Gratitude – Al's Painting and Poetry

“Tillamook Twilight” depicts Tillamook Bay, Oregon about twenty minutes after sunset on late winter day. Centered in the scene is a small fishing boat coming home after a long day on the Pacific Ocean. For many people in the world, night-time is coming-home time, a time to rest, and a time to be with family.

NIGHTGOWN
By Al Vester

How soft is the night when the wind takes a rest
From blowing the clouds from the east to the west,
While all of the crickets are humming a tune –
A midsummer ballad to welcome the moon.

The starlit clouds make a gossamer nest
Over valley slope and mountain crest
Wrapping each creature in a silvery cloth,
It’s the fabric of sleep that’s so light and soft.

Thus, each soul is nightly dressed
In fragile garments of dreams and rest,
With warm silky touch, they caress the skin
Stilling the turmoil, we each hold within.

A Peaceful Night

We live in a world where neon lights and traffic noises often mask sunsets and nighttime stars. However, for those who live away from city lights and noises, the setting sun can paint the sky in delicate shades of blues, pinks, golds, and oranges blazing briefly before fading into a star-studded night. Continue reading “A Peaceful Night”

This painting is of Mount Hood from the Willamette valley of western Oregon. On clear days, this mountain delighted our view as it stood over 11, 200 feet above sea level, 10,800 feet higher than our mountain slope farm. This frequent sight along with many other beautiful scenes has instilled within me a sense of wonder and awe for the beauties of this earth.

I Wonder
By Allen S Vester

    The words “I wonder” sing a pleasant tune
    A melody of hatching thoughts
    Of hope, reborn midst hate and ruin
    And start each quest for knowledge sought
    From winds and stars and shining moon.

    What child has been that hasn’t brought
    The question of “I wonder whom
    Did make the mounts where snow is caught
    And wove the stars on heaven’s loom?”
    To elder’s knee for wiser thought.
           I wonder whom.

Cultivating a sense of wonder

When you gaze at a starry sky do you feel a sense of wonder? Sometimes, does it seem as if you are viewing those stars for the very first time as you marvel at vastness and beauty of the night sky. Continue reading “How is your sense of wonder?”