Tag: alma natura

Look Behind the Veil

On By Al W GalliaIn Aging, Beauty, Haibun, Haiga, Haiku, Love, Nature, Senryu, Simplicity, Uncategorized6 Comments

a withering leaf…/ remnants of nature’s beauty/ litter the forest

Al W Gallia

Some things are timeless… not related to human manipulation and degradation. The beauty of unspoiled Nature in her virgin glory, a gift from our loving God, is at the top of my list:

A golden leaf swirling in a stream’s eddy; mottled sunlight on a blossom; a cardinal sitting on a limb; a sand-fall down a canyon wall; even a new dandelion rising through a cracked rock. Whether a fading leaf or a wizened old woman, innate beauty never changes and remains locked in time, unblemished forever.

a circling butterfly
touches down on her finger tip
breeze blown wildflowers

Al W Gallia

True beauty has no need of mankind’s touch, but only to be left alone to radiate and be appreciated.

Autumn Respite

On By Al W GalliaIn Faith, Favorite Places, God, Haibun, Haiga, Haiku, Nature, Spirituality, Uncategorized

A perfect autumn afternoon at Lake Martin, a short drive from home. The kind of day that brings a smile to my face, even when no one else is around, and chases stress and concern quickly away with beautiful earth-tones, stillness, and reflections, and life’s chorus.

a young gator waits

in dappled autumn sun

the frog moves closer

Al W Gallia

I treasure my time in Nature’s solitude; it is my direct channel to meditation and prayer where God is always present. Blessings and peace.

Creativity: A Tonic for Aging

On By Al W GalliaIn Aging, COVID-19, Faith, Haibun, Haiku, Nature, Peace, Simplicity, Uncategorized4 Comments

Occasionally I run across an article that sparks meaningful thoughts in my mind. After a year of social distancing (actually self-imposed isolation), my wife and I begin the latter part of our lives, our eighties, amidst worldwide Covid-19 pandemic, family and friends illnesses and deaths, economic turmoil, and civil unrest. It would be so easy for me to just fade back into the woodwork, waiting for some change that may not come, and die a slow death of mental dullness watching TV movies. But that is not me or my wife! Creativity has always been a big part of our lives in many varied ways.

camera in hand

he leans on his walking stick

the egret stares back

©️Al W Gallia 2021

For me, nature photography and haiku poetry have been my creative interests for many years. I realize how important such activities are for mental exercise and personal enjoyment. I also realize that continued pursuit of these activities requires certain physical adjustments that aging requires. Such changes were, at first, hard to accept but prayer, meditation, and trust in a loving God always light the way.

bayou stillness

his paddle’s swirl

the only sound

©️Al W Gallia 2021

So, if you feel the need to be creative at this stage in your life, the following guest post may provide helpful ideas.

Guest Post: How To Become A More Creative Person

Stumbled upon a super awesome website that I really must recommend you to read. Their niche is mainly in the areas of relationship, health, family …

Guest Post: How To Become A More Creative Person

First Snowfall

On By Al W GalliaIn Faith, God, Haibun, Haiga, Haiku, Nature, Peace, Senryu, Serendipity, Spirituality, Trees, Uncategorized8 Comments

The first snowfall in a late autumn woodlands is a glorious sight! Almost a cleansing of the year’s trials and pains as translucent whiteness slowly overlays the remaining leaves, branches, and grasses.

first snowfall

a white blanket adorned

with reds and golds

©️Al W Gallia 2021

Standing alone amidst this wonderland, I can only marvel at one of God’s greatest gifts to mankind: nature’s beauty. I hear only the faint, pervasive sounds of falling snow, and raising my face to heaven, say “thank you, Lord!”

Eugi’s Weekly Prompt – Winter – February 4, 2021