For years it was through poetry and essays, but I no longer write these days except for my journal. I try to be creative in my gratitude, my prayer, my plant-based diet and lately my interpretation of Mark’s Gospel (I am taking a class). I am trying to shatter old, harmful concepts of “God” and trying to trust the new God that arises.

My mother taught me to appreciate beauty by never taking it for granted. She exclaimed over flowers, sunsets, spider webs. Even vegetables! She had her faults as we all do, but this was one of her most endearing qualities.

Planet Earth is sacred to me – her forests, rivers, oceans. I can help to preserve our planet through life choices, prayer, and my own particular gift – poetry.

Thank you for an excellent and inspiring essay that really shows in a practical way that gratitude is not self-indulgent but does lead to a greater peace. Very very helpful!

Oh, this one is easy! A woman in her 70s who lives on the West Coast contacted me by email to tell me how much she liked my poetry book, Rain, Lilies, Luck. We began a correspondence. She is amazing. A retired school teacher who taught hundreds of kids. Now volunteers at hospices and bakes for people. Has a huge heart and an innocence that breaks me open. She is gay and had to deal with a lot of injustice. I am blessed Marcella is now in my life. She is a great spirit.

Like just about everybody else, I delight in my morning rituals. I also love my lunch walks through the park just outside where I work, talking every day with Marc (who is in assisted living), coming home to my cat, Lillly, and watching good TV shows from Netflix. (I get the dvds thru the mail and people at work tease me: “Wow, I didn’t know they still did it the old-fashioned way!”

Hmmm, any Trump fans out there? I tend to want to hang out w/people like me – animal-loving liberals, I guess I would call myself. But labels are always limiting. Truth is, I would love to have a serious discussion with a diehard conservative Republican about politics, or an Evangelical about religion. I need to get out of my bubble.

A cat’s eyes!

And for some of us, guilt is our default!

Well put! We are too hard on ourselves. I think about my failures and stupid moments about 50 times more than I think of my successes.

Thank you!

A wonderful intention. I pray every day for God’s planet – we have done so much harm. But there’s still hope.

Me too, Deb. I think I am most receptive – and most creative – first thing in the morning.

Well put!

Your response proves that you have indeed given this vital relationship much earnest thought and you are really trying to be fair to both you and your mother. I do not doubt that you will succeed.

Kit, I never forget that Jesus himself said, “Cast not your pearls before swine.” I take that to mean exactly what you wrote – “not all gifts are for other people.” I appreciate the frankness of your reply.

I love the Portuguese name for hummingbird!

Beautiful, Pilgrim, thank you. I am terrified of spiders and you made me remember how my mom would always remind me how pretty their webs are. She tried, but I was still terrified.

I am so glad that like me, you are happier now, Aine! Let’s enjoy what we have!