It was only a matter of time before I gave into owning an e-reader. Kindle seemed perfect except you weren't able to borrow from the library. Well, then you could. I still felt reluctant. Edging closer, but ever so kind Amazon allows anyone with a PC to download the Kindle app for free.
The first book I decided to buy and read on my PC wasn't available on kindle. Disappointing.
Then coming closer to the issue, I began to ponder another question. With Kindle, where is the soul of the book? (This one I haven't answered yet)
My nature being both acquisitive and philosophical was resting on a slim edge. I was quickly pushed over when Fred Meyer store offered a $40 gift card with purchase of the Kindle Touch I wanted.
The first book I tried to buy on my Kindle, not available. So at this point I have only downloaded free books. Reading is very easy, is to hold easy to turn pages. Not as happy with the rest of the navigating, but having read all the rave reviews perhaps my expectations were to high.
I figured out a little late why, even though easy to read, Kindle is nowhere near as satisfying as a book. The answer - I am as much a bibliophile as a reader. . . I remembered when I received a book I ordered . . . as I sat admiring the cover, paper, typeface, leafing through the pages. . . oh, I just love this new book. . . it is just so satisfying to hold it . . .
The metaphor that appeared was: Kindle is like instant mashed potatoes . . .
With that said, I am greatly enjoying a book I would have never read had I not downloaded it from free Kindle books: The Story of a Soul (L'Histoire d'une Âme): The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux.;
And, I have had a great deal of fun down loading a number of free "classic" books such as The Book of Tea ; The Art of War; Walden; Thoughts on Art & Life by Da Vinci. . . so I have expanded my library in ways I had not planned. . . and my life will be enriched in new ways . . .
I do, after all, enjoy instant mashed potatoes . . . they are just different.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
From her book, Blue Iris, Mary Oliver's poem
Some Questions You Might Ask
Is the soul solid, like iron?
Or is it tender and breakable, like
the wings of a moth in the beak of an owl?
Who has it, and who doesn't?
I keep looking around me.
The face of the moose is as sad
as the face of Jesus.
The swan opens her white wings slowly.
In the fall, the black bear carries leaves into the darkness.
One question leads to another.
Does it have a shape? Like an iceberg?
Like the eye of a hummingbird?
Does it have one lung, like the snake and the scallop?
Why should I have it, and not the anteater
who loves her children?
Why should I have it, and not the camel?
Come to think of it, what about maple trees?
What about the blue iris?
What about all the little stones, sitting alone in the moonlight?
What about roses, and lemons, and their shining leaves?
What about the grass?
Some Questions You Might Ask
Is the soul solid, like iron?
Or is it tender and breakable, like
the wings of a moth in the beak of an owl?
Who has it, and who doesn't?
I keep looking around me.
The face of the moose is as sad
as the face of Jesus.
The swan opens her white wings slowly.
In the fall, the black bear carries leaves into the darkness.
One question leads to another.
Does it have a shape? Like an iceberg?
Like the eye of a hummingbird?
Does it have one lung, like the snake and the scallop?
Why should I have it, and not the anteater
who loves her children?
Why should I have it, and not the camel?
Come to think of it, what about maple trees?
What about the blue iris?
What about all the little stones, sitting alone in the moonlight?
What about roses, and lemons, and their shining leaves?
What about the grass?
Contemplating Life
I have been thinking about buying at plant for my apartment, reading a little about types of indoor plants. I even saw NASA has studied indoor plants that were good a removing indoor pollutants. I decided to check on a local nursery online, Wights Home & Garden. I found an article on their beautiful website Wights.com: Successfully Growing Indoor Green Plants. Wonderful. Reading the article was an interesting experience that caught me up short especially at the end of this excerpt:
"Mother Nature’s botanical creatures know one mantra: I Grow. And grow they do, or at least they give it a mighty good try. Originally at home in the balmy tropics, protected by the lush forest canopy, these plants now face the uncertain fate of living on the windowsill in somebody’s bathroom! For some, life is good, sustained by regular water and fertilizer, adequate window light and given a temporary move to the counter as welcome refuge from the chill during a cold snap. Unfortunately, others brace for a daily dose of blistering afternoon sun, yearn for a bit larger pot or hope for a drink of water before they’ve wilted over. Sounds dramatic? It would be if you lived completely at the mercy of a large sentient being that didn’t really understand you, but expected you to thrive or you’d be pitched into the trash. Such is the plight of the humble houseplant."
