
The Journal
Words Inspired


The Peace of Wild Things
Used by permission of author

Weekend in Whidbey Island
Story shared by Dave & Melissa Stiles, September 2015
Ode to Aquila Vista
(‘ak-wǝ-lǝ, Latin: eagle)
Everyday Aquila Vista holds some genuine surprise
for our trafficked and suburb-weary ears and eyes–
a spotted fawn stares, a heron glides across the moonrise,
the cirrus-framed sunset hushes all sounds to sighs.
Goldfinch and flying beetles dress in flashy haute couture,
the hoary eagles with patience the punk-band crows endure,
all rabbits dive into the hay, hoping maybe anxiety to cure?
…we observe may things on our daily perimeter tour.
The full moon pulls the ocean clear off of Useless Bay sand,
butter clams soak us and dig much deeper than they’d planned.
Quizzical chitons and other chimerical sea beings demand
a close-up look in these two amateur naturalists’ hands!
With loving thanks for the lasting memories & your deep generosity
~ Kevin and Eva, July 6, 2012
Vine Street Retreat
Saw a kingfisher hovering over te nearshore tide. A deer in the orchard. Warmish, calm afternoon following a cold, blustery evening and morning. Carolyn, Bill & Bliss, Tina, Barbara, me (Peter), Kieth, Glenn, Eulah so far. Dale called from San Francisco. Great lunch. I’m going for a walk before going to Anacortes to see G & G & Ian.
It turns out that “Moon Shells” are natuve! The type we see around Useless Bay appear to be the Lewis MS. variety. Meriweather (sp) Lewis spotted them at the mouth of the Columbia River and brought specimins (spelling spelling spelling) back to D.C. so Jefferson could have a look
Over at the table they’re talking about the P-Patch cottages, and Bliss is begging Bill for ice cream.
Peter
Another spectacular sunset. A jewel of light lingering under a huge funnel of ambient upward heavenly radiance. Sun’s gift.
Anahata
This ladybug doesn’t want to fly away home.
Glenn Mac Gilver
The people, the place, the atmosphere all intermingle to create a sense of possibility, serenity and compassion. Great stuff to build the future from!
Keith
Another wonderful sunny afternoon on Whidbey. Thank you everyone for all the ideas & hard work.
Myke
check this I can’t think how many years– decades? –since I’ve been out of earshot of cars or heard owls hooting. They don’t make stars like these in Belltown. Each day of Maxwelton Aerie lifts a year of cares away. Thank you for sharing this retreat.
buy furosemide tablets Tina H.