Deep in the woods the call croaked and the raven quaked,
“Quickly, partake in the feast!”

Over and over, I am reminded,
LIVE life to the fullest, NOW.

- Diane

The soft, incoming breeze brought such serenity upon her.

- Diane

Years of sunlit mornings, creative perspectives,
enduring landscapes—so very grateful.

- Diane

a soulful moment
joyful birdsong
melancholy lifts

* * *
May we protect our beautiful environment.

- Diane

the earth shuddered on the day you were
elected for it knew the world had lost a leader

the ravens croaked their warnings for they
knew imminent danger was upon us

the trees trembled for they knew you would
cut down the very foundation from which this country had been built 

the animals scattered your first speech
spoken for they knew only destructive, hate-filled fire would spew

the song birds flew for cover the first lies
you spread for they knew a thousand more untruths would be furiously flung

the rivers rose and roared as you “drained
the swamp” for they knew your personal sewage would poison them

the landscape darkened as you pompously
pranced upon her for she knew you would
molest her and leave her limp in despicable denial

the flowers wilted the day you spoke of walls
and fences for they knew
blossoming dreams and dreamers
would be viciously plucked of all hope 

the bears, wolves and coyotes hid as you
massacred our sacred American principles
for they knew they too would be hunted down and killed 

the vultures circled as your congress
remained shockingly silent for they knew
red meat would eventually be plentiful 

the wasteland you created waited for it knew
it would one day turn green and flourish again.

And so it was and will be, on the day
the man with yellow hair leaves office
and takes his tribe with him. 

. . . . . .

We are robust human beings with voices and a higher consciousness. There is no stopping the power of truth or the power of compassion. Hard times may linger but our thirst for justice will be quenched, our longings fulfilled. We will, one day, thrive again in this great country of the United States. 

. . .

Make your voice heard. Be compassionate. Be courageous. Stand up for what you believe. 

VOTE.

Vote locally, vote statewide and vote nationally. 

. . .

Never stop believing in the goodness of humanity.

- Diane

Such is the silence of summer dawn
save the cries of babies and young birds.

- Diane

The celebration of being alive.

Even in this year of 2018, in the United States, I am happy to be alive - to experience the beauty, the light, the mystery and the miracle of being here to experience it all.

- Diane

So much light remains despite these times of turmoil. There are many who are the gatekeepers—those protecting human rights and the environment, others working to make difficult changes—and many more speaking out and illuminating the truth wherever and whenever possible.  I know that truth will prevail as will the light. It has and always will because WE, the people, are diligent and strong and believe in the dignity and integrity of each other.

- Diane

Was in Kauai for a week and these little chickies were everywhere. So incredibly cute and vulnerable and vocal. This little one, I'm sure, was spring's official spokesperson.

- Diane

Spring has arrived early in California; the fruit tree blossoms are already abundant, the birds are singing and raccoons are finding their multiple mates. 

This beautiful raccoon will soon be a mama. My husband and I had the unique opportunity of watching her mate in the wild. I wondered how long it would take before her babies were born and learned it would be just nine short weeks. She will raise approximately 3 to 5 “kits” entirely on her own. The babies will be blind the first few days and deaf for the first three weeks, making them completely dependent on her. Immediately vocal, the infant may sound like a human baby if in distress. If confronted by danger, this mother raccoon will furiously protect her young. They will learn to forage for food with their mother and will remain with her through the first winter until they gradually leave. Their short lifespan is only 2 to 3 years in the wild but they can live up to 20 years in captivity, which makes me want to coax a few home with me!

I ask myself, what will I do in the next 9 weeks as spring gushes with growth. If this raccoon can be so prolific, then I certainly can too. I won’t be bringing any new babies into the world, but I am inspired to to go forth and bring new creative life into fruition!

See some wonderful raccoon videos on PBS. This one is the babies first night out.

“If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change.”

Mahatma Gandhi

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( Series Information: http://bit.ly/2ASHEeZ )

“If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change.”

Mahatma Gandhi

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( Series Information: http://bit.ly/2ASHEeZ )

Permalink

]]>Diane VarnerThu, 07 Dec 2017 01:05:38 +0000http://dianevarner.com/home/2017/12/6/be-the-calm-amid-the-chaos5053e771c4aad0824d1d7b7f:5053e771c4aad0824d1d7b94:5a2892ce0d9297f066018725

“If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change.”