Hmmm. Well. . . I have to stop and admit this large sentient doesn't really have an understanding of the plant world and languages . . . and it has been suggested to me by a good friend I consider a silk plant. . .
Can I ask for a volunteer?
Thursday, June 7, 2012
“I’ve often thought of the forest as a living cathedral, but this might diminish what it truly is. If I have understood Koyukon teachings, the forest is not merely an expression or representation of sacredness, nor a place to invoke the sacred; the forest is sacredness itself. Nature is not merely created by God; nature is God. Whoever moves within the forest can partake directly of sacredness, experience sacredness with his entire body, breathe sacredness and contain it within himself, drink the sacred water as a living communion, bury his feet in sacredness, touch the living branch and feel the sacredness, open his eyes and witness the burning beauty of sacredness”
-- Richard Nelson, The Island Within
wonderful quote posted on goodreads.com.
After reading the quote, I was curious about the book. However, as my life is always filled with miraculous synchronicities, Amazon had two books by that title.
The other book by Ludwig Lewisohn: Written in 1928, "The Island Within" is a chronicle of 3 generations of Jews, beginning in 1840, Vilna, Lithuania. (As far as I know I am still part Lithuanian)
And while I am not getting the Island Within by Mr. Nelson, I did just purchase his other book, Make Prayers to the Raven: A Koyukon View of the Northern Forest, along with Mr. Lewisohn's Island Within.
Teeter Toter of balanced sways. I am by nature acquisitive. . . perhaps I can find some other books to release . . . perhaps not. . .
Finding Balance
“Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.” - Thomas Merton
Oh, I am thinking about what to buy next; how do I love stuff let me count the ways. . .
I have my eye on a wonderful storage bench, on sale of course. I am feeling some stuff out of place in my living areas to be like pebbles in my shoe. Slowly, ever slowly, I release and catch different object to move towards creating a sense of space, comfort, and solace
17 books made it from my house to Goodwill last month (and I only bought 8 more), with them a storage shelf unit, an old computer monitor (replaced by a lovely sleek one), kitchen items, clothing, and a few miscellaneous other items.
I have been contemplating today taking my dresser to Goodwill, the last remaining piece of furniture I brought with me from California. Still sturdy, functional. . .
I stopped to see what wonderful classes might be happening at East West Bookshop in Seattle. I see, well. . .
I went to check out his website www.clutterbusting.com, then I found my way to this perfect excerpt from his blog Clutter Busting with Brooks Palmer:
. . . I said that as clutter busters in our own lives, we are looking for the things that are causing us pain. There's no room in our lives for things that hurt us.
She asked how to know if something makes us feel good or not. I asked if she liked the necklace she was wearing. She confidently said, "Yes, I do!" I said when something is part of our life, we feel a simple yes. It's clean.
. . .
I can't say "Yes" to this dresser any more. Is it impractical, fiscally irresponsible (cuz I will want a new
one), just a whimsy, poor judgement. Or, like the starving people my parents told me would be grateful
to eat the food I disliked, shouldn't I just be more grateful to have a dresser. Shouldn't I just keep it? If it were a matter of practicality, absolutely.
However, right now, what I know is that it doesn't make my heart happy . . . and, when I say goodbye to it as I leave it with the nice people at Goodwill, I am sure it will find a place where it will be welcomed into a new home.
“Fortunate indeed, is the man who takes exactly the right measure of himself, and holds a just balance between what he can acquire and what he can use.” - Peter Mere Latham
Working towards balance a long term endeavor
Oh, I am thinking about what to buy next; how do I love stuff let me count the ways. . .
I have my eye on a wonderful storage bench, on sale of course. I am feeling some stuff out of place in my living areas to be like pebbles in my shoe. Slowly, ever slowly, I release and catch different object to move towards creating a sense of space, comfort, and solace
17 books made it from my house to Goodwill last month (and I only bought 8 more), with them a storage shelf unit, an old computer monitor (replaced by a lovely sleek one), kitchen items, clothing, and a few miscellaneous other items.
I have been contemplating today taking my dresser to Goodwill, the last remaining piece of furniture I brought with me from California. Still sturdy, functional. . .
I stopped to see what wonderful classes might be happening at East West Bookshop in Seattle. I see, well. . .
Friday, June 8 at East West Seattle
Clutter Busting Your Life: Clearing Physical and Emotional Clutter to Reconnect with Yourself and Others
7:30-9 p.m. Free!
