At the heart of Haibun lies the haiku—a distilled moment of enlightenment, a crystalline droplet that captures the essence of the present. In three simple lines, we seek to awaken the reader’s senses, inviting them to perceive the profound in the ordinary. The haiku, like a dewdrop on a leaf, reveals a shimmering truth, a doorway to understanding the interconnectedness of all things.

In this sacred marriage of prose and haiku, the Haibun offers us a path to mindfulness, attuning ourselves to the subtle rhythms of the natural world.

Dear seeker of truth, let the Haibun guide you on a voyage of self-discovery and contemplation.

Embrace the silence between the words, the pauses between the lines, for within those spaces, the universe whispers its eternal wisdom.

I have a handful of favorite places to sit and record what I find that touches my soul, perhaps you will do the same:

My front porch: a place where I like to begin and end my day. I take a moment to notice the details of my surroundings, like the color of the sky or the scent of the flowers. I take a deep breath and feel the wind on my skin. I listen to the sound of birds chirping and let their songs uplift my spirit.

My writing desk: If you have a writing desk, take a moment to notice the view outside your window. I love watching the playful hummingbirds darting from flower to flower. I take note of the colors and sounds of nature and let the beauty of the natural world inspire my creativity. I keep a small notebook nearby to jot down any ideas that come to mind while observing the world outside my window. And then I usually write those thoughts here on Sunday Morning Blogger.

My bedroom: tucked into the softest of linens: At the end of the day, I take a moment to notice the softness of my sheets and the coziness of my blankets. Take a deep breath and feel the weight of the day lift from my shoulders. I also am grateful for the comfort and safety of my bed, as I drift off to sleep with a heart full of gratitude.

These are just a few examples of the countless places where I find beauty and magic in the mundane. The key is to be present and receptive to the wonders that surround us. Remember, life is not just about the big moments, it’s about the sweet nothings that make life worth living.

The cardboard boxes now empty in the corner of my new living room tell a story. Two weeks ago, I stepped through the doorway of this unfamiliar space, keys cold in my palm, the echo of my footsteps bouncing off bare walls. Since then, I’ve crafted a fresh rhythm to my days, waking to different morning light, finding new routes to get coffee, discovering which grocery store carries the brands I prefer.

Each day brings introductions: handshakes with neighbors whose names I repeat silently to remember, conversations with baristas who don’t yet know my order, and reunions with old friends whose life stories have chapters I missed. Their eyes search my face for the person they once knew, while I do the same with them, both of us navigating the gap between memory and present reality.

The streets here don’t hold my history. When I walk them, no corner reminds me of a first date, no park bench marks where I once sat reading a particular book on a summer afternoon. I’m building these associations anew, and in doing so, I’m learning which parts of myself I choose to bring forward.

This unveiling happens every time I change locations. A similar process unfolds when I complete a book or reach a significant milestone in a project like my podcast. The completion creates space for reflection, for seeing myself through fresh eyes.

In these moments, questions surface like stones in a shifting riverbed:

Who am I in this new place?

Does the identity I carried before still fit here, or does it feel like a coat that’s now too tight at the shoulders?

If certain aspects of myself no longer serve this context, which others might be ready to emerge? How does this version of me compare to previous iterations?

This internal conversation matters because as I arrange furniture in my new apartment, deciding where the reading chair belongs, finding the right spot for my desk near natural light. I’m not just setting up a space for the person I’ve been. I’m creating an environment for the person I’m becoming.

When I meet someone new at a neighborhood gathering and they ask what I do, the words I choose reveal not just information but aspiration. Do I introduce myself as a photographer, as a writer, or a traveler? Each choice reflects an evolving self-concept, visible in these moments of interaction.

This evolution responds to the physical environment around me. The woodland view from my window might inspire more outdoor activity than my previous urban setting allowed. The proximity to a vibrant arts district might nurture creative pursuits that had lain dormant.

I could stick to familiar patterns, recreating my old life in new coordinates. Or I could let this geographical shift inspire deeper changes like trying the new gym across the parking lot, or joining the community garden club instead of keeping to myself, saying yes to invitations that would have once made me hesitate.

Each decision, each adjustment to routine becomes a brushstroke in painting this next season of life. Moving boxes may hold my possessions, no matter how few they are, but the space between them holds possibility.

I collect pencils not like art collectors, but as companions to be used in my daily ritual of putting thoughts to page. Each morning before the digital world claims my attention, I sit with a freshly sharpened pencil and let the words flow, watching as the graphite slowly diminishes, and physical evidence of thoughts becoming tangible.

