be grateful for them all

i don't have too many of my own words right now
but a Rumi poem i constantly come back to
and some photos i took while on my evening walk
on our property
our little piece of heaven





Guest House

This being human is a guest house
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond. - Rumi

I've walked along this paths and in this grass
hundreds of times over the years
in the summer, i love to swim in the river
my children grew up swimming in this river
and God willing, my grandchildren will swim here as well
I've spent hours huddled in the grass at twightling
at the river's edge
watching the beavers swim up and down the waterway
hauling bits of wood back to their homes
some of my favorite hours have been spent doing this



we share the land with coyotes. some neighbors shoot at them when they see them
we watch them with curiosity and admiration whenever we get the opportunity
all i have to do when i feel sad or lonely is go out my door
and once again i remember that i live in paradise