Just call me Mary...
I bought this beautiful handmade journal last year from Rhonda Miller in Nova Scotia, and I have finally begun to work in it...Mary Oliver is one of my favourite US poets - she's a true Romantic in the tradition of Wordsworth and Coleridge. She captures the depth of Nature's beauty in a single perfect phrase. So it seemed only right I start this record of my morning walks with her poem 'Why I Wake Early'. I painted the sunrise in the background just using a sponge and Tim Holtz's distressed inkpads.
The feather is a gift from a poor pigeon who met its end on the main road through the village - cars and lorries drive far too fast through here. I only hope it was an immediate death...
And I'm learning my new scanner simply does not like any form of 3D - it's a true flatbed!! Hence any third dimension causes bizarre shadows... The feather looks to be floating in space - the pigeon's spirit lives on...
posted by Claire @ Tuesday, May 08, 2007
61 Comments
61 Comments:
Wonderful journal! I'm glad that you started in it! I want to get a hand-made journal as well but haven't gotten around to it. Anyhoo thanks for sharing!
*HUGS*
First of all I love the journal and definitely the poem! The feather made me think of something I may want to write about at some point.
You'd think with as wordy as I can be that I would have a journal...volumes of them...but alas I do not. Perhaps that will be part of this new journey I am on...to start finally start one.
XOXO
Love,
Lisa
The journal is very nice...and the floating feather seems very spiritual.....
feathers always carry messages..that's a lovely journal Anna, I love the binding, the words you've embedded to each page..
It's simply a joy to see ..
PEace, Kai
Well, Anna, I always thought the name Anna was just beautiful and wanted that name! So, I'll have to work to 'call you Mary!'
What a wonderful journal. I love the painting and am going back to read the poem. Nice post! Very nice.
I love the idea of keeping a journal of your walks! It's the perfect journal for it. I love your sunrise. I always stare at the alcohol inks and touch them and ooh and ahh when I am at the craft store but I have never actually brought them home with me yet.
I hope your pillow makes it there soon. :)
Anna,
I too am a big Oliver fan and just bought her book Why I wake early... it is very good as her other works are. The journal is wonderful. I love the idea of using it for your walks...
Kate
What a gorgeous journal and such a lovely thought to begin with a poem. I'm not familiar with this poet, I shall have to check her out. :)
I love your journal pages... what a WONDERFUL way to start your day..
Mary is one of my favorites too....
blessings!
Claire, I just learned about your stroke.. I'm so sorry..I hope you know you are loved!!
Bright blessings..PEace Kai.
It is Tuesday 15th May, I spoke with your husband this morning, what a lovely caring voice he has. It has been raining today, would you believe I put the central heating on because I was soooooocold....later the sun came out! English weather eh????
Tonight we are staying in as usual, hubby is having spicy hotpot for dinner, oh and there is a bottle of white wine chilling in the fridge.
Get Better Soon dear Glitter Sister
Denisexxx
A poem, from Mary Oliver, one of your favourite poets...
At Great Pond
the sun, rising,
scrapes his orange breast
on the thick pines,
and down tumble
a few orange feathers into
the dark water.
On the far shore
a white bird is standing
like a white candle ---
or a man, in the distance,
in the clasp of some meditation ---
while all around me the lilies
are breaking open again
from the black cave
of the night.
Later, I will consider
what I have seen ---
what it could signify ---
what words of adoration I might
make of it, and to do this
I will go indoors to my desk ---
I will sit in my chair ---
I will look back
into the lost morning
in which I am moving, now,
like a swimmer,
so smoothly,
so peacefully,
I am almost the lily ---
almost the bird vanishing over the water
on its sleeves of night.
Today is Tues. 5/15 - it's overcast and windy here in California. I have you on my mind constantly...we have connections and a line of communication going so we can all keep up as best we can. In the meantime, I send you love and healing and the spirit to preserver through this to strength and recovery. I will periodically leave you a message here...you can read them later and know how you are loved.
XOXO
Hi Claire,
So pleased you liked the flowers! Your hubby rang me today to say how much you loved them...I have passed on your message to all the glitter sisters.
Today we have had more rain but I am working on a design for a glitter spectacular card for you........tee hee.
Dxxx
Anna , Hope you're feeling better. I'm Praying and sending healing thoughts your way.
Love Ya !
Glitter Sis , JoyceAnn
Thursday.....grey sky!
I have been reading more Mary Oliver poems...this one was absolutely mind-blowing!
I am going to put it on my blog tomorrow!
Mockingbirds
This morning
two mockingbirds
in the green field
were spinning and tossing
the white ribbons
of their songs
into the air.
I had nothing
better to do
than listen.
I mean this
seriously.
In Greece,
a long time ago,
an old couple
opened their door
to two strangers
who were,
it soon appeared,
not men at all,
but gods.
It is my favorite story--
how the old couple
had almost nothing to give
but their willingness
to be attentive--
but for this alone
the gods loved them
and blessed them--
when they rose
out of their mortal bodies,
like a million particles of water
from a fountain,
the light
swept into all the corners
of the cottage,
and the old couple,
shaken with understanding,
bowed down--
but still they asked for nothing
but the difficult life
which they had already.
