Savor
But words are things, and a small drop of ink, Falling like dew, upon a thought, produces That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think. Lord Byron
Defining Savor
it is the walk of silence,
the fullness of air,
it is open-eyed -
it is waiting.
it is the leaf twirling
on the spider’s silken thread
in the dark green backdrop
of the wood
it is the the fog lifting
like a curtain,
revealing a deer
bowing its head
to taste a fallen branch
it is the spiraling frond of a fern
in the dewy green aftermath
of a thunderstorm -
it is in all of the senses
receiving,
it is in knowing
these are gifts
and remembering
to be grateful
mockingbird
At the beginning of 2023, a dear friend (Wendy Moore) chose a word for me to focus on this year: Savor. (Savor, Cambridge.org definition)
Halfway through the year, I wanted to come back around to how this word has enriched my life.
I have been walking through my days, looking for ways to savor my life. What I dwell on, it turns out, is what shapes my experience. One word, thoughtfully chosen, was a gift of light in a world where I could dwell so easily on darkness. I really can’t imagine receiving anything better, and I would love to pass it on.
To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives.
Henry David Thoreau
Garlic Scapes from the farm market
Thank you for being here! See you next Friday.
Last Dance of Spring
And since all this loveliness can not be Heaven, I know in my heart it is June.
Abba Louisa Goold Woolson
These little gifts of spring
green leaf and flower gold
Purple spikes and tall grass
I often pass -
until today
when my feet were slow,
and white blossoms
filled my quiet heart
with the grace of a season;
departing.
What an unusual spring we had. Fires in the north making the skies hazy and defusing the sunlight, very little rain, a mix of really hot and surprisingly cold days, and, at least where I live, an unusual abundance of wildlife.
I’ve had a little running injury this spring (now nearly healed) that slowed me down a bit and, in a way, I’m grateful. It gave me a chance to go on longer walks with my camera and take closeups of flowering and budding things. Even with the drier conditions, spring did not disappoint. I was especially drawn to the wild growing things, like the vine twisting over the road at the beginning of this post, the tall grass flowering in an empty lot, or the black-eyed susan and daisy, growing by the guardrails. I think I love them for their tenacity; their beauty rising even in unfavorable conditions.
I hope you had a wonderful week and had a chance to mark the summer solstice in some way on Wednesday, even if just in an acknowledgement that it happened. As I’m writing this, I just realized that there are a couple of you that actually are on the other side of the planet, heading into winter. Either way, seasons are changing. I’m happy you’re here with me! Thank you for your time and attention.
See you next week!
Season of Quiet
Over the woodlands brown and bare, Over the harvest-fields forsaken, Silent, and soft, and slow Descends the snow. ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
December 19, 2022 - Fennville, MI - Berries
In the silent woods
after a passing snowstorm -
how red berries gleam!
December 15, 2022 - Azle, Texas - Mistletoe
December 15, 2022. I saw this pretty mistletoe hanging from a tree on my mom’s property in Azle, Texas. Don’t think I’ve ever seen one with so many berries. I read that in an English tradition - you could kiss anyone standing under the mistletoe, as long as it still had berries on it. After you kissed the person, you were supposed to remove a berry. Once they’re all gone, the kissing stops. So, it’s a good idea to pick a branch with a lot of berries!
December 18, 2022 - Fennville, Michigan - Returned home to snow
December 18, 2022. Home again! Came home to a snowstorm. This snowfall caused delays and an uncomfortably long wait on the plane, but I got here safely and I’m loving it now. It feels like Christmas.
December 18, 2022 - Pier Cove Trust Trail - Maple Leaf
December 19, 2022 - Fennville, MI - Spray of Pine
December 20, 2022 - Lake Michigan- Icicle on fallen tree
December 21, 2022- Fennville, MI - Multicolored pine needle
December 21, 2022 - Fennville, MI - Pussy willow
December 21, 2022 - Fennville, MI - Grain
Winter solstice and the Christmas holiday make me want to slow down and appreciate every little thing. I tried to do that this past week. Noticing little things: a leaf in snow, an icicle, or a dried tip of ornamental grass. Just a pause to pay attention. To breathe in the cold air. To sleep a little longer, to listen to some holiday music, or just stare out the window daydreaming. Feel the sacredness of life and be grateful for mine.
I am grateful for you taking the time to read this! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas if you celebrate. Even if you don’t, I hope you can gather with your loved ones and cozy up. Enjoy a few minutes of quiet in a busy season.