During the past week, I’ve stumbled across a rather old-fashioned word: ardent. It was used in a variety of different contexts and each time I thought, really? Ardent has many meanings. It can mean enthusiastic or passionate. Zealous or eager. But it has an underlying, enduring quality. To be ardent implies devotion that is deeper […]
Artifacts
Recently I visited a Mayan ruin in the far south of the Yucatan peninsula. Dzibanche, being a relatively new discovery and just far enough away from the coast to escape most tourists, is unusually low key. There are no vendor stalls lining the road. There are active excavations underway. You can even climb to the top of […]
Randomgrams – February 2016
Snow and beach and everywhere in between. Here’s a sampling of what’s been catching my eye lately. Behind my house are some wetlands, home to several chattery mallards and this guy. There you are, driving through Oregon and then you see this in front of you. And your jaw drops and you darned near drive […]
Days of Fog and Mist
While much of the country is blanketed in snow and ice, Oregon is wearing its winter blanket of fog and mist. It’s a changeable palette, with the light varying from moment to moment. Even with the wind howling and the rain pelting down, it’s lovely. Hard to photograph, but lovely. This time of year, the […]
Jerusalem
“This is a city built on rock and faith.” Madeline Lavine, Jerusalem Tour Guide I’ve had the honor and pleasure to spend the past week in Jerusalem. For several years, I’ve worked with the Jerusalem International YMCA. (Learn more at FriendsofJIY.org) This trip was a wonderful opportunity to see this amazing place first hand, […]