This says it all, to me.
Every day I walk out into the world / to be dazzled, then to be reflective.
My work is loving the world.
Here the sunflowers, there the hummingbird —
equal seekers of sweetness.
Here the quickening yeast; there the blue plums.
Here the clam deep in the speckled sand.
Are my boots old? Is my coat torn?
Am I no longer young, and still not half-perfect? Let me
Keep my mind on what matters,
which is my work
which is mostly standing still and learning to be astonished.
- Mary Oliver, from "Messenger" in Thirst (2006)
billie hinton’s camera-obscura:
life and lessons on November Hill Farm
Wonderful. This pretty much sums it up. I did like the line 'which is mostly standing still and learning to be astonished'.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good way to look at life and the happenings around us.
That's my favorite line!
ReplyDeleteBillie, you can tell me and I won't let anyone else know. Did Rafer write this piece? It has sensitive donkey in every line - especially the standing still and being astonished.
ReplyDeleteSheaffer, I hadn't even thought of it from that perspective (self-centered human that I am!) but you are SO RIGHT!
ReplyDeleteThis is the donkey's sensibility, isn't it?
You would have been proud of the nephews today - they had visitors (a mom and her three daughters, friends of ours) and the donkeys were (as usual) incredible ambassadors of impeccable manners, love, and wisdom.
I also have to tell you this tidbit on Redford - when I went out to feed breakfast this morning, he had a lead rope draped over himself, in just the same manner we use them to guide the equines from one place to another.
I'm not sure if Rafer put it on or if Redford put it onto himself - but he proudly approached when I went out, showing off his "tack."
Goodness knows what else goes on out there that I don't manage to see!
this is something i should print out and hang on my door, so i can read it every day before i leave my house... :-)
ReplyDeleteMe, too, jme!
ReplyDelete