Leave it to my son to find this tiny Spring Peeper. Nothing escapes this guy:
We used to love hearing them in the early spring, peeping in the local swamp. One year we had a lone peeper in the tarp of our swimming pool! I felt bad he never found his mate. We were treated to a couple of lusty tree frogs that year too. 🙂
Sometimes you just want to run away from home. It’s not that home’s so bad. In fact, home is great! But the warm autumn weather beckons, tinged with a crisp breeze, and it carries you away to beautiful places.
In my quest to get to the local CVS during lunch to pick up a pound of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, the pristine day led me to nearby Wellesley College and one of my favorite places, behind the Botany Building where my mom used to work, in the secret gardens.
I made a mental note that I must bring a notebook with me the next time I come here and plant myself in one of these little outdoor rooms and scribble away.
My favorite author and writing muse, Louisa May Alcott, wrote of her longing for a room of her own. Finally nearing her teens, her parents gave her one with a door leading out to the garden where she could “run away from home” whenever she liked.
Louisa May Alcott in her own room, illustration by Flora Smith from The Story of Louisa May Alcott by Joan Howard
Louisa also loved writing in apple trees, crunching on crisp, juicy apples:
“I write best up in the apple tree”; illustration by Flora Smith.
So I thought of Louisa in her apple tree when I saw this pine:
I loved this little “room” created by fir bushes, complete with a little door:
The view outside the room was equally lovely:
A grape arbor with flat stones for a bench:
A stone bench dedicated to a loved one as a place to remember loved ones:
All this just a short walk from my office. Does “home” get any better than this?
Made me think of a song by Judy Collins:
And if I hadn’t taken that detour to the college, I wouldn’t have noticed that a new Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin Robbins store has opened in Wellesley Square. I was able to get my pound of coffee for less money, and use the savings to get my favorite iced mocha with cream and sugar. 🙂
I can’t wait for the next time when I can “run away from home.” And I’ll be sure and take a notebook next time.
Do you have any secret gardens near your office or home?
Where do you like to steal away for the loveliness of quiet and solitude?
Joni Mitchell taught me to write songs and Linda Ronstadt taught me how to sing. I emulated her voice although I never had the sustained power she had. Ronstadt has now lost her voice due to Parkinson’s and has penned a musical memoir called Simple Dreams, presenting her amazing 45 year career as a singer. Although Ronstadt’s personal life was colorful (to say the least, especially in her rock star heyday), this is not a cheap tell-all. Ronstadt has immersed herself since childhood in many musical styles from folk, pop and rock to standards from the American Songbook, to Mexican, and definitely to eclectic. Her musical journey has sometimes confused her fans but all Ronstadt fans agree that this lady was one amazing singer!
Christopher Lydon and Linda Ronstadt
Not “just” a singer
Ronstadt has longed to share the amazing encyclopedic knowledge that she has of music and this book finally gives her the vehicle. Last night at her book signing, she carried on a casual and engaging conversation with PBS host Christopher Lydon. Funny, blunt, quirky and highly intelligent, she demonstrated the depth of her knowledge historically, technically and aesthetically, oftentimes making remarkable connections with regards to the influences of past singers on present ones. There’s a lot to be learned about musical influences from this lady!
Rosemary Clooney and Linda Ronstadt at Symphony Hall, Boston
Colorful stories
Her delightful quirky humor would pop out with comments about how great a kisser Marvin Gaye was, or how much she adored Smokey Robinson. Her comments about Emmylou Harris (another influence of mine) and Rosemary Clooney (a true artist) were especially interesting. Bowled over by both singers, she demonstrated uncommon wisdom and humility, choosing to “submit herself” as she says, to their greatness. In essence, she chose to learn rather than to compete. And in the end she was the winner, singing with the both of them and building lasting friendships throughout her long career.
Guarded emotions
Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris
Ronstadt is notoriously guarded about sharing raw emotion and can come off as rather matter-of-face and academic when she speaks. I had hoped she would touch on how she coped with losing her singing voice as I too have lost mine (due to acid reflux) or how she is coping with her Parkinson’s, but the issues were not brought up. Occasionally she will let her true feelings slip out as she did in her interview with Diane Sawyer where she shared her craving to sing on stage with Emmylou Harris recently rather than sit in the audience. She could not even sing along softly to herself. This is the woman who said that her recording and performing career was only one percent of the music in her life. That story hit a raw nerve and I found myself tearing up unexpectedly as grief often does. We both have accepted and made peace with our losses, but a longing, a memory will crop up suddenly and the process begins all over again, only to pass quickly like a summer shower.
