Author Archives: Barrie Cooper

Good morning….or whatever stage of the day you are in when you read this! The Iris in our garden are bursting into a riot of colour. I couldn’t resist using this photograph for today’s reflection! The whole process from growth to full flower just made me reflect on the possibility that creation itself has atContinue reading “Celebration”

I’m going to run with the title I’ve given to today’s musing. Even though I’m not certain why I’ve used it! All will unfold, as my thinking kicks into gear as I write…hoprefully. There’s something about boundaries and protection and defence and mystery. The scene was photographed last evening, looking down the river towards theContinue reading “Mystery”

Opening light, streaming from source. 94 million miles, reaching out into the darkness. Touching Earth, sustaining life. A blessed place enhanced with richness and diversity, and hope. I am the light of the world, claims the maker. Listen to me.

This photograph was taken this morning at 3.30 am; just as the sun was beginning to rise in the east. It was a very tranquil moment and I just had to capture this moment in time. The phrase, ‘wake up’ seemed apposite, because it describes not just physical waking up, but also whispers to usContinue reading “Wake up”

I simply offer the above as a focus for today. You may know the icon, painted by the Russian iconographer, Andrei Rublev in the 15th century. It is known as the Hospitality of Abraham (representing the three angels who visited him), but more commonly as a representation of the Trinity; God the Father on theContinue reading “Relationship”

Liminal Time; the waiting area between one point in time and space and the next. Ending of day, darkness and light. Hiding and revealing, drawing us in. Moments of insight held from the day. Interpreted at the point when day becomes night. All becomes hidden, but understood by senses other than sight. A liminal crossing’Continue reading “Liminal Time”

Tradition is a very special thing. It connects us with the past and holds us as we move towards the future. The photograph of a Northumbrian coble was taken last evening. This high prowed boat can trace its ancestry back to the influence of Viking ship design. Tradition can seem to anchor us to aContinue reading “Tradition”

It’s opening!!!!…The first Iris in the garden to burst out of its straightjacket! Sorry for that outburst, it’s just that we’ve been waiting for so long. Got me thinking about that word, waiting. This time we are in now, is full of things being put on hold, things imperceptibly changing and moving; both in theContinue reading “Iris Time!”

Sometimes the visual becomes concete in a word, description, or interpretation . The photograph speaks in it’s own unique way Take a moment to glance at the scene, and write down any word that comes into your consciousness. Then use that word as a basis for a sense, an understanding, a blessing, or a memory.Continue reading “Illumination.”

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. Psalm 63;1 The cracked ground cries out, I hear its murmur..of longing and hope beyond all sight and sense. Seeing might not be believing, more senses andContinue reading “Longing”