guatemala part 1

Each late Spring, early Summer I say to myself: “Yay! Summer is coming. Looking forward to slowing down a bit.” Well, still looking forward to slowing down a bit! It has been just as busy as any other summer, but a wonderful summer as well. One of the ingredients that have made this summer wonderful is an unexpected missions trip to Guatemala.

So, this is the first in an as yet unknown number of posts on my Guatemala experiences. I am not a traveler, so I tip my lens cap to those travel bloggers out there. (For a fantastic travel blog check out https://julesvernex2.com)

These images were taken on the grounds of the home we stayed in. Our home was in San Lucas Sacatepequez, a beautiful town located about 7,000 ft above sea level. Stay tuned for the next episode featuring the reason for our trip to Guatemala. Thanks for stopping by.

spidey-webby things

Tried to take some images of what I will call “spider nets.” The are flat, and I see them on the grass and bushes. Just amazing! Thanks for dropping in!

ride of spring

March is usually malcontent in the Midwest, which means a moody, sometimes malicious maze of temperatures and a minefield of uncertainty. So! I mounted my trusty motorcycle and meandered through a magnificent field of wind catchers marvelously moving their blades on this most beautiful of spring days. That is all.

what i saw at jones beach part 2

Another set of images from a long walk on a windy day at Jones Beach.

galena time

Galena, Illinois was “born” in 1826. It is known as the town that time forgot. This beautiful town is filled with shops, candy, lots of chocolate, delicious coffee, great eateries and, apparently, ghosts! This is my bride, and we enjoyed celebrating 39 years together in Galena!

in a little corner of my home

a cup of coffee
in a little corner of my home
lights and shadows
remind me of what lies within me
darkness and light
love and hate
goodness and self-centeredness

the memories descend

life and love
family and friends
grace and peace
laughter and song
so many gifts
undeserved and plentiful

soon the wraith
of dim stories arrives
failures
loss
shame
and the quiet ache
of all things left undone
and of all that i have done
to others and to myself

i choose to surrender
to all the images
that so quickly float
through my mind
as i lift my gaze
in a little corner of my home

three crosses
Calvary
such an ugly place
of death
of pain
of sorrow
of suffering

and it is there
in the midst
of the darkness and light
of my life
it is only there
where the lies i tell
and the lies i believe
are exposed

where my shame is undone
in love and acceptance
where i trade my burden
for hope
mercy
love
and the lightness
of forgiveness

and i realize
He is here
with me
in a little corner
of my home