Light and Shadow

When the sun spreads its light over the bare trees in winter
the transient shadows on the snow never cease to amaze
infusing depth and beauty to the landscape.

Same with the light of self-awareness that exposes
our shifting shadows, bringing insight, depth
so we can appreciate our wholeness.

Authors' Afternoon ending ... passing the torch to Aiesha Bristol

Hello writers and book lovers, I would like to thank you all for participating as featured authors, and guests at the Authors' Afternoon, and making it fun and inspiring. Thanks also to Tony Merante of Stella's Café for providing the charming and cozy venue.

It's been wonderful connecting with you all while hosting the Authors' Afternoon for 2 1/2 years. Sad to say goodbye, but every good thing has to end or take on a different form. The café is becoming a restaurant. I'm moving on to other personal projects, but will keep supporting writers and artists in all creative fields.

Happy to announce that Aiesha Bristol, also known as SoulSis, the talented musician, and enthusiastic, friendly host of Flow Friday at Amp Studio Café (154 Oakwood Ave near St. Clair Ave W) will feature a writer on the 3rd Friday of each month.

Flow Friday runs from 3 pm to 9 pm every week. Writers who are interested in being featured can drop by any Flow Friday to chat with Aiesha, and be part of this welcoming community for creatives. It's best to arrive before 6 pm for a discussion. 

On February 21st, the 3rd Friday of this month, Oz Phills will be the featured writer from 6 pm. There will be an open stage for all forms of creative expression, a drum circle, and a jam afterwards. For more details on Flow Friday, check the event on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/amp-studio-cafe/flow-friday-creative-community/2468801046732976

Thank you all for your support. Looking forward to seeing you this coming Friday, February 21st at 6 pm at Amp Studio Café for Oz Phills' talk about his book, "Blessed By Rhythm".

Love always

Wishing you love today and always ...

We have lots of room in our hearts to love, not only those dear to us, our family, friends, partners, but also, all those who come into our lives. It is in our nature to spread love ... it is free and limitless.

An interesting article that discusses the benefits of spreading love: 6 Reasons to Spread the Love

This article explains the various aspects of love beautifully: What is Love and What isn't? From it, some quotes that I can relate to:

Love does not come with conditions, stipulations, addenda, or codes. Like the sun, love radiates independently of our fears and desires."

Love does not say, "If you want to be loved, you must be nice," or "Do what i want," or "Never love anyone else," or "Promise you'll never leave me."

Love cares what becomes of you, because love knows that we are all interconnected.

Gratitude

Feeling grateful ...

Winter can be darn cold and icy

but when nature paints the landscape with snow and mist

creating an enchanting and surreal world

I'm under its spell

When we focus on the positive

it's so much easier to let go of the negative.

Sharing this interesting article about the benefits of gratitude.

The Neuroscience of Gratitude and how it Affects Anxiety and Grief

Winter 's fog and mist

blurs the hard lines of the mind

softens our vision