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As I write these words, I’m a few months away from turning 56. So far life has led me down many different roads, and allowed me to observe myself and those around me from vastly different vantage points.
What I find most alluring about the course of my life is I’ve been just as prompted to leave behind great success as well as the agonizing moments of complete failure.
Every chapter set before me, whether it unfolded with a sense of ease or undue stress, eventually presented the very same question to me, “Are you satisfied, Kelley?”
I have come to understand that for me, true success in life is reaching a sense of satisfaction. Through my extensive exploration and unwavering curiosity, I have stayed focused on finding the key elements that will sustain my attention and dedication.
Not so surprising to me, there has been only one path of travel to remain unfettered and free from derailment which is the search for the right balance between body, mind, and spirit.
I used to be naive enough to think I could reach a place of prolonged peace. I now understand that this is not the point of my time on this planet. The wave of life will continue to take me under and turn me around in order to shake free any and all complacency.
I will continue to be shown how my behavior and habits interfere with the health of my body, and the serenity of my spirit. Yet my sense of self remains the offering that provides me with a safe place to contemplate the many mental formations that continue to lead me astray.
During the treasured times of being in the moment, I feel such peace because I’m free from the past where pain lives and oblivious to the future where fear looms.
However, it’s never very long before another layer of my complex existence is exposed only to bring back disruption, but also, another golden opportunity to grow. I’m just now able to glimpse the beauty behind this repeating pattern that preserves my perseverance of such a path.
I will continue to work on projects that are designed to take me through my life’s experiences for the sole purpose of proper self integration, and I’ll savor the tiny moments when I’m satisfied and given the gift of just “being” rather than wanting or worrying.
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Paintings: A Collection Of Lyrical Tales is an inspirational mix of poems, photographs and art composed by Kelley Lee McDonald. Each poem is preceded by a photograph or illustration that creates an impression echoed by the poem. Some poems discuss the author's past life and memories, while others reflect the nature photographs that precede them. The poet writes in a loose mix of free verse and rhyme, which creates a stream of consciousness effect. The reader is invited to read backwards and forwards and see how the words of each line merge and gain meaning. There are a number of graphic and city images, as well as an impressive collection of nature photographs.
Kelley Lee McDonald's eclectic inspirational poetry collection, Paintings: A Collection Of Lyrical Tales, is a heart-felt and ferociously brave memoir in verse. I was enchanted by her nature photographs: you can see the delicate hairs lining the iris and almost see yourself in the reflection of a hawk's eye. There are marvelous sunsets, cloud pictures and snowy winter landscapes. The poet's poem, His Name Is My Father, is perhaps my favorite, and is, in my opinion, the strongest piece in the collection. McDonald's poetic voice is clearest in this work, and her focus is laser-sharp on the images she remembers of this man, the nuances of their relationship and the legacies he left her. The photograph that precedes this work speaks loudly and eloquently to the poem and its subject. Paintings is also a beautifully prepared and presented work that is a joy to look at and appreciate. Paintings: A Collection Of Lyrical Tales is highly recommended.