Linda signing our book
A connection …
I longed to tell her that she was not alone in her loss but the moment didn’t present itself. I was, however, able to tell her something else and it got a wonderful reaction. While having our book signed, in a brief Twitter-length sentence I said, “I hope you found the writing process to be as creatively satisfying as singing.” She looked right up at me, pleasantly surprised and chirped, “Oh yes!” Then she made a brief comment about the fun of editing which is my favorite part of writing too.
Making connections is so much fun!
Rich and Linda fan Lauren
My husband Rich has been a passionate fan of Ronstadt’s for many years and ran her fan club for ten of those years. Last night he was able to meet up with other fans and reminisce about the old days when they attended concerts together and compared notes online, I didn’t understand his passion then but I do now, seeing as I am a Louisa May Alcott groupie. 🙂
I’m glad I’ve finally made that connection with him.
On November 2, The Commission for Women of the Diocese of Worcester, MA (which I chair) is holding it’s biennial women’s conference, Gather Us In 2013 at the DCU Center. Registration is open and you can download the brochure and registration form at www.worcestercommissionforwomen.org.
I’ve been profiling the speakers for our conference in articles written for the Catholic Free Press. Here is a profile of one of our workshop presenters, Peggy Patenaude.
Women of New England, I hope to see you at our conference!
Whatever faith you subscribe to, oneness is key. Connectivity to the people and world around us brings us closer to the Creator of all. This post is a wonderful example of this concept, the core theme of Be As One.
In previous posts I have commented on the persecution of people because of their beliefs. Our country is polarized as has not been seen since the 1960s, and it appears that we are heading into another war. Oneness and connectivity are not luxuries, they are necessities!
In today’s world where people consider themselves different from all others and are divided on diverse grounds of sex, age, ethnicity, religion, nationality, shape, size, and a whole lot more, the idea of the entire universe having been created out of a single source seems fantastic. But, that indeed is the truth!
Everything in this world has come from the same source – energy, which gets converted into matter by following certain geometric codes. These codes or laws bring the energy molecules together to create specific structures, which are then combined to produce matter. From a tiny cell in the human body to the flower petals, to a diamond crystal, to a nautilus shell, to the planets, to music sequences, everything is based on consistent common laws of mathematics and form. From atoms to galaxies, a constant language of geometric pattern underlines all levels of the universe.
Christ-consciousness in silver
The mystics in the ancient times realized this fundamental truth of creation and started revering these geometric patterns or codes as sacred. What we know today as sacred geometry refers to the basic building blocks of the universe and can be called the blueprint of creation. It is to be found in the entire nature in form of Fibonacci spirals, golden mean proportion, platonic solids, tube torus, etc.
A wonderful example of Scared Geometry is the Platonic Solids, the 5 solids that are the core patterns behind every physical creation. They are Hexahedron (Cube), Tetrahedron, Octahedron, Dodecahedron and Icosahedron. An interesting fact about them is that they all fit perfectly in a sphere with all corners touching the sphere’s edge. The sphere/circle, which is regarded as a primal container for consciousness and energy is seen as the mother and the cube is considered the male equivalent. The cube is unique in that the other 4 solids fit perfectly within it. Thus, this works as an example of inter-connectivity of everything.
I find myself confounded by the numbers, ratios and patterns that appear repeatedly in every aspect of life. Can you, in all honesty, say that this doesn’t amaze you and attribute it all simply to coincidence? Doesn’t the perfectness in the universe that is revealed by sacred geometry point to a Supreme Force controlling everything?
Flower of life in silver
Once you accept that all life is structured and governed by same, unseen laws, you will realize the hollowness and falsity in the perception of being distinct or separate from nature as well as from one another. You will be filled with reverence for all creation. Contemplation of these geometric codes offers a glimpse into the working of the great Universal Mind. Therefore, Sacred Geometry can become one of the ways in which God can be observed, proportioned and measured.
The Sacred Geometry is all around us, it is even within us. But, we hardly ever give it a thought. When we consciously engage with it, the harmony we experience in the shapes and patterns of sacred geometry will definitely help us get attuned to the harmony in the universal order and help us discover our full potential. It will sharpen the intuition, increase creativity and vitality, promote better understanding in relationships, improve communication, give rise to a sense of connection with the world, and make you feel at peace with yourself and with everyone around you. You will feel spiritually centered.
Undoubtedly, understanding, recognizing and accepting sacred geometry is the key to realizing the wholeness of universe and the oneness of all existence. Through it, science and spirituality become one. Its study leads us to reflect on creation of the universe and origin of life, which helps us realize the unity and oneness of everything. Everything has sprung up from a common source; everything exists together in this vast cosmos and is intricately inter-connected.
