• Plants

    Part of the System

    November 19, 2009
    Fallen Leaf

    In case you may not know, leaves don’t just fall from trees they get booted off. Here is an interesting article on why a tree cuts them loose. The leaves supply food for the tree and once that has ended they will provide a source of food with their decomposition, returning nutrients to the soil. These nutrients can then be taken up by the roots of living plants enabling them to grow and develop.

    This leaf did not make it to the forest floor, it landed on one of the boardwalks at Inniswood Gardens. There it will be picked by the winds of nature and dance with other leaves finding it’s place in the vital ecosystem it belongs in. It’s all part of the system.

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  • animals,  Metro Parks

    No One Gets Hurt

    November 18, 2009
    Squirrel at Inniswood Gardens

    I parked my rump on a bench along the foot path in Inniswood Gardens to watch the half dozen squirrels in front of me as they scampered along the forest floor in search of food. This time of year you will find them busy searching for and storing nuts and acorns near their dens for the coming winter months. The carpet of leaves has hidden some of their much needed food so their search for food has the feeling of a game. You can hear the rustling of leaves as they stick their noses under the carpet of leaves in search of their treasure then quickly lift their heads and move to the next location as if to say, “Nope, nothing there. Maybe it’s over here.”

    Every so often they seem to be playing a game of tag with one another but I soon realize they are being territorial as they chase one another around. Their work at this time of the year is a necessity and feels hurried, yet they seemed to also be having fun and no one gets hurt. I enjoyed watching.

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  • Plants

    Whispered Prayers

    November 13, 2009
    20091112-_DSC6937-Edit
    Hanging On

    I spent some time at the mall today. I wandered through a book store thinking a new book or magazine would perk up my mood. So many to choose from. I also stopped at the Apple Store to see about a neoprene cover for my Macbook but decided against it due to the price. I’m cheap, you know. I left there with a troubled and restless spirit. I felt I needed to be around nature so I stopped at Blendon Woods on the way home. Walking in the warm sun with my camera in hand is good medicine for a restless spirit. I began to notice how the forest canopy of leaves are now the forest’s carpet, the leaves falling to the earth as part of its journey to nurture next springs growth. The nakedness of the trees signals winters approaching season. My spirit noticed how some leaves still hang on, clutching tightly as the wind tries to set them aloft. So I focused on the leaves, took a few images while my spirit whispered prayers.

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  • Metro Parks,  Plants

    Our Therapy Session

    October 27, 2009

    Path at Blendon Woods Park
    Path at Blendon Woods Park

    When my mind gets clouded, a walk in nature will clear the fog. I also know it works for others, too. For example, I had a friend call me last week and ask if we could go for a walk together. Now, how did she know I needed one of those walks?

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  • Art/Design,  landscape,  Metro Parks

    What's you favorite flavor?

    October 20, 2009

    Fall Colors
    Fall Colors

    Ever notice when fall arrives, our woods take on a new palette of colors? On a walk in Blendon Woods I remembered a story about a young girl, who when asked what her favorite flavor was, answered, “red.” As a grade schooler I think blue would have been my answer.

    The fall colors of the hardwood forests are still new to me. I’m accustomed to the golds and yellows of my native Colorado aspens. These fall colors of the Ohio Valley almost overwhelm me. I”m not sure I could select a favorite color. The reds pop out at me but only because of the green and yellow and brown and orange colors. So, I ask this simple question, “Do we even need to have a favorite color?” Can’t I just claim them all as my favorite flavor?

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  • Plants

    Changes: In our lives

    October 3, 2009

    Fall Colors
    Fall Colors

    Nature goes through the seasons of changes. In early autumn, in response to the shortening days and declining intensity of sunlight, leaves begin the processes leading up to their fall. The veins that carry fluids into and out of the leaf gradually close off as a layer of cells forms at the base of each leaf. These clogged veins trap sugars in the leaf and promote production of anthocyanins. Once this separation layer is complete and the connecting tissues are sealed off, the leaf is ready to fall. The end of one season.

    We to, go through changes every day of our lives. I am also going through changes in my life. I am getting another roommate as my other roommates have new base assignments. There is the chance I may also move in the next few months.

    As the leaves change colors and fall from their branches during the autumn season it reminds me of the changes in my life. I look forward to both the fall colors and changes that will transpire in my life. How about you?

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  • flowers,  Plants

    Summer is almost gone

    September 11, 2009

    Summer is almost gone
    Summer is almost gone

    I noticed a few leaves are turning red and some are falling to the ground in preparation for the coming of Fall. Summer is almost gone so here’s one more flower image, taken last month at Inniswood Gardens. Have a wonderful weekend.

    And, yes it is a day for remembering.

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