Category Archives: My World

My writing and art collection relating to lifetime experiences.

The Human Touch

The human touch

“Couple at Coney Island, New York,” 1928, Walker Evans. Image from a page of the 2014 Desk Calendar, courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store

The Human Touch – Walking along hand in hand, no words need to be spoken…

“When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.”  Henri Nouwen

The Human Touch

Walking along hand in hand,

no words need to be spoken.

The human touch can be all that we need,

to repair that which was broken.

A gentle pat on the back,

a warm, lingering embrace.

The human touch can be all that we need,

to help overcome the challenges that we face.

An outstretched arm in the nick of time;

a kiss on the cheek in greeting.

The human touch can be all that we need,

unlike words that can sometimes be fleeting.

A firm handshake to solidify a pledge;

a gesture that makes a promise sure.

The human touch can be all that we need,

to make matters of the heart secure.

Felecia R. Weber 2015, OntheWingofaDove.com

There is something very powerful about the human touch.  One of the most soothing and comforting things that I remember about the tender moments that I’ve shared with my husband are when we simply walked along together hand in hand.  No words needed to be exchanged; we simply spoke to each other through the power of the human touch.  It seems like whenever I sit down, my little dog Bilbo loves to hop into my lap and snuggle up close to my chest.  Although he isn’t human, I think I enjoy that warm, closeness with him just as much as he seems to.

Indeed, the power of the human touch is soothing, confirming, enjoyable and healing.   May you experience that power by sharing the gift of your touch in a meaningful way with others today.

Peace and love,

Felecia

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On Warmth

On Warmth

on warmthA Quote to Carry You

August 3, 2015

“The consciousness of loving and being loved brings a warmth and richness to life that nothing else can bring.”  Oscar Wilde

On warmth – Warmth comes in many different forms, and in many different degrees.  Indeed, this summer we are experiencing some of the hottest temperatures ever recorded.  Sometimes the warmth of the bright sun combined with a thick layer of humidity can feel dense enough to slice through.  During this time of year, there have been days where droplets of sweat have formed on my forehead after taking just one step outside the door!  Be that as it may, there is one form of warmth that can heat up our hearts even faster…the warmth of love.

To me, being loved and genuinely wanted and cared for can cause a warmth to radiate straight through to my heart.  In fact, knowing that I am truly loved can spark a flame within me that causes my entire world to glow.  To experience the warmth that is produced by love is a temperature that I am comfortable with any time of year.

May your heart be wrapped so tightly within a blanket of love today that its warmth causes you to glow…and warm up others around you.

Peace and love,

Felecia

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Perspectives

perspectives

“Studies of a Young Woman,” 1870, Adolph Menzel. Image from a page of the 2015 Desk Calendar, courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store

Perspectives – My life’s perspectives are always changing, and challenging me to do more.

“Perhaps nothing helps us make the movement from our little selves to a larger world than remembering God in gratitude.  Such a perspective puts God in view in all of life, not just in the moments we set aside for worship or spiritual disciplines.  Not just in the moments when life seems easy.”  Henri Nouwen

Perspectives

Staring in the mirror, who do I see?

At first glance, it is simply a reflection of me.

As I peer closer, an added dimension appears.

My face reveals a culmination of my life through the years.

My eyes reflect back to me experiences of times past.

Those times that I’ve rushed through, and the ones I’d wanted to last.

What a contrast; how differently I see things now than I did before.

My life’s perspectives are always changing, and challenging me to do more.

Felecia R. Weber 2015, OntheWingofaDove.com

One of my neighbors, and gracious admirer of my artwork, has commissioned me to do a graphite pencil drawing for her.  The image is a street scene which will require my using the technique of perspective, while sketching out the composition.  Perspectives can involve something as simple as verbalizing a single point of view.  When it comes to other things in life, however, they can be as complex as trying to represent the illusion of depth and distance on a flat sheet of paper.  Perspectives also carry another dimension with them.  For as the relationship between the items being focused upon change, so does the way we in which we view them.

Perspectives, whether used as a technique in drawing or as a way of analyzing life events, are interesting to say the least.  How do you approach things that require you to view them in more than one dimension?

Peace and love,

Felecia

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On Priorities

On Priorities

on prioritiesA Quote to Carry You

July 27, 2015

“For when my outward action doth demonstrate the native act and figure of my heart, in compliment external, ’tis not long after.  But I wear my heart upon my sleeve, for daws to peck at:  I am not what I am.”  From William Shakespeare’s “Othello”

On Priorities – It is fair to say that what we put first in our lives says a great deal about who we are.  Thinking about what my true priorities in life are brought the saying “I wear my heart upon my sleeve” to mind.  Being a task-oriented person, it pleases me when I check off something on my “to do” list as complete.  What’s even better, is when I can check off every item on the list.  However, it seems that when my list appears to be complete, a whole slew of other tasks follow and on and on it goes.

When my “to do’s” outweigh the time that I have to complete them, setting priorities comes into play.  When I begin reviewing my list trying to decide what is the most important thing that needs to get done, I often come to the same conclusion.  The things on my “to do” list are really not important at all!  When I examine my true priorities, I’ve come to realize that the most important thing in my life has already been done.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  Matthew 6:33

I have found that in turning my life over to Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I have essentially made following him the priority of my life.  As a follower of Christ, it is ever my hope that what “I wear upon my sleeve” is a heart that reflects the love that God has filled it with.  In turn, my true priorities have become completing my part in what God has already done.

