Posted in Beautiful Savannah

Shipshape: “And I Sleep”

One of the unexpected joys of living in Savannah’s Historic District, just a couple of blocks from the mighty Savannah River, has been regularly seeing (and hearing) the massive cargo and container ships making their way into our busy port.

The Port of Savannah, the nation’s third largest seaport, is special because the ships leave the Atlantic Ocean, navigate their way inland about 15 miles to downtown Savannah, and pass directly in front of our busiest tourist strip on River Street …

It’s always fun to be on a walk along the river when a huge ship comes into view and watch the shell-shocked tourists gaping at the ships’ sizes.

Here’s a short video from last year when the largest container ship EVER came to Savannah.

And here are a few random shots of ships Robert and I have enjoyed seeing as we walked along the river.

Just the other night …

My shadow and HR

Others …

But, perhaps somewhat weirdly, the greatest Ship Joy of all to me is SOUND.

Robert and I will be in bed (most commonly with HR peacefully asleep and me slowly, slowly heading in that direction). But all of a sudden I will hear it. And perk up. Sometimes even sit up.

From a few blocks away, down on the river. The night ships. The sonorous, plaintive, somehow both exuberant and unexplainably sad horn, sounding from the ship, finally, finally making its way, exhausted, from who knows where into our little city … and past the sleepy little dwelling of Neal and HR.

Listen …

And somehow, that sound, time and time again, makes me realize that we can get from Where We Are … to Where We Need to Be. To a port of rest, to a place of quiet. To a place of, at least temporarily, no more movement.

And I sleep.

Posted in Savannah Joy

Monday Moaning or Monday Marveling? 10/17/22 “Plant Life”

Each day, I continue to be amazed at the incredible, diverse joy of Plant Life.

Collards — my joy!
Carrots and onions.
Savannah corn!
Local tomatoes
The elephant ear, my favorite plant of all time.
Pumpkin glory.
Bananas!
Sunflower (inside our apartment!)

This post could go on and on, but I’ll end with perhaps The Joy of My Life, the southern Longleaf Pine …

Here’s to Plants!

Posted in Encouragement

Root Returning

I loved this small excerpt of a lovely Essene meditation posted by Kelly Curtis on the beautifully inspirational blog, Kelly’s Quest.

“Softness fills my days
In this season of autumn light.
Gentle joy of life returning
To know its roots again.”

As we perhaps slow down a bit this autumn, may we mindfully embrace the quiet, deep and abiding joyful health of our roots.

Contemplative Robert and the foggy Savannah River near us.
Posted in Five Friday Happy Bringers

Five Friday Happy Bringers 10/14/22

1. Our cast iron Dutch Oven bottom round roast dinner last night. Whew. That’s a mouthful. Literally.

With carrots, potatoes, onions, mushrooms, fresh thyme and fresh rosemary.

2. The young mother and her one-month old baby who were next to us at the Atlanta Pride Parade last Sunday.

Joyful Love

3. The front door of our old 1870’s home.

4. Knowing, truly knowing, that every breath we breathe is a precious gift to savor and appreciate.

5. HR matching with his food.

Bangkok Thai Restaurant, Atlanta

May you match up with a fun and healthy weekend ahead!

Posted in Five Friday Happy Bringers

Five Friday Happy Bringers 10/7/22

1. My glasses.

Oh my goodness, WHAT would I do without them?!

2. The Atlanta Braves winning the National League East … again.

3. Lunch with youngest granddaughter Isabelle for Pre-K lunch (at 10:45 a.m.!).

Isabelle hugging Nana and holding a tiny piece of broccoli.

4. Colorful Fall

Corner of our dining table

5. The simple joy of being alive.

Side note: The dead-looking, brownish clumps you see to the right and underneath the brilliant green …

They are not dead at all. They are Resurrection Ferns. And as soon as the next rain comes, they will burst into more obvious life and challenge the green vine’s brilliance.

May we all burst into More Obvious Life this weekend!