Mahatma Gandhi

* * *

( Series Information: http://bit.ly/2ASHEeZ )

“If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change.”

Mahatma Gandhi

I have remained politically silent on this blog but can no longer do so. I am becoming more distraught and weary with each passing day that I watch Trump and the Republican Congress destroy the sacredness of our government, our values and all that we stand for as a brilliant nation. There is a lack of shame and hypocrisy of actions that I find incomprehensible not to mention the GOP's silence on Trump’s despicable morals and obvious mental instability. I am losing hope for the future but everything in me says FIGHT for that future.

I take the the wisdom of Ghandi and try to live by his words: “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change.”  In this month of December, when the darkest of days turns towards the LIGHT, I will hope again and remember that change begins with me. My words and images will reflect this. 

As the summer fog settles in
for the long while,
everything takes on a mystical,
antiquated feeling of awe —
I cherish these days.

- Diane

Feeling peaceful these days while creating among summer's quiet beauty.

- Diane

I admire the dignity of nature as she so gracefully bows to each cycle of life.

- Diane

Like a hawk, may we keep perspective.

- Diane

Aging inward...more experience, more wisdom, more serenity.

- Diane

Yielding to the rhythmic sense of mystery,
we flew through the darkness unencumbered.

- Diane

Intertwined among the dense,
entangled branches is a sense of order
that only Mother Nature can provide.

- Diane

My heart will always remember your beautiful nuances.

- Diane

Environmental Poster No. 1

I feel fairly helpless as I watch and listen
to our current US administration in regards to
the environment. My hope is that these
will create a thoughtful pause, if even for a moment. 

- Diane

Your inviting stillness suggested a sanctuary
from which I joyfully stepped into.

- Diane

With silence, may we hear.
With light, may we see.
With wings, may we fly.
With love, may we soar.

- Diane

I will fill my cup with a river of overflowing love.

- Diane

Your young eyes look out at this world
with hope for compassion —
I hope for you as well.

- Diane

Your graceful, new growth made me too, bow in reverence.

- Diane

. . . and 32 years of exquisite moments.

Thank you, my Bobby.

- Diane

When all the drifting memories fade,
we will fly away together, forever —
you and me and the big beautiful sea.

- Diane

There was a hum in my head,
a buzzing light that begged for fruition — 
upon release, we wondrously both took flight.

I want to live on the edge of the wilderness,
with wandering paths that lead to dark, 
sacred places of immeasurable serenity.

- Diane

When I am old and speckled,
I will lay myself down and forever listen
to the heartbeat of the forest floor. 

- Diane

The mistress did not want to converse,
so she turned her head with a curse,
with my kind goodbye, she sighed a reply... 
"oh dear, oh my, I am just shy!

It is in those simple moments of beauty that wisdom resides.

- Diane

What remains are the multitude of memories... and loads and loads of LOVE.

- Diane

Through life's twists and turns, your organic vibrancy remains valiant.

- Diane

As the moon flew, my soul recited reflections of light and laughter and love.

- Diane

Be clear of worry, you wistfully whispered.

Untangling the thorny thoughts is well worth the nest of treasures.

- Diane

It is here, in this moment of heaven, that all my animated words begin to unwind.

- Diane

We gather together...
stronger and more powerful for it.

- Diane

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BOBBY ...  
I am so grateful for the day that you were born.
Wishing you peaceful, joyful, boundless horizons in this new year of your life.
I love you!

- Diane

A storm is brewing in my psyche. It’s whipping up waves and making me seasick. What is to become of our environment under the umbrella of the newly elected president and his appointees? Will all that has been environmentally gained, be lost? Will we, who respect and revere and honor nature, have a voice? Will we be able to protect our greatest natural resources… the wide, open and beautiful landscapes and seascapes, the wildlife, the air, the water, ourselves? Will we?

As a collective, I believe we can make a difference. But it will take action, any action. Whether it be in talking to your family, neighbors and community about what you see happening, donating to your favorite environmental agency, posting on blogs, writing on social media or even staging protests — any and all of it could possibly make a difference. I certainly am going to try to have my voice heard. I hope you will too. 

— Diane

Superimposed over everything... 
is the insistence of Light.

