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Perhaps the most beautiful and friendly mantis I’ve had the privilege of meeting to date was this one. She (just a guess, but my gut feel) made me view these amazing creatures differently, question my previous notions about them, and left me completely in awe of them. She was magical.
Continue reading “Haiku: First Contact (Mantid Series #3)”
There seem to be morning glories everywhere I look: on fences, climbing up rock faces, intertwined with other greenery. They possess the kind of beauty that is both ordinary and extraordinary at the same time – if you didn’t take the time to look at the blooms and see that they’re all different, you might just dismiss them as blue vining weeds. You might not see that some contain small insects, others are dusted with pollen, and still others have been sprinkled with raindrops. Fortunately, you and I know to see what crosses our visual paths. I hope you soak in the beauty…and there are many more to yet to be discovered!
When you start the morning chores and the sky looks this angry, you know you’re racing the clock. You think to yourself “just a few more minutes…”, but you know you’re not in control – nature is. After about 15 minutes, our luck ran out and the heavens opened up on us. We were both soaked. But that’s how it goes when you farm and there are animals to be attended to; sometimes, you get lucky and the rain holds off, and sometimes it doesn’t. And the chores still must be done.
In a reversed world, these diminutive flowers could be stars in a firmament. Today, though, they’re tears. Despite how it may look, this scene is about transformation: the fragrant fading flowers will become vibrant berries – capable of becoming new plants and nourishing animals. And I will eagerly await the change. Be well.
I’m always happy to see our pollinator friends, but am particularly grateful now for the perspective they provide. When I’m mired in the seemingly inescapable “deep thoughts”, these hard-working creatures remind me that it’s important to focus on both the philosophical and the quotidian. Be well.
In the early morning, birds of all sizes, shapes, and colors sing their wonderful songs. Recently, I realized that the “background” sound I was hearing was comprised of multiple – numerous – different birds doing their different pieces. What did it sound like? Hope.
Continue reading “Haiku: Hope In A Song”