Good Morning from Prince Edward Island,
I love sunrise. I love walking through the woods and seeing green shoots stretching for a glimpse of the sun.
I love the sound of woodpeckers doing their mating call. It cracks me up to think they are banging their head through the extension of their beak against a tree.
Reading 21 books was my goal for 2021. I have completed or *started the following:
The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr.
Peace and Good Order by Harold R. Johnson.
How to Avoid Climate Disaster by Bill Gates.
Man at Arms by Stephen Pressfield.
Aspire by Kevin Hall.
*The Tea Girl from Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See.
(should finish this weekend, lovin’ it)
*Canoeing the Mountains by Tod E. Bolsinger.
*Promised Land by Barack Obama.
*Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
It seems that my reading habits are growing into having two books on the go: one fiction and one non.
Early last month, over a few days, two people suggested I read Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer. (Thank you, Vicki and Helen)
The author, a botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation describes her book as “an invitation to celebrate the gifts of the earth.”
This morning I found a few articles in the New York Times and the UK Guardian about Robin.
I read she feels her message is resonating now because. “When we’re looking at things we cherish falling apart, when inequities and injustices are so apparent, people are looking for another way that we can be living. We need interdependence rather than independence, and Indigenous knowledge has a message of valuing connection, especially to the humble.”
She prefers to work outside. She states that she “moves between what I think of as the microscope and the telescope,” observing small things in the natural world that serve as microcosms for big ideas.
Kimmerer explains, “The other day I was raking leaves in my garden to make compost, and it made me think, This is our work as humans in this time: to build good soil in our gardens, to build good soil culturally and socially, and to create potential for the future. What will endure through almost any kind of change? The regenerative capacity of the earth. We can help create conditions for renewal.”
This made me think about how many invisible miracles do I walk past every time I go out for a walk?
When I take the time to sit on the forest floor and listen; and give thanks, I feel a calibration of my spirit.
"In every living thing, there is the desire for love." ~ D. H. Lawrence
When I take the time to lay down in a field and look up and see cotton ball clouds against the contrasting blue skies and give thanks, I feel a calibration of my spirit.
When I hear the choir created by the forest’s bird angels; and give thanks, I feel a calibration of my spirit.
After our walk, I sat down to write this blog and wanted to listen more to what I had experienced this morning.
If unable to leave the confines of your space to enjoy the gift of the natural world, put the video on and let it be.
Let's go on a water adventure.
Katherine MacLaine, our graphic designer took a stroll yesterday and captured the moment. She blesses us with her many talents. One of many is her ability to frame beauty through her photography.
You will also notice the considerable damage we experienced on one of our paths. The work to regrade the path starts next week. I see many loads of shale and heavy equipment coming upon the Gardens of Hope.
Check out Katherine’s photography. Click Here to see the the Gardens of Hope Blog.
"Honor all living things, for we are of the stag, and the salmon, and the bee; so destroy not life, save it be to preserve your own." ~ Scott Cunningham
May you get outside to get ‘inside' this weekend.
And may joy be your constant companion and more than an acquaintance next week.
With love from Prince Edward Island,
Bruce + Millie
"A smile is a curve that sets everything straight." ~ Phyllis Diller
ps. Your Morning Smile
The strong young man at the construction site was bragging that he could out-do anyone in a feat of strength. He made a special case of making fun of one of the older workmen. After several minutes, one older worker had had enough.
"Why don't you put your money where your mouth is," he said. "I will bet a week's wages that I can haul something in a wheelbarrow over to that outbuilding that you won't be able to wheel back."
"You're on, old man," the braggart replied. "Let's see what you got."
The old man reached out and grabbed the wheelbarrow by the handles. Then, nodding to the young man, he said, "All right. Get in."
Comments
Julia Richardson said:
Hello and thank you! Loved your post. Braiding Sweetgrass is a favorite of mine. It sits on my bookshelf but never for long. I take it out often to savor its wisdom. You might also enjoy this video by Robin Kimmerer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEm7gbIax0o
May 17, 2021
Randall said:
Hi Bruce/Millie:
As I’m typing this on my ‘talking’ computer, I’m still listening to His wonderful creation from the first video. Thanks for that – it’s beautiful.
I couldn’t help but notice from each comment of feedback containing the same common thread. It reinforces how one might list ‘sight’ as the greatest faculty. I had the privilege of experiencing it, at one time, long ago. I’m so grateful for having been allowed that opportunity to live with that gift, for a time. I have a cousin, Jonathan, who was born without any vision and can only imagine having that gift. That contemplation is sobering. It’s like the familiar saying about ‘love,’ ‘Better to have loved, and lost, than to have never loved before.’ I really appreciated and enjoyed everyone’s enthusiastic feedback.