I’m not alone in this devotion. John Steinbeck was famously loyal to the Blackwing 602 pencil, with its distinctive slogan “Half the pressure, twice the speed.” He sharpened 24 pencils each morning before beginning work, the mechanical preparation serving as prelude to the mental journey ahead. Steinbeck wrote in his journal: “I have found a new kind of pencil—the best I have ever had…They are called Blackwings and they are very soft and black and hold their points well.” For him, the right pencil wasn’t just a tool but a gateway to creation.

Henry David Thoreau knew pencils intimately before he knew writing. His family owned a pencil manufacturing business, and he improved their product by developing a better way to mix graphite and clay. The pencil that helped him draft “Walden” was, in a sense, his own creation. The instrument of his thoughts was fashioned by his hands, a beautiful symmetry rarely seen in our age of disconnection from the things we use.

Vladimir Nabokov drafted his novels on index cards, always in pencil, allowing him to easily erase and rewrite until each sentence achieved perfection. He would later transcribe these cards to paper using a pen. The pencil phase was where the magic happened, where impermanence allowed for possibility.

Ernest Hemingway, despite his image as a typewriter devotee, often began with pencil on paper. “When you start to write you get all the kick and the reader gets none,” he once noted. Perhaps the humble pencil provided that initial kick, the direct connection between mind and page without technological mediation.

Simone de Beauvoir filled notebooks with pencil writing, later transcribing selected parts to typewritten manuscripts. The pencil draft was private, unpolished, true, a conversation with herself before presenting thoughts to the world.

I wonder sometimes if our modern arsenal of digital tools has cost us something essential. The intimacy of graphite wearing down as thoughts build up. The physicality of sharpening preparation becoming ritual. The sound of lead on paper, a quiet affirmation that something is being created where before there was nothing.

When I write with a pencil, I feel connected to this lineage of creators who found freedom in the most basic of tools. No batteries, no updates, no distractions, just the elemental act of marking a surface with meaning. The pencil requires presence. It cannot multitask. It knows nothing of notifications. It simply waits, patient and potent, for the hand that will bring it to life.

There’s forgiveness in a pencil that a pen cannot offer. The ability to erase is not just practical but philosophical, a recognition that first thoughts need not be final thoughts. A reminder that writing is a process of becoming, not merely declaring. Each erasure marks not failure but refinement.

My collection grows not from acquisitional impulse but from gratitude. Each pencil represents potential stories, unwritten passages, thoughts yet to crystallize. I keep them sharp and ready, wood cylinders housing infinite possibilities.

Tomorrow morning I’ll select one from the jar on my desk, perhaps the soft 6B for expressive strokes, or the reliable HB for careful detail work. I’ll feel its weight in my hand, notice the subtle resistance as graphite meets paper, and for a while, forget everything except the quiet communion between thought and expression, writer and instrument, mark and meaning.

This is how it begins. This is how it has always begun. One word following another, revealing a path I couldn’t see until I started walking it across the page, pencil in hand.

The answer, I’ve realized, was here all along. This space was designed for simplicity. For writing that exists purely for the joy of expression and connection. No newsletters demanding your email address. No advertisements fragmenting your attention. No metrics to chase or algorithms to please. Just words on a page, offered in the spirit of thoughtful reverie that Laurie and I envisioned from the beginning.

So I’m returning to our original intention. The site will remain as it was always meant to be—a distraction-free haven for readers who appreciate the quiet comfort of well-crafted words. I plan to share new articles, essays, poems, and stories every Sunday morning, continuing the work that meant so much to us both.

I don’t know if anyone is still visiting these pages. The internet has grown ever louder, ever more insistent on engagement and interaction. Our approach here feels almost anachronistic in its simplicity only requiring that you might actually bookmark the site and return of your own accord, without prompts or notifications to pull you back.

Perhaps that’s exactly what gives this space its value. Since the world is in constant demands for our attention, there’s something meaningful about choosing to return to a quiet place. If you’re reading this, know that your presence here is deeply appreciated. Your decision to visit this humble corner of the internet means that Laurie’s legacy continues, that our shared vision still resonates.

I can’t promise what the future holds for sundaymorningblogger.com, but I can promise this: for as long as I continue writing here, it will remain true to its founding principles, a place of simplicity, thoughtfulness, and genuine expression.

For anyone who needs a moment of peace.

Thank you for being here.

I look forward to continuing this journey with you, wherever it may lead.

Writing on Sunday mornings is not just about putting words on paper; it’s an experience of self-discovery and introspection. With the distractions of the outside world muted, I find myself delving into the depths of my emotions and thoughts. The silence lends clarity to my mind which is often elusive during hectic weekdays, as though the universe gifts me a moment of stillness to reflect on life’s wonders and complexities.

