tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52914854366498583302024-03-19T01:48:15.285-07:00Contemplative PhotographyArtist/poet Diane Walker invites you to return to your compassionate and peaceful centerDiane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.comBlogger5840125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-64232744623724605732024-03-18T08:09:00.000-07:002024-03-18T08:09:06.733-07:00Lemonade from lemons<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bVSxzUbcn-BkREmMHm7LyRVigJ4cqJD2S9UGeeaeMucBQt7RJTScEZlQYZeyABSzCFUKP5_XydsBavjbEU4dVzPDIlkY482Ha_dwx1yCfJPrlgJMY3TlQi6IO4JaO7xGtSaAo4jEL_EKIzpVYPkg6L34bF3ZoYwefNgPuyh-9tL4uacZR2t5Xpw9kA/s640/B59CB9E2-D49A-4CA2-8626-04BEE18303BD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="640" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bVSxzUbcn-BkREmMHm7LyRVigJ4cqJD2S9UGeeaeMucBQt7RJTScEZlQYZeyABSzCFUKP5_XydsBavjbEU4dVzPDIlkY482Ha_dwx1yCfJPrlgJMY3TlQi6IO4JaO7xGtSaAo4jEL_EKIzpVYPkg6L34bF3ZoYwefNgPuyh-9tL4uacZR2t5Xpw9kA/w400-h315/B59CB9E2-D49A-4CA2-8626-04BEE18303BD.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Three deer were gathered </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Just beyond my window — </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Bucks, without their horns, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So I was waiting for a fight, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But no: they were just grooming one another, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So I thought — well, that’s a picture — </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But it’s been a long and salty winter </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And my windows were quite filthy: </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In full sunlight, the dirt was distracting </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For my camera lens, which only gathered shapes. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Enter Photoshop: add some color, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Add some raindrops and some circles, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And now, though it’s not perfect, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There’s the hope: that some might call it art!</span></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-13278579348079167302024-03-17T08:30:00.000-07:002024-03-17T08:30:58.788-07:00An offering of peace<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbY8grLv80Vx54WgNigLo20GpDotdMMKo4MJrijRoauj8FmDWJKNSX5pmMKJ1Xk8KSF1Iqhbs9PN8zqw-TO-pcVkKaTpaJfA47HgdsW02bhmFupKcnSdgnvoUdPpQ9EA_jclL3gNZweV-CbiSn45PpQg_T0rDwdLZWaP7HMmhfnaJWiqciBchH7l04KA/s640/IMG_3303.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="640" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbY8grLv80Vx54WgNigLo20GpDotdMMKo4MJrijRoauj8FmDWJKNSX5pmMKJ1Xk8KSF1Iqhbs9PN8zqw-TO-pcVkKaTpaJfA47HgdsW02bhmFupKcnSdgnvoUdPpQ9EA_jclL3gNZweV-CbiSn45PpQg_T0rDwdLZWaP7HMmhfnaJWiqciBchH7l04KA/w400-h236/IMG_3303.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Though winter’s drained the fields of color, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The balance of the scene remains the same:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The silo’s height, the taller trees, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The mountains in the distance — </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All catch our eyes as we drive by, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">An offering of peace in a challenging week.</span></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-90777108394205185352024-03-16T06:19:00.000-07:002024-03-16T06:19:44.753-07:00Evening song<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3g_EvbjB5OEyeM7mi2AREhuYyM6Or2riBxHJTIW1BhloPAFkDDrwksPpIYSU4hHmjmfoVh-AyAsXaJurIlFS8VG1r38XE0cakYIEaHk8McOFEd7LQKu5odForvSV-ceb7qgt6NdBKklkG_s1nxitISHUHdGDXs4ErmFNaITrbHWQr6w1RlU6oEZG6A/s640/IMG_3322.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="572" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3g_EvbjB5OEyeM7mi2AREhuYyM6Or2riBxHJTIW1BhloPAFkDDrwksPpIYSU4hHmjmfoVh-AyAsXaJurIlFS8VG1r38XE0cakYIEaHk8McOFEd7LQKu5odForvSV-ceb7qgt6NdBKklkG_s1nxitISHUHdGDXs4ErmFNaITrbHWQr6w1RlU6oEZG6A/w358-h400/IMG_3322.jpeg" width="358" /></a></div><br />A burst of color in the evening sky </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> And the day draws to a close. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whatever stresses we’ve encountered, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whatever pains, whatever joys </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">May not subside, but will be softened </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By the soothing wand of sleep. