Posted on September 26, 2012 by MaryALivingston

An interesting post on finding beauty in the aftermath of wildfire.

In the aftermath of a wildfire we are confronted with profound destruction that it leaves in it’s wake. Occasionally, afterwards there are strange and interesting forms that appear. This black oak tree was changed into an a new form. Once is was a beautiful green tree, now it stands like a statue in it’s monochrome setting.

The rock formation below was there all along, but the brush obscured the view and prevented access to it. The wildfire revealed it as if someone pulled a cover off of a sculpture.

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Grandma’s Morning Cup

Posted on September 12, 2012 by MaryALivingston

A child’s art is a moment of bliss that continues to give.

My favorite cup features art from our oldest granddaughter. She drew this little row of flowers when she was four. I need to make an updated cup, she is seven now. Perhaps the new one will include refrigerator masterpieces from her younger sister and brother.

For parents looking for something special for Grandma and Grandpa, consider art from grandchildren. Grandchild art can be featured on an everyday item, like my favorite cup, or simply framed or on the front of a card.

I often receive treasured showpieces from our grandchildren. The gift of art from little hands is a moment of bliss that continues to give.

9-11 Birthdays

Posted on September 11, 2012 by MaryALivingston

Tim brings me coffee every morning. Our morning time has developed a routine, we watch the news and like most great friends, our best conversations solve the ills of the world before we set about our day.

The day started as most others; Tim crossed the living room with a steaming cup of hot coffee. His eyes reflected his flirty smile.
As he began to speak, I noticed his distraction to the news feed.

“Happy birthd… the towers are on fire.”

We turned up the volume just as the second plane hit.
Everyone remembers where they were, what they were doing on September 11, 2001.

People are born everyday; odds are we all share our date of birth with an unpleasant event of some sort or another. For me, for my niece, and for countless others, 9-11 is our birthday.

Life is a balance. Good things and bad things happen everyday. I hope for those of us with a 9-11 birthday, that we strive for good, that we strive for balance.
As I give thanks for the blessings in my life, I offer prayers for those lost and those who still mourn.

May we all celebrate life and bring a little bliss into the lives we touch.