Good Sunday morning, beautiful souls. I hope this finds you well and enjoying some lovely autumn weather.
Today, I would like to share some of the writings of Mary Oliver. I have always loved her work, much of which was inspired by nature. She so enjoyed her unaccompanied walks in the woods and along the shore. Truly, the beauty and the sincerity of her feelings remain a blessing to the world. And, she continues to inspire us to pause, revisit her thoughts, and wonder.
Mary Jane Oliver (1935~2019) was an American poet who won the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize, both for poetry.
“Why do people keep asking to see God’s identity papers when the darkness opening into morning is more than enough?” ~ Mary Oliver
Sunrise over Lake Superior.
“Truly, we live with mysteries too marvelous to be understood…Let me keep my distance, always, from those who think they have the answers. Let me keep company always with those who say, ‘Look!’, and laugh in astonishment, and bow their heads.” ~ Mary Oliver
Lady slipper Orchids ~ Como Conservatory, Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Messenger ~ By Mary Oliver
My work is loving the world.
Here the sunflowers, there the hummingbird—
equal seekers of sweetness.
Here the quickening yeast; there the blue plums.
Here the clam deep in the speckled sand.
Are my boots old? Is my coat torn?
Am I no longer young, and still half-perfect? Let me
keep my mind on what matters,
which is my work,
which is mostly standing still and learning to be
astonished.
The phoebe, the delphinium.
The sheep in the pasture, and the pasture.
Which is mostly rejoicing, since all the ingredients are here,
which is gratitude, to be given a mind and a heart
and these body-clothes,
a mouth with which to give shouts of joy
to the moth and the wren, to the sleepy dug-up clam,
telling them all, over and over, how it is
that we live forever.”
“You wouldn’t believe what once or twice I have seen. I’ll just tell you this: “only if there are angels in your head will you ever, possibly, see one.” ~ Mary Oliver
Photo from, Pixabay
Dear friends, thank you so much for your visit and I hope you have found a thought or an image to carry with you throughout the week.
Wishing you and yours a beautiful day.
And in the week ahead…
May you pause for a moment and “pay attention.” Stay well.
Amour,
Sandra
Images: Pixabay and tumblr
Oh my, how beautiful! An attitude with gratitude. That last gif photo could be anywhere in our beautiful WV! Have a great week, Sandra.
Thank you, Rita. I am so drawn to photos that as you say, “could be anywhere in our beautiful WV.” They seem to find me somehow. You have a great week as well and stay well!
What a gift Mary Oliver was given. I will enjoy reading these poems and quotes all week as well as viewing the beautiful images.
Thanks for sharing such loveliness. Have a wonderful week, Sandra.
Good morning, Bonnie. Indeed, Mary Oliver “was given a gift.” And, I am so glad she blessed our world with it. In our current times, her words seem to me to be more precious than ever. I am so happy you enjoyed the post.
Have a beautiful day and week ahead, Bonnie.
What beautiful post! I love those stunning pictures and quotes!Have a lovely week ahead.Hugs!
Thank you, Maristella. You have a lovely week as well.
Sandra, thank you for the beautiful images and for the lovely words of Mary Oliver. Yes, to pay attention is what I am trying to do. When we open our eyes to God’s creation, we can only stand in awe. I look forward to your Sunday posts. Wishing you and Michael a most beautiful day!
Thank you, Pam. Mary Oliver does truly have a gift with words and I am forever grateful for them.
Wishing you and your beautiful family a joyful Sunday. ❤
My dear friend, the quotes from Mary Oliver are really interesting, I particularly keep the second quote about the identity of God, it is very beautiful and coherent.
I like your messages because once they are read there are a few moments of very positive reflection.
A big hug
Thank you, Dolores. Mary Oliver’s words do leave us with wonder and reflection. I enjoy her work so much, especially during these troubled times. Wishing you lovely days, my friend.❤
Until I started blogging I’d never heard of Mary Oliver. Now I am such a fan. She really knows how to nail down real life. It’s a wonderful post, Sandra, and so needed on these challenging days.
Thank you, Jeanie. Mary Oliver’s words are a comfort during these days which are upside down.
Wishing you a beautiful week and hang on to your days at the lake as long as you can.
Happy Sunday, Sandra! Such a beautiful post and words for this autumn day. I hope you have a most blessed week ahead! Take care, dear friend!
Thank you, Shannon. Wishing you a most beautiful and happy week.
Mary Oliver’s words are so profound, especially in these uncertain times. I love the verse about God’s identity. Should the planets have merged only slightly off their initial created course, the gravitational pull of each would not have allowed them to exist as we see them. There are so many things that would not be possible with the so-called big bang theory. I have found it to be true that the more we look into “science”, the more we will see the hand of God. Thank you, Sandra for your beautiful verses; they keep me hopeful on even the hardest of days. You are a blessing. Hugs!
Good morning, Bobbi. You, my friend, are a blessing. I agree with you that “Mary Oliver’s words are so profound.” She always takes me to a quiet place and gives me wonder. To me, she is a gift for all who enjoy her work, especially during such distressing times as we find ourselves living in.
I hope this finds you enjoying lovely autumn weather. Our hillsides here in the ‘Mountain State’ are beginning to show a tinge of gold. Wishing you a lovely week – stay well.❤
Mary Oliver has given this world such beauty and wonder through her poetry. Sandra, how delightful to read this post dedicated to her lovely words. Love the photo of the lady slippers – exquisite!
Brenda, Mary Oliver’s words continue to be a gift to our world. She inspires and comforts at the same moment. I am pleased you enjoyed the post. Have a lovely week.