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fluff the pillows, let it go: </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Any resolution needed </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Can be put off till the morning. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Close your eyes and step into your dreams</span>.</div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-12499488000566642852024-03-15T07:53:00.000-07:002024-03-15T07:53:27.796-07:00Structure<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YD9FkzuccxoVDjzxHe7FmWoMLpz-vVD9b3bRTTjWErhkdnR5d7Fe6ynt4CKJEsGycLew5UHIL_rT_-7b-dempMn6riKL9qtBoAKvfCxUS3w-nXxs7yyR-jyjiIdNLFe04pibw9QSK1u3sXQUgxuHhLRW2hEETeOmURpc2tNK3XOHsQjGP_J85OcfOA/s640/IMG_3291.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="640" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YD9FkzuccxoVDjzxHe7FmWoMLpz-vVD9b3bRTTjWErhkdnR5d7Fe6ynt4CKJEsGycLew5UHIL_rT_-7b-dempMn6riKL9qtBoAKvfCxUS3w-nXxs7yyR-jyjiIdNLFe04pibw9QSK1u3sXQUgxuHhLRW2hEETeOmURpc2tNK3XOHsQjGP_J85OcfOA/w400-h248/IMG_3291.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />One thing experience taught me </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Early on, in a troubled marriage, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Is that — for me, at least —there is </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> More freedom within structure. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So it should be no surprise to discover </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Echoes of that lesson in my paintings: </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">However freely I swing my brush, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I always seem to want to add definition; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The verticals and horizontals </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Seem to give my eyes and heart </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A safe place to land.</span></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-83608280299217590572024-03-14T07:27:00.000-07:002024-03-14T07:27:58.185-07:00Sunset returns<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FQhD3eptfE7YhLF5EcHE8nV_dx5jAfafi0WHYmCiI4OxtcQKdM8eEM7Sb7-in4oKoC33sOqiCfY_fjujuwkCIzm6ro5UaIXqZYUJlEmSCjDh2UHPWEqxvLLCRdWzrKrWow-ovAkeimI2fr0C7N-S0B3J8YiZ8ICRWrrz1JH4dj90MzryHgF5-tEzhA/s640/IMG_3295.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="640" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FQhD3eptfE7YhLF5EcHE8nV_dx5jAfafi0WHYmCiI4OxtcQKdM8eEM7Sb7-in4oKoC33sOqiCfY_fjujuwkCIzm6ro5UaIXqZYUJlEmSCjDh2UHPWEqxvLLCRdWzrKrWow-ovAkeimI2fr0C7N-S0B3J8YiZ8ICRWrrz1JH4dj90MzryHgF5-tEzhA/w400-h221/IMG_3295.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />And now, at last, earth’s orbit’s placed us </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Back in sight of the sunset’s path, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And we rejoice again to see </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Her glorious color enrich our world</span>.</div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-91568438009958800332024-03-13T06:50:00.000-07:002024-03-13T06:50:44.331-07:00The lonely road<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCz38qUQSQsLtPKKZIglHt4fmf5FyYG5oaot7gjhcZ-7fldvrAx_AmDNvP6dLN_IGpyWq-t52Y4Aj2lwMlixW9bZEzHkWF0ymR2pnqLtlhIfahxoqRGZMwFDfcxBsPMjxiZpknZYT6C5SeqcKHdQ_GVcMaKECnu5WhsbU8bPIfL-LQOvgzrvuhFM5Rg/s640/IMG_3292.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="640" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCz38qUQSQsLtPKKZIglHt4fmf5FyYG5oaot7gjhcZ-7fldvrAx_AmDNvP6dLN_IGpyWq-t52Y4Aj2lwMlixW9bZEzHkWF0ymR2pnqLtlhIfahxoqRGZMwFDfcxBsPMjxiZpknZYT6C5SeqcKHdQ_GVcMaKECnu5WhsbU8bPIfL-LQOvgzrvuhFM5Rg/w400-h341/IMG_3292.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Some roads there are </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That must be walked alone: </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whether long or short, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The steps you take will be at your own pace; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You’ll only see what your eyes are willing </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">To drink in at the expense of thoughts; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Only hear the sound of birds and waves </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you can tune out the sounds of your own </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fears and reminiscences; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Only have the strength to keep on going </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you remember to breathe...