Spending time on God’s “to do’s” are rewarding, that certainly is true.  May spreading his love to others be your number one priority too.

Peace and love,

Felecia

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Getting Away

getting away

Photograph courtesy of David Brown

Getting away is something that we all need to do from time to time…

“I suppose that, if you should go to the end of the world, you would find somebody there going farther…”  Henry David Thoreau

Getting Away

Getting away can be one of the most enjoyable things.

It’s amazing the excitement that just the thought of it brings.

No matter where it is, a far off excursion, or lazing on the beach;

There’s just something about getting away and out of reach.

It can restore your well being, it can recharge your mind.

And like taking a journey, you never know what you may find.

Getting away can enhance your thinking, it can brighten your mood.

It has a way of satisfying a hunger, that hasn’t to do with food.

It is something that we all need, so my wish is for you,

That in getting away, you’ll get to rest, refresh and renew.

Felecia R. Weber 2015, OntheWingofaDove.com

Bon voyage!

Peace and love,

Felecia

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On Vacations

On Vacations

on vacationsA Quote to Carry You

July 20, 2015

“Laughter is an instant vacation.”  Milton Berle

On Vacations – I am certain that most of you would agree that, ’tis the season…for vacations that is! Whether you are planning some time off to visit with family and friends, trek off to the woods for hiking and camping, or set sail for an exotic adventure in a far off land, vacations are something to look forward to and to enjoy.  In fact, having time off to rest and get refreshed is welcome at any time of the year.  Not only is taking a break from the “daily grind” something to look forward to, it doesn’t necessarily have to want for summer or the holidays.

Given all of the changes in my “daily grind” over these past several months, I won’t have the luxury of taking time off for any vacations right away.  Be that as it may, it won’t stop me from enjoying some of the benefits that vacations provide.  For me, closing my eyes and envisioning myself traveling off to a sunny spot on the beach, wading along the waves and scrunching my toes up in the wet sand can be enough to brighten my day.  Thinking back and reminiscing about the wonderful vacations I’ve gotten to enjoy in the past are often just what I need to get me excited about what I have to look forward to when I do have the chance to get away.  Whether smiling for a brief moment over a treasured memory, or spending time perusing through photographs and laughing aloud at some funny things they’ve brought to mind, vacations have a way of invigorating us long after we’ve actually experienced them.

Whether you get to take one or more vacations for real, or at least get to daydream about the ones you’ll get to enjoy in the future, may they transport you away long enough to be refreshed…it is amazing what a little time away can do for you.

Peace and love,

Felecia

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Good Things

good things

Photograph courtesy of my niece Alexia Danielle

Good things come in small packages and they aren’t always evident from the start…

“…the kingdom of God is within you.”  Luke 17:21

Good Things Come In Small Packages

Good things come in small packages,

I’ve heard that phrase before.

There really is a goodness and wisdom gained,

in realizing that less is truly more.

Good things come in small packages,

they aren’t always evident from the start.

Often times they are invisible to the naked eye;

sometimes they can only be seen by the heart.

Good things come in small packages,

it is amazing how quickly and immensely they grow.

A spark of an idea, an act of love, is all it takes.

The best things are poured from above down to us below.

Felecia R. Weber 2015, OntheWingofaDove.com

Good things really do come in small packages!  In fact, many themes it is the tiniest things on earth, that offer the most to us.  Seemingly insignificant treasures have a way of blossoming into the most wonderful blessings…

May you experience how immensely rich even the tiniest gift, or how profoundly the fewest words of wisdom spoken to you can enrich your life.

Peace and love,

Felecia

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A Puppy Called Cali

a puppy called cali

Meet Calisee, (“Cali” for short), the adorable Beagle and Boxer mixed puppy who keeps her dog-mom Sarah Potenza very busy.

A puppy called Cali – she runs, she eats, she sleeps, she plays…

Cali is one of nine puppies born and rescued from a kill shelter in Newfoundland, PA.  Cali is tiny, weighing just under six pounds when these photographs were taken.  But don’t let her size fool you!  Although this spunky little pup sleeps a lot, she earns every bit of her nap times.  Read on and find out how…

A Puppy Called Cali

She runs she eats, she sleeps, she eats, she plays,

that is exactly how Cali spends her days!

a puppy called caliShe’s quite a cutie, she’s adventurous, she’s brave.

She gets along with everyone, and she’s so well behaved.

She loves her toys, a leather bunny and a yellow, squeaky ball.

a puppy called caliShe can nap almost anywhere, because she’s so small.

She likes to take showers, and to drink from a hose.

This puppy called Cali is sure always to keep her mom on her toes!

Poem by Felecia R. Weber 2015, OntheWingofaDove.com; photographs courtesy of Mary Bendas.

“Calling all dog lovers!”

If you have a four-legged furry friend that you’d like to have featured in a poem on my blog, email your cutest pictures and a short bio to me, Felecia, at frosew04@gmail.com.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Peace and love,

Felecia

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