Clutter is anything in your life that no longer serves you, creating disorder in your life. . .
I went to check out his website www.clutterbusting.com, then I found my way to this perfect excerpt from his blog Clutter Busting with Brooks Palmer:
. . . I said that as clutter busters in our own lives, we are looking for the things that are causing us pain. There's no room in our lives for things that hurt us.
She asked how to know if something makes us feel good or not. I asked if she liked the necklace she was wearing. She confidently said, "Yes, I do!" I said when something is part of our life, we feel a simple yes. It's clean.
. . .
I can't say "Yes" to this dresser any more. Is it impractical, fiscally irresponsible (cuz I will want a new
one), just a whimsy, poor judgement. Or, like the starving people my parents told me would be grateful
to eat the food I disliked, shouldn't I just be more grateful to have a dresser. Shouldn't I just keep it? If it were a matter of practicality, absolutely.
However, right now, what I know is that it doesn't make my heart happy . . . and, when I say goodbye to it as I leave it with the nice people at Goodwill, I am sure it will find a place where it will be welcomed into a new home.
“Fortunate indeed, is the man who takes exactly the right measure of himself, and holds a just balance between what he can acquire and what he can use.” - Peter Mere Latham
Working towards balance a long term endeavor
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Rice & Genealogy
After following some of the ancestral branches of my father's family, it appears I have had cousins on the White Earth Reservation in the past at least if not today. And so through the miracle of the internet, I, also, was able to find that White Earth sells hand harvested, organic wild rice, realwildrice.com.
So I had to have some, just retrieved my package from the mail tonight, what fun.
“With coarse rice to eat, with water to drink, and my bent arm for a pillow -- I have still joy in the midst of all these things.” - Confucius quotes
So I had to have some, just retrieved my package from the mail tonight, what fun.
“With coarse rice to eat, with water to drink, and my bent arm for a pillow -- I have still joy in the midst of all these things.” - Confucius quotes
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Enjoying Ammachi's Annual Visit
from the events page www.compassionateseattle.org:
Amma which means mother, is famous for her unique ability to sit for as long as 22 hours to receive anyone who comes to her. She has traveled the world hugging people for 26 years and literally embraced more than 30million people. The CBS TV Primetime Special, "In God’s Name" profiled Amma as one the world’s twelve most influential religious leaders. Amma says that she is trying to awaken the qualities of love and compassion, which she feels are essential for world peace and harmony
June 3 DEVI BHAVA - A celebration devoted to world peace Program begins at 7:00 pm with a spiritual discourse (satsang) by Amma, followed by a puja (ceremony and meditation for peace), followed by unique time with Amma in the tradition of the Divine Mother. Darshan ("blessing") begins around 9:00pm and live music is played throughout the night while Amma gives darshan to every individual who comes to her. The program concludes the morning of June 4.
and from a post on www.gracefloweressences.com:
"... Amma, is a Divine Incarnation, and embodiment of the Divine Mother. She has an ashram in Kerala, India, and travels the world giving darshan, or spiritual blessings. Amma darshan is like seeing hundreds of grown ups going to see Santa Claus. People sit and wait in line for their turn as Amma takes everyone up in her lap and hugs them. ... "
Well, I never thought of it that way, but the mood fits a group of people waiting for Santa Claus . . .
it is always magical time, people of all ages from babes in arms to elderly in wheelchairs, all colors, and from conversations all religions - this year a sat with a woman who was leaving for a traditional family values Christian retreat right after her hug from Amma, she hadn't planned to see her, but was attending another conference in the hotel where Amma's program was being held. . . she felt called.
Amma started out by saying how happy she was looking out on her rainbow children . . .
A warm, unifying, peaceful inspiring evening . . . many blessings . . . gluten free brownies, gluten free quinoa wraps. . . Amma hugs. . . chanting. . . meditation . . . sharing stories. . . even shopping. . .
When things ended around 3 am, I got on the freeway. . . there was only one truck just in front of me. . . and big red letters on the back of it: OM.