</span></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-58450755483342735162024-03-12T07:52:00.000-07:002024-03-12T07:52:20.343-07:00Beyond the storm<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNnY8q6rdXWAhNnME148BC7kPfZkv4oCFLc91tWczL3VjTFEszSc4wFIqA7OEs_tDvI2FRjElY2fIEsYfjiwI4frZ8Z1RF3V4gz1AzMLq_g3NbCiTkitxm9xJBAUD_OO8Imil5tzqH7Vyw5V4ra0e8lSAkbRGKkvHxTE_0shRf1dFQ-9Ul1a8dL70AQ/s640/IMG_3271.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="640" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNnY8q6rdXWAhNnME148BC7kPfZkv4oCFLc91tWczL3VjTFEszSc4wFIqA7OEs_tDvI2FRjElY2fIEsYfjiwI4frZ8Z1RF3V4gz1AzMLq_g3NbCiTkitxm9xJBAUD_OO8Imil5tzqH7Vyw5V4ra0e8lSAkbRGKkvHxTE_0shRf1dFQ-9Ul1a8dL70AQ/w400-h315/IMG_3271.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />It can be hard to remain calm </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> With the dark clouds looming; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Easier to succumb to the doom and gloom.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> But though it’s wise to prepare </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For the troubles that may arise,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Let’s try to maintain focus </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On the possibilities and hope that lie hidden </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Just beyond the impending storm.</span></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-71417726853531464572024-03-11T09:30:00.000-07:002024-03-11T09:30:07.113-07:00Persist!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlXPSjEl5bmy35JVySNZTydJzhyuWFfrLeMRHhJ5Sye2GSuTVlGuSHEI177t99BY1-ijBvaTDdHlXcw_reM69WauiIuzYewIcsd2wISl4eL66YD0wWqmp8Ew19erjyGrFS3WqTUEhA_HY3TmUGeuxnNs9DWvQEoR3h87Y4-0_wLfCj0YHw2p0g7x1nQ/s640/IMG_3279.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlXPSjEl5bmy35JVySNZTydJzhyuWFfrLeMRHhJ5Sye2GSuTVlGuSHEI177t99BY1-ijBvaTDdHlXcw_reM69WauiIuzYewIcsd2wISl4eL66YD0wWqmp8Ew19erjyGrFS3WqTUEhA_HY3TmUGeuxnNs9DWvQEoR3h87Y4-0_wLfCj0YHw2p0g7x1nQ/w335-h400/IMG_3279.jpeg" width="335" /></a></div><br />If there are barriers,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Keeping you from where you wish to go, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Keep walking: eventually you’ll find </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A way around the obstacles: </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A gate, a bridge, a path to your objective.</span></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-18492192376825514872024-03-10T08:02:00.000-07:002024-03-10T08:02:43.017-07:00Cloud gratitude <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Et8RO8BBgRgzFUoEGNdl62-PK_nH4Zp9lS4pVek2sDtFuurpyWxJaWw3fdcSjkZjneYlbywpaWmE265GpXcawseEcRTbqbKs-4nwf8ofyy5SQDAF4PRDK7KMtWsRgR9Z6vXcMMOESJhzs3muINS70ePj0Co8Q_25Fix3yWG9bxxtG7TJpFh_0HBsFg/s640/IMG_3273.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Et8RO8BBgRgzFUoEGNdl62-PK_nH4Zp9lS4pVek2sDtFuurpyWxJaWw3fdcSjkZjneYlbywpaWmE265GpXcawseEcRTbqbKs-4nwf8ofyy5SQDAF4PRDK7KMtWsRgR9Z6vXcMMOESJhzs3muINS70ePj0Co8Q_25Fix3yWG9bxxtG7TJpFh_0HBsFg/w400-h300/IMG_3273.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I delight in the endless complexity of clouds:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The fact that so much beauty happens </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Without input from me </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Calms and reassures me: </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There’s so much out there, still, to be grateful for,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Despite all the troubles in the world…</span></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-70026915574849489162024-03-09T07:18:00.000-08:002024-03-09T07:18:52.477-08:002021<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6nvJu1ElgC9gBDJ6rXY25BpgJqqh0AFlgjDddKZLLSVExb0WJEKuDJ8hfNe_neNHLHixg790tlHtf31GAWs8VDQY0Eiz2QEE8wzZWV6xQg82rH7gqf7X2g-h6ZZaD7wRTQPbtqZkJ4LjXGdjLfO4E0p6sNhfcxgz86C0E5uBnwB3668D569UqqTwrA/s640/IMG_3269.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="640" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6nvJu1ElgC9gBDJ6rXY25BpgJqqh0AFlgjDddKZLLSVExb0WJEKuDJ8hfNe_neNHLHixg790tlHtf31GAWs8VDQY0Eiz2QEE8wzZWV6xQg82rH7gqf7X2g-h6ZZaD7wRTQPbtqZkJ4LjXGdjLfO4E0p6sNhfcxgz86C0E5uBnwB3668D569UqqTwrA/w400-h297/IMG_3269.