A poem/prayer for the New Year

Prayer for this House

by Louis Untermeyer

May nothing evil cross this door
and may ill fortune never pry
about these walls may the roar and rain go by

By faith made strong these rafters will
withstand the battering of the storm.
Though all the world grow chill will keep us warm.

May peace walk softly through these rooms,
touching our lips with holy wine
until every casual corner blooms into a shrine

With laughter drown the raucous shout
and though the sheltering walls are thin
may they be strong to keep hate out and hold love in.

Images from Casa Sophia, Managua, Nicaragua, site of my latest artist residency.  

A reflection

Love people, not things

Seek beauty, not fame

Express your beliefs and values, not your ego

Breathe deeply

Create art

photo: the White Place, Abiquiu, NM

What really matters

"In the end, art doesn't mean anything. What really matters is earning one's living and loving one's neighbors."
Attributed to W.H. Auden by poet Sam Hammill.