And the gods smiled, as they vanished,
clapping their great wings.
Wherever it was
I was supposed to be
this morning--
whatever it was I said
I would be doing--
I was standing
at the edge of the field--
I was hurrying
through my own soul,
opening its dark doors--
I was leaning out;
I was listening.
Hi, Just heard that Mrs N, [I always like to think of her as Mrs N rather than Denise, it really suits her!] has actually spoken to you. Have sent you a card to your home address, didn't want you to have moved wards or anything or it getting lost in hospital. We are having made weather at the moment showers of heavy rain and gusting winds, like Mrs N, I had to put the central heating back on today. Had a relaxing day, Saturday, watching old black and white movies this afternoon and sewing one of my spirit dollies. Thinking of you. xx
Today's Sunday, the sun is shining but there are plenty clouds, I am trying to sneak out into the garden so the sun doesnot see me there and try to get some of my plants potted up. Wish me luck lol! I have been looking up Mary Oliver's poetry. It is fantastic, I don't know how I have never come across her before.
Hi Claire, Monday and I think the sun has read my mind and decided no play! I have had a great weekend, Whitby with my pals, lovely meal in with hubby on Saturday then we worked all day in the garden yesterday. I am continuing with the garden today, but there has been a definate change in the temperature since this morning! Still pressing on! Like daisy, loving Mary's poetry!
just stopped by to shower you with bright and wonderful blessings of fun and healing there glitter sis xooxxx
PEace, Kai
Hi Anna , Just a quick comment to let you know , I'm thinking about you.
Sending you lots of love and healing blessings.
Hi Claire, Tuesday....grey and dull! Just looking for some sunshine!
Hugs to you honeybunch!
Dxx
Hi, Still keeping you in my thoughts. The sun has been kind today [Monday], and the sky is blue, have been out working in the garden all day, just about finished potting up containers, and have been trying to build this metal frame thing to grow clematis up. Husband wanted to make it for me, but 'no' said clever Daisy, I can put it together just screws and metal tubing, if that is so why does it look non-circular and wobbly. Am going to go and eat humble pie and ask for 'manly' help. lol!!!! Keep smiling, showers of glitter are falling around you.
This blew me away today Claire....fantastic!
A Dream of Trees
There is a thing in me that dreamed of trees,
A quiet house, some green and modest acres
A little way from every troubling town,
A little way from factories, schools, laments.
I would have time, I thought, and time to spare,
With only streams and birds for company.
To build out of my life a few wild stanzas.
And then it came to me, that so was death,
A little way away from everywhere.
There is a thing in me still dreams of trees,
But let it go. Homesick for moderation,
Half the world’s artists shrink or fall away.
If any find solution, let him tell it.
Meanwhile I bend my heart toward lamentation
Where, as the times implore our true involvement,
The blades of every crisis point the way.
I would it were not so, but so it is.
Who ever made music of a mild day?
Mary Oliver
A lovely poem by Mary today Claire, this was soooooooo beautiful!
Wednesday.....have been teaching...am ******ed!
Off to chill wine!
Dxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thursday, dull and grey!
Managed to peg some washing out but am not too hopeful!
A bit of housework then something creative me thinks!
Hugs
Dxx
Anna, Hope you're getting stronger each day. Healing thoughts coming your way for strength and courage.
~~ Happy Hugs ~~
Just popped over from MrsN's to wish you well and a speedy recovery.
I can't believe it is Friday already. I have been busy doing boring things that I have to do occasionally, such as keeping my aged mother's finances straight, by paying her bills etc, and checking everything over. Then I went on to file paid stuff of ours in our household folder. I don't like admin!
I hope you are getting some sun and blue skies down in Lincs, we are having horrible dull and rainy weather which is supposed to last over the weekend. If so, that will spoil garden plans, still I can relax and read or make some more crafty things.
Keep smiling, I know you must have hospitalitis by now and hope as well you are getting some decent food brought in. Thinking of you.
helloooooooooooooooooo funny Daisy, it is Friday here too, I wonder what day it is where everybody else is? LOL!
Think I drank too much white wine last night, I have had a headache for most of the day!
I don't think I am going to EVER drink alcohol AGAIN IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!!!!!!!
Just getting ready for the awful weather heading our way!
Hmmmmmmm! Need to read some nice poetry......
catch you later!
Dxx
Sunday, grey day!
Just pottering today me thinks.
Great to speak with you yesterday, you are really coming along in leaps and bounds.
Dxxxxx
Sunday today, well I did manage to get out into my garden yesterday and do a lot of work in it, it's almost ready for summer now and the plants are starting to thrive. Glad I got out yesterday because the weather has taken a turn for the worse and the rain is coming down. Never mind, I will spend some of today in my workroom.
I see from above Mrs N has had a wine fuelled evening!!!!! Think she must still be a little under the influence, making rash promises such as never drinking white wine again. LOL!!!!
