A Testament of Devotion

Been doing some rereading of Thomas Kelly's book lately. His tales of spiritual amazement and wonder and all-encompassing joy resonate deeply with me.

Guidance of life by the Light within is not exhausted as is too frequently supposed, in special leadings toward particular tasks. It begins first of all in a mass revision of our total reaction to the world.

I think what I have experienced lately is indeed a "mass revision" of my "reaction to the world". Perhaps that is why Kelly's book speaks to me so clearly. Overwhelming process. I finally chose to share it all with a few Friends, which much to my amazement gave me great comfort. I will have to see where it all leads....

The National Parks

Apparently, PBS will be letting viewers watch this film online weekly after each broadcast. I was able to watch last evening's episode, and it was fabulous. The parks are truly a great resource, and so is Ken Burns, for that matter!

PBS link here.

expansion of horizons

I spent the weekend in some new places. Physically, spiritually, emotionally - and I think it was a good idea. How many things do I miss for the sake of feeling "safe" or wanting to stay in a controlled situation?

In our relations with others in our daily work, let us manifest the spirit of justice and understanding and thus give a living witness to the Truth. While trying to make provision for ourselves and our families, let us not be anxious, but in quietness of spirit trust in the goodness of God..... let us think first of the service that we may render. Let us be ready to limit our engagements, to withdraw for a time, or even to retire from a business that we may be free for new service as God appoints it. (Faith and Practice)

This is the first fall that I have made a conscious effort to review the choices I make in how I spend my time. Although I am certainly as busy as in other years, I feel that having most of my focus in a few areas is making things easier for me. Family and evenings at home and family outings have taken center stage, and Quaker meetings and other spiritual endeavors are also up at the top of the list. Teaching, while a great love of mine, seems to not overwhelm me this year as in years past. I thought perhaps this was because of the new job - but really, it's just my attitude that's made the difference.

A little English lesson, please

A colleague of mine performed this song with his chorus, and costumes, and hoopla. I may try it myself with some younger grades!

African U2

The Price of Silence

I'm on a "world music for peace" kick this season. I watched the UN today on CNN - and I wish it would break out into this kind of dance party!

Persian Lilies (in Garfield Park Conservatory)

In 2001, the Garfield Park Conservatory hosted a spectacular exhibit of the work of artist Dale Chihuly entitlted Chihuly in the Park: A Garden of Glass that proved to be an overwhelming success. ... The Garfield Park Conservatory exhibit was a monumental experience for both the artist and the site. Chihuly and his studio artists created and installed pieces that were inspired by the facility and its plant collections. This is especially true of the Persian Pool, an installation of sixteen yellow lilies designed specifically for the lagoon in the Conservatory’s Aroid House. A group of Chicago businessmen were so enthralled with A Garden of Glass that they raised several hundreds of thousands of dollars to acquire the Persian Lilies for permanent installation in the Aroid House.

(explore chicago link here)