Nature, too, plays a vital role in these tranquil moments. The symphony of birdsong outside my window weaves a melodious backdrop to my musings, connecting me with the beauty of the world beyond the written word. The gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze is a reminder that creativity flows through every living being, and inspiring my own ideas to take flight like the birds themselves.

Sunday mornings offer the luxury of time, a precious commodity often in short supply. It is a rare occasion where I can indulge in the writing process without feeling rushed or pressured. This leisurely pace allows me to delve deep into my imagination, exploring uncharted territories. It’s a voyage of self-expression, where I let my thoughts meander freely and discover hidden facets of my creativity.

In this moment of solace, I feel a connection with writers past and present. I imagine the great authors and poets who have also sought inspiration on Sunday mornings, embracing the quietude and transforming it into timeless masterpieces. The pages of my journal seem to absorb their wisdom and guidance, guiding my pen with a sense of reverence.

It’s not just the act of writing that makes Sunday mornings special but also the joy of reading. With a cozy blanket draped over my shoulders, I dive into the worlds crafted by fellow wordsmiths. Each turn of the page is an invitation to a new adventure, a voyage into someone else’s dreams and experiences. Reading on Sunday mornings is a nourishment for my writer’s soul, expanding my horizons and refining my craft.

As the hours pass and the world outside gradually wakes from its slumber, I feel satisfied knowing that I’ve spent this time meaningfully. Sunday mornings give me the space to savor the art of writing, connect with my innermost self, and feel the flow of creativity coursing through me. It’s a feeling of oneness with the universe as if the act of writing connects me to the very essence of existence.

So, I cherish these Sunday mornings, for they are a gift of time and tranquility. They are a sanctuary where I can let my imagination roam freely and create without boundaries. As I conclude my writing session and close my journal, I will do my best to carry this sense of peace with me throughout the week, knowing that the promise of another Sunday morning is just around the corner, waiting to welcome me back to my writer’s haven.

Ikigai

Ikigai, a Japanese word that translates to “a reason for being” or “a sense of purpose in life“.

A concept that encompasses the intersection of one’s passion, mission, vocation, and profession. It represents the idea that living a fulfilling life requires finding a balance between what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

Finding your ikigai is essential to living a happy and meaningful life. It is not only about achieving personal fulfillment but also contributing positively to society as a whole. The pursuit of ikigai requires introspection, self-discovery, and a willingness to take risks and make changes in one’s life.

Shikata ga nai

A Japanese phrase that translates to “it cannot be helped” or “there is no other way“.

A common expression used to accept situations beyond one’s control.

To express resignation or to convey a sense of fatalism. Accepting and enduring difficult situations with patience and dignity. Shikata ga nai is often used in situations where one has done everything possible to improve the situation, but ultimately the outcome remains outside of their control. The phrase represents a recognition that sometimes life is unpredictable and that we must accept what we cannot change, adapt to new circumstances, and move forward with grace and resilience.

Wabi-sabi

A deeply profound and poetic concept that captures the essence of Japanese aesthetics and Zen philosophy. It represents a worldview that embraces imperfection, impermanence, and the beauty of the natural world. A celebration of the transience of life and the beauty that arises from the passage of time. It is about finding beauty in simplicity, austerity, and rusticity, and appreciating the subtle, imperfect, and asymmetrical qualities of objects and nature. The concept is rooted in the Zen practice of mindfulness, which encourages us to be present in the moment and to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world around us. Wabi-sabi invites us to embrace the imperfect, find contentment in simplicity, and cultivate an appreciation for the ephemeral and the fleeting. It is a reminder to live in harmony with nature and to accept the beauty and wisdom of life’s imperfections.

Gaman

A word that embodies the Zen principle of endurance and perseverance. A concept that encourages us to endure and overcome adversity with patience, resilience, and dignity. Gaman is about accepting difficult circumstances and persevering through challenges, without complaint or self-pity. It requires inner strength, a stoic acceptance of suffering, and a willingness to endure without giving up.

A practice of mindfulness that teaches us to be present in the moment, acknowledge our struggles and find the inner strength to persevere. It reminds us that suffering is an inevitable part of life, but that we have the power to endure it and emerge stronger and wiser from the experience. Ultimately, Gaman is a call to action, an invitation to cultivate the inner strength and resilience necessary to navigate life’s challenges with grace and equanimity.

