A Friday farrago

Spring blossoms.

Bless the poets, the workers for justice, the dancers of ceremony, the singers of heartache, the visionaries, all makers and carriers of fresh meaning—We will all make it through, despite politics and wars, despite failures and misunderstandings. There is only love.

~ Joy Harjo, Conflict Resolution for Holy Beings: Poems

Meadow glow.

Winter and Spring were at war this morning.  We have had warm and pleasant weather this week, and now a cold front from the north is battering its way in with rain, a few snow flurries, gusty winds, and quickly plummeting temperatures.  Most of the precipitation made its way out to sea as the day grew older, and the sun has gazed down upon us every now and then.  I think we might have an interesting sunset this evening if the clouds give way.

Waves of grasses.

I was happy to see the rain this morning.  We have been under no-burn (or fire) advisories this week because it’s been so dry and windy.  I’m not sure we got enough rain to make a big difference, but it is better than no rain at all.  We had no plans to burn here at the ranch.  The concern was more about what would happen if one of those cigarette butts that get thrown out of pick-up truck windows found its way into our dry meadow.  There was a small brush fire earlier in the week in an adjoining county.  Thankfully it didn’t do too much damage.  Someone’s shed was burned down, but their house was spared.

Periwinkles twinkling in the cemetery.

I traveled during my unplugged time.  I will tell you all about that tomorrow during our coffee chat.  Today, let’s meander around and see where it leads.

Maryland flag on the deck of the Portside Seafood Restaurant in Cambridge, MD.

I have been drawn to poetry lately, and came across One Poem by Layli Long Soldier.  I forget how I stumbled upon it.  Not that it matters what brought me there.  I had not heard of the Dakota 38 until I read this poem.  There is a documentary film about it, Dakota 38,  and it is available in its entirety on YouTube (that last link will take you there).  I have not watched the film yet because I have to wait for my internet bytes to reset (tomorrow night).  I think I’ll get up early on Sunday to view it.

At the marina on the Choptank River in Cambridge.

The subject of ageing has come up here and there on my travels in cyberspace.  Parker J. Palmer (author, educator, and activist) wrote a column for On Being about Withering Into the Truth.  There is poetry there, too.

The Choptank River Lighthouse.

Because so many people are reading or re-reading or referencing The Handmaid’s Tale, you might be interested in this interview with Margaret Atwood on What it’s like to watch her own dystopia come true.

The lighthouse from another angle. M and I took a walk by the Choptank River near sunset before boating class last night

On the political front, I am thoroughly enjoying the postcards that Tom from Colorado is sending to the current Republican President.  (It’s being said that we should call him the Republican President rather than other names just so people don’t forget the link between the GOP and the current mess.  Otherwise, when they finally do something, if they finally do something, they will declare themselves the heroes of our country just in time for the mid-term elections.  Best to keep that link in place.  Otherwise, people forget.)

Moon, gull, and bridge over the Choptank River.

Don’t Panic If You Get Bit By A Tick.  It will be tick season in North America soon, and this is something a lot of us have to be aware of once the warm weather arrives and stays.

Pink glow on the river.

Because it’s cold outside today:  Warm Blankets.  Or, if you want something even warmer, a slightly older post from Marcie, Rainforest Sunsets.

The warmth of a sunset.

I reckon that’s about it for this Friday stroll around the meadows, Cambridge, and the internet.  Thank you so much for meandering along with me.  I’m going to try to make my way out to the Point for sunset if the clouds break up.  Sunset is scheduled for 6:05 PM.  It’s going to be cold and windy out there, but a colorful sunset usually makes it worth braving the chilly weather.

Be good, be kind, be loving.  Just Be.  🙂

Back in the meadow.

A few of the 10,000 reasons to be happy:  136)  Clouds and sun, dancing with each other.  137)  Rain to soak the dry earth.  138)  The way the meadow grasses glow as if lit from within.  139)  Walks at sunset.  140)  Roasted beets, salad, mushroom soup, and fresh bread for dinner tonight.