Smile

Perfect Refreshment

To sit in the shade on a fine day

and look upon verdure,

is the most perfect refreshment.

Fanny Price

Mansfield Park

Shady Nook

Fazenda São Francisco - São José do Barreiro - SP

Oh for a book and a shady nook,
either indoor or out.
With the green leaves whispering overhead,
Or the street cries all about.
Where I may read all at my ease,
Both of the new and old;
For a jolly good book whereon to look,
Is better to me than gold.

Christopher North




There's no better place to read or forget the worries and troubles of life than Fazenda São Francisco, in São José do Barreiro, São Paulo, Brasil. Many foreign tourists know that already. They keep going and telling others. I wonder when I'll be back ...

Epiphany

Words from Pope Bento XVI for those gathered in St. Peter's Square, on the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.
The feast, said the Holy Father, is "represented by the Magi who came from the East to pay homage to the king of the Jews. Observing celestial phenomena, these mysterious persons saw a new star rise and, instructed as well by the ancient prophecies, recognized in it the sign of the birth of the Messiah, descendant of David.

"From its first appearance, then, the light of Christ began to draw to itself the men 'who God loves,' of every language, people and culture. It is the power of the Holy Spirit that moves hearts and minds to seek truth, beauty, justice, peace."

"Men and women of every generation," continued the Pontiff, "have need of direction."

"The star that guided the Magi had completed its function, but its spiritual light is ever present in the word of the Gospel, which today too is capable of guiding every man to Jesus," said Benedict XVI. "That same word, which is nothing if not the reflection of Christ, true man and true God, is authoritatively echoed by the Church for every well-disposed soul." The Church too, for this reason, carries out for humanity the mission of the star. But something of this sort can be said of every Christian, called to help guide the steps of his brothers by word and the witness of his life."

The Open Road

Henceforth I ask not good-fortune—I myself am good fortune;

Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing,

Strong and content, I travel the open road.

(Walt Whitman)

I would add, with God's hand in mine.