Dear Friend in Peace,

The world offers us opportunities to become overwhelmed and filled with fear. Fortunately, we always have the power to choose what we create within our hearts, minds, and the world. We can and do stand up for brother/sisterhood and integrity. To fear and cruelty, we say: "No, thank you." Instead, we choose to create the peace and love we wish to see and be. Our creations flow from our passions and talents.

Some of us, like our beloved Dolly Parton, will sing about unconditional love. Some of us will dance, some garden, some paint, some write, some sew, some sculpt, some sing, and some will be helpers. The possibilities for creating peace and joy within our hearts and our world are infinite! Our challenge and blessed opportunity is simple: rather than wait until we are not peaceful, we make peace our priority. We create conditions for peace to thrive in our lives by filling our minds and hearts with peaceful thoughts, music, and activities including essential time out for silence and meditation. We create peace in our own hearts though our constant focus on being peaceful.

"Nothing can bring you peace but yourself."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

To Ralph Waldo Emerson's wisdom, another brilliant creator and poet, adds this compelling question:
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
- Mary Oliver

To Mary's question, may we reply:
"Create and embody all the peace, love, and kindness I possibly can."

This photo called out to my heart to be the one to express the Peace of Creation since Mother Earth is our home and definitely my most profound place of peace. Taking photos of her sublime beauty and grace is an opportunity for me to fill my heart with peace and delight. This lovely Monarch butterfly perched on the Blue Mist Flower caught my eye and heart through its silent illustration of peace and sublime beauty. May it bring you joyous delight and add to your peace blessings of this precious day.

Thank you for your commitment to peace and for creating peace in your life day by day, breath by breath. Your peace blesses us all.