- Diane

I thank all our US Veterans who have dedicated their lives and continue to do so for the freedom of every individual in this country. I believe it is time for all of us to to take a stand and speak up for what is right and good and true. Our uniform is our citizenship. May we wear it proudly and courageously in the months and years ahead.

* * *

(3 days after the 2016 election and presidential loss of Hillary Clinton.)

It is the mating season here in liberal California... at least for newts! 
Trying to throw some humor in the mix after the seriousness of the last two days, in case any of you are wondering.

I sat and watched these two beautiful, mysterious creatures glide gracefully through the water in interlocked arms. Such a soothing, healing meditation…

* * *

(2 days after the 2016 election and presidential loss of Hillary Clinton.)

to spread beauty in this broken world
to embrace that which is difficult and make art…

to paint
to photograph
to write
to build
to sculpt
to stitch
to make melody

to express the ineffable, eternal presence within us and among us
to be the inspiring, uplifting voice that echoes beyond ourselves
to be an artist and creator of goodness

to begin today

(1 day after the 2016 election and presidential loss of Hillary Clinton.)

In the hush of quiet, comes a stirring... 
It is a life passing by.

- Diane

... you are beautiful!

— Diane

Wandering about the darkness with distracting worries,
the shutter suddenly slipped with a lasting chill and awoke me.

* * *

I often wonder if the shutter really did slip while I was there or if it was purely my imagination.
My memory almost hears the squeak and snap and yet... it was long ago and time has erased the details, as well as the worries of that particular day. 

- Diane

The Johnston House - Half Moon Bay, CA

You belong to the journey that beckons,
the waves that take you away,
and the love that calls you in your longing.

* * *

I have spent many moments gazing out into this Half Moon Bay harbor, hearing the whispers on the wind and knowing that it was time to cast off to the next journey. So grateful for the unending ripples of reflections that these healing waters bring.

- Diane

Inward, conscious living, coupled with compassion and love - just imagine!

- Diane

While it's not been a huge El Niño year here in California, the much needed winter storms have not left the San Mateo coast unscathed. The rising seas and high waves have battered the already crumbling bluffs and left some worse for the ware. Washed ashore was this leaning vessel, no doubt waiting for hide tides to return it to it's natural buoyancy! 

- Diane

When we own our future absence, we will live in a deeper place of presence.

- Diane

Leaving the nest and dressed in her best,
she headed west on her journey’s quest
and all the way professed:
I am truly blessed!

- Diane

I looked around to see if anyone had noticed what had just happened. All were undisturbed and still slumbering. I sat there in the dark with nothing but time on my hands to think...as a society, are we really that removed from nature? Could this be?! No. Not possible. Perhaps this flight attendant was the only  "unawakened" soul at that moment? I hoped this was the case. 

How might we have all been transformed had we witnessed the dawning of this brand new day? To have watched the light draw itself over the curved landscape of earth and endless clouds. To see such beauty and experience the awe that can only arrive in moments such as these. How might have we been changed? I can't help but think that we would all be better...and even, perhaps, more compassionate for it. Damn sure that flight attendant would have been!

No surprise, I was left without an image to share with you....

- Diane

It always feels sudden to me, the onset of spring. It's like a door bursts open and all the light and sweet fragrances of the season pours in. I breath deeply and tell myself I'll never forget this glorious time of LIFE. But I always do. The same portal that suddenly opened will close again until the next one suddenly appears. And when it does, I’ll marvel in the magic all over again.

- Diane

... and take it all in stride.

Nature always has a way of reminding us what we need to do.

- Diane

in the silence of our most sacred room
in the embrace of our cherished beloveds
in our heart's inner sanctuary
the deep comfort of home abides

- Diane

among winter weeds
a bird flew
with a view

- Diane

Such were the shimmering colors in the sweet silence of the night.

- Diane

Vibrant and strong, we shall gallop onward.

- Diane

The essence of your quiet beauty transformed the emptiness in everything.

- Diane

Is it not a miracle that our mystical minds find light even in the absence of it.

- Diane

Every dawn releases the deepest offerings of poetry and prayer.

- Diane

... for this is the year to soar!

- Diane

We are of LIGHT. We are the LIGHT.
Let it shine!

Winter Solstice 2015
 

It's all so fleetingly beautiful.

- Diane

... may we warm our hearts and slow our hurried ways.

