19 Comments

This week I saw an excellent classic movie called "The Set-Up" about an aging boxer who has to deal with corruption in his sport. Made in the 1940s, it still holds up. Then I viewed some paintings of boxers by the artist George Bellows. Very dynamic. But I found out he did so much more than boxing paintings. Landscapes, cityscapes, portraits. I really love his work. He was very much into social justice. I might buy a book about him. Also, he had a strong marriage. Unfortunately, he died in his 40s from a ruptured appendix.

Happy birthday and happy anniversary!

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I spent 8 hours one day this week planting the dahlia tubers that I had saved from last fall and started them sprouting a month ago. It is so satisfying to be a helper for these beauties and I'm especially grateful for their exuberant multiplier effect so I can share some with neighbors who appreciated mine and now want to try it themselves. Sharing the love of nature and creating beauty in a reciprocal relationship with non-human entities is my life. Watching the bluebirds come and go from their house, bees find their food in my garden, flowers start to open--it all brings me joy. And is a relief from the aching of the world.

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My circle of friends. Like-minded people. I am grateful today for being part of a fellowship that I can trust, believe in, and depend on.

We took our first nature walk of the season. 2-hour walk with friends that I know, appreciate the divine in nature. It renews my faith, and lets me breathe a little easier. I am looking forward to this inspiration every month this season. We call them our sing group (spirituality in nature group).

I am grateful for the spirit of the Midwest, seasons at its finest! Thanks Carrie, for doing what you do.

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I just got home from a 3 day gathering of the wider church. (Regional level of the United Church of Canada) although I’m exhausted I was deeply and emotionally moved by the whole weekend. Almost 400 of us gathered together, singing, worshiping, hearing heartfelt stories that would break your heart and even drop you to your knees, sharing laughter and tears, and sharing meals together as well as doing work for the wider church. Witnessing 24 candidates who were ordained or commissioned ( one being my own minister) as well as taking part in my own cousin’s ( long lost cousin might I add) celebration of ordainment. l was so moved to be able to lay hands upon her as well as adorn her with a stole. What an honour!! I’m so grateful to have experienced it all. More personally being able to have quiet time by the water( yes it all took place near the waters of Lake Huron in Ontario Canada) hearing and seeing the soft waves of the waters calmly caressing the shore, (I even dipped my toes in, well ok maybe a bit more than my toes than I had planned) smelling the fresh air and seeing a gorgeous sunset. Spending the 3 days with my long lost cousin, being roomies and really getting to know each other and discovering so much parallel that we have in common. This whole gathering was so transforming and inspiring to say the least. My heart is filled with much gratitude for this sacred time spent together.

I wished you a very happy birthday on your birthday Carrie, but happy early anniversary to you and Robert! Blessings for many more! Enjoy NewYork!!

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My wife and I with my brother went to Vermont for the day. On Saturday's they have this wonderful farmers market in Brattleboro. I am sure there are bigger, but we have gotten to know some of the vendors, and it was nice to see them. Without getting political, I remember former senator Jeffords, who was able to fight legislation that would have allowed billboards even in states like Vermont that does not want them. Glad of that

I did read the heaven and earth grocery store, and it was good, but a better book I just finished was Master/ Slave Husband and wife by Ilyon Woo. An amazing true story of two slaves on their journey to become free

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Happy birthday Carrie ! and Happy Anniversary!

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I came upon a pond where about 50 pelicans were feeding on small fish of some kind. It was a feeding frenzy! They swam in a circle all together. like synchronized swimmers! All the while others were flying in, landing with a splash, to join the dance! So cool to watch.

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Love your collection of what you’ve discovered & sharing with us!

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Happy Anniversary!! Do I have the date right? Today 5/26? Have a wonderful day!

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Hi Alice, actually May 25 is my birthday. June 11 is my actual anniversary. But this was the time we could visit NYC to see the two theater works. We had a wonderful trip…fun to share with folks.

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Lovely. Your anniversary and my birthday are on the same day! Very different years though. Lol. And a belated Happy Birthday!

Glad to hear you had a wonderful trip. Getting away for something special is a gift to yourself.

Keep up your heartfelt music gifts to US, your fans, we love them and you! ❣️

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Hi Carrie, a follow-up: Thank you for your concert in Northfield MN this year. That was a gift to me. Please come back, soon! 💖

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You and Mary Oliver inspire me. It’s grand that your new year is off to a fine start. How fabulous that your life is so full. How remarkable that you are still willing to do the work of sharing with us. May this coming year be wonderfilled.

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Thank you Phil!

May your year be wonderfilled as well my friend. I love Mary Oliver’s work as well. She’s a go to for inspiration!

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Blessed Sunday morning to you, Carrie. I just listened to Humbird's "Song for the Seeds"...... great way for me to begin my morning, and I have intention to learn this one to share with others! Thanks for sharing it, and all of the other fun things you posted.

Have a blast in NYC! (Another of my own destinations this calendar year.)

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OH! And a very happy anniversary to you and Robert!!!

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I watched a documentary on the Beach Boys that Disney has out. I was not aware of the influence they had on music.

We are having lots of storms here in Iowa. Listening to thunder and watching the pouring rain has been thought provoking. My heart goes out to those who have lost homes and had damage. And stories of neighbors helping neighbors. This is real community! And the rain??? Tears from a world that aches? Cleansing and purifying the land? So many things to think about.

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PS...Happy Anniversary Carrie and Robert! How many years do you celebrate this year? And Happy Birthday Carrie!

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Long enough to call it True Love :-) Yes, Pet Sounds was a very important album that shifted things in how folks thought about the recording process and possibilities.

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