Common Recurrence

I always seem to glance at the clock at 11:11.

For some reason this number follows me.  I began to notice this when my parents rented Apt. 1111 over 20 years ago.

I’m not particularly superstitious, but thought I’d do a little research. Turns out there are a lot of websites that talk about 1111 and its connotation of oneness and alignment and the vibrations of the universe.  I’m not totally sold on all the new age philosophy associated with recurring numbers, but I like the thought that some bigger force is telling me to pause and regain momentum to move into a more positive direction. Truth be told, every time I see it, I do feel a subtle shift and smile to myself.

Maybe this time stamp on my life is just coincidence, but I do feel that the universe is tugging at me and reminding me to be grateful for everything that is. And I am.

Summer Breakup

Dear Summer –

Last Friday you said goodbye.  How could you end things so abruptly?  Before I was ready?

But, you did leave me with some great memories.

Remember all those lazy days in the Poconos that stretched on forever but ended too soon?

And the walks at sunset?

And the sweet sights…

and funny sights…

I can’t be bitter, though. I know you’ll be back next June.

Cardinal Feather

The cardinal feather caught my eye immediately. The bright red against the black of the road.  The soft against the hard asphalt. The natural against the manmade.

I never saw one on the ground before.  I was relieved to find out that it’s normal for cardinals to molt their feathers in late summer. Beautiful, almost sacred.

Summer giving way to fall.  A little sad, but a reassuring that everything has its season.

Please Get Your Butts Off the Street (and the Beach

I don’t want to infringe on anyone’s rights. Please smoke away if you enjoy it and know the risks.  I wholeheartedly support your choice. My issue is littering. I flinch when I see someone carelessly throw a lit cigarette out a car window. Or empty an entire ashtray onto the curb. Or extinguish a cigar on the sand and leave it there. To magically disappear. Not.

It’s a myth the butts are biodegradable. In reality, it takes years for filters to decompose; yet it seems to be the last vestige of acceptable littering.  According to Keep America Beautiful, tobacco products constitute up to 38% of all litter. That’s pretty staggering. But, I know it’s fixable if people know the truth.

Here’s a quick glance of what I saw on a local road. Look at all those filters.

I remember the anti-littering ad campaigns of the 70’s that made everyone recoil at the thought of littering. It’s about time we collectively cringe again.

Knock, Knock

Who doesn’t love a beautiful doorknocker?

In ancient times, doorknockers were often hideous gargoyles or ferocious lions to ward off evil spirits and prevent them from entering. As superstition gave way to the age of reason, doorknockers evolved into decorative objects of art.

I picked up this doorknocker about 15 years ago in a small antique shop. I was intrigued by this couple’s eternal kiss.

While in a small fishing village in Connecticut, this doorknocker seemed very appropriate.

I spied this little fox through a screen door.

When you think about it, doorknockers are probably one of the first things you see when you arrive at someone’s threshold.  Not only a visual statement, a doorknocker is tactile and taps into your sense of touch.

I’m really into the simplicity and beauty of doorknockers.  Maybe it’s because my doorbell has never, ever worked. 

Gotta Love Snarcasm

Who doesn’t appreciate a little sarcasm? Or maybe a little tongue-in-cheek irony? How about a poke at common sense? A mocking of conventional wisdom?

This sign is snarky just by stating the obvious.   

Humor is a great way to get people to remember something.  After all, who doesn’t like to laugh?

Would this friar cookie jar dissuade you from grabbing for that extra treat? His sly look and the admonishment may be enough to discourage another reach into the cookie jar. Or not.

Not everybody has a jeep, ok? But, I get your point that everyone should.

Trespass away, little birds.  You may as well defile that sign while you’re at it.

Everyday, curious little things creep into your field of vision that may be the opposite of what you expect.  Take the time to appreciate the atypical, point out the poignant, and embrace the odd.

Summer Smiles

Maybe someday I’ll write an Ode to the Outside Shower. Oh, how refreshing you are. So exhilarating, so liberating, so close to nature.  Our friends, Lisa and Mike in Cape Cod, insist that everyone use the OS and I’m now a devout follower of that philosophy. Think of the wear and tear you save on your indoor bathrooms. Not to mention that invigorating dash back to the house.

If nothing else, I had to give these ice cream scoopers points for creativity.  That’s a sure way to get my approval – have a conch shell as a tip jar.

I fell in love with these two gentlemen on their electronic scooters making their way down the boardwalk. I wondered if they were lifelong friends or new buddies. Either way, I warm at the thought of how they are not letting their circumstances stop them from enjoying the hustle and bustle of the boardwalk, with its crazy mix of humanity. Long may you run, guys.

Happy summer.