Author: HelenJr

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.

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.

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.

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 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…

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…