Oubaitori

A word that describes the act of buying or acquiring something solely for the purpose of showing off or boasting about it. It represents a desire for status or prestige, rather than a genuine appreciation or need for the object itself. It is often associated with materialism and consumerism and can be seen as a reflection of a society that places a high value on outward appearances and social status. At its core, Oubaitori represents a disconnection between material possessions and true happiness, as the pursuit of status and prestige can never fully satisfy one’s deeper needs and desires. While it is natural to desire recognition and respect from others, Oubaitori reminds us that true contentment comes from within, rather than from external validation or material possessions.

Kaizen

It represents the concept of continuous improvement. It is a philosophy that encourages constant and incremental progress towards a better state of being or doing. Kaizen emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes that build over time and lead to significant improvements in efficiency, quality, and overall performance. This concept is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and has been applied successfully in various fields, including business, education, and personal development. At its core, Kaizen represents a commitment to excellence and a recognition that there is always room for improvement. It encourages a growth mindset and a willingness to learn, adapt, and innovate in order to achieve better outcomes. Kaizen reminds us that true success is not about achieving perfection or instant gratification, but rather about consistently striving to improve ourselves and our circumstances, one small step at a time.

In a small village nestled within a dense forest, there lived a young girl named Lily. She lived a simple life, tending to her family’s farm and helping out in the village. Despite the monotony of her daily routine, she found solace in the peace and quiet of her surroundings.

One day, while exploring the forest, Lily stumbled upon a clearing unlike any she had ever seen. It was surrounded by towering trees and the sun shone down upon it, casting a warm golden light. In the center of the clearing stood a magnificent tree unlike any she had ever seen, its branches stretching towards the sky, beckoning her closer.

Lily approached the tree, mesmerized by its beauty, and as she reached out to touch its trunk, she was suddenly transported to a different world. She found herself in a dream-like state, floating above rolling hills, lush meadows, and bubbling streams. The sky was painted in brilliant shades of pink and orange, and the air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers.

As she gazed upon this breathtaking landscape, she saw a figure in the distance, beckoning her forward. It was a wise old woman, with a twinkle in her eye and a warm smile on her face. The woman approached Lily and took her by the hand, leading her on a journey through this magical world.

They visited many wondrous places, each more beautiful than the last. They flew over crystal clear lakes and walked through fields of vibrant wildflowers. They met creatures of all shapes and sizes, each with their own unique talents and personalities. And throughout it all, the wise old woman regaled Lily with tales of the world and its secrets, filling her mind with wonder and imagination.

As their journey came to an end, the wise old woman told Lily that this magical world existed within her own mind and that she could visit it whenever she wished. All she had to do was close her eyes, take a deep breath, and allow herself to be transported.

From that day on, whenever Lily felt lost or alone, she would close her eyes and be transported back to that magical world. It became her sanctuary, a place where she could escape the troubles of the real world and be surrounded by beauty and wonder.

Years passed, and Lily grew into a wise and kind woman, much like the old woman she had met in her reverie. She spent her days tending to the farm and helping out in the village, but whenever she needed to escape, she would close her eyes and return to that magical world.

And so, it was said that Lily lived a life filled with peace, joy, and wonder, always having a place to turn to when she needed to escape the worries of the world. The villagers would often speak of her with reverence, saying that she had a gift, a secret connection to a world of beauty and magic.

And thus, the story of Lily and her magical world became a legend, passed down from generation to generation. Children would listen in awe as their parents told them of the young girl who could travel to a world of dreams, and they would dream of one day discovering their own magical world.

As we flip the last page of a calendar year and head into the next one, the pause in between is our moment of reflection. If I could, I would spend this evening with the people I love so dearly. I would look into their eyes with a big smile and let them know how grateful I am to have them by my side on this journey called life. We would dance, laugh, and fully embrace the present moment.

I am also grateful for the readers that come to this little website and sift through the ramblings about a couple of lives that have produced articles with no real rhyme or reason. Other than what we have called a place of reverie.

As I sat and pondered today over how I should move forward with this site a friend called and said let’s go find the Snowy Owl in Cypress that has been in the news lately. It has been over 100 years since one has been seen here in Southern California and since I have been a wildlife/bird photographer most all of my life I did not hesitate.

It took minutes to find the other photographers standing by the road with cameras in hand and on tripods waiting for the young owl to do something. I walked as close as I could, took a few shots and wished it well, and left. A very nice way to end the year. A bird that was missing from my portfolio and one I have wished to see for a very long time.

So with that, I wish to give you all the gift of resilience and determination. May your resolve remain steadfast, allowing you to persevere through any challenges and never give up on your dreams. May you stay strong and never lose sight of your desires, even in the face of adversity.