In reality, vision truly is our greatest physical gift, beside life itself. The former is the ‘window’ to our soul, while the latter is the everlasting promise to those that believe in Him, who freely gave.
“In the beginning, God created Heaven and Earth ……. and He saw that it was good!” He is the Way for which people are really looking, although most don’t yet know it. In keeping with today’s topic.
Enjoy, and God bless, everyone.
Randall
May 16, 2021
Lynn said:
HI Bruce,
thanks so much for today’s blog, especially the water adventure. What a special thing to do and share! Also loved the photos you started your blog with, noticing Millie peeking at you from behind some bushes. What fun to be a dog or a dog mom or dad. 8-)
Peace and blessings
L
May 16, 2021
Kay Schuld said:
Thank you for the beautiful pictures, the morning walk listening to the birds. The Garden of Hope is just beautiful.
May 15, 2021
Michael Healy said:
When do think the US & Canadian border will reopen. We have visited PEI for some past 15 summers and really miss not being able to go and visit for 9 or 10 day???
May 15, 2021
althea said:
Brief note to thank you for the time you spend in researching, finding, then sharing such beautiful, helpful, inspiring pieces. Assuming the peaceful woodsy paths at the start here were taken by you on one of your walks. Greetings and thanks, as always, to Katherine.
May 15, 2021
Gillian Keane said:
Loved this blog-thanks
Another book suggestion from me:The Elephant Whisperer. It gave me such a sense of wonder and amazement.
May 15, 2021
Derinda said:
What an uplifting Blog today Bruce. Thank you for that. Coming from England I really miss the song of the Blackbird and the Dawn Chorus, Nothing like it. Now the good weather is here I
plan on spending a lot of time in the Gazebo catching up on my reading. Being amongst nature awakens my soul and gives me such a feeling of peace and gratitude. Stay safe. Love Millie and also your morning smile.
Derinda
May 15, 2021
Stephanie Vargas said:
So lovely!
May 15, 2021
Gail Smith said:
Agree with you… The Tea Girl is a wonderful book! Thanks for this Saturday morning inspiration!
May 15, 2021
murdock morrison said:
Yes to walk in nature is a wonderful experience as I love to see and listen to the sounds of the many animal friends around our cottage. Your references to nature via Kimmerer, Einstein, the Black Bird song and Katherine MacLaine were a wonderful journey and gave us different views on nature via their words and photography. Great picture of Millie with the Smile for today. Can’t wait to be in Cavendish to enjoy the land, the trees and my animal friends. Murdock and Connie
May 15, 2021
Marjorie Howat said:
Hi Bruce, I am so enjoying your Saturday morning blogs.As I view your photos and videos this morning I long for the day I can get back to my summer home in PEI to enjoy walks and sounds of nature.
Loved your morning smile too. – Marjorie
May 15, 2021
Julie MacKenzie said:
I just loved the 2 You-tube videos. Thanks for sharing Bruce. I look forward to your blog every weekend. Have a wonderful weekend yourself. :) I got my surprises in the mail from The Preserve Company….looking forward to trying the Wild blueberry syrup & jam. I’m sure it will remind me of PEI. I’m also looking forward to sampling the Hot Chocolate (might add a little Baileys…LOL!) in the pretty little mug…& sampling the jelly beans. There is a little kid living in all of us. Thank goodness for that. :)
May 15, 2021
Jasmine said:
I like “calibrating your spirit”… Now I can put words to the feeling! Thanks Bruce :)
May 15, 2021
Linda Stephenson said:
Yay! Someone else calls the clouds “cotton ball clouds”! I love looking at these clouds to see what shapes they make. If I have my grands with me as we’re driving along, I’ll point out a particular cloud shape and ask them what they see. Great fun for all of us—even the almost-15-year-old!
May 15, 2021
George Read said:
Good Morning Bruce, I have not finished reading blog,,, yet, but I will!
Just before getting run over more than a year ago, I did plant 200 tulip bulbs, along with the daffodils, etc. that I had, it is relaxing to look out and see, them, I am very fortunate in having friends, who pick some for in the house. This has to be my favorite time of year. I am in hopes to get out and even mow the grass! I go out on my deck and enjoy the warming days.
Anyway, maybe I will get down as things quiet down,,,,
Regards to all, George
May 15, 2021
Laura said:
Loved this! I feel this so much as I live in a mountain area. I had to stay in a populated area for three months to sort my sister’s estate. Being back home in my quiet mountains filled with birds and wildlife is so soothing and ‘recalibrated’ me. ❤️
May 15, 2021
Suzi said:
My appreciation of photography have been tickled! This was beautiful! Thank you, Bruce. Also appreciated the Morning Smile. Hugs from sunny California. Suzi
May 15, 2021