My Sunday List
March 12, 2023
Quote
The pilgrim strives to hold both the inward and outward journey together, sometimes in tension, but always focused on the search for meaning, for the Divine. —Richard Rohr
This morning, with her, having coffee. —Johnny Cash, when asked his definition of paradise.
Person
Winnie. I love her so, despite how she tests me. How can I ever be mad at this face? I can’t, not for long.
Song
Maia Friedman, First To Love
Everytime this song comes up on one of my Spotify playlists I have to listen to it at least twice right then. I love her voice, the production, and this lyric. Essentially saying, “hey - if I were going to be in the love business I’d be in it with you. I’m not in it, but if I were…” which is a nice concept. Maybe that’s not what she’s saying at all. In any case, I find the whole thing dreamy.
I watched
Absolutely nothing. Hayes is on the road, and when he is, I watch even less television than when he’s around, which is to say that if I don’t put on an old movie I already love or something John Henry likes, I hardly put anything on at all. I need to finish watching the Toni Morrison documentary I started.
Book
A Little Book of Japanese Contentments, Erin Niimi Longhurst with illustrations by Ryo Takemasa
My sister and I were oohing and aahing over this beauty Saturday morning over coffee. I know I’ve mentioned it before, but opening this book, even just for a second, gives me such a feeling of calm. The feel of the paper underneath my fingertips is so soothing. I’m learning terms like ikigai (purpose) and onsen (hot springs and bathing). Speaking of, I discovered this wonderful little book at a japanese spa in Santa Fe called Ten Thousand Waves.
Thing
These shoes. They’re also particularly good on this rug.
Favorite Photo I Took This Week
John Henry at the park on Friday.
Wish
That my loved ones know peace and contentment, and can feel happiness when it flashes through their hearts.
That you will forward this to one person and that person becomes a subscriber too.
Prayer
Thank you, Great Spirit, for showing me what I need to see.
Intention for the week to come
May I approach everyone and every situation with as much empathy and love as I can muster.
Something I’m thinking about
How to find contentment, and about how contentment differs from complacency.
Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. — Buddha
Habit
I’ve been painting in the later evening hours. My rituals change when I’m alone — I tend to stay up a little later, and spending that quiet time in my studio, painting, piddling, and listening to relaxing music, feels like a good practice. It’s one of the ways I fight loneliness, which sneaks up on me more than I like to admit. Making art is always the key to understanding for me. So that’s a good habit, indeed.
Have a wonderful, peaceful, joyous week.
Lots of love,
Allison
Loneliness crept on me last night. At exactly midnight I stared into the darkness, and realized it has been almost two years since insidious cancer stole her from me. God took my "baby-girl" home. Salt-water filled my eyes as tears rolled down my cheeks. It was at that moment I realized that perhaps my idea of death was misplaced and misunderstood.
"Many believe that death
is the end of life
and the "battle" is lost.
Perhaps death
is only the beginning
and the "war" is won.
And we are reborn for eternity."
Imagine if the joke is on us.
And our dreams are reality.
And our so-called life is a fantasy,
And we are merely God's "ant farm."
I try to never let my loneliness make me its victim. I fill my mind with positive thoughts, and let my heart fill with as much love for the Supreme Spirit, Life and my own Existence as it can hold. God has a plan for all of us. It is our personal responsibility to find the plan, and satisfy our destiny. God Bless you, Allison. Do All With Love, and yours will be an eternal reward. - MRVERITAS.SUBSTACK.COM
I love this entry and the pictures... Thank you. And I shared to a friend's email. Another friend encouraged me to watch the series The Chosen, and I've found it is really good. I am mentioning this as to let you know that the disciple Matthew was a tax collector, and is shown as an autistic genius. He's so special in the series. Anyhow, Allison, wishing another peaceful week, full of artistic release... Love to you and John Henry...