Monday Morning Musings:
Songs of ancient glowing flow
from stars to river,
the moon hums sweet and slow–
the language of clouds and light
and shadow-shapes, the drape
of flowered branches, the white-winged flight
of egret, and the honking geese–
all these feathered things—the sight
of nature, calm, at peace.
Geese 
Turkey 
Great Blue Heron 
Turkey Greeting the Sun
We dream as the moon sings
wake to talk in bright sunbeams
of family, books, and everything
mostly trivial, perhaps profound–
in hindsight are we any wiser,
than those underground?
Trees in the graveyard at Old Pine Street Church, Philadelphia 
Pennsylvania Hospital
We venerate them, heroes and saints—
but none are perfect
and whitewashed history paints
such a lovely story.
Forget the horror, remember
only glory
But reflections from the past—see?
The world circles. We’ve been here before—
Look at the glass, remember that tree.
So much different and yet the same–
our lives, the city—still,
we’re glad we came.
Tria, Washington West, Philadelphia
Pennsylvania Beer and Cheese, Italian Wine
Garden of Delight, David Guinn, Philadelphia Mural Arts 
Reflected in the Merchants’ Exchange 
This was a strange week—stormy weather and tornado watch on Thursday. Then the weather was beautiful. For anyone who is keeping track, I finished the history chapter I was writing (Sex in Eighteenth-century Philadelphia) and sent it off to the editors on Saturday. That afternoon, my husband and I walked around Old City Philadelphia for the first time since the pandemic. I bought some spices at the new Penzey’s store, and we went to Tria for wine and cheese, which became dinner. I kept saying walking around the city was strange–different and the same.
Merril’s Movie Club: We watched three movies this week. Cousins (Netflix) a story of three Maori women who are cousins. It’s a story of family being separated and found again. We both liked it, and of course, New Zealand is beautiful. There are similarities to the treatment of indigenous people in the US and Canada. We also watched A Call to Spy, based on the true story of women who were spies in WWII. We both liked this one, too. It’s a story that most people do not know about. My favorite movie of the three was The Fare (2018, free with Amazon Prime), a pretty much unknown low-budget indie film. It looks and has the feel of an old Twilight Zone episode. Harris, the cab driver picks up Penny. There’s an instant connection (these two actors definitely have chemistry), and then she disappears. We discover they’re repeating this loop over and over. But this is not Groundhog Day. To say more would spoil it, but it’s a unique take, and we both really liked it. Derrick will be pleased to know we ordered a ton of Indian food last night, and we’ll be eating leftovers tonight.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Beautiful words to accompany wonderful photos.
…and speaking of sex in past centuries, have you watched Bridgerton (series on Netflix) that takes place in 1813 London?
Thank you so much for your kind words, Ron!
Yes, I did (binge) watch Bridgerton. 🤣
Lovely share on this beautiful Monday.
I will be in the Philadelphia area the week of August 22. We’re staying in Delaware but we are planning a day trip into the city. I’ve only ever stopped only to change planes and have never visited 🙂 Don’t know what he has planned to visit but I’m looking forward to it.
New movies to check out. Thanks, always!
Thank you!
Oh wow! Wave to me. You might fly in right over my house. Let me know if you need any ideas. 😏
Ya wanna laugh? Most times I fly to say Florida or Puerto Rico or whatever, I have a layover in Philly. Now that I AM going to Philly, I have a layover in friggen Atlanta! Talk about way outta the way. So stupid.
I will. 😁
Yeah, it all depends on airline hubs and such. Daughter had to fly to Boston from S. Jersey to go to Miami. She was using sibling’s points, so had to go that way. 😀
It’s nuts, I say. NUTS! 😀
🤣
I enjoyed your beautiful pictures and poem. Thank you for the movie review. The Fare sounds interesting. I will check that one out.
Aww–thank you!
It’s definitely an indie film, but we both really liked it.
Lovely musings today, Merril. Your photographs are stunning…so much sky. Congratulations on finishing your chapter!
Thank you so much, Jill!
Lovely musings, Merril!
We probably circle around, until we are underground.
However, that gorgeous Delaware River is worth as many circlings as one can get out of it!
The mural looks wonderful. It must be amazing in real life!
Thank you, so much Resa. There have been lots of gorgeous sky and birds the last few days!
There are actually two murals. The Garden sits at the back of an actual neighborhood garden, and the other one–I couldn’t remember the name, is at a parking lot, but it’s a flowering tree. I know I’ve taken photos of both of them before, but it’s been so long!
You live in a great spot!
A flowering tree sounds amazing!
I do–sometimes. 😀 It’s the series in the bottom row.
OMG!!!
I did see it, but didn’t realize! Something about the checkered BG gives it a 3D aspect. I thought it was real. It’s brilliant!!!
Thank you, Merril!
Yes, it does look 3D–and it changes as you move! It’s unfortunate that there’s a wall on one side and the parking lot–but as you know, that’s how it goes with urban murals! We’re hopefully going to do one of those mural tours in the fall when it’s a bit cooler–depending on COVID situation, of course.
Effin Covid!
A mural tour sounds great! Remember to take your camera!
I have this crazy repeat dream where I find a trove of murals and street art, and I don’t have a camera. OR, my Iphone breaks. It turns into a nightmare at that point. There must be some meaning in this.
That’s so funny. Well, it sounds like an anxiety dream to me.
I only have my iPhone camera, and that is usually with me. 😀
I want that trove of murals and art to be real! 😀
Yes, anxiety. Now, why am I anxious?
Only you know, but I’m sure the past year has not helped!
True!
Loved these philosophical musings and meanderings Merril and the beautiful photos to accompany your words. Thank you and congratulations on finishing the chapter!
Amazing skies again, and the birds! What is that color grid building? Of course, it immediately appealed to me.
And congratulations on finishing the chapter. (K)
Thank you very much!
Do you mean the mural? I’ve forgotten what it is.
Yes. It’s lovely.
It is. There are so many beautiful murals in Philadelphia. We hope to do a tour soon.
Congratulations on finishing your chapter! It must have felt good to send it off to the editors. I really enjoyed all of the photography in this post. “Turkey Greeting the Sun” reminds me of a Max Parrish painting.
Thank you very much, Liz!
Yes, it felt very good to finish–now I have to wait to see what they say. I hope it’s what they were looking for.
Thank you for your kind words about the photo!
You’re most welcome, Merril!
You had me at “from stars to river”
Wonderful photos.
Thank you so much, Ken!
A lovely set of poems – and photographs. Lots of sounds as well as sights, and good use of rhyme. I certainly approve of your cuisine 🙂 Jackie laughed too
Thank you very much, Derrick.
I’m glad you approved and Jackie laughed. 😀 I still have more Dal Makhani left, but Doug finished his Chicken Tiki Masala.
🙂
Such beautiful words with such a wonderful array of visual imagery. Loved it!
I’m going to go check out your three movie suggestions. ❤
Thank you very much!
I found your words and pictures very soothing Merril: just what I needed 🙏😊🙏
That’s wonderful! Thank you so much, Ingrid.
I’m always amazed how you weave the random photos you post on Instagram or Facebook into something cohesive on your blog. Circling, different and the same. 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind words, Marian!
I’m going to be lazy and say, “Ditto what Marian said in her comment” 😉
And big congrats on finishing your chapter!
Thank you so much for both, Marie! 😀
Some people in my family say “it’s the same difference.” I say, it’s either the same, or it’s different. Can’t be both. Or can it? Your musings here make we wonder…..
I’m glad I got you thinking. 😀
Always….
💙