- Diane

The ocean is my rock star!

- Diane

Just imagine what you could do with your life
if you truly believed it would ALL make a difference.

- Diane

Let the rain fall where it will!

So grateful for the moisture here in California. It has been a dismal drought the last few years for the vegetation and wildlife (including the humans). I saw deers, rabbits, raccoons and even rats in my yard (which is unusual), looking for water and food to munch on this past summer and fall. No doubt, we are all dancing and rejoicing in the downpour. 

PS: The rats got relocated back to their home in the hills via Ratinator - a wonderful live trap!

among the fallen
scattered beauty
in the moment of leaving
such transformation

- Diane

from the ashes
we rise
battered
but not broken
and better

This year has been quite the odyssey for me. A metastasized cancer scare in the early months of 2015 left me with enough berries of wisdom to feed me for a lifetime. Indeed, an intense, personal experience and one that made crystal clear, the importance of my life’s pursuits - most importantly, be with the ones you love (for time is truly limited) and promptly go do whatever you’ve been putting off.  Sounds cliche - it is - and yet, it is not.

So, for the last several months, I dropped out of the virtual world and have been letting my creativity flow wherever it wanted to meander. I worked with traditional art tools and eventually returned to the digital ones but with a new flair and renewed excitement for my art photography.

Thanks to all of you that have continued to follow me in my absence. I look forward to sharing my work with you again. 

- Diane

Forever flying in dreams, the night shadow.

* * *

Awakened often in the middle of the night,
 I am never sure but confident...
the shadow on the wall has wings. 

- Diane

Hiking through the hills behind Half Moon Bay, I delighted in discovering an abundance of spring wildflowers growing among the drought-ridden landscape. Each plant had pushed through the dry soil to finally bloom into their glorious, unique expressions. Such beautiful, earthy perseverance… a gift that resides within each of us. 

- Diane

An ongoing series,
reflecting eternity and the spaces in between...

- Diane

difficult moments
a simple prayer
transcendence

- Diane

we speak of universal music…
of magic and madness 
but mostly of love 

for my Bobby
with love, Diane

An ongoing series,
reflecting eternity and the spaces in between...

- Diane

An ongoing series,
reflecting eternity and the spaces in between...

- Diane

An ongoing series,
reflecting eternity and the spaces in between...

- Diane

An ongoing series,
reflecting eternity and the spaces in between...

- Diane

A  new ongoing series,
reflecting eternity and the spaces in between...

- Diane

there upon the palette of life
among the brightest and darkest of days
creativity rebloomed

- Diane Varner

the more we are tossed and tumbled, the more the mystery is revealed… 
such is the curse and the gift of being alive

- Diane Varner

just beyond the horizon of ourselves
serenity soars

- Diane Varner

To begin with balance — such is the new beginning of 2015.

I have always pushed myself to the limits and this past year taught me, 'fast and furious' is not sustainable. Two forced months of healing a broken foot made me stop and examine alternative ways of being. The gift was realizing that we truly can accomplish much, if not more, when we slow down. 

Wishing all of you new beginnings and balance to accompany it.

— Diane Varner

If only… to touch the ethereal edges of timelessness and awaken,
engaged in the present, with you.

Happy Birthday Mom. I miss you.
with love, Diane

So still you became, after your accident.
To believe it was the sky and find that it wasn't, must have boggled your mind…
"what did i just run into? a wall, a window? how did i do that?" 
I could relate to your bewilderment as you sat there, catching your breath.

After a long rest, you gathered up your energy and flew away.
You did not let the accidental moment change the course of your life's flight.
Your fearless example was my winter gift.

- Diane Varner

to melt into the moment
to trust the silence
and the need for contemplation
to return to the very thing we seek daily
our inner knowing...
ourselves

- Diane Varner

as time passes
moments mingle into the next
slowly and suddenly
all subtleties of life become one
what seemed untouchable
is now tangible and eternal

- Diane Varner

yet another path before me
one with light and lightness
pause, whispers the fallen limb
look before you and behind you
what was and will be 
will never be again

- Diane Varner

it is in the everyday beauty 
that mystery and magic dwells

- Diane Varner

we remember
in the heart of december
all those dear and tender

- Diane Varner

submerged
deep in december
the winter blues

- Diane Varner

flying past
the morning shivers
december has arrived

- DIANE VARNER