A Peaceful Retreat to Orcas Island

After such a frustrating week, how about slipping away

to Orcas Island? Beautiful sky, clouds, water and a happy seagull.

These are the things that matter. Time to put all the ugly politics, the

frustrations behind and slip away -- even in our imagination, for a quiet

and beautiful weekend. We all need that time to regroup and focus on what is really

important and those things include our children, grandchildren, families, friends and all the

beautiful things that can and do fill our lives when we are open to receive them.

Colorful Collage to End the Day

In spite of all the political frustrations, worries and concerns

about our country, as night falls I want to remember

the beauty that is always there.

May you all have a lovely evening.

A Peaceful Place

A quiet cove, calm water and blue sky and just what I'm
ready for this evening. It's been a busy day -- too much
politics, time to put it aside and look at what really matters.

But before I turn out the lights I want to thank Bobbi of Almost There

for giving me an award, and for the intent with which it is given: building solidarity among left-of-center bloggers. Thank you, Bobbi, let's all Blog On!

There is Always Beauty

PAAVANJ-JUNAGADH-NATURE PHOTO
Originally uploaded by PAAVANJ

But sometimes you just have to look for it a little harder than usual and lately I've been doing a lot of that. Today with the politics, the economy, the price of gasoline, food, the anger you see everywhere, the rather sad state of the world in general, it seems to me that it is all the more important for us to find and hold on to the precious things around us -- family and friends and the beauty that is everywhere. Those are the things that are important and recognizing that can make all the difference in our daily lives.

I was going to write tonight about John McCain likening himself to Teddy Roosevelt and that is such a crock, Teddy Roosevelt could have easily been more like a Democrat than John McCain could be like him. And, as you can see, my hackles are already up in spite of all those soothing words I was using in the last paragraph! So, when it comes out, check out Douglas Brinkley's biography, "The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America". According to Mr. Brinkley, Roosevelt would be on the left side of politics were he here today. So much for John McCain!

As for me, I'm going in search of some of that beauty I was describing at the beginning of this post. Tomorrow I'm taking a day trip to a place called Northwest Trek. It is a 435 acre wild life preserve and there is a bus load of us going. Once there, we'll get on a tram that will take us all around the preserve and we will have lunch there as well. I know it will be easy to see and experience the beauty and I can't wait! Hopefully, tomorrow night I won't have to struggle to find beautiful things to write about. To see some for yourself, check out their website at http://www.nwtrek.org/