http://www.hittingsend.com View Through My Lens Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:13:31 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en As I've made my way through the winding roads of the wine country around me, I find myself fascinated by the various manifestations of Beauty the vineyards take on throughout the changing seasons. The fertile lushness of Spring and juicy Summer months, the richly textured shades of Autumn, and the ... http://www.hittingsend.com/northern-california/stirrings-of-spring/ While the first thing I noticed about moving to a retreat center/animal sanctuary was the Sacred Heritage tree, the first sound I heard was most definitely the cacophony of the many, many Amazing birds in residence. There are so many, Dear Reader, I admittedly have felt a bit overwhelmed by ... http://www.hittingsend.com/beauty-break/all-the-beautiful-birds/ The cool, purple flourite ball was the only thing in the store which called to me, and I knew I had to have it. I made another circle ‘round the shop again to be certain there was nothing being overlooked, a little something tucked here or there which might shift ... http://www.hittingsend.com/non-sequitur/beautifully-flawed/ It was just over two years and ninety-nine posts ago when I declared aloud, “I want a blog called ‘Hittingsend’; and, so it was. I had been following two passions of mine, research and writing, and wished to share both with like-minded people. Always true to my multi-faceted nature, I ... http://www.hittingsend.com/non-sequitur/the-big-100/ Trees are poems that earth writes upon the sky.. ~Kahlil Gibran~ She was the first thing I noticed about my new home. With her large moss covered trunk, her many branches reaching high into the sky, the conifer tree stands 150 feet tall in her magnificent grander. Surely, Dear Reader, you can ... http://www.hittingsend.com/northern-california/the-sacred-heritage-tree/ The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair And having perhaps the better ... http://www.hittingsend.com/poetry-break/poetry-break-the-road-not-taken/ As another calendar year comes to an end, Mother Earth rests in the contentment of work well done, and silently renews in preparation for the Spring magick of rebirth. There is Beauty before us, and Beauty behind us. I have been utilizing this introspective energy to not only give thanks ... http://www.hittingsend.com/non-sequitur/time-to-acknowledge-your-gold-star-moments/ Thick, grey clouds made their way over the valley's surrounding mountains yesterday, sitting heavily against the snow-capped tops, threatening downpours in the small town. As the mist settled upon the valley floor, Christmas shoppers dodged the scattered showers, seeking warmth in local cafes. As Winter was only a day away, ... http://www.hittingsend.com/in-the-kitchen/celebrating-with-mulled-wine/ Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson~ "Oh my gosh, Kassie!" I proclaimed to my friend's back as I watched her lithe form climb over the creek bed's wall before us with ease and grace. I ... http://www.hittingsend.com/daily-practices/the-mindful-journey/ Start wherever you are and start small. ~Rita Baily~ As we still the mind, the heart speaks of dreams wishing to be fulfilled, allowing us to strive for a greater good and grow with the continuous flow of life. But, how can we best achieve this? In a recent post I wrote ... http://www.hittingsend.com/daily-practices/gently-progress-to-success/