Tangerines

and blue glass

positioned

before

a window

through which

light beams pour

I wanted to share some meaningful cheer this season.

While rummaging through my photos and notes I chanced upon this photograph of George from last year which speaks for itself. Then this brilliant quote answered a prayer for me. It provides me with a solution for these extraordinary times. Flowing affection to and receiving affection from the things around me: the sunlight, the rain, the air, the trees, the birds in the yard, the joy, the bees and, of course, neighbors, family, friends, and each person I meet.

I choose to love everybody and feel affection for everything. Some people are easy to love and I thank you.

Wishing you so much love and affection.

Diane and George

"If a man actually could demonstrate enough affection and make enough affection flow, really, nothing could happen to him. This is what gives the Christian church the right to say-on slight evidence-that all they have to do is love everybody and it all comes out all right. ...

"If you can't have things feel affection for you, if you can't receive affection from things and if you can't give things affection and so forth, you're done."

- L. Ron Hubbard

Excerpted from the lecture Final Talk on First Course (Continued) delivered on 13 November 1953. This can be found in the 1st American ACC (Advanced Clinical Course) lectures.

Spring has been touched by tumultuous forces this year. I began the season with a gentle collaboration  with my dear friend and poet, Louis Alan Swartz. We created an eBook called Spring to celebrate the miracles of life all around us. As Spring turns to Summer I'd like to take heart from nature and from the best in us all. Here is our Spring eBook for you to enjoy and share with those who may be in need of a bit of uplifting. Love, Diane

Lemons from Light celebrates one of the wonders of photosynthesis. How on earth!

I had such fun sharing a picture of this painting on Facebook that I want to share it with you in my first blog.

If you have subscribed to my mailing list I know you are someone I appreciate and love very much. Thank you for your friendship and support.

I am preparing for a spiritual retreat and putting order into my studio home and garden before I go.

Day before yesterday I was walking home from the clubhouse in our community when I met my neighbor, Elizabeth, on the way. She asked if I was having my blood pressure taken. I told her no, that I'd just put my rent in the box. She said she likes to go so that 'they will keep coming because some people depend on it." I told her I'd join her. I found out I have the blood pressure of a 17 year old which was nice to hear. Elizabeth is in good shape, too. We met Ruby there and since she knew both my mom and my dad it was a real treat for me to get to speak with her.

Elizabeth and I walked back home. She showed me her orchids which are amazing and told me that she would be happy to take the grapefruits which my trees are bearing in such abundance and had offered to share over to the clubhouse for me.

She impressed me throughout our time together with her awareness and generosity. "I go because some of them depend on these visits and I want them to keep coming." "You can set the grapefruits here." "Would you like me to take the grapefruits over for you."

She spreads well-being out over her community like sunshine or a gentle mist. Since I call this painting "Well-being" it seems fitting to share the well-being I enjoy every time I am with Elizabeth.

Love you.

Diane