There is a frightening series of events going on in Egypt that few know about. If you are a Christian and don’t believe there is persecution to the magnitude of the original martyrs of the Church, you must educate yourself on the plight of the Coptic Christians in Egypt.
The mainstream press is not covering this story. Our government, except for a recent tepid statement condemning the violence, has otherwise done nothing. The Coptic Christians are being rooted out. Their businesses are being spray-painted with black crosses and X’s. Over sixty churches have been burned down. One church had to cancel their Divine Liturgy this past Sunday for the first time in 1600 years.
This is not a far-away problem in a country thousands of miles away. This is something that should profoundly affect our lives as Christians. Our brothers and sisters are suffering and we must pray for them and spread the word as to their plight.
Yes, I know. There are many groups of people on the earth who have been persecuted and killed. Lord knows the suffering in Syria has been immense as well as in Afghanistan and Iraq. There is starvation and disease around the world and so many forgotten people both here in our country and around the world.
I could just allow the waves of suffering to overwhelm me and do nothing. Or, I can pick one group and do what I can for them.. I can daily offer my prayers for all people in the world, entrusting them lovingly to God through the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Our Lord knows best how to take care of them but He wants us to get involved. To paraphrase St. Teresa of Avila, we are His hands and feet.
What can we do? We can ask our pastors this Sunday to add intentions for the Coptic Christians to prayers offered at services. We can use social media to spread the word among our family and friends. We can stay informed on what is happening. We can contact government officials to express our concern.
This blog post by Abbot Tryphon, a monastic in the Orthodox Church, offers his thoughts on what is going on in Egypt:
Coptic is the Pharoes’ name for “Egyptian”, a little appreciated echo of the fact that all of Egypt was once a Coptic, Christian nation. For seven centuries Egypt was a Christian nation, until the Arab Islamic invasion in the seventh century. When President Obama came to Cairo in 2009 for his first major speech on foreign affairs, he thought his charisma would be enough, as he attempted to appease the Islamists with his talk of America being their friend, all the while ignoring the plight of the Christians of the Middle East, who have been the bridge between the West and Arab cultures since the 17th century.
It was Coptic and Arab Christians who acted as translators of the greatest works of arts, literature, civilization, theater, and cinema, just as did Jews living in the Arab world. They made huge strides in bringing modern ideas, including democratic ideas, to the Islamic dominated world, but just as the Jews before them, Christians are now facing eviction from the Arab world, and this is not only a loss for the West but mostly for Arab Muslims. It is also a crime against humanity.
A left turn onto a busy street. A car barreling towards me. A frantic beep of the horn. The crash into my door. My body slamming backwards and lurching forward. A guttural cry and the sound of rapid breaths.
That was how my Tuesday began. I was nearing the office and took the left turn onto Route 135 from Bacon Street. I had been waiting for the cars signaling for Bacon Street to turn (hearing Daddy’s voice in my head saying, “Don’t trust signals.”). I wish I had heeded that voice just a moment longer. The last car started to turn and I pulled out but didn’t realize that car had blocked my view. I never the saw the other car coming.
Hope my car hasn’t been totaled – I love my Suzuki Grand Vitara.
It was just like that little phobia I’ve had over the last few years: the idea of a flashing neon sign on my door saying, “Hit me!” It happened in slow motion. When the car struck me I cried out. I began breathing heavily, yelling, the world was in a fog. I didn’t appear to be hurt but there was a slight twinge of pain in my neck.
A woman driving past us stopped, asking if we had called the police. I was still breathing very heavily and answered “No.” I had no idea what to do. She was very kind and placed the call.
I looked over at the other vehicle and saw a heavy set, younger woman. She sat very still. A frantic feeling washed over me. Was she alright? I had to know. I tried to move my car but it wouldn’t budge so I climbed over the passenger side and got out, running over to the other vehicle. Looking at the driver I asked her, “Are you alright, are you alright? I am so sorry, I didn’t see you!” Her face was blank, no answer; I assumed she was stunned. I touched her slightly on the shoulder, again saying, “I’m so sorry!”
Other drivers pulled over to help. A tow truck driver asked if we needed an ambulance. Gut instinct said, “Yes,” and he called the hospital. The police had arrived and asked me to describe what happened. “I was turning onto Route 135, I couldn’t see the other car, is she alright?” Somehow I knew enough to take out my license and registration and when asked, I handed them over.
Before I knew it, kind voices and consoling hands talked me down from my fright and led me over to the ambulance. For some reason, all I could think about was to just be nice. Be nice to all these kind people taking care of me.
Just a short way down the street was the Leonard Morse Hospital where I had last seen Aunt Anna. Her sweet round face flashed across my mind as I entered the hospital only to be replaced a stronger wave of emotions rolling over me as I remembered my mother in the ER that last time three years ago. I was surprised at the force of that wave and it wouldn’t be the last time it would roll over me.
