a burst of sunlight
feeding the new spring flowers
a break in the rain
Today’s Haiku, April 2. 2024
Author: Carl Setzer
A blogger blogging from just north of Seattle.
A Meditation: Avoiding Bitterness
Nadia Bolz-Weber, one my favorite theologians/pastors, received this question recently:
How do I guard against being a bitter and mean old lady?
I love her response (and highly recommend reading it), but let grab a few lines that hold the essence:
‘Could you maybe, even though it’s super cringy, place your hand on your heart and ask it “What hurt you? And how can we move on together?”’
“But reader, I am hopeful. Defiantly so. There are a million forms of shit out there, it’s true. But what is also true is that there are always more forms of love.”
As a boy I often heard the refrain “you are what you eat”. Eating better might be the goal, but I hold this true for mind, body, and soul. Therefore, to avoid bitterness, seek the beautiful, seek out love and joy. Also, write down those findings. That cements them into your soul.
Gratitude is the most powerful medicine against bitterness. Seeking out the good in the world is the only antidote to the world’s bitter cynicism. And it’s just an arm’s reach away.
A Seattle Native Born In Rhode Island?
What do I mean by this? Well, I have a unique background. My father was in the Navy when I was born, which is the root of this situation. I was born in Newport Naval Hospital. My father was stationed there, however briefly. Thus, “born in Rhode Island”.
Native Seattleite, though. Well, my parents were both born in Washington. My dad was born in Seattle. His mom was born in Seattle. All my grandparents were born in Washington…you get the drift. Fun tidbit: I was supposed to be born in Seattle, but I opted to crash my mom’s trip to visit my dad. I like to be early.
My first and second birthdays were celebrated at my grandparent’s place in Edmonds (my mom was finishing up grad school at UW). That same place was “home”, as in “we’re going home for Christmas”.
So, yeah, my early childhood was spent living all over the world. Besides “greater Seattle”, I lived in Rhode Island, California, Virginia/Greater Washington DC, San Miguel and Subic Bay, Philippines, before we moved to Lynnwood when I was not-quite 10. A little over-complicated, but a key factor in becoming who I am.
March 23, 2024
while the raindrops fall
this day of rest progresses
into the night’s grace
Rain filled this day, and my energy level was, well, absent. But I clearly needed rest. So, I rested. A gift to myself, I guess.
Tonight’s Haiku
wonders of daylight as slowly the sun descends and spring now begins
I took this photo on my evening walk along the waterfront in Edmonds. Sunsets over the Olympics are some of my favorites.
Today’s Haiku, March 17 2024
cherry blossoms take over
within sun drenched skies
I took this photo on my walk today.
Tonight’s Haiku, March 14, 2024
sunset’s grace on the mountains
the air turns colder
I took this photo on my walk this evening along Edmonds’ Marina Beach. Is one of my favorite places, period. Some of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen are looking out at the Olympic Mountains of Washington.
Oh, and happy Pi Day, for those who celebrate.
Today’s Haiku, March 2, 2024
the dance of sunlight
through the rain and falling snow
winter’s grip remains
I took this photo on my walk this afternoon. One filed with rain and snow, abs a stop for coffee.
A Winnie the Pooh Quote for your Friday
I find this quote just lovely, and fits the life I try to live.
I hope it finds you well this first of March Friday morning. May your day and month be fulfilling and uplifting.
Tonight’s Haiku
crocuses arise
finding their way upwards
after the show melts