The Oracle and Autumn Cookies!

October 2, 2014October 2, 2014 / Penny L Howe / 14 Comments

Okay, now don’t laugh here but I’ve been frequently compared (by family and a few friends) to the Oracle from the Matrix (The lady in the video clip I assume you’re watching). And there are some similarities. I wear glasses (now) and I smile a lot just like she does. I have an easy going attitude about life.

I bake cookies just like the Oracle (makes me feel good and everybody loves ’em). I’m always spouting quotes, like her, and for whatever the rationale I seem to have a bit of a knack for knowing what’s going to happen in the future.

On the downside. I don’t smoke (she does). I’m not a computer program (although I like the thought of it – no uncomfortable emotions to be dealt with.). And I would never have beads hanging in a doorway, ever! Having said that, I’ll be happy to accept the other comparisons, kinda cool, actually I’m flattered!

Here, take a cookie, by the time you’ve finished it you’ll feel right as rain! Oh, and know thyself!

Have a great weekend, explore your mind, especially the parts you keep hidden!

~ Penny

Autumn – the leaf sprite

September 28, 2014September 28, 2014 / Penny L Howe / 16 Comments

The Leaf Sprite

A swirling flurried arrival, her Autumn entrance known to all,

Burnishing hosts of tossing leaves in multicolored hues of fall.

Golden rich her nature – sharing yellows, reds and brown,

‘Midst cooling crisp fall mornings, the leaf sprite makes her rounds.

By Penny L Howe, 2014

A very lovely Sunday/Monday to all. For those in the world enjoying a change to cooler weather, I wish you a gorgeous autumn day!

Bless us all for the richness which nature provides us daily, we must protect her!

~ Penny

The most beautiful thing in the Morning!

October 12, 2013 / Penny L Howe / 22 Comments

What is the most beautiful thing you wake up to each morning?

Hello everyone. I woke up extra early today. Well rested, my rising early was rewarded with the view of a glorious autumn sunrise. It was beautiful, absolutely beautiful.

Inside, in the predawn stillness, aromatic smells of freshly roasted coffee entice, the hot beverage is nectar to my taste buds. A second cup and my sleepy mind energizes. I whip up a batch of cinnamon streusel muffins all the while thinking … well, all sorts of good thoughts.

Everyone else is still sleeping, their minds filled with pleasant dreams from yesterday. Beginning on Fridays (in between chores and responsibilities) we seem to have extra does of creativity. Yesterday (after work and school), we played games,made cookies, and suspended our cares and worries for awhile.

Creating Autumn Cookies

cutting the shapes

frosting the cookies

Autumn Cookies (and yes they taste as good as they look!)

It was late last night, when we retired. This morning the air is now rich with blended aromas of fresh coffee and baking cinnamon streusel muffins, and I hear sounds of others beginning to stir.

Sitting here at my laptop, I reflect on the most beautiful thing I can think of. And guess what? Beauty is all around me, everywhere. It’s Life. The little things that on many days I don’t notice. Today I’m reminded to be grateful.

For me, without a doubt, the most beautiful thing I woke up to this morning was another day (and I cherish it)! Having the ability to experience, share, give and receive. With full awareness of the blessings I’ve been given, I accept the responsibility that is mine for being able to be part of life and, with much love in my heart, I welcome the day and all that it has to offer – come what may.

Today, take some time to remind yourself how lucky you are and to be sincerely grateful. Life is filled with ongoing daily problems (some, really hard ones too) but you can weather the storm. If your heart is filled with love and gratitude for what you do have, your day can still be beautiful too. Blessings to all of you, this Saturday morning!

“Your blessings in life are always richer –

when recognizing them for what they are – A Gift to you!

Show your gratitude by giving back!”

Penny L Howe, 2013

Just saying “Hi Five”!

October 8, 2013October 8, 2013 / Penny L Howe / 36 Comments

on this beautiful Autumn day!

“Oh, and if you see any nuts, acorns, seeds, just any ol’ thing lying around that you think I can store away for the winter months ahead, I’d be most obliged!”

Thanks, well back to work, have a great rest of your week!

Hey everyone, Here’s a photo to brighten your day!

~ Penny

Fantasies of Autumn – Haibun!

October 6, 2013October 6, 2013 / Penny L Howe / 36 Comments

There is a place, hidden from everyday view, my mind wanders there frequently – The “Other Place” – where reality lies suspended. A retreat into the world of pure Imagination. A calm from the storm and a safe haven. Both balm and catalyst to those of creative natures. I’ll introduce you more fully to my Other Place later on, but for today, a brief glimpse:

Autumn Fantasy

vibrant and rich

yellow, red, orange, tan, brown

kaleidoscoping

… Autumns arrival.

Fall fairies abound, pixies, brownies and the like, woodland creatures. Seasonal changes find them everywhere painting our landscape with colors of autumn. My favorite creature is the “Sprite of Leaves”. Gloriously fluid, she performs her acrobatic dance in whirl winds. Spiraling leaps with twists and turns as she glides across the land. She is glorious isn’t she?

leafy sprite dancing

vibrant colorful myriad

autumn sensations

Thank you,

~ Penny

On multicolored wings of splender…

October 27, 2012 / Penny L Howe / 67 Comments

… The Autumn Fairy arrived,

flying In just that very special way of Autumn fairies everywhere,

at first barely noticed so gentle and delicate her entrance.

She dipped and turned

rustling the plants and leaves,

encouraging others to fall, as is her nature.

She swept past with swirling winds,

and I heard the leaves giggling …

tickled by her playful breeze ,

winging her way through nature’s remaining summer beauty.

“Autumn”, the fairy’s wings a fluid motion of colours

blending and merging into glorious cacophony.

I sighed with wonder

so very many changing colors and patterns

and then out of the far corner of my eye I saw her

… a vision of beauty passing thru

leaving the splendor of fallen leaves

and those following in her wake.

A quickness, a warming gentleness

and then a newness, a crispness to the air,

“Autumn” the fairy departing

I hear the crunch of fallen leaves as I walk through.

There is a cooling crispness in the air

Ah so,

I now await the coming of the Winter fairy

I know she cannot be far behind.

~ Penny L. Howe

2012

Luckily for me I was there with sketchbook in hand and captured the autumn fairy for all to see! Be safe this weekend my friends, thanks for stopping by.

~ Penny