• flowers,  haiku,  Plants,  writing/reading

    Always Remembered

    August 20, 2022
    Xerochrysum bracteatum – Strawflower

    amazing gold and yellow
    their scent brightens the mood
    remembering you

    ms

    Yesterday was the one year anniversary of my mother’s death. I found myself spending time in the afternoon at the CSU Trial Gardens which is not the norm for me. I love how we can be lead to do certain things or be in a certain place because of that whisper from deep within. These strawflowers excited me because of their amazingly gold and yellow colors. I know nothing about them so when I returned home I did some research on these lovely flowers. From the Farmers Almanac website I found that strawflowers represent someone or something that is “always remembered.” Maybe those who have died really haven’t left us but are always with us, whispering from deep within us.

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  • flowers,  insects,  Plants,  quotes

    It’s interesting…

    July 2, 2022
    Fern-leaf Yarrow and pollen laden bee

    The inner spirit is who I really am. My body is alive in this nature and exists in its frame. I do not need to be spiritual to find this. I only need to stop believing that the ego, the small self, is me. If I do, a different knowing emerges which has a largeness and a certain beauty. It is an expression of power and love beyond the usual definitions. To live in its knowledge is to know yourself to be free.

    from A NEW SET OF EYES by Paula D’Arcy

    This is fern-leaf yarrow, and is an upright, clump-forming yarrow that is native to the Caucasus, Iran and Afghanistan and is in the sunflower family. Interestingly one name listed for them is nosebleed. (?) It is considered an invasive species by some states in the US. And, man is still not on that list. I find these plants in almost every natural area I visit. I really like how they look and the pollinators seem to like them also, as you can see with the heavily laden bee in this image.

    I’m in a place in life where I resonate with the above quote. This process of uncovering who I really am, this knowing who I am, is exciting and freeing. Interesting that this bee does not consider what political party to belong to, what church to attend, what it’s favorite band is this week, and the other stuff we place in our lives. It lives in the knowledge of what it is and the life it is meant to live. It is free!

    It’s interesting that I have used the word interesting three times in this post. Now four. 😂

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  • clouds,  flowers,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  Plants,  sunrises

    Eye of the Heart

    June 18, 2022
    The sun’s morning starburst and prairie coneflowers

    I’ve come to believe if our seeing does not expand then we stunt our growth mentally and spiritually. Photography has helped me see the beauty in the world of nature’s landscapes with the eyes of a photographer. While self-reflection along with prayer and meditation have helped me see the beauty of our inner landscape with the eye of my heart. I also believe in the statement we never see more than we are willing to see. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

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  • flowers,  Plants,  quotes

    Just Being There

    June 5, 2022

    Joanna Macy writes that until we can grieve for our planet we cannot love it—grieving is a sign of spiritual health. But it is not enough to weep for our lost landscapes; we have to put our hands in the earth to make ourselves whole again. Even a wounded world is feeding us. Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy. I choose joy over despair.

    Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass

    As I write this, threatening clouds have moved in. The wind has picked up and the trees are waving those arms adorned with new green leaves. I pray that it rains. I started the morning at a coffee shop, then moved on to one of the natural areas to journal and get in a walk. I’m one of those wandering souls always heading out the door, the wanderer who is committed to the adventure of seeing new places and discovering new things1 A quote the book Eternal Echoes by John O’Donohue. The wanderer cannot do that from their easy chair. I’m aware of my desire to spend more and more time in the company of nature. I find joy just being there.

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  • flowers,  haiku,  Plants,  writing/reading

    Unopened Gift

    April 27, 2022
    Pink tulips are making their appearance

    pointing skyward
    warm colors of new life
    unopened gift

    ms

    Found this tulip among its siblings outside the coffee shop. They were a gift that made the start to my day brighter. Then… I enjoyed my mocha.

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  • flowers,  Plants,  quotes

    There is no normal

    April 19, 2022
    One of the daffodils on CSU campus

    There is no normal. I’ve never met a normal person. The concept is flawed. It implies that there is only one way people are supposed to be, and that can’t possibly be true. Human experience is far too varied.

    Maureen Johnson

    So, are we each abnormally normal?

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  • flowers,  Plants

    Spring Appearances

    April 1, 2022

    On my walk across campus this morning for a mocha latte I noticed these crocus making their spring appearances. It is overcast with a cold breeze that penetrates. As things begin to relax more people are out and about without masks but they are still required on the busses. I’m a minority because I still wear mine. Have a wonderful Friday and April Fools to you.

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