1413. changing perspective

we’re close to a star

that’s why it’s so hot today

wow!!! that’s amazing!!!! 🦊❤️

I was standing on my favorite stone bridge looking down into the creek. I saw the blazing sun reflecting in the water creating what appeared to be a universe of stars. Then it dawned on me that our heat wave is because we are so close to a star. The thought, “Oh my God it’s so freaking hot!” was elevated to “Wow! We’re so close to a star that we can feel it!!!”   It’s amazing what a change in perspective can do on a very hot day.  🦊❤️ 

1412. becoming attuned

the black walnut tree

stands still in the blazing sun

not a bird in flight 🦊❤️

There is an amazing stillness that descends on the woods whenever the weather is hot and humid.  If you attune your attention to that sense of stillness it settles your body down to “go slow and enjoy.”  When I got attuned, I became aware that there were no birds flying around as usual. It was then that I could settle in and enjoy slowness. I’m sure the birds know more than me  🦊❤️

 

1411. cool summer colors

 

the fourth of july

the time for red, white and blue

and water ice too 🦊❤️

Here’s another post to inject some chill into the hot summer temps. Stay cool. 🦊❤️

1410. perfect pairing

 

vanilla soft serve

with a coating of choc-lit

love that frozen crunch 🦊❤️

Some things just go together. Vanilla and chocolate. Crunchy and creamy. Soft serve and choc-lit dip. Dairy and queen 🦊❤️

1409. model of stillness

 

for such a long time

you must have laid so very still

just like a rock does 🦊❤️

On the trail’s edge I saw a beautiful green rock held tightly in the embrace of a huge tree’s roots.  I figured that the process of taking possession of the rock by the tree started a long time before the trail was there. I stood and thought about stillness when no one is around. Such a peaceful thought… 🦊❤️

1408. second chance

 

after the big fall

tender greens mask the splinters

will branches appear? 🦊❤️

I like to watch how things in nature bounce back from adversity.  I call the tree in today’s photograph “The Little Tree Who Could”.  It is sprouting leaves after being decapitated by a much larger tree that toppled in a storm.  Hoping to see branches someday! 🦊❤️

1407. getting to the root of the matter

 

persistent waters

etching slowly at the roots

exposing them all 🦊❤️

Water and time are very effective at exposing the roots of things.  🦊❤️

1406. crossing over

 

beneath the big oak

her final heroic leap

hidden by a shroud 🦊❤️

The wrought iron fence around Morris Arboretum has claimed the lives of many deer over the years despite the arboretum’s attempts to mitigate the problem. There’s been improvement but it still happens.  Every time I see one impaled on the top spikes or suffocated from attempting to squeeze through the narrow space I experience a mixture of feelings ranging from sadness to anger.  Not a way for animals to die…🦊❤️