Recently, I traveled New Mexico for a few days. Beside the roads, beneath the mountains, sunflowers greeted us like crowds of excited onlookers. Sunflowers have a 'presence' about them; as if they are aware of our need for them.

Come this way

The path between my rectory and the Church....the Apple tree is a favorite of mine.

Labor Day 2009

Would that the close of summer 2009 also signal an end to the economic downturn; an end to war; and an end to the silly partisan bickering that has marked the last several months.

In the meantime, enjoy the last hurray of the season.

Their agony; our passive interest

Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernard's agony was captured on film and published by the American press. The nation, oddly disconnected from the wars in Iraq and Afganistan, was allowed unflitered access into the struggle in which our troops are engaged.

It was a passing, passive interest. Labor Day, after all, is upon us.

May this Marine rest in peace. May his sacrifice not be in vain.

Moon Struck

As I write, a bright full moon reigns over the night sky. I've always thought of the moon as the earth's exclamation point.

Marsden Hartley, cont.

One of my favorite paintings. Yesterday was the anniversary of Hartley's death.

Marsden Hartley, American Treasure

His work remains so remarkedly modern and spiritual.