Category: Environment

Haiku: The Good Mother

~ Carrie

I was walking in the pastures on a dewy morning (as they frequently are), when I noticed a small butterfly – a copper – struggling to fly out of the wet grass. I was reaching toward it to try to relocate it to higher (drier) ground, when I saw something larger move in the grass nearby. It was dark and I only caught a brief glimpse: a frog?

As I took a closer look at the area where the probable “frog” had gone into the grass, I realized it was definitely not a frog – it was a large spider! She hid from me, just wanting to keep her babies safe, so I quickly took a couple of photos and then left her in peace. What a good mother, toting all those spiderlings around. And what a rare treat to have witnessed her with her special passengers.

Learn more about amazing wolf spiders here.

Haiku: Beatific Bloom

~ Carrie

Morning glories make me wax poetic – something about the cheery countenances, the uplifting cornflower hue, the feeling they create that they’re smiling – how could I not be charmed by them?

I’ve noticed that they’ve changed with the transition of seasons, too: the big, showy flowers of summer have become smaller – but plucky – last hurrahs. I know that one day soon, they’ll be gone…not to return until summer. How I’ll miss them.

Haiku: Help Our Mother

~ Carrie

When seeking beauty, truth – and sadness – are often companions. While it’s a beautifully crisp fall day here, seemingly “normal”, the image of this leaf stirred feelings of deep sadness at the plight of the Earth…our Mother. She suffers, as others seek only to enrich themselves, plundering our home for their own selfish benefit. These bad actors have deliberately misled the public, pretending that the environmental nightmare known as plastic can actually be recycled, distracting people from the fact that the human-caused extinction of many animals continues and that climate change, with its many and devastating impacts, isn’t actually happening…and more. Wake up, people! Question what you’re hearing/reading/being told and seek information from many sources…our collective lives depend on it.

Haiku: Fallen Foliage

~ Carrie

This is a beautiful time of year, and Nature’s artistry is everywhere. Look for it wherever you are – it can be found in places you may not expect. Be sure to look not just at the majestic, but also at the diminutive…because sometimes the most stunning beauty can be found in the tiny. Wishing you a fall full of wonder.

Not just fun, finding awe is good for your wellbeing, too.

Haiku: Pre-Flight Check

~ Carrie

You may have discovered, as I have, that, often, the best gifts are surprises…and free. Nature is generous in its gift-giving, and we were recently gifted the experience of witnessing a caterpillar affix itself to our house’s siding, form a chrysalis, and – amazingly – emerge from that chrysalis! What luck to be present to see that newly-hatched butterfly working on unfurling its wings.

Continue reading “Haiku: Pre-Flight Check” →

Haiku: Leavesdropping

~ Carrie

It’s a delightfully cool day here, with a playful breeze that rustles the leaves in the trees, making it sound – especially when you’re standing below – like breathy whispers. If only I could understand what they’re saying…but it’s a private conversation.

If you believe in the interconnectedness of living beings, it shouldn’t be a stretch to imagine that the trees know that their kind are burning…now on the west coast, earlier in Australia, and ongoing in the Amazon. What must they think of us?

Did you know that it’s estimated that nearly 3 billion animals were killed or displaced because of the Australian bush fires? It’s difficult to comprehend the enormity of this loss, and it will have lasting impacts – from the Reuters article, “researchers said the destruction will see some species become extinct before their existence is even recorded.” 😢