“The infinity of space and time separates us from God. How are we to seek for him?… We are incapable of progressing vertically. We cannot take a step toward the heavens. God crosses the universe and comes to us.
Over the infinity of space and time, the infinitely more infinite love of God comes to possess us. He comes at his own time…”
-Simone Weil, Waiting for God
“Bless the World with Your Eyes
There is a beautiful practice in Jewish tradition of blessing the day. In this worldview, each act becomes worthy of blessing. Gratitude is offered for the gift of every moment: upon awakening, when crossing a threshold, eating a meal, lighting candles. The Talmud calls for 100 blessings each day.
This act of blessing is really a special way of paying attention. It is a moment of remembering wonder as our primary response to the world. It is an act of consecrating the day.”
-Christine Valters Paintner
Abbey of the Arts
note: Quotation taken from Abbey of the Arts,
read more: blessings
note: photo of my granddaughter’s creation.
A hiker, lost in the forest, sees
you taking photo of the waterfalls
hundred birds spread their wings
hundred trees bright up with colors
once upon a time
Simone loves to lie down on the sand
surrounded by stones
island of roses in the garden
note: Simone is my friend’s Siamese cat.
Nature can dazzle, sometimes becomes too absorbing
temperature can change while on the road
one moment in the nineties then dips into sixties
The sky darkens, hail as big as marbles starts falling, bombarding the car
your emotions show like a pre-determined consequence
you drive faster, the children suddenly quiet.
The sky brightens and back to nineties again
You explain to the children what’s happening
They start singing and laughing
You begin driving evenly, gentle on the curves
On the rest area you will stop and have a picnic.
When you look for pleasure you find meaning,
when you look for meaning you find understanding,
understanding can lead to renewal of the spirit.
And you wonder why labor pains always start at night.
The map shows the terrain
hilly areas, scattered trees
A place you would like to walk.
You may meet some animals
some sheep, maybe goats.
They make milk here,
neighbors are proud of the creamery.
There is a shepherd
a young boy, daydreamer
his mind has to escape once in a while.
You can talk to him.
it’s August
veraison starts in the vines
stay awhile
note: Mrs. Abstract and I and five new friends whom we met at the River Cruise last June enjoyed wine tasting today at the Sullivan Vineyards & Winery in St. Helena, CA. Sullivan Vineyards & Winery is known for the “big reds”: cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and Bordeaux blend.It offers also Sauvignon blanc & chardonnay.
