Love Emeritus

‘I love you’

and its evil twin

‘Luv ya’

how they flow across the tongue

glib but tired half-true habits
drones in need of overhaul

soundless noise

unmeant unheard

invalid password

instinct-blocked from other’s heart

what eager understudy
waits in wings of romance —
love’s more genuine self?

what if?
what if instead I said,
“I cherish you.”

ahh, ‘cherish’ . . .

to hold another dear

take care of

protect

foster

‘cherish’

all-in

naught in safe reserve

Cupid’s sharpest arrow

costing the lover

delighting the beloved

'cherish'

now there’s love’s worthy sub

*  *  *

Selected for publication in the Literary Review,
a journal of the California Writers Club, founded in 1909

"Love Emeritus" and image "Couple on the Beach," Santa Cruz, CA
(c) 2013 by Alfred J. Garrotto

Art & Soul

Coming soon: The Soul of Art
(the book)

On Sunday, June 5, 2016, Art and Soul set off on its maiden voyage at San Damiano Retreat in Danville, CA.  Topics included: 

•  Imagination--Mother of Art
•  Telling the Truth Through Art
•  The I AM of Being an Artist
•  Sharing Our Artistic Gifts

The artists, writers, and musicians who attended gave the day a rating of 9 (out of 10).

My next project this summer will be to convert the workshop material into a book  under the same title.

I Am

I am the fine and graphic ARTIST; I paint, sculpt, draw to touch the hearts of those who view my work.

I am the COMPOSER; I transmit the beauty and compassion of Creator-Spirit through the gift of music.

I am the MUSICIAN; I channel the composer‘s vision to bring joy, uplifting peoples’ spirits.

I am the SINGER; I add voice to music, moving and entertaining my audience.

I am the DANCER; people’s spirits soar along with my body.

I am the WRITER; I use language to transport my readers.

I am the POET; my verse gives light and new life to soul-dead spirits.

I am the PLAYWRIGHT; I speak truth to challenge those who might be life-blind and indifferent. 

I am the ACTOR; I hold a mirror to the world. 

(c) 2016 Alfred J. Garrotto

Spirituality of the Arts--A One-Day Retreat

Art & Soul
play video 
A Spirituality of Creative People

Sunday June 5, 2016
Presented by 
Alfred J. Garrotto

A guided reflection on the intimate relationship between artists and the Divine Spirit. Designed for professional and aspiring actors, composers, dancers, fine artists, musicians, playwrights, writers, et al., whose gifts uplift humankind and lead audiences to discovery of life’s higher meaning. Participants will explore the source of their gifts and inspirations and the joy of sharing them. Attendees of all faith are welcome.

Alfred J. Garrotto grew up in a theatrical family. He began working in films (crowd scenes) at the age of seven. As an adult, life detoured him into Roman Catholic ministry. He is the author of 11 books, seven of which are novels.

REGISTRATION
Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.
Program is from 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Lunch included.

Sunday Mass will be celebrated for those who wish to participate.

Cost: $55

make a reservation By mail
Please send a check for the full amount to:
San Damiano Retreat
P. O. Box 767
710 Highland Drive

Danville, CA 94526-0767

or by Phone: (925) 837-9141

ONLINE REGISTRATION
www.sandamiano.org
(on the Event Calendar, go to June 2016,
click on June 5)

An Interview with bereavement counselor Alfred Fleischer

I am pleased to share with my readers a conversation I had recently with Alfred Fleischer, a well-known grief counselor. Over the past 30+ years, he has helped mourners who have lost a loved one deal with their grief--and survive. 

WLM: How did you initially discover and feel called to grief ministry?

An Easter Interview With Author Judith Ingram

I am pleased to offer an inspiring Easter gift to my readers. Judith Ingram, my friend and colleague in the California Writers Club, Mount Diablo Branch, is an award-winning author of inspirational books. Her novels, including the  Moonseed Trilogy, draw on her training as a counselor and her love of story to create realistic characters, who grapple with deep and significant themes. Her non-fiction work, including A Devotional Walk with Forgiveness, weaves together principles of her Christian faith and her experience of growing through the painful and limiting consequences of an abusive childhood.

My Favorite Reads of 2015

Let me share with you my three favorite books of the past year. It isn't required that the book be published in the current year. Often, by happenstance, I stumble upon a book written some time ago. Better discovered late than not at all. Here are my best reads of 2015.

Reprint of a Judith Marshall Interview

Judith Marshall

Author and Interviewer Judith Marshall: Alfred J. Garrotto is an example of a prolific writer who has experienced both traditional and self-publishing. His genres are as varied as his publishing experiences.

The Face of God

“[In 1987 a newspaper photographer was sent to Ecuador to cover a devastating earthquake there. In the midst of incredible suffering, he witnessed a scene that moved him deeply. This is what he wrote.]

"Sagrada"--A Documentary Film

Of all the posts on this blog site, the one that has garnered far and away the most views is my Nov. 13, 2010 reflection, “Sagrada Familia: Favorite Church Comes Alive” (http://wisdomoflesmiserables.blogspot.com/2010/11/sagrada-familia-favorite-church-comes.html). People from every part of the globe have entered the halls of this site to share their interest and devotion to this basilica-in-progress. Since my second visit to Barcelona and this amazing work of faith and perseverance in 2009, the main body of the church has been completed. On July 11, 2010, Pope Benedict XI traveled to the site for its opening Mass and dedication (www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXl2KYSWHb4).

Book Review--"The Soul of a Pilgrim"

The Soul of a Pilgrim:
Eight Practices for the Journey Within

by Christine Valters Paintner
Sorin Books