Ah, world, what lessons you prepare for us,
even in the leafless winter…
I feel my boots trying to leave the ground,
I feel my heart pumping hard…
I want to be light and frolicsome…
and afraid of nothing, as though I had wings.
— Mary Oliver, “Starlings in Winter” in “Owls and Other Fantasies: Poems and Essays”
Notes:
- Photo: DK, Birds @ Daybreak. Jan 1, 2021. 6:45 to 7am. 30° F, feels like 23° F. Cove Island Park, Stamford CT. More amazing scenes from this morning here and here.
- Mary Oliver’s poem “Starlings in Winter” was edited. Full poem here @Mindfulbalance. Thank you Karl for sharing for the Mary Oliver poem and the inspiration.
Live & Learn 
Happy New Year Dave! Thanks for sharing Mary and a glorious and ominous dawn this morning 💕
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Thank you Val. Happy New Year to you too!
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A beautiful Mary Oliver quote along with stunning photos. Happy New Year, David!
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It is! Thank you Erica! Happy New Year to you and your family. All the best to you in 2021!
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What I a powerful quote. Thanks David. Have a winged 2021.🙋🏼
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Smiling. Thanks Stefy, you too!
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Happy New Year, David! Thanks for keeping this going. 😊
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Thank you Sharon! Happy New Year to you and your family. All the best to you in 2021!
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Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
“Ah, world, what lessons you prepare for us, even in the leafless winter… ” – Mary Oliver, “Starlings in Winter” in “Owls and Other Fantasies: Poems and Essays”. Nothing more needs to be said … it’s a new beginning!!
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Yes!!!!
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may we all fly free into the beauty of the new year
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Agree with that!!!!!
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Beautiful! Thank you!
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It is! Thank you.
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Happy New Year David! May your wings unfurl and may you heed the call of the wind call to soar.
Beautiful photos and quote. ❤
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Thank you Louise. Happy New Year to you and your family. All the best to you in 2021!
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Happy New Year, David! Beautiful quote and photos; a terrific way to start 2021 with serenity and gratitude. I hope this year brings both to you every day. Cher xoxo
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Thank you Cher. Happy New Year! All the best to you in 2021!
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Thank you, David. And to you as well! Cher xoxo
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Ahhhh, to be “light and frolicsome “ again….almost seems like a mirage at this point, but embracing hope nonetheless. May you continue to spread your wings in the new year, pal. So enjoying your daily photo safaris. And maybe if we’re lucky, you’ll be joined by a furry friend at some point in 2021. 😋🦮 (hey, a girl can hope…)
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Smiling. Thank you Lori. Happy New Year to you, David and the puppies.
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I want wings too!
Happy New Year!
Grateful for your light.
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Thank you.
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Whoa, what gorgeous photo’s you give us today! Even though “red sky in the morning, sailors take warning” may be ominous–how wonderful that beauty comes along with whatever nature shows us. More of a challenge from Mary Oliver: I want to be light and frolicsome…. How distant that can seem. Thank you for venturing out for all of us..no matter what day we may be celebrating–you’re celebrating them all!
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Thank you Valerie. Happy New Year.
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Lovely sky! The only colour in our sky lately is GRAY! But that doesn’t mean we can’t still have a happy day.
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True!
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THANKS DAVID, AND *Happy New Year to You & Yours…*
*Greetings from the Rio Grande River and the land of Sand HIll Cranes in WInter, in New Mexico !!* *Douglas Cohen* *Societal Educator*
*The Leadership CenterLeadership Intelligence in Organizations & Society* *’Let it not be said that he held back’* *Cell: 505.435.2356 Voice/Text* *Bosque Music in Corrales* *www.alibi.com – Concert & Music Festival Reviews -*
*Culture Writer & Essayist, based in Corrales, New Mexico*
‘Our society can only be considered successful, to the extent we care for the needs of the least well off among us.’
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Thanks Doug. Happy New Year! All the best to you in 2021!
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Wonderful start to the new year, David. Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!
Lovely joining of photos to poetry… love!
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Thank you Dale. Happy New Year. All the best to you in 2021!
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Thank you, my friend.
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Thank you, Dale. The best to you and yours!
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Thank you Barry. Happy New Year to you and your family. All the best to you in 2021!
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beautiful photos. what a wonderful way to start the new year…
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Thank you Jim. It was.
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How beautiful post, poetical words of one of my favorite poets, beautiful photographs of one of my beautiful blogger friends… Thank you so much, dear Dave, Happy New Year, Love, nia
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Awww, thank you Nia. Happy New Year to you and your family. All the best to you in 2021!
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Happy New Year, Dave!!!! 🥂🎶🐫
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And to you too Marina!
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🙏🌟
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Late, with the New Year Greeting…I enjoyed your bright, lovely and freedom soaring sunrise…
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Happy New Year Christie!
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Happy New Year to you 😊
Hugs, David.
Vicky
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Thanks Vicky!
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