Today is a beautiful summer day with a dry, sunny breeze and average temperatures in July (almost August). We had breakfast on the back porch; I found some new and beautiful flowers to photograph.

We’re going to the farmer’s market where some friends are dancing. I’ve got a good spy thriller to read and more books coming tomorrow. This has turned out to be an important, meaningful, and loving time for Maria and me.

We have a lot to talk about. We canceled our plants for an October vacation near the ocean; just not the right time. My birthday looms, and I don’t pay much attention to this one, but we’re going to spend a night in Williamstown to see two plays, back to back.

I spent an hour in silent meditation yesterday, and it was beautiful. I prayed for my discovery. It’s a shame “salvation” has become such an overused and hackneyed phrase; I believe in my salvation and am working hard at it.

The Dahlia’s are here.

Yesterday, I emptied my mind of every thought, worry, and resentment and withdrew into the center of myself.

I may not find God down there, but I was saved for a while from the distractions and concerns and violence and anger of “the world beyond,” as I call it

My flowers have become a beautiful meditation tool, they take me down to the center of my soul, and I try to return the favor.

For me, salvation is not about finding God or going to heaven. It’s about facing the truth about myself, doing some good in the world, and becoming the person I want to be and am capable of being. I always want to be better, do better.

I must save myself from drowning in the anger, hatred, and sea of lies and passions that sweep the earth.

This photo is of a new arrival, a Dahlia, taken by the Iphone 13.

A begonia in the sun, begonias are on my list for next Spring, and so are petunias.