Monday Morning Musings:
There’s a story in the birth of stars,
and in their ending, too,
bangs, flashes, ashes, wind,
the stellar songs carried within–
these are tales we tell of all the seasons,
the birdwing flaps of storm and breeze
the reasons why the sky is blue,
but dawns with rosy laughter,

and tips a glass of wine at dusk
for spirit souls to savor
as owl feathers brush the canvas,
there!

The moon sighs and sings
a lullaby of hope, peace, and observation
be wary, beware
and listen–
to the messages Crow brings;
watch for what secrets the river carries
as it flows.
History knows–
it is repeated in the curves of time,
where the light of stars, shimmer and gleam
in every color,

in endless combinations merged,
every story ever told—and those never heard.
We’re still in a pandemic, and I still have not gone anywhere, but spring is coming! It was still icy at the beginning of last week, but now the snow and ice is gone.The sunshine and beauty of nature has definitely lifted my spirits—and I’m scheduled for my first vaccine. I’m not sure why I received a notice to schedule an appointment, but my husband did not; however, I’m not going to argue.
Merril’s Movie Club: We paid for a movie this week—still less money than going out—and it was so worth it. I like to tell you about movies you’ve never heard of, and probably never will see, but if you get a chance, do see this one, Night of the Kings. It’s set in a prison, La MACA, located in the jungle of the Ivory Coast. The prison is ruled by the prisoners, and the leader, Blackbeard, is dying, and others are ready to take over. To buy himself some time, he declares a new arrival to the prison must tell them a story. As the “Roman” spins his tales, you see some of it unfold—a battle between a queen and king and the story of an outlaw hero—but the inmates also serve as a sort of Greek chorus and act out portions of the story. It’s really magical, allegories and real-life prison. I rented from filmforum.org. (I also made a small donation, and they sent a very nice note.) This is really a Merril movie, and I would definitely watch it again.
We also watched Capitani (Netflix), a mystery series that stands out because it’s from Luxembourg. We had to look up the languages spoken there: French, German, and Luxembourgish. The show has familiar elements—the outsider detective in a small town—but it also has a few twists. It’s very bingeable because each episode is about a half hour. We watched the entire series in a few days, and it looks like there will be a second season.
Also, Purim was last week. I baked lot and lots of Hamantaschen, and I still have filling left, so I’m baking some more today. Stay safe and well, Everyone!

Such beautiful pictures and words of hope! You seem to have a very special quality of light where you are.
Thank you, Ingrid! I think I just happen to walk by the river at the right times. 😀
Your usual wonderful way with words Merril.
Hugs
Thank you, David! How lovely to see you. I hope all is well. Hugs back to you.
Lovely post!
Thank you so much!
Welcome
You definitely were the bird whisperer, Merril! Lovely musings today.
Thank you very much, Jill. 😀
Very beautiful
Thank you very much.
You’re very welcome
The light is lovely. Is it because of the river? The word choice here reminded me very much of the Oracle—she must be whispering too 🙂
What’s in the pastries?
Thank you! I think it must be because of the river reflecting light and clouds. The Oracle probably always whispers to us. I didn’t do a consultation. 😀
The fillings were prune, apricot, and I also made lemon curd for a lemon-flavored dough.
Delicious! Do you ever do cheese and lemon? I love that combination.
I haven’t for these, but I’ll have to remember for next time!
I’ll remind you 🙂
Gorgeous!
Thank you!
More amazing skies! I like the idea of you as a bird-whisperer. (K)
Thank you, Kerfe. The one day I was there, the gulls were circling over me at the upper part of the park, not by the river, and then I saw several big birds, too–maybe an eagle, hawk. . .
Wonderful reflections on the depth of the universe. And enticing baking.
Thank you very much, Derrick. 😀
You are fascinating dear Merril. Every photo , every narrative such perfection. Apparently an excellent baker as well. Have a wonderful day.
Oh, that’s so lovely, Rene! Thank you, though I doubt anyone would think me fascinating. 😀
I do! I’m sure I’m not alone! 🌷😊
😘
😘
The promise of spring and renewal come through your musings so clearly. The sky, the birds, the river, the light sing Hallelujah!
Thank you very much, Liz! It definitely makes me feel good to see more sunshine and signs of spring!
You’re most welcome, Merril!
Beautiful song from the Bird Whisperer!
Thank you, Resa! 😀
Simply beautiful Merril! You capture nature and her glories so well … lifted my spirits I tell ya …
Thank you so much, Susan! 💙
This is the weirdest thing. I know I had read this but somehow was not “liked” or commented on…
Oh well… Lovely as always and way late to the game!
Thank you very much! I’ve sometimes thought I commented on something, but didn’t. I appreciate that you came back to do so (again). ❤️
It was still in my inbox and I thought hmmm I know I read that, then I went to the post and well dang… Looking that! I do when I see what I done did! 💞
❤️
💞