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Here Now

Yesterday on my walk at Lake Camelot Park I noticed a dragonfly gliding through the air near me. I stopped and waited, watching. And I felt that I was totally present in the moment, Here Now as I gazed at the beautiful insect. As I saw the dragonfly alight on a bare branch nearby I gave a gasp of delight. And I paused to admire it for a short time. Then I slowly removed my camera from around my neck, took off my backpack, opening the pack slowly. Finally I carefully switched my camera lens, removing my 24 – 105 Read more…

By Marilyn, ago

Ordinary Days

It’s clear that full summer has arrived. And I am finding beauty and grace in a string of Ordinary Days and ordinary walks here and there in nearby parks. Last week I hiked at Carver Park Reserve. And earlier this week Jon and I explored a bit at the Elm Creek Reserve Park in Maple Grove, Minnesota. It is a large park filled with wetlands, trees, and green as far as the eye can see. There are lots and lots of bike trails and we saw many bikers on those trails. The park seems to be a popular place to Read more…

By Marilyn, ago

Embracing Impermanence

I’ve been thinking a lot about how to stay centered and calm in these challenging times. After giving in to despair a few times over recent political and environmental events I’ve come to realize that I need to practice Embracing Impermanence, accepting what is, and finding beauty and grace in the world around me. I cannot live well in a state of constant worry and judgment. And I realize that by giving in to worry and judgment I am contributing to the already polarized dysfunction of our culture, country, and the world. My being worried and upset contributes nothing good Read more…

By Marilyn, ago

How Shall We Live in Troubled Times

There is no doubt about it. We are living in challenging times. I and many of my friends are worrying and wondering… How Shall We Live in Troubled Times? And how do we navigate our lives amidst massive change, fear, divisive politics, climate emergencies and more? It strikes me that I have never experienced war, hunger, or catastrophe personally. I think that many of us alive today have also not experienced these things. We grew up in a time of plenty. Though there were wars and famines, mostly they were somewhere else happening to someone else. So it is no Read more…

By Marilyn, ago

To Be Of Wildflowers, Summer, and Swallows

The basswood tree that hangs over our deck is in glorious full bloom. And the sweet subtle scent of basswood flowers wafts through the air. Last evening I opened the living room window that faces the deck. As I sat and read in my chair beside the window the soft scent of basswood flowers filled my senses. And I thought to myself, all I want is To Be of Wildflowers, Summer, and Swallows swooping and dancing through the air. I want to soak in this sense of endless summer watching the trumpeter swan family grow and thrive, seeing the swallows Read more…

By Marilyn, ago