Gathered Words, the Blog

I've been posting a bit on my new blog, Gathered Words.

My latest post ...

"It is well documented, my love for Henry David Thoreau, his love of nature and for simple living. All of that doesn't change with these words. But you've got to admit that having a forest and pond as your space means that truly you are not confined to a tiny house. Open the doors wide."

Where They Stepped

The setting for this painting is St. Mark's Square, Venice. I have been to the real place and the birds were joyful and plentiful there. These three ladies out for an afternoon stroll. I've walked where they stepped, it could have been me. Their footsteps were my footsteps. I know it's a painting, but it comes to life for me, having been there long ago. You can feel the life in the painting, the joy in their steps.

by Vincenzo Migliaro

Listening - A Sound Feast

The spring awakening is happening to all senses, not only the visual ones which I crave so ardently, after a long wintery sabbatical. A sabbatical that I am always reluctant to make, but of course, there is no choice in the matter.
This morning, I am listening to crow chatter outside from the little white house. They were in sight earlier this week when I spied them out during the days once or twice. One spreading his wings wide and strong, then landing on a high post above, right in front of me. They are quite large birds and it was a pretty sight for my nature-seeking eyes. But today, it is a sound feast for listening ears, and I am eager to hear the caws that sonically make their way to my little ears. The sabbatical is waning and almost over. Definitely heaven sent.

Photo by Mary Liz Ingram

Moodyness

The curator in me is drawn to moody art scenes, like this one by William Henry Chandler.

I want my art to be pensive and pondering. Nearly dark, but not quite, with decadent patina.
This one fits the bill nicely.

Photo by "Classic Butterfly"

If the moon can peak through and share in the moodyness, all the better.

I will gladly stare at them all day long from my reflective vantage point.

March Breaths

It's March and we all know what that means. 

The winds are coming, and they will want to play.

“And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair" 

― Kahlil Gibran

Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. Khalil Gibran
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/khalil_gibran_106889

  

I cannot wait for these roaring and blowing March breaths to arrive. These beauties intertwine with the trees and make them dance.

And me, the birds, the trees and wind,

 We become as one.

Old Pages

She's a seeker, wanting to taste the mystery of places she's never been. Her mind whispers the words that take her there, in a moment. They come to her, and she becomes the words, immersing herself onto old pages as they turn. This is why she loves them, and they in turn, beckon her back, time after time.

As Far As Wings Can Take You

As the bird that I am, 
I am flying fast away from winter, 
As far as I can. 
As far as wings can take you away from bleakness. 
As far as the eye can take you to beauty. 
As far as hoping can take you to better things. 
Away, away, to anywhere. 

Isn't this painting gorgeous?  The artist is G. Beddow. An unknown artist from time.