The modern phrase “grasping at straws” actually dates back to the 1500s and is mostly attributed to Thomas More and his “Dialogue of Comfort Against Tribulation.” He that in tribulation turneth himself unto worldly vanities, to get help and comfort by them, fareth like a man that in peril of drowning catcheth whatsoever cometh next […]
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We just returned from a ten day trip visiting the national parks of southern Utah, as well as Monument Valley and the north rim of the Grand Canyon. Over the last few days, we have visited six national parks (Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands) as well as a “native park” (Monument
The way the soul is with the senses and the mind, is like a creek. When desire-weeds grow thick, your intelligence cannot flow, and soul-creatures stay hidden. But sometimes a flooding comes that runs so strong it clears the clogged stream, as though with God’s hand. No longer weeping and frustrated, your being grows as
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My friends and I joke about the GPS voice that says “recalibrating” when we don’t follow her specific instructions. We wonder if it would be better if she sounds more frustrated or annoyed at having to recalculate directions for her recalcitrant driver. But, no, she is steady and patient and will recalibrate as often as
There was a time when I realized that all the books I was reading — fiction or memoir — were about people on a journey. I suppose most stories are about journeys, literal or figurative, physical, spiritual or emotional. But these were obviously about a physical journey that also enabled emotional and spiritual exploration. Inspired
The Interior Caminho Read More »
It has taken all the patience I can muster not to buy outdoor furniture these last few years. I’ve committed to waiting until the back yard is fully and completely landscaped before moving in furniture. I’ve made do with folding chairs and tables. This has also given me an opportunity to evaluate the various styles
Outdoor furniture mood board Read More »
The demolition of the back yard at Casa Beija-flor has begun. The landscaping crew was there yesterday to begin hauling away shrubs, patio cover, and bricks. They’re also breaking up the old concrete and demolishing the infamous tool shed. I removed the few garden tools I plan to keep and hauled away two large boxes
There is a meditation I have followed in which the guide has me thinking of a tiny pinprick of light in the middle of my chest. As the meditation continues, the pinprick grows and light starts to fill the space around me, then the room, then all around as far as I can imagine. For
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