Labels

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
Email Post
Labels:

Comments

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said…
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.
January 1, 2010 at 10:51 AM
Renee said…
Beautiful darling.

Happy New Year.

Love Renee xoxoxo
January 1, 2010 at 11:02 AM
Pseudo said…
Beautiful quote to start my first day of the year. Thank-you ; -)
January 1, 2010 at 11:38 AM
Rudee said…
Happy New Year, Kathleen.
January 1, 2010 at 12:08 PM
J said…
Right back atcha! (And now wondering about all the ways to cultivate astonishment...)
January 1, 2010 at 12:20 PM
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.
January 1, 2010 at 12:22 PM
Rosaria Williams said…
Great advice here. Happy Thoughts!
January 1, 2010 at 12:54 PM
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
January 1, 2010 at 3:02 PM
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!
January 1, 2010 at 4:13 PM
Beth said…
What Alix said... Love the praying mantis picture along with the quote about poetry.
January 1, 2010 at 4:25 PM
ellen abbott said…
Oh Kathleen. Why are we all so far apart?

Happy New Year.

Astonishment. Yes!
January 1, 2010 at 6:18 PM
Erin Davis said…
I love Mary Oliver, and I will take this piece of advice to heart.
January 1, 2010 at 7:58 PM
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.
January 1, 2010 at 11:21 PM
Kathleen said…
@Renee: Thank YOU! I know the end of 2009 has not been easy. Blessings to you in 2010, lovely spirit!
January 1, 2010 at 11:23 PM
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!
January 1, 2010 at 11:24 PM
Kathleen said…
@Rudee: And to you, my dear. Feels like it's off to a good start.
January 1, 2010 at 11:24 PM
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!
January 1, 2010 at 11:27 PM
Kathleen said…
@Lakeviewer: Nothing but the best from Miss Mary, that's for sure!
January 1, 2010 at 11:27 PM
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!
January 1, 2010 at 11:29 PM
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!
January 1, 2010 at 11:31 PM
Kathleen said…
@Beth: Yes, I can see that would appear a bit random! He does look astonished--to see us, yes?
January 1, 2010 at 11:32 PM
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!
January 1, 2010 at 11:34 PM
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.
January 1, 2010 at 11:35 PM
Alex the Girl said…
Inspired by children, no doubt. Who else can cultivate astonishment to such a degree!

Lovely words, and even greater inspiration.
January 2, 2010 at 11:59 AM
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.
January 2, 2010 at 7:04 PM
Kathleen said…
@Alex: Good point! When do we let go of astonishment? And why? Now you've got me thinking!
January 2, 2010 at 10:45 PM
Kathleen said…
@Alex: Good point! When do we let go of astonishment? And why? Now you've got me thinking!
January 2, 2010 at 10:45 PM
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!
January 2, 2010 at 10:47 PM
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!
January 3, 2010 at 5:27 PM
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!
January 4, 2010 at 10:23 PM
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.
January 5, 2010 at 8:25 PM
Post a Comment

Popular Posts