is to live where I live … where people can just strike up a conversation, share stories, and it’s so easy and relaxed. It’s how life should be.

Let Your Creativity Be A Light

If you are a creative person, I’m sure you are periodically met with the awe and wonder of others who are genuinely admiring of your talent. Me, too. What these wonderful and complimentary people are generally unaware of are the challenges that come along with having our gifts.

Earlier today, I watched a new song/video from someone I greatly admire, and was marveling at how easy he makes it look. But I also know that’s not his whole story any more than it is when I share my artwork or my writing.

As an artist, there seems to be a natural desire to please an audience, but I also know that that’s not where it’s at. It’s about telling our truth, about letting our truth, and the reality of our experience, travel out into the world and resonate with the people who need and want to hear it.

In an environment where we are meticulously measured in likes, comments, shares, algorithms, and endless online assessments, we have to be braver than ever. We have to unlock, untie, unfold our truest meanings, love them for however paltry and confused they may sometimes seem, and share them anyway. The world needs us. I believe that.

Be strong. Be a light.

Music in Bloom

Bloom by Lullanas is a sweet, kinda shy, maybe first-love song, a cover originally by The Paper Kites, but done quite differently. Sung by two super-talented sisters, Bloom became an instant favorite of mine. Take a listen …

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Photo Credit: Ellie Porreza on Unsplash

Poetry Month – April 2024

I love poetry. You? April is National Poetry Month, so I thought I’d share the occasional poem that I prepared some graphics for. There may be more, but this is what I’m posting so far.

I don’t know if we could have a proper national poetry month here without our wonderful American poet, Emily Dickinson.

A love poem of sorts by another great American writer, poet and novelist, Alice Walker.

Okay, it’s true — Tennessee Williams is a playwright, but this seems like poetry to me, so I took a small liberty.

Wherever you live, why not find some poetry this month – fill your heart with gladness, sorrow, life, love – some poetry.

Beginning Early in Life

My love of nature and animals began when I was very, very young. I give some of the credit to my Dad, who was the gardener in the family, and who was always so kind and considerate to all creatures, including the bumblebees and wasps that occasionally got in the house.

People were often surprised that I knew the names of so many flowers and plants at such an early age. Generally, it was because my Dad had planted them somewhere around the house or in the yard, and I followed him with endless questions. At other times, it was because our family visited places like the Bronx Botanical Gardens, or the Bronx Zoo (now the Bronx Zoological Park). I consider myself very lucky to have had my innate love of animals and nature nurtured as I did.

For many of us, it’s not really all that far to walk someplace to appreciate the beauty of nature. Being in nature is so healing, so restorative, to mind and spirit. I am reminding myself – and you, too, if you’d like a reminder – to take a little time among the trees, flowers, and greening earth.

The day goes quickly and we can miss the chance. Life goes quickly, and we can miss the chance.

Photo credit of me: William Spohn (my Dad)