Hope you get to see lots of your children over half term xx
Wednesday here......rain was due this afternoon, so I did manage to get my washing done! Night in tonight, Sir Alan Sugar..."The Apprentice!" Love it!
Dxx
Sending you Love, Hugs Blessings and many healing wishes. Wed. May 30th
Anna-Claire,
I am so far behind on my blog reading that I just read your news on Violette's blog and I wanted you to know I am thinking of you and sending you all the bright beautiful wishes I have.
I am sorry it comes so late!
Alison
Friday, today. I have started a Daisy Lupin Poetry Fest website linked to my own. It is to run all summer, in three parts, June is for 'Poems we loved as Children', July is 'Teenage Dreams' for poems we sighed and daydreamed with and August 'Now we are Mature', obviously what we love now in poetry. When you can get to a computer you can go and have a read of the contributions that are in so far.
Hi Anna ,
Hope you're feeling Happy~Happy~Happy Groovy~Groovy~Groovy
Missing you Hippy Chic , sending more healing vibes across the big pond.
Love , JoyceAnn
I've been gone and have just gotten caught up on Violette's board and found out about your stroke, and wanted you to know I'm sending loving thoughts of good health your way! Many, many blessings to you, Claire~
XOXO
Love,
Tinker
I am so sorry to hear about your illness, I hope you're recovering well now. Been a bit out of touch lately and only just found out. Sending healing thoughts and big hugs to you!
xoxo
Morningggggggggg!
Had a great weekens, Hubby's birthday and our 19th Wedding Anniversary! Gorgeous weather but sea fret here today!
Will be calling to see how you are!
Lots of Love
Dxx
Still thinking of you. Spent the weekend in the garden, which was lovely. I have been cleaning and freshening up my daughter's room today. Although she is grown up and lives in London, she still has her room here. She is in Jamaica this week and then late next week she is coming up to stay for a few days before returning to London.
Dearest Claire, I wanted to be so much better about coming here to greet you often...sorry I haven't.....but I am back now. It's Wednesday June 6, a sunny morning in California. I think of you every day! Yesterday I looked through all the crow pages again - it's such a treasure to have each persons art. I bought a box to embellish and house the pages.
I am so glad to learn you are improving all the time. I hope you have a chance to sit outdoors and gobble up some sun(if there is some). I hope you know you are surrounded by invisible love and hugs and cheerleaders every moment. The day will come soon when you can type a message on your blog - and when you do I guarantee you there will be a WOOHOO heard 'round the world.
Sending you smiles, warm hugs, a giggle and much love.
XOXO
Lisa
Saturday 9th june Claire..... THICK FOG still here! A night in, doing Tuna Steaks tonight...oh and a bottle of wine! LOL!
Anna , Thinking and Praying for you everyday. Hope to hear from you soon.
Love & Hugs !!!
JoyceAnn
Your journal in beautiful - i really love popping back and forth reading all your posts - so interesting.
Hiya Claire, Tuesday...foggy and raining! Yesterday was lovely couldn't think why we should have a foggy day today!
Thinking of you lots.
Dxxxx
Spoke to Nick today Claire...wow he sounded GORGEOUS!!!!!!
Keep up the good work honeybunch, we are all rooting for you!
Dxxxxxx
Just stopping by to leave good thoughts. Glad to hear you are getting better. Love, Hugs, and Blessings
Dearest Claire,
Again, I've let too much time go by. It's Sat. 6/16 - celebrated G's birthday last night with dinner out, it was lovely.
The weather here has been SO hot and now there is a welcome cooler breeze today.
I think of you every day and so wish I could just pop in for a visit and a giggle. Giggles are good for the health you know!
I've been playing with fabric a lot lately...even painted with food coloring and Kool Aid(a sweet drink you mix with water that kids love).
I have company arriving for a couple of days on the 23rd - must do a tidy up as I don't think dust bunnies are too inviting to sit amongst.
Still sending you intense healing thoughts sweet friend!
XOXOXO
Love and light,
Lisa
Thinking of you , hope you're feeling better. Loved your crow page , the whole book is such a treasure.
~~~ Happy Hugs to You ~~~
that is so beautiful!
Keeping you in my thoughts. Love Hugs and Blessings 7/01
Hi honeybunch, you are in my thoughts as ever. been busy with stuff, birthday wow! wet wet wet yesterday on motorbike. Off to Garden Centre to get my birthday pressie.
Ooooooooooooooooooooooooh!
Dxxx
Thinking of you Anna
with love
xo
Gemma
Lifting You Up In Prayer
{{{Anna Claire}}}!
Think about you everyday.
Flassie
I am new here. Love the journal.
Sending you love and healing energy. 7/15
Hurrayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!
Welcome Home!
Dxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Welcome Home {{{Anna Claire}}}!
Welcome Home. So glad to hear this news. Love Hugs and Blessings
Just heard from Mrs. Nesbitt that you're home, and wanted to pop in to say - so glad you're on the mend! xoxo
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