Nurses with pleasant smiles offered consolation as my blood pressure and temperature were taken. A young blond female doctor asked me how I felt and explained what would happen next. A series of X-rays, maybe a CAT scan, depends what shows up on the film. A handsome young orderly gently wheeled me to the imaging area and I thought, “Yeah, they are that good looking, just like on “ER.” It all felt like a dream.
Once inside the X-ray room, the reality of what had happened began to settle in. I thought of God and how grateful I was that I was okay. I thought of the Virgin Mary and felt a strong sense of consolation from her, mothering me, wrapping her love around me like a blanket. It was then that the wave returned, rolling over me, higher and higher. It was as if my own mother was there, caring for me the way she used to when I was home from school, sick. The warmth of her love was palpable and tears sprung to my eyes with that memory. Rather than have to explain why I was crying, I struggled to control myself. This was our special time, a secret, stolen moment between Mommy and me that would not be interrupted with needless conversation or questions.
The X-rays were completed with the good news that there was no injury to my neck other than a slight case of whiplash. I thanked God in my heart and started humming my favorite hymns from church.
Calls went back and forth to Rich letting him know what was happening. Phone service was spotty in the ER so I resorted to texts. I could tell he was torn between what was happening and the work that was expected of him so I tried to limit the calls. I felt a sudden desire to speak with my daughter and gave her a call, just to tell her what had happened. “Where are you?” she asked, “Would you like me to come over?” There was such authority in her voice and I knew I wanted her by my side. I texted the address to her and she arrived shortly thereafter.
Soon I was cleared to leave and opted to go to the office. I felt fine and saw no reason for going home if only to brood and worry. I knew the complicated part would come after the accident: the insurance, arranging for a rental car, trying to retrieve my own car, lots of decisions, concerns over money … Right now, still in my fog, I just wanted to stay in the moment. I didn’t want to go backwards, and I didn’t want to think about the future. The present seemed just fine with me.
I miss my husband, I miss my children. I miss my Mommy.
As part of Book Bloggers’ AIR Book Tours, I am pleased to review How Bees Came to Make Chiliby Terry Bradley.
Geared for younger children, this book features delightful illustrations by Patrick A. Siwik. Readers are introduced to members of a honey bee community led by Queen Larabee and her son, Prince Littlebee. The story begins with the Queen and her son checking out the new scouts and their flight training. Hot shot Nubbiebee was eager to show off, “his antennae tingling with excitement.” As the Prince cheers him on, Nubbiebee gets carried away showing off his skills with loop-de-loops and zigzags. A sudden change in the breeze however, spells disaster as Nubbiebee crashed into a tree. His wing was clipped and in an instant, he loses the very skill that made him special.
illustration by Patrick Siwik copyright 2013, used by permission
Working off of this premise, Bradley uses the story to show how the community of honey bees supports Nubbiebee in his struggle to find something new that will make him feel useful to the community. Urged to keep an open mind, Nubbiebee tries something completely different. Through consistent hard work, our worker bee finds a talent he never knew he had which delights all the bees and serves the community: he invents a new recipe.
Thanks to good friends Jellibee and Charliebee, Nubbiebee creates a recipe for chili which is a hit with all the bees. Best of all, he learns how to do something great while unearthing hidden creativity.
illustration by Patrick Siwik, copyright 2013, used by permission
The premise of this story, to keep an open mind, take help and suggestions from others, and work hard to bring out the best in you, is exemplary. Bradley includes many lively descriptions which make the bees come to life. Even without the excellent illustrations, a child’s imagination will have no trouble picturing these likeable characters.
I think the telling of the story could have been a little less straightforward. Instead of telling the reader through the dialog what was going to happen and why, I would have preferred that it was shown more through the actions of the characters, thereby letting the child come to the proper conclusion on his or her own.
I was disappointed in the choice of type for this book considering how beautifully it is illustrated. As a graphic designer, I know that the right choice of type face can truly enhance a story. It may have been because my review copy was an Acrobat PDF file and the fonts might not have rendered correctly. Still, this lack of attention to the choice of type bothered me. There were also one or two typos in the text.
All in all though, How Bees Came to Make Chili is a charming book, one that I would recommend heartily. As I watch the bumble bees feeding off the begonia flowers on my deck this summer. I will wonder what the community will do with honey when it arrives at the hive. Maybe make chili? Who knows …
Click to Tweet & Share: Check out this little guy! Nature’s miracle in a Spring Peeper http://wp.me/p2D9hg-vw
Would you like to learn along with Susan how to live your life
Be as One 