Words from the Heart

I was sitting at the computer, scanning the poems I wanted to include in a proposed manuscript when I suddenly found myself in tears. The poem I had just read tore open the flood gates that I had so expertly closed over a year ago when the first of three of my immediate family died. As quickly as I began to cry, I found my self laughing at the preposterous fact that here I was sobbing over a poem I wrote myself! As I reflected on the moment, I realized that I was finally allowing the process of grief to run its course. This was a natural and healthy reaction. It would be one that would repeat, but this was OK. There are hundreds of sites dedicated to helping people understand the grieving process. Most of them agree that there are five distinct stages : Denial and Isolation, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance No two people grieve at the same pace or experience all of the stages at the same time. It is imperative to understand that grief is a process, not a firm, solid,...

In Leverett, Massachusetts there is a spot on top of a mountain that brings many a visitor. It is known as the Peace Pagoda . A large white concrete pagoda, the Peace Pagoda sits on land that is the home to a community of Buddhist nuns and monks. Several times a year, Roger and I take the hike to the Pagoda. It is amazing just how calming the journey is. These are pictures of our most recent visit. The pictures are a journey unto themselves. Enjoy! The pilgrimage begins On the Path At the top of the mountain, we come to the Peace Pagoda Stopa between Pagoda and new temple New temple under construction (Old temple was destroyed in a fire several years ago) About the new temple As you travel around the Pagoda, there are four separate statues of Buddha Repeating patterns around the Pagoda The lily pond with remains of old temple Stone bridge and prayer flags Reflection of prayer flags in lily pond Everywhere there is beauty to be seen Quite moments among t...

The words are few for this post...pictures say it all. These are some of my favorite moments: My brother Barry and me at the beach in South Boston - 1957 My girls and our exchange student, Pablo from Argentina 1993 Rainbow over South Deerfield, MA 2008 Cardinal in the snow 2008 Farm in New York 2007 Tree Hugging 2007 Resting with a friend 2008 Roger and I - top of Mt. Holyoke 2008 Sunflower 2006 Luna moth caterpillar on gladiola Barry and me at Duxbury Beach, MA 1959

Many thanks to all who visited the Blog Tour with Elizabeth Kirschner . Everyone's comments were thoughtful, supportive and encouraging. As stated, I put everyone's name in a basket and asked my dear, Roger to pull out the winner. He, with his usual flourish, did so, and I am pleased to announce the winner. Congratulations to Kathleen Lascelles! Your book will be on its way to you soon. Again, Thank YOU to all who participated in this Blog Tour.