Author / canddaway

by canddaway

Roseburg

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The killing of nine people in an Oregon college is the 294th “mass shooting” in the US this year, according to one definition of such tragedies. Many flags are at half mast and families are concerned for their children and wondering ‘where next?’

Obama immediately demanded tighter gun laws, saying prayers are “no longer enough…We are not the only country on Earth that has people with mental illnesses or want to do harm to other people but we are the only advanced country on Earth that sees these mass shootings.”

Our hearts go out to everyone involved.

by canddaway

Fire

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Fold your wings, my soul,

those wings you had spread wide

to soar to the terrestrial peaks

where the light is most ardent:

it is for you simply to wait

the descent of the Fire – supposing it to be willing

to take possession of you.

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin 

by canddaway

Labyrinth

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I met with two labyrinth friends from the Portland area who took me to walk a most beautiful classical labyrinth. It had been lovingly created by planting shrubs and flowers in troughs of stone and soil. These planted areas acted as boundaries to the winding path.

In the centre was a fountain of water gently spilling out of a boulder and into the surrounding pool which had sitting stones nearby on which to rest a while.

The labyrinth created a place of reflection, peace and refreshment. A welcome gift.

by canddaway

Pink Martini & a red scooter

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Sitting in Pioneer Courthouse Square I suddenly spotted Thomas Lauderdale, the founder of the amazing ‘little orchestra’ of Pink Martini, a group of musicians who play across classical, jazz, pop and Latin genres. Their album ‘Sympathique’ drew us to their concert in 2013 in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall. It was one of the best concerts we had experienced anywhere.

I introduced myself and we chatted briefly about the concert. Then Thomas headed off across the square on his wonderful red push scooter.

http://www.pinkmartini.com