Three Things to Remember

Lorelei Caroline Dancing, a photo by paynehollow on Flickr.

As long as you're dancing, you can break the rules.

Sometimes breaking the rules is just extending the rules.

Sometimes there are no rules.

~Mary Oliver, from her book of poetry, A Thousand Mornings.

Angels, We Have Heard

Music from my church this week.

Happy, Holy Days, all.

Scary Santa

Donna Scary Santa, a photo by paynehollow on Flickr.

I've had a busy month, with my dear old father being seriously ill. Nothing outstanding to post today, just a fun photo of my wife Donna as a child with her brother and Santa (or is it SATAN??)

Any prayers and good thoughts sent towards my beloved parents (who will be celebrating their 63rd anniversary next Valentines Day) during this time are appreciated.

Peace and goodwill to all.

Wisdom...

Cattails, a photo by paynehollow on Flickr.

Some quotes from the Persian poet, Hafiz...

Fear is the cheapest room in the house.
I would like to see you living
In better conditions...

Sometimes I say to a poem,

"I don't have the strength
To wring out another drop
Of the sun."

And the poem will often
Respond

By climbing onto a barroom table:

Then lifts its skirt, winks,
Causing the whole sky to
Fall...

Don't surrender your loneliness so quickly. Let it cut you more deep. Let it ferment and season you as few humans and even divine ingredients can. Something missing in my heart tonight has made my eyes so soft, my voice so tender, my need for God absolutely clear...

now is the season to know that everything you do is sacred

This
Path to God
Made me such an old sweet beggar.

I was starving until one night
My love tricked God Himself
To fall into my bowl.

Now Hafiz is infintely rich,
But all I ever want to do

Is keep emptying out
My emerald-filled
Pockets

Upon
This tear-stained
World...

The words you speak become the house you live in.

Happy Holiday Season, everyone!