Sunday, April 20, 2008

This ... Day of Rest

Well, Dear Friend, inasmuch as this is Sunday and the day recognized in a large part of the world as a day of rest … and in light of my happily immersing my self in the bosom of Family, here in the far-from-home state of Missouri ... I am inclined to divert our attentions away from all of the “stuff” of everyday consideration. So, let's give ourselves liberty to drift into the realm of “Leisure” courtesy of William Henry Davies
with accompanying images as credited. I bid you, each and all, serene respite and recreation.


Leisure


What is this life if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.



No time to stand

beneath the boughs





And stare as long

as sheep or cows.








No time to see,

when woods we pass,










Where squirrels hide

their nuts in grass.







No time to see,

in broad daylight,







Streams full of stars,

like skies at night.







No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,


And watch her feet, how they can dance.



No time to wait till her mouth can

Enrich that smile her eyes began.



A poor life this if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.



WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES




IMAGES: Squirrel; Jon Sullivan, PDPhoto.org, Dancer; Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jakarta, All Remaining; Ian Britton, FreeFoto.com

22 comments:

Crystal said...

Brilliant John-Michael! I ALWAYS take time to "stop and stare." If you don't you miss out on the true beauty of life! Much love to you;o)

Anonymous said...

I love that poem. Beautiful words. I was only saying to a good friend this morning about today being my day off. If only ...!!!

God Bless my friend,
Crystal xx

San said...

Just as you're getting settled into your lovely day of rest, John-Michael, I've gone and tagged you for a meme. And I've given you an award too. When you have a chance, come on over and plow through my lengthy post. Your award awaits at the end.

John-Michael said...

Thank You, Crystal, my Darling.I will always enjoy "stopping and staring" with you.

'Cause I love Ya!

John-Michael said...

I Heartily embrace your blessing Crystal with a joyful delight in your sent "XX." OH, Yeah! The good stuff!"

I send my "XX"'s to You with my Heart's spontaneous Love.

John-Michael said...

Your thoughtful generosity I appreciate and thank you for, San. You are most kind!

As I sit here in my brother's home in Peculiar Missouri, I am explaining the significance of your community-knitting MeMe, and the sweet thoughtfulness of your generous award. Sophia (niece [16]) is baking a "no-flour chocolate cake", whilst her sister, Maggie(18), is "doing her nails." (I am LOVING being with them!)

I will properly address both of your kindnesses upon my return to what claims to be "normalcy" in my Tampa world. (which I am becoming a bit unhappy about leaving here for [sigh!].)

You are wonderfully Lovable!

Anonymous said...

Dear John-Michael such beautiful prose, the photos that go with it are perfect! Thank you for a little piece of loveliness. Jen xx

John-Michael said...

Darling Jen, To consider that I may offer a bit of loveliness to a Lady of consummate Loveliness, gives my Heart a satisfaction and joy. You are Beauty and Grace in every physical and Spiritual aspect. My pleasure is in knowing You and having the opportunity to Love You ... and that, I do.

Vi said...

I adore sundays, as it truly is my only one day of rest!

Jules~ said...

True true true! If we hustle thru each day with busy schedules and never notice the things around us, it is a loss.
I love the stream and forest photos. I'd love to go there with a blanket in hand to lay on and stare up at the sky. Ah!, I can hear the birds and feel the breeze even now.

Crystal said...

Okay John-Michael....All your blogger buddies want to know...How did the No-flour chocolate cake turn out????!!! lol! Boty that sounds good!!! Hope your having a wonderful day and what we talked about last week? Everything is going to be JUST FINE;o) All good news today!!!

jillie said...

Love the pictures and oh those leisure moments are too few and far between although, that's all I've been doing the past few days...lol!

I remember as a kid laying in the grass staring up at the blue sky just taking it all in. I miss those days. Just too much noise these days.

Have a beautiful day John-Michael!!

Joni said...

love the poem and the pictures...gentle reminders to take time to enjoy the bountiful gifts of nature, life, and living...to find respite in the ordinary day to day and then to have one day alone to savor all that was tasted and find rest for the soul...we indeed do need a day of leisure to help keep balance in this busy world we live in.

Hope your time with family was pleasant and memorable ~

hugs,
Joni

John-Michael said...

Vi, my Precious Dear ... I just had a vision (which, when typing it, I saw as "Vision" [smile]) of spending a lazy Sunday afternoon on the bank of some trickling brook or stream, dangling our toes in the water as we lean back on the soft grasses and share laughter and assorted silliness. Yes, indeed! A fine image, that.

I do hope that your actual Sunday contained some of that spirit if nothing else.

Love You ...

John-Michael said...

Jules~, my Darling, I am at the curb, with picnic basket in hand ... anxiously awaiting your arrival! A wonderful realization of all that I had hoped to convey in the piece. How I do enjoy harmony with You!

I love You!

Suldog said...

John-Michael:

Enjoy your time, my friend!

John-Michael said...

'Just took a bit of a "detour" befor responding to your note, Crystal, My Darling. Simply had to go read some of your updates on your blog before I could be comfortable with saying anything here. And I am so glad that I did! You are a true Gem of priceless value, my Dear!

I love You, Precious!

(and the "no-flour chocolate cake" was marvelously rich and 'brownie-like' [the vanilla ice-cream over it made it beyond fabulous!] ... I am sending Sophia [who won "Best Actress" in the Missouri State High School Theatrical Performances competition last week .. by the way {applause}] that You asked. She will be pleased!)

John-Michael said...

So ... let's go where there is none of the noise!" How's that for an idea, My Lovely Soul Jillie? This past weekend away (1st days off I have had in over 8 years of 365 work days each has convinced me that I like it! ... this getting away thing.)

And I can think of no one with whom I would rather share moments of respite slipping by ... than You!

Loving You is as natural as breath!

John-Michael said...

My very scarce moments with Family were beyond my feeble abilities to adequately express, Dear Joni! It was nothing less than magical. I am grateful for your loving interest ... You, again, touch Me, Dear Friend.

And I send my Love to You ... in thankful appreciation of your brilliant summary of all that I intended in that Sunday piece.

John-Michael said...

The first mornings celebrating sleep beyond 3AM in over 8 years, Jim, my Dear SulDog Friend. And the time with Steven (my sweet brother) was a treasure!! I do love him so!! (and YES! he heard about it[complete with the kisses!])

Looking eagerly forward to entertaining myself with moments of exuberant joy reading your expressions, a bit later today!

Love You, good Friend!

San said...

I love flourless chocolate cake! So glad you are in your element with those lovely nieces.

John-Michael said...

Well, here we are, San, my Dear Friend. Back in the "no flour-less chocolate cake world" of Tampa. I am a bit dis-oriented yet ... but have a MeMe to attend to. So had better get myself wired together and attend to that matter tomorrow. I am sure that good old "back to work" will snap me out of my lingering reverie (TOO BAD!)

Loving You ..

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