Amma which means mother, is famous for her unique ability to sit for as long as 22 hours to receive anyone who comes to her. She has traveled the world hugging people for 26 years and literally embraced more than 30million people. The CBS TV Primetime Special, "In God’s Name" profiled Amma as one the world’s twelve most influential religious leaders. Amma says that she is trying to awaken the qualities of love and compassion, which she feels are essential for world peace and harmony
June 3 DEVI BHAVA - A celebration devoted to world peace Program begins at 7:00 pm with a spiritual discourse (satsang) by Amma, followed by a puja (ceremony and meditation for peace), followed by unique time with Amma in the tradition of the Divine Mother. Darshan ("blessing") begins around 9:00pm and live music is played throughout the night while Amma gives darshan to every individual who comes to her. The program concludes the morning of June 4.
and from a post on www.gracefloweressences.com:
"... Amma, is a Divine Incarnation, and embodiment of the Divine Mother. She has an ashram in Kerala, India, and travels the world giving darshan, or spiritual blessings. Amma darshan is like seeing hundreds of grown ups going to see Santa Claus. People sit and wait in line for their turn as Amma takes everyone up in her lap and hugs them. ... "
Well, I never thought of it that way, but the mood fits a group of people waiting for Santa Claus . . .
it is always magical time, people of all ages from babes in arms to elderly in wheelchairs, all colors, and from conversations all religions - this year a sat with a woman who was leaving for a traditional family values Christian retreat right after her hug from Amma, she hadn't planned to see her, but was attending another conference in the hotel where Amma's program was being held. . . she felt called.
Amma started out by saying how happy she was looking out on her rainbow children . . .
A warm, unifying, peaceful inspiring evening . . . many blessings . . . gluten free brownies, gluten free quinoa wraps. . . Amma hugs. . . chanting. . . meditation . . . sharing stories. . . even shopping. . .
When things ended around 3 am, I got on the freeway. . . there was only one truck just in front of me. . . and big red letters on the back of it: OM.
Friday, June 1, 2012
I-5 Colonnade Park
park view of Lake Union
and across the street looks like another obstacle course to me
Lake Ballinger WA
I investigated a lake much nearer to home, surprised to find it so close, and used by fisherman. . .
from www.cityofmlt.com:
Lake Ballinger is a 103-acre lake with a 3-acre island, jointly owned by the Cities of Mountlake Terrace and Edmonds. The Lake Ballinger Park, 2-acre park, is located on the east shore of the lake and south of the Lake Ballinger Golf Course, and offers one of the only access points to the lake. Year-round fishing is available. Amenities include a boat launch for non-gas powered boats, a fishing pier, beach access, picnic tables, barbecue grills, and restroom facilities.
Before 1888, the lake was called Lake McAleer and the island was homesteaded by Ira and Julia Bartholomew. The lake was subsequently sold to Judge R.A. Ballinger, a one-time Seattle Mayor, who renamed the lake for his father, R.H. Ballinger, who was an officer in the Civil War.
from www.cityofmlt.com:
Lake Ballinger is a 103-acre lake with a 3-acre island, jointly owned by the Cities of Mountlake Terrace and Edmonds. The Lake Ballinger Park, 2-acre park, is located on the east shore of the lake and south of the Lake Ballinger Golf Course, and offers one of the only access points to the lake. Year-round fishing is available. Amenities include a boat launch for non-gas powered boats, a fishing pier, beach access, picnic tables, barbecue grills, and restroom facilities.
Before 1888, the lake was called Lake McAleer and the island was homesteaded by Ira and Julia Bartholomew. The lake was subsequently sold to Judge R.A. Ballinger, a one-time Seattle Mayor, who renamed the lake for his father, R.H. Ballinger, who was an officer in the Civil War.
Log Boom Park - Kenmore WA
I enjoyed my first visit to Log Boom Park, however, I had a hankering to sit out at the end of the "pier" which I hadn't done the first time. As I started out on the pier, I heard a loud splash in the water, guess I never thought about ducks making noisy landings
enjoying lovely views, sitting on the end of the pier
and this peaceful space, then whoosh two young men ride up, and with flourish camp out right next to me . . .
I heard part of the cell phone conversation of please bring me a towel, one of them had a quick swim, surprised to find out the water was much colder than it looked . . .
back to gazing. . .
these rowers made me think of Sandy, and her dragon boat feats
and the a float plane from marvelous take off to a speck in the clouds in just a whisper of time
and then there is the resting aviator
enjoying lovely views, sitting on the end of the pier
and this peaceful space, then whoosh two young men ride up, and with flourish camp out right next to me . . .
back to gazing. . .
these rowers made me think of Sandy, and her dragon boat feats
and the a float plane from marvelous take off to a speck in the clouds in just a whisper of time
and then there is the resting aviator
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