A new year begins






"Cultivate astonishment.
And then write about it."


~Mary Oliver


In answer to the question,
"How does one become a poet?"
Heard at a 2006 reading in Minneapolis.




. . . . . . . 




And may you also cultivate tranquility, within and around, during the coming year.


Blessings,
Kathleen







Image 1 by Baloulumix
Image 2 by Kathleen Kimball-Baker

Comments

Oh, I love that! Love Mary Oliver, but had never heard that. I'm going to write it down and leave it where I will see it every day. Thank you!!

"Cultivate Astonishment..."
Tranquility is blissful too.
Renee said…
Beautiful darling.

Happy New Year.

Love Renee xoxoxo
Pseudo said…
Beautiful quote to start my first day of the year. Thank-you ; -)
Rudee said…
Happy New Year, Kathleen.
J said…
Right back atcha! (And now wondering about all the ways to cultivate astonishment...)
J said…
As a ps (yes, I have New Year's Day-itis, obviously not related to the wine I drank last night) I wonder if that's why animals are so good for people. So good at being funny and adorable when you least expect it.
Great advice here. Happy Thoughts!
steven said…
kathleen - beautiful!!! the words - astonishment - i feel it over and over and for the most mundane of reasons - and the images you shared here ... stunning! what a glorious gift for the first day! steven
Boozy Tooth said…
I love the Mantis! They're so cool. How fun that you posted a photo of a Mantis and a rose with a quote about poetry. A little random and a little fabulous.

Love you Kathleen. Happy New Year!
Beth said…
What Alix said... Love the praying mantis picture along with the quote about poetry.
ellen abbott said…
Oh Kathleen. Why are we all so far apart?

Happy New Year.

Astonishment. Yes!
Erin Davis said…
I love Mary Oliver, and I will take this piece of advice to heart.
Kathleen said…
@Bonnie: As long as I can feel astonished, I feel sane. I always know when things are out of whack because I'm not noticing the beauty in the everyday stuff.
Kathleen said…
@Renee: Thank YOU! I know the end of 2009 has not been easy. Blessings to you in 2010, lovely spirit!
Kathleen said…
PHST: Aw, so glad you liked the quote. It's one of my all time favorites and I've been saving it for just the right moment!
Kathleen said…
@Rudee: And to you, my dear. Feels like it's off to a good start.
Kathleen said…
@J: You and your camera are full of astonishment! About the critters: Whenever I'm sick, little Charlotte does not leave my side, and what's more, she ensures her warm little body is touching mine. That's why I think of her as a healing dog. And don't even get me started on the cats! Wish you much astonishment in 2010!
Kathleen said…
@Lakeviewer: Nothing but the best from Miss Mary, that's for sure!
Kathleen said…
@Steven: I am delighted that you are delighted! I see your astonishment in every post, which is why I adore you and your amazing blog. Cheers!
Kathleen said…
@Alix: LOL!!! I thought the mantis looked rather astonished, which is why I picked him. Can't you just see Mary Oliver and him having a chat!
Kathleen said…
@Beth: Yes, I can see that would appear a bit random! He does look astonished--to see us, yes?
Kathleen said…
@Ellen: I know I know. I agree. I'm thinking of planning a trip to Austin this year to see my "other mother." Maybe I can swing by your direction. What a hoot that would be!
Kathleen said…
@Erin: Your poetry astonishes me with each post. I hope you know how amazing you are. If if you don't, I pray 2010 is the year you do! Love and blessings to you dear Erin.
Alex the Girl said…
Inspired by children, no doubt. Who else can cultivate astonishment to such a degree!

Lovely words, and even greater inspiration.
Mimi said…
So simple but so true.
It's a bit like that thing of looking at things/people as though it's the first or the last time you'll meet them.
Beautiful image of a rose, Kathleen, it's my favourite flower.
Thanks for the lovely thoughts for the start of 2010.
Kathleen said…
@Alex: Good point! When do we let go of astonishment? And why? Now you've got me thinking!
Kathleen said…
@Alex: Good point! When do we let go of astonishment? And why? Now you've got me thinking!
Kathleen said…
@Mimi: Aw, I'm so glad you liked the rose. It's from a beautiful bouquet my colleagues sent me. The photo does not do justice to the color. It's gorgeous. Glad you liked the 2010 wishes!
Hilary said…
We're supposed to become more jaded as we age, but I find I'm more easily astonished than ever before. I think I'm just seeing more than I ever used to. Great post!
Kathleen said…
@Hilary: What an interesting observation. I was a newspaper reporter for a while and so was trained to be observant (though impartial), but now, on a good day,I see things with the eyes that belonged my younger self. And it all resonates with so much more meaning. Thanks Hilary!
Janie said…
Love the mantis portrait. That should provide a poet with sufficient astonishment1
And the rose is a good symbol of tranquility. Those who can remain tranquil through difficult times (without drugs) may be in on the secret of happiness.

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