Learning from my Plants

As I was taking this picture it occurred to me how this exotic looking bromeliad so aptly reflects the paradox of life. Like life, it is both soft and prickly at the same time. Learning to live in the boundary between the two brings understanding and gratitude for the good and the bad, as both are compassionate teachers.

myly

Let it Rain!

The sun was shining when all of a sudden a passing cloud burst and showered us with much needed rain. I quickly grabbed my camera to see if I could photograph the rain. Rain is one of those elements that is very difficult to photograph. It just doesn't stand still! But my little Sony did a pretty good job as the sun lit up the background. I love the way the old oak is illuminated and serves as a background to capture the torrent of rain drops that fell on us this day.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's Rain in Summer sums up my thoughts on the rain perfectly - How beautiful is the rain! After the dust and the heat, In the broad and fiery street, In the narrow lane, How beautiful is the rain!

A Bit of Thanks

Some days you just have to count your lucky stars and be grateful for life as it is. It's so easy to breeze through the day without noticing the beauty that surrounds us. How the light filters through the tree branches or the mandevilla vine covered in soft white flowers. It's so easy to walk past people without making eye contact or smiling at them. Then a day comes when you see someone innocently suffering from the uncertainties of life, and your eyes open and, even if, for a short period of time, the world looks different to you - warm, inviting, complete and beautiful. You slow down, count your lucky stars and give thanks.

These bold and colorful flowers for the young woman I crossed paths with this morning. Best wishes!