Monday, April 23, 2012

A Maxfield Parrish Evening



It doesn't take much to make me happy. For instance, the sunset this evening ...


"You Reading This, Be Ready"

Starting here, what do you want to remember?
How sunlight creeps along a shining floor?
What scent of old wood hovers, what softened
sound from outside fills the air?

Will you ever bring a greater gift for the world
than the breathing respect that you carry
wherever you go right now? Are you waiting
for time to show you some better thoughts?

When you turn around, starting here, lift this
new glimpse that you found; carry into evening
all that you want from this day. This interval you spent
reading or hearing this, keep it for life.

What can anyone give you greater than now,
starting here, right in this room, when you turn around?

~ William Stafford





www.parrish-house.com

The photograph is mine.

22 comments:

  1. Hello Teresa:
    It is of course the here and the now which really are what matter. To be able to live for, and appreciate, the present is a great gift but one which is within reach of us all.

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    1. It gives us the opportunity to just breathe and remember what's of true substance, like beauty and love....

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  2. Teresa -- these words resonated with me as I read William Stafford's words -- "What can anyone give you greater than now,
    starting here, right in this room, when you turn around?" Sometimes we need reminders to live this way. thanks -- barbara

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    1. I needed the reminder, too, and those lines spoke to me strongly, as well. Thanks, Barbara.

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  3. Lovely pastels in the sunset! You know how I love sky pics. And the poem--is truth! Appreciate each and every day. It might be your last. ;)

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    1. Hi Rita, It's not often that I have such a good shot of a larger cloud covered in those sherbet colors. I'm so glad I stepped out to pay attention.

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    1. Thanks Sandy. I trust all is well in your little corner of New England.

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  5. Living in the here and now. What a glorious photo!

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    1. Thank you, Linda. I hope your trip continues to bring you great experiences.

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  6. Love. That's all, really.

    =)

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  7. That sunset would do it for me too! Very pretty!

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    1. Ever-changing clouds, particularly at sunset, put on quite a show. Thanks, Montucky.

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  8. A powerful, inspirational poem and sends a message that I would do well to remember and hold forever.

    We should all be happy at the joys of the natural world. These daily reminders should give us all motivation to do the best for our planet.

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    1. Well, Bill, you certainly are doing your part, and more. Your appreciation for the wild things, flora and fauna is a constant inspiration to me. And your added humor on occasion elevates the joy even more. Thank you for reading and commenting and for all you do to help us see this world as a beautiful place, so worth our loving care.

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  9. I used to love Maxfield Parrish and always wanted to see one of his paintings in person. A sunset might be the closest thing!

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    1. It certainly captured the colors of a few of his paintings. It was a natural fit. Thanks, Galen.

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  10. Oooh I loved the poem! Such feeling and descriptive magic. And a stunning sky...we're SO lucky to be here...now...all of us!!

    Hugs Jane x

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    1. We certainly are, Jane. It's a beautiful old world. All we have to do is open our eyes and really See it.

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  11. A Maxfield Parrish evening, indeed. That is a fabulous picture, Teresa, and a wonderful poem. Right now. What a gift that is. Right now.

    Thank you, Teresa.

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    1. Thank you, Penny. Now is a beautiful place to Be. :)

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