My He(ART)-Full Life



Sunday, September 18, 2011

astonished

"are my boots old? Is my coat torn?
Am I no longer young, and still not half-perfect?
Let me keep my mind on what matters,
which is my work,
which is mostly standing still and learning to be
astonished...
Which is mostly rejoicing, since all the ingredients are here,
which is gratitude, to be given a mind and a heart
and these body-clothes,
a mouth with which to give shouts of joy..."
                                              -Mary Oliver from the poem Messenger, Thirst

(from one of my art journal pages)
I have been feeling buried under the weight of years these past few days. And not in an entirely melancholy way either. But in a way that has me feeling both the sadness of things gone by and the wisdom of lessons learned.
In a way that is all at once colored by memories buried and created and made rich and worn with time. Do you ever feel that way? As I get older, I am realising how all we really have is the here and now...this moment. I am soaking into it. Deep.
                                                            (beautiful Ca. coast-today)
I woke up this morning and Summer has packed her bags and left...without even a goodbye. I am sad to see her go...even though I am eagerly awaiting Lady Fall with her brisk winds and leaves turning russet, orange, red, yellow...We went down to the harbor this morning for a short cruise and watched birds, sea lions and boats.
                                                     (watching sea lions off the coast)
Tara is such a nature lover.  She is especially interested in animals! I read her tons of books with animal themes and then try to show her real life examples. Then we paint and create them too!

                                             (a few books I am currently reading)
Immersing myself in words...tumbling off pages straight into my heart. Words thick and ripe...raw with heat and sorrow. I just started reading Naomi Shihab Nye and this book is an amazing compilation of her work.

6 comments:

jane said...

Oh, Naomi Shahib Nye and Mary Oliver are two of my VERY favorite poets, whom I read all the time...we are of the same heart, Soraya. (but we both know that already) and I am astonished to have found you...x

scrapwordsmom said...

We are thinking a bit alike today...thinking about moments. You should stop by and read some awesome quotes I found...I think you'll like:)

Little Tara is a charmer!!!

patty said...

Soraya, I also love Mary Oliver so much!! I have been thinking a lot about amazement and even did a page in my journal about it. (I think it's a pretty close synonym with astonishment!) That really is what it's all about... and you're so right - it is totally found hidden right there in the present moment. Love that you are soaking it up!
Oh - the mystery is solved. I found the lovely little pieces of paper when I opened up my art journal. Put them in there for safe-keeping and forgot!
XOX

Unknown said...

please PLease tell me what camera app/filters you are using.

i envy your photos.
xx,
amy

Anonymous said...

..."standing still and learning to be
astonished"...I love that. And I love your post, you words moving, your images inspiring...I love your blog. I haven't visited for a while, I missed your wisdom.
XOXOrly

Kelly said...

Ahh! I love that Mary Oliver quote (she's so great). It was the perfect thing for me to read today! How are you, my friend? I have missed visiting you. :)