Doors of Perception

If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. For man has closed himself up, til he sees all things through narrow chinks in his cavern.

#William Blake

Matthaei Gardens, Michigan

Scottish Lyrics: Burns Night

We twa hae paidl’d i’ the burn,
frae morning sun till dine
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
sin auld lang syne.

Au Sable River, Michigan

Happy birthday, Robbie Burns.

We learn from history that we do not learn from history.

G.W.F. Hegel

Newburgh Lake, Michigan

Graceful Is as Graceful Glides

There’s a double beauty whenever a swan swims on a lake with her double thereon.
–Thomas Hood

As We See the World

We don’t see things as they are; we see things as we are.

Anais Nin

Matthaei Woods, Michigan

Invincible Summer

In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.

Albert Camus

Pine River, Michigan
Huron National Forest

“…and pondered them in her heart.”

And they that heard it wondered at the things which the shepherds told.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2: 18-19

May we all ponder in our heart the things of special meaning to us.

Fleming Creek, Michigan

A Quiet Brook at Winter Solstice

Daisy:   Do you ever watch for the longest day of the year and then miss it?

Jay Gatsby:  Don’t you mean the shortest day of the year, Daisy?

Daisy:   Jay, I’m p-p-paralyzed with happiness that the days will be getting longer now. (a few liberties taken with Great Gatsby)

Bold Winds Speechless

But, as we often see against some storm
A silence in the heavens, the rack stand still
The bold winds speechless, and the orb below
As hush as death, anon the dreadful thunder
Doth rend the region.
—William Shakespeare, Hamlet

Summer storms in Michigan approach “anon the thunder.”

Hints of Colors to Come

In my part of Michigan, the leaves are just beginning to change color on the first day of autumn, hinting at glorious colors to follow.

 

Matthaei Gardens, Michigan