I was trying to take a photo of some flowers when I looked through the viewfinder and saw someone trying to take a photo of me right through the flowers. Of course, it was Maria; she was in a gremlin mood today.

But I love the photo, it’s a wonderful portrait of a wonderful artist.

Below, this is how the sun greets me in my chair when I am meditating in the morning. It’s the sweetest way to start a day.

I did pray this morning.

I prayed for people to learn and remember the importance of minding their own business. I pray they learn what my grandmother taught me – never tell a stranger what to do. Never tell anyone what to do. Never presume to know people you have never met and do not know.

I pray that manners reappear in the digital world and help to show respect for one another.

I prayed for a kinder, gentler country.

I prayed for people to think about the value of silence, and how it is the very best way to think and figure out what life means and should be. It is the best teacher and medicine in the world.

I gave thanks to whoever for the joy of photography. It helped me to see the world anew.

___