unfurl yourself

unfurl yourself

into the grace of beginning

that is at one

with your life's desire...

-john o'donohue (1956-2008)

green is such a hopeful color

after the rain, i stepped outside

and found squirrel waiting for me

on her favorite perch in the cedar tree.

we watched a red-headed woodpecker

swoop down to tap out a message

on a hollow branch. it seemed urgent, but

neither of us could quite make out what he was saying.

the world is so green this time of year, i said.

green is such a hopeful color, squirrel replied.

yes it is, said i, and we were quiet for awhile.

-stacy wills (5/3/2011)

come and find the quiet center...

come and find the quiet center

in the crowded life we lead

find the room for hope to enter

find the frame where we are freed

clear the chaos and the clutter

clear our eyes that we can see

all the things that really matter

be at peace and simply be

-shirley erena murray (b. 1931)

source image: gladiolus

plan b

i am fresh from what affectionately became known as the "plan b" retreat. it was christened thus when the original guest speaker was not able to attend. instead of cancelling the retreat altogether, the host leaders and some of the retreatants stepped up to the plate to pinch-hit, offering what they could. fourteen of us gathered at a beautiful setting in the heart of louisiana and entered into a time of exploring the intersection of spirituality and creativity. for me personally, it was a time of deep healing and renewed hope...a "plan (meant to) be."

rising

i rise each day

on hopeful wings,

with songs learned

in the night watch

still lingering

on my tongue

signs of spring

with the rising of

the full egg moon

shad run upstream

to spawn

wild ground phlox

begins to bloom

and in my heart

a sign of spring -

seeds of hope

are taking root