An Irish Blessing for Spring Pilgrims
May the energy of Ireland rise up within you. May you be present to early spring daffodilsand the raw beauty of cliffs meeting sea. May your rain gear be accessible for constant weather changes and your shoes be sturdy as you navigate muddy terrain. May you travel narrow roads without incidentand experience the wonder of newborn lambs. May you surrender to the mysticism of Glendaloughthe inspiration of St. Brigid of…
A Wave Grabbed Me
According to the Internet, the temperature for the Irish Sea near Wicklow, Ireland is 46 degrees today. It’s hard to believe that it was just a few weeks ago that I ventured into these waters. Afterward, a friend asked, “are you mentally unstable?” Another worried that I’d get pneumonia. Others simply wondered, “why?” Why? Good question! Why…
On the Darkest Day
On the darkest daythe candle continuesto lure metowards its orange glow.Top of jar blackened by rising smokeremaining interiorcaked in waxexcept for a small circlea window to its soul. I catch glimpsesof the dancing flameas it shows offits alivenessand I wonder:Is this flamealive in me? Happy winter solstice!BridgetCopyright (c) 2023, Bridget Purdome, ThePearlDivers.com. All rights reserved.
The Light Within
As the days grow shorter, I love the return of the holiday lights. It’s only mid-November, and I’ve already participated in several early displays: ZooLights in Lincoln Park, the Great Tree in the Walnut Room, and the City of Chicago’s 110th Tree Lighting. Each was a beautiful, joy-filled outing with great companionship. These holiday light displays are…
Open Spaces
I’m raking brown oak leaveson an early fall daywatching the green yardemerge from belowscattered with acornsand welcoming the open spaces. Used to working hard and staying busy,I’m tempted to yell to the old oak”Bring it on! Release more leaves!I can handle a heavier load!” The yard gently stops meinviting me not to pushbut rather to be.“Slow down,”…