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I don’t believe I noticed </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">At the time I took this picture </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> How perfectly it captures </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The mood of 2021; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The quiet desolation </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Of a year in isolation </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With no immediate prospect </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Of a viable future </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And hope slowly dying on the vine…</span></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-86802484777272051982024-03-08T07:11:00.000-08:002024-03-08T07:11:35.852-08:00Nature’s art<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAwzyRc4S8UaaCZknKoJJ5XVhyphenhyphen225Gv69QehgW9MlaSdVM-0T1KhyphenhyphenwIeiohyphenhyphen0F2IFdp7ZSZ60RvShRdgmmuF7jqn3sQyBCjy1NXMDSFtKyhPamhm3xzzaHPynP_dJzDXdyHPVad9QhuSRfqn5eovKZeDAwitOX40XC32geFIFnguvtvr3_kMBg3YYTQ/s640/IMG_3263.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="640" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAwzyRc4S8UaaCZknKoJJ5XVhyphenhyphen225Gv69QehgW9MlaSdVM-0T1KhyphenhyphenwIeiohyphenhyphen0F2IFdp7ZSZ60RvShRdgmmuF7jqn3sQyBCjy1NXMDSFtKyhPamhm3xzzaHPynP_dJzDXdyHPVad9QhuSRfqn5eovKZeDAwitOX40XC32geFIFnguvtvr3_kMBg3YYTQ/w400-h199/IMG_3263.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />All nature is an artist, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Far more industrious than we, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As her work’s always evolving, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And her galleries are everywhere we look.</span></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-5278024836815276352024-03-07T07:04:00.000-08:002024-03-07T07:09:19.983-08:00On empathy<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbK44Kqr3LkNWkQiEk3Mp5VA7P1UY1qz7T7MF7-PG9zGwwFDX7ELzIEfa_TclEMV_Jp0-7dNW1vBwcLNZHmYIx5gk5A66ghXlt7RdICT6RwvBOLKC0LU-aNt6auIYjIoCv_0LGA-3HU0xaHvBkKuIlI9ITlPvyD_uD9-jIrrRef9Qcwg_X3V7O4PgcKQ/s640/D474F96B-DCDD-4BC2-AB0F-26428D5915E7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbK44Kqr3LkNWkQiEk3Mp5VA7P1UY1qz7T7MF7-PG9zGwwFDX7ELzIEfa_TclEMV_Jp0-7dNW1vBwcLNZHmYIx5gk5A66ghXlt7RdICT6RwvBOLKC0LU-aNt6auIYjIoCv_0LGA-3HU0xaHvBkKuIlI9ITlPvyD_uD9-jIrrRef9Qcwg_X3V7O4PgcKQ/w400-h300/D474F96B-DCDD-4BC2-AB0F-26428D5915E7.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Watching through the snow </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As the deer graze on our lawn, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I shiver a bit in sympathy for them, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Standing in the cold. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I don’t, however, believe </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> That that’s my mirror neurons firing; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It’s just simple projection; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Imagination at work. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">True empathy goes deeper, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Resonating in the heart, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> And somehow working to erase </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The barriers between us; overriding separation,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Awakening awareness of our shared unity</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And leading us to ache for their predicament </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As fully as we rejoice in their joy.</span></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-63013376008957899332024-03-06T06:30:00.000-08:002024-03-06T06:30:39.989-08:00Being present<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSrHnyJveNPHRdbkA2fS7qz_ypYp2VYOr6tSp5vF9qvX-pWz6EPOZfE7BMO7r8dHaWOSziTCuGLfXDgUKsQCgnmfyKBKFEW_gA00WAM8NLfo7TDSAkpx82Vv3N1URG99JJrVBRyi8lF8li2s7njLaRjwcmxMaIVe4TsDECEl7bFxiNV22hVWbqdSm4w/s640/IMG_3214.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="640" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSrHnyJveNPHRdbkA2fS7qz_ypYp2VYOr6tSp5vF9qvX-pWz6EPOZfE7BMO7r8dHaWOSziTCuGLfXDgUKsQCgnmfyKBKFEW_gA00WAM8NLfo7TDSAkpx82Vv3N1URG99JJrVBRyi8lF8li2s7njLaRjwcmxMaIVe4TsDECEl7bFxiNV22hVWbqdSm4w/w400-h343/IMG_3214.