Last night lots of rain and storm. Trees down. We ate dinner in a dark restaurant. Fireworks cancelled. This morning the lake is like glass and the birds are singing. Nature stopped by, then moved on.
Sparks in the Dark
Happy Independence Day
She Didn’t Dress For Me
And just when I start to marvel about the vibrant beauty of summer flowers, I am reminded that nature doesn’t care if I find it beautiful. Humbler flowers still find their admirers in the right moment.
Look at Me
Summer’s palette is here. So many flowers shout out with vibrant colors. Whenever I see something hollering “look-at-me”, I stop to consider what they are really bartering for. I doubt they exist simply to make me happy. Even though they do.
What am I?
In nature as with people there are “individual contributors” and team players: those who stand alone no matter how many others are near, and those whose impact lies in their ability to contribute well as a part of the many. Each has its place and role. Each can make the world a better place.
The Beginning
The Mississippi River begins at Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota. We like to visit when we can. I have snapshots of my younger self here. And of my daughter. And my grandkids. I think there is even a picture of my father long ago dipping his feet in this water. I like to imagine how…
Squirrels with Pearls
What’s Up Buttercup
Polyphemus Moth
I found this beautiful visitor on my doorstep this morning. As big as my hand. Bold yet delicate. Sadly very dead. He (yes “he”) likely lived only four days. Emerged, found a mate, did his duty, died. Not even a moment to eat. Nature certainly packs an amazing amount of care and creation into such…
Looking for a fresh direction
I am trying to get back to sharing my thoughts on a regular basis. But I have to learn the entire process again. This is not a real post. This is only an attempt to create a test bed to see how images and text present themselves in a longer post. Then it is time…
Frost On The Window
Frost On The Window Originally uploaded by HelenJr. When it is extremely cold here in Minnesota, the air holds nothing. The light is stark and clear and bright. The sun, itself, seems hard and brittle. But, I think there is such a thing as too much clarity. My camera and I prefer to enjoy the…
Shady lane refreshing…
I like dirt roads. As I pass, I like to see the trace of those who passed before. I like to leave a mark and carry a bit of that road with me as I go. And there’s something about stirring up a cloud of dust behind me that makes me smile. _________________________________________ Song: Shady…
Begger’s Gift
Last winter, I fussed at the squirrels on my bird feeders. They made a terrible mess throwing seed here and there. But, this summer, the only flowers on my deck are from the seeds the squirrels scattered in my planters. The beggers left me gifts. (linked from Helen’s Flickr account)
Gone Fishing
We took a boat ride. He planned to fish. I said I would, too. But my camera just wouldn’t be still. It called to me from it’s bag under the seat. And so we passed a peaceful afternoon. He sought the possibilities hidden below the water’s surface. I worked to catch the possibilities right before…
Flutter By
Flutter By Originally uploaded by HelenJr. On Sunday, I happened on this cluster of butterflies, piled atop each other at the edge of a puddle. I have to admire the butterflies’ life. They float with the breezes, sip at the most colorful locations, collect admiring glances wherever they go. They do all that with seemingly…
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Minnehaha Falls – Satin Originally uploaded by HelenJr. this is a test message.
Crocus Crowds
Poem: How do you know, deep underground, Hid in your bed from sight and sound, Without a turn in temperature, With weather life can scarce endure, That light has won a fraction’s strength, And day put on some moments’ length, Whereof in merest rote will come, Weeks hence, mild airs that do not numb; O…
Watched held watcher, eye to eye.
There were five deer wandering through yesterday. This one I’d know in a moment if I’d seen her before. Hind right quarter shattered and healed, but the leg completely useless. She was likely caught by a car in the dark. I imagine the car was easily repaired and the driver has long-since forgotten. But don’t…
Birdie With a Yellow Bill
Birdie With a Yellow Bill Originally uploaded by HelenJr. A birdie with a yellow bill Hopped upon my window sill, Cocked his shining eye and said: “Ain’t you ‘shamed, you sleepy-head!” – Robert Louis Stevenson _________________ Just when I thought spring had arrived early, she surprised us with a snow storm. Inches of fluffy stuff…
Year of Blessings
Year of Blessings Originally uploaded by HelenJr. Six years ago, this week, I started chemotherapy for breast cancer. It was the same day that we celebrated my granddaughter’s first month of life. 2000 was an inconvenient year, full of discomforts and worries. But also a year of blessings and miracles, challenges and new understanding. I’ll…