Saturday, January 10, 2015

A NEW YEAR - - 2015

2015 is here, but truthfully, so far it feels the same as 2014. But not to despair, it's still early in the game. As of today, we have only checked off ten calendar days. I like to plan and look ahead, probably a control thing on my part. I was looking at the calendar this morning to see what obligations were penciled in already and to find out if there were any free blocks of time for travel.

In previous years, I, as it is the habit of many, made new year's resolutions; but, over the past several years I learned that I am setting myself up for failure by making these resolutions.

Think about it, a person makes resolution and as the days pass it begins to disintegrate. It's like a ring of smoke that in the beginning holds is shape quite well and then slowly evaporates before your eyes. Even for a few short seconds, your mind can still see the image; but, it's guaranteed to completely disappear.

For this reason alone, making a yearly resolution does not serve me. Instead, I now attempt to live in the moment; still, old habits die hard and I must learn to find the balance between planning and living in the now. How about you, have you had any luck with resolutions?

Monday, September 8, 2014

September 8, 2014 - Who We Know Ourselves to Be



September 8, 2014

Photo by J. Schopfer 9/2014 The Lighthouse at Boca Grande, FL

 Who We Know Ourselves To Be


For some, the antidote for loneliness is to be in the company of another.

For others, the solution to loneliness lies in keeping ones own company.

Steeped from birth that we are created for relationships,

I have been tempted to defer to the former as a solution.

Singularity seems to contradict such teachings.

  Yet oddly, I've discovered the latter serves me well.
 
Is it peculiar that I find comfort, cheer and 

even contentment within my own frame?
So, if you should see me seated at a table 
set for one with a candle burning;   
I hope you will perceive it simply as 
one her knows herself to be.





September 8, 2014 - Fantastical Rain




 Photo by, J.Schopfer - Panhandle Texas, April 2014

 Fantastical Rain
R. Schopfer
Nature does as nature intends.
She parents us in ways we often can’t comprehend.
But, we look to her – Our Mother. We are still and we listen.
We wake each day and survey, any sign of rain?
Any visit of precipitation in the night?
No.
Parched, thirsting and burdened both the ground and we.
Reasoning and faith faltering.
Yet, there is a purpose.
Nature will, if we permit, 
sharpen our senses;
adjust our disposition;
curb our demands;
and fade our pride.
As an infant waiting helplessly for nourishment,  
 we wait for that fantastical rain.
.