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The frost accentuates </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Each vein that once gave life and structure </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">To this dead leaf, whose ghostly appearance </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Calls to me as I cross the lawn </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In hopes of photographing the sunrise. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">How easy it is to miss the gifts of the present </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While focusing on the future; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">How easy it is, to miss the potential gifts, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The broadening of perspective we might gain, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By planning how we might respond </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Instead of being fully present </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And listening to what others have to say…</span></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-31723062744384411732024-03-05T06:43:00.000-08:002024-03-05T06:43:44.922-08:00Collapsible<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpRVmlCH6B6yj1DCwXXVn_5CRd3uEtmxqgFDNQ5hoj1QwNxZjxQ3m9pHy00tNJGkkIbkSH1PS_SfhKZHpR72aFBBo6Se6CkQ1fCGpAW9-r5ADZn1esVYOGWnTjYsUXgv13GI8MJnZjh3MiC5FsDrERT5Kv0PbzzUL2mZNOJmc8SsctIReGGZcZIHnFQ/s640/IMG_3209.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="640" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpRVmlCH6B6yj1DCwXXVn_5CRd3uEtmxqgFDNQ5hoj1QwNxZjxQ3m9pHy00tNJGkkIbkSH1PS_SfhKZHpR72aFBBo6Se6CkQ1fCGpAW9-r5ADZn1esVYOGWnTjYsUXgv13GI8MJnZjh3MiC5FsDrERT5Kv0PbzzUL2mZNOJmc8SsctIReGGZcZIHnFQ/w400-h296/IMG_3209.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Our neighborhood shares a cliff walk — </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The remnants of a long ago road </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> That fell into the sea a few decades back. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But like so much of the life that we love, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It is vulnerable: the fierce winds and rain </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Of the previous weekend </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Have claimed another foot of its border. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Though the path is still there, and still safe, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Way down below, on the beach, we can see </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The remains of the trees </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> That once stood at its edge, and we gasp </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With the shock of it:
How the mighty have fallen…</span></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-76124123228676057912024-03-04T07:05:00.000-08:002024-03-04T07:05:27.333-08:00Have pity<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYrOSjD2vqcZYq4CPyvep066uR6d2dLmaJWncWXNrnryPmC5VN6oeeO6oE-XXkPdapWA8AaXowkbOGV3FwRUtsNVhNZ4HN_wra2ozxfByZkxz30t3PkGI8L7e211OTKEnb6zvz90zeU4kTfUJUYk5KVB7USYZ69wEYfe5qHvM-Hp81yRuqmb5HCCXbw/s640/716EA4D4-3E3E-45DD-9F35-8789A005C0CF.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="507" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYrOSjD2vqcZYq4CPyvep066uR6d2dLmaJWncWXNrnryPmC5VN6oeeO6oE-XXkPdapWA8AaXowkbOGV3FwRUtsNVhNZ4HN_wra2ozxfByZkxz30t3PkGI8L7e211OTKEnb6zvz90zeU4kTfUJUYk5KVB7USYZ69wEYfe5qHvM-Hp81yRuqmb5HCCXbw/w318-h400/716EA4D4-3E3E-45DD-9F35-8789A005C0CF.jpeg" width="318" /></a></div><br />My cat supervises </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The snow-coated raccoon </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Through a window dripping </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> With wet fallout from the sky, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Annoyed, as always, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> To be sharing his kibble with this stranger. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But how can we not take pity </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On those who are cold and wet </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And without shelter?</span></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-81053806409883520182024-03-03T07:18:00.000-08:002024-03-03T07:18:47.985-08:00Messengers of the sublime<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBuQ1hy3twusVUeXLRi-_Rk3bNJdCHSqfhARKl7_zmiPFHUmGFhniBydYvWqjWz65jXJWdBvqgtbddjZWvEQr_gkUhnxT-5em28WBs4K_SDIB-H-75ioyEfFxYOy0nMHuRusg-cOiHOAGVr0JwJEsJntWDeLkYAQRoM7W9-NlrOqQ9Uw0sN7YaFUZbw/s640/IMG_3166.