Category Archives: Gratitude

Moments (44)

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Riba

I was sitting one morning on the patio thinking about how I needed to quit drinking my yerba maté. I know this because I try to take note when birds arrive, try to find a why. I heard a commotion … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Birds, Gratitude, Home, Life, Nature | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

If My Soul Were a City (43)

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Riba

If my soul were a city it would be called Sueño. Dream. It would sit beside the sea, and the citizens would serve the sea creatures in our bay. The whales would come, and we would stand ankle-deep in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Birds, Daily life, Fiction, Gratitude, Life, Music, Prayer, Writing | Tagged , | 2 Comments

No Regrets (39)

Posted on December 31, 2011 by Riba

I turned down a chance to hike in the desert this morning with people I like very much. It would have meant catching the bus at 7:45, and it sounded like too much to me last night, too much to … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Birds, Blogging, Daily life, Friends, Gratitude, Home, Life, Nature, Walking, Writing | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

The Barn Owl (38)

Posted on December 31, 2011 by Riba

I walk out the gate in the late dusk. I am bundled up, wrapped in warm scarves, hands in the pockets of my down vest. There is a crooked bush three blocks away, its trunk wrapped in colored lights. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Birding, Birds, Daily life, Gratitude, Life, Nature, Spirituality, Uncategorized, Walking | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

The Day of the Dead (31)

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Riba

I harvested my “Mexican” marigolds for my Day of the Dead altar. I wished I had a sugar skull, but my little sombrero-wearing skeleton and my painted wooden cats brought it to life for me. In Ajijic I went to … Continue reading →

Posted in Birds, Gratitude, Home, Life, Prayer, Spirituality, Walking | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Mexican Marigolds (30)

Posted on October 22, 2011 by Riba

My yard is alive with French marigolds, the dark orangey red ones with a brighter orange woven in. Their variegated petals are hardy, their flower faces reaching toward the sun. I am glad the bees like them. I’m still eating … Continue reading →

Posted in Fun, Gratitude, Home, Life, Nature, Personal, Reflections, Thoughts | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

My First Whale (24)

Posted on October 5, 2011 by Riba

I was 49 when I saw my first whale. I’ve wanted to write about her ever since. I’ve lived in California most of my life, but I had to leave the country to meet her. I was sitting on the … Continue reading →

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Cradled (22)

Posted on August 30, 2011 by Riba

One morning I cry for no reason. I am standing by the kitchen sink when it begins. I see myself in the mirror as I turn away my cup of tea with the painted red bird in my hands my … Continue reading →

Posted in Gratitude, Home, Life, Personal, Reflections, Thoughts | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Blooming Messages (15)

Posted on July 8, 2011 by Riba

Today there are six new blossoms on the hibiscus bush. One is reaching to the earth, its face in shadow, but the sun lights its translucent petals from behind. The stamen is bright orange, neon to the hummingbirds. Three mourning … Continue reading →

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Ordinary Moments (14)

Posted on July 8, 2011 by Riba

Ordinary acts open us, surprise us, deepen us. The other day I went out to get the mail, and there were three envelopes and a postcard waiting for me. I sat down on my patio to open them, under my … Continue reading →

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