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="640" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBuQ1hy3twusVUeXLRi-_Rk3bNJdCHSqfhARKl7_zmiPFHUmGFhniBydYvWqjWz65jXJWdBvqgtbddjZWvEQr_gkUhnxT-5em28WBs4K_SDIB-H-75ioyEfFxYOy0nMHuRusg-cOiHOAGVr0JwJEsJntWDeLkYAQRoM7W9-NlrOqQ9Uw0sN7YaFUZbw/w400-h311/IMG_3166.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />All nature reaches out to us,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> But we, blinded by our earthly objectives,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Fail to see </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What lessons might be learned </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From these supposedly inanimate </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Messengers of the sublime.</span></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-3269312062724931282024-03-02T07:13:00.000-08:002024-03-02T07:13:15.556-08:00Longing to bloom<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDgXBQqkM49mSS3rB4rGBURVMbzlJ-zDhet_3jaAMRpNyqU1UZNZQZU4EaAkBYIVckpJeGAR6TliD1x8z7iLEZy0ThEe9Q8023VuRSoVzGKo8PSDYmL532AHa3QBrPn1OppMa9QQ8Nmt3St7lJEsGWtE-u_8NTBsGF-OdABVTfVL9P-Tvi8oDjh0jDQ/s640/IMG_3158.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="640" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDgXBQqkM49mSS3rB4rGBURVMbzlJ-zDhet_3jaAMRpNyqU1UZNZQZU4EaAkBYIVckpJeGAR6TliD1x8z7iLEZy0ThEe9Q8023VuRSoVzGKo8PSDYmL532AHa3QBrPn1OppMa9QQ8Nmt3St7lJEsGWtE-u_8NTBsGF-OdABVTfVL9P-Tvi8oDjh0jDQ/w400-h253/IMG_3158.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />These days, these cold and wintry days, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our sunshine comes, not from the sky, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But flowers: golden daffodils, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Who somehow understand it’s time to bloom, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And lift their lacy heads despite the cold; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Even the snow cannot restrain </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Their bright exuberance. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Something within me also longs to bloom, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But seems content to wait a little longer. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Perhaps it is a Rhodie, or a rose; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I pray it won’t decide </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> To wait, like a chrysanthemum, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> For spring and summer days to fade, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Until the Fall…
</span></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-26154026530903659822024-03-01T07:02:00.000-08:002024-03-01T07:02:11.536-08:00Strange beauty<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGqhKdKyI8tue0dZlFKi6ma-t5-eV_3TYBcyqYKOl1q-ilj2g3FN4J3CY_Fbsh_J4KToJ91btZFSodOMYlAVmpCP02uNmEpTN-vS4zq19qgjE010OaKhgj_gZuqCix4d_NSgBeCjIDHaxxJ9aQn5OaKj7YeQuF6LER_5zaG6rrstnGcbU-86_QP8oCQ/s640/IMG_3156.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="640" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGqhKdKyI8tue0dZlFKi6ma-t5-eV_3TYBcyqYKOl1q-ilj2g3FN4J3CY_Fbsh_J4KToJ91btZFSodOMYlAVmpCP02uNmEpTN-vS4zq19qgjE010OaKhgj_gZuqCix4d_NSgBeCjIDHaxxJ9aQn5OaKj7YeQuF6LER_5zaG6rrstnGcbU-86_QP8oCQ/w400-h363/IMG_3156.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />All nature’s beauty beckons us,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Inspiring us with her complexity,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Challenging us with her constant mutability,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Reassuring us with her adaptability;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Her constancy and endurance.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Shakespeare said it best: like Cleopatra,</div><div style="text-align: center;">“Age cannot wither her, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Nor custom stale her infinite variety.”</div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-64239876364701446632024-02-29T07:48:00.000-08:002024-02-29T07:48:16.146-08:00Rain<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3zl0f9nnfDbXc4_Vvap4ZXEjtoy40LRnId4ga2dYLIQEZGmGVSEmyN4MKdXFTEF9dhAKPH03RFfXEdANguE_4CY-wJBhp_vtorA09gmn-OrQW0uPHbh3Jgw6YhtTV_PLv8c1RDKrY2k5RnvMTXErTIcbhQnWPgBvyLPVFiYCDU9YmH6xXCm1T7zCOQ/s640/IMG_3118.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="566" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3zl0f9nnfDbXc4_Vvap4ZXEjtoy40LRnId4ga2dYLIQEZGmGVSEmyN4MKdXFTEF9dhAKPH03RFfXEdANguE_4CY-wJBhp_vtorA09gmn-OrQW0uPHbh3Jgw6YhtTV_PLv8c1RDKrY2k5RnvMTXErTIcbhQnWPgBvyLPVFiYCDU9YmH6xXCm1T7zCOQ/w354-h400/IMG_3118.jpeg" width="354" /></a></div><br />All night it poured, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> And poured, and poured again, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And I would sleep, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> And wake, and sleep again, and wake, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Awakened by the pounding of the rain </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Upon our metal roof — so loud — </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And sleep again, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> And dream of friends long gone, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The memories pouring in </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> And leaking out again each time I’d wake </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And check the clock: has morning come at last? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And when it does, I rise, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And coffee doesn’t help me to disguise </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The lingering effects of a broken night, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Or still the relentless sounding </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Of the rain, the rain, the rain that’s all around us.</span></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-81034561356531061732024-02-28T06:39:00.000-08:002024-02-28T06:39:23.045-08:00Morning glory<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvqcHFxVOWlNGBKn0kpJ6Hr62ShcItdZb-1EAPzn-WPp_ZQQ2Hid9f2ZvfZW-7CTvF_zivzv_5yliebyTfDmwZPEtyZfBdqhPcVg5N-2ozwD3QVDDOPzcXP-4gzJNefxBDF4LZ4XjKVZIPqeoDYhWgYTf1gpHIbh9VSpqRTl1n5FUWCIs6gjxs7qGsA/s640/IMG_3127.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="640" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvqcHFxVOWlNGBKn0kpJ6Hr62ShcItdZb-1EAPzn-WPp_ZQQ2Hid9f2ZvfZW-7CTvF_zivzv_5yliebyTfDmwZPEtyZfBdqhPcVg5N-2ozwD3QVDDOPzcXP-4gzJNefxBDF4LZ4XjKVZIPqeoDYhWgYTf1gpHIbh9VSpqRTl1n5FUWCIs6gjxs7qGsA/w400-h291/IMG_3127.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />And then the sun came up, </span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">To show us how the snow had clung </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">To each tree, highlighting </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Their trunks and branches, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And then inviting their intriguing shapes </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">To form a pleasing frame for her beauty.</span></div></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-66912528261670423142024-02-27T06:10:00.000-08:002024-02-27T06:10:46.111-08:00Who do we trust?<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudoTzTmXsffz5UJHvcOFKCYLT7j3-AZocEkJrfFE0gU7N10vqjS-XrbiqWGvDUpaZYHXhi6AkaSjkV_KFGu5JiNtqm4TFC89fJYyQ3CKW9lbbp57x7G4rOGeJP5gGgdY6zPKcHQ5GE-X0akWrnZzdgGikCCPDIlXSLW71WifuA4-smLlrxBFR2VXOVw/s640/IMG_3125.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudoTzTmXsffz5UJHvcOFKCYLT7j3-AZocEkJrfFE0gU7N10vqjS-XrbiqWGvDUpaZYHXhi6AkaSjkV_KFGu5JiNtqm4TFC89fJYyQ3CKW9lbbp57x7G4rOGeJP5gGgdY6zPKcHQ5GE-X0akWrnZzdgGikCCPDIlXSLW71WifuA4-smLlrxBFR2VXOVw/w375-h400/IMG_3125.jpeg" width="375" /></a></div><br />What the porch light shows </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Will soon be gone — or so we’re told </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By our weather app, which boldly declares </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our temperature is 38 (it’s really 31) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And that stuff that’s coming down is really rain </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(It’s not; it’s snow). </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What do we believe? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Is it what our eyes are seeing, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Or what our screens, our sources for all news,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Propose to tell us? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Where is truth these days, I often wonder…</span></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-891434056870252162024-02-26T07:50:00.000-08:002024-02-26T07:53:20.008-08:00After each storm<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsCu7GvYSHHP0nOmCfmasf2_HZ3-t7yZALg2Jc2onvPiIGsNTjag_lqcnXCYck33i5PrjHMFoQMRGz_1CoYv3jqjG6wTZ8_rIlnc78s2RStvwtOP7h8HkMMum36mPQ8Gkc3NZevzInoNFLJLBAX51JPiM2rH1jgnmKa6qbbrcAhX1sdVqcoo7XgD7mQ/s640/IMG_3116.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="311" data-original-width="640" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsCu7GvYSHHP0nOmCfmasf2_HZ3-t7yZALg2Jc2onvPiIGsNTjag_lqcnXCYck33i5PrjHMFoQMRGz_1CoYv3jqjG6wTZ8_rIlnc78s2RStvwtOP7h8HkMMum36mPQ8Gkc3NZevzInoNFLJLBAX51JPiM2rH1jgnmKa6qbbrcAhX1sdVqcoo7XgD7mQ/w400-h195/IMG_3116.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />During the storm, the wildness, gray; </div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The surging waves, the urgency </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Of branches, tossing in the wind; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And now — always — the morning after follows: </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Long shadows, rest, and golden light, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Its color like a promise: </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whatever darkness comes, this, too, shall pass.</span></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-35794313588416602452024-02-25T05:51:00.000-08:002024-02-25T05:51:00.319-08:00Hold lightly<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKFb6ZVAuyrMQzTTywu8AeqUgi3rYy80SeijjbyvvVuJa_uzdJ0wIVtXR0HKxvuV_OtuhVVDPwOxszCspe8ntG-heO5oCNAxdGF6CqHiWsUWiIUEOq4YEOCuFBfRL_IdD9XNwzjgJTQKqibJiMocppOHlTzNLurYt1O9BNSi1_Cdohgsj1TxisYpxug/s640/IMG_3092.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="640" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKFb6ZVAuyrMQzTTywu8AeqUgi3rYy80SeijjbyvvVuJa_uzdJ0wIVtXR0HKxvuV_OtuhVVDPwOxszCspe8ntG-heO5oCNAxdGF6CqHiWsUWiIUEOq4YEOCuFBfRL_IdD9XNwzjgJTQKqibJiMocppOHlTzNLurYt1O9BNSi1_Cdohgsj1TxisYpxug/w400-h381/IMG_3092.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Let us hold ourselves as lightly </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As these branches cradle the moon,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Carrying that light that rises from within </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Gently into the world, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Trusting that, though it waxes and wanes,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Its source remains ever constant and true;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Shared, universal, yet uniquely our own</span>.</div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-50914320666457727102024-02-24T04:56:00.000-08:002024-02-24T04:56:15.456-08:00Into the light<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgON_-GCgN1Pt4-2CyLvGpK92pm372GKEZuztdsaUYQLKWjx9P5ksjQ9hXDPEG5SRv0fSz8pjlxTUtuiuDDW1aCEXjN2-mp0hYiWbL-udytnahOIQLscVNO4ZOBkz6Jd2WvdTvWkXhI2qr4nhSozfOvKztVe23-FQbFBvJzFnExGukovyaBzqm2cNMY8Q/s640/IMG_3086.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="518" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgON_-GCgN1Pt4-2CyLvGpK92pm372GKEZuztdsaUYQLKWjx9P5ksjQ9hXDPEG5SRv0fSz8pjlxTUtuiuDDW1aCEXjN2-mp0hYiWbL-udytnahOIQLscVNO4ZOBkz6Jd2WvdTvWkXhI2qr4nhSozfOvKztVe23-FQbFBvJzFnExGukovyaBzqm2cNMY8Q/w324-h400/IMG_3086.jpeg" width="324" /></a></div><br />However dark things may seem, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The light is always beckoning, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Inviting us forward, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Into a brighter future.</span></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291485436649858330.post-24539186701998976992024-02-23T08:23:00.000-08:002024-02-23T08:23:27.739-08:00Learning to trust<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3wr7cTePzvFkEweoml9Ehk1koqL-9re2a93QTkn-Wa1kn7tyDLkLkDh23I95BKULwLoZZ7NB_vFdBuVNfEPlbD3JBy7G0QLlfhIozIGKMd34j5M8BbWj3oqyB-0uHlW92IywNA8HNHWG5YE0Ub_icPJsnQKQPiQTuH2_R-fvJTUmwOP36XttIbbp1Q/s640/IMG_3085.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="640" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3wr7cTePzvFkEweoml9Ehk1koqL-9re2a93QTkn-Wa1kn7tyDLkLkDh23I95BKULwLoZZ7NB_vFdBuVNfEPlbD3JBy7G0QLlfhIozIGKMd34j5M8BbWj3oqyB-0uHlW92IywNA8HNHWG5YE0Ub_icPJsnQKQPiQTuH2_R-fvJTUmwOP36XttIbbp1Q/w400-h318/IMG_3085.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />However circumstances may have changed, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And however protected and loved we may now be, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It’s still so hard to learn to trust again: </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Something inside still seems to expect the worst…</span></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0