Simple Gifts

Finally, after many attempts across a number of years, I have created a still life that actually satisfies. Though not perfect, it captures the mood and intent for which I was aiming. Before photography there were arrangements of household and nature items I would place along an ironing board, lit only by whatever sun rays filtered inside and captured with sketchpad, charcoal and pencils. While reflecting on this photo taken last evening, I notice gathered here in a single shot, gifts shared by many individuals. For example, an ear of the Indian corn my aunt gave me so I as a young mother could create a harvest table for my kids to enjoy; a plate given by family to help round out a winter pattern; a surprise birthday gift of cash given by my father when I was totally broke that allowed me to visit the pottery booth; the flowers my husband planned and took me to pick out straight from the florist' cooler to enjoy for Thanksgiving. I am pleased with this still life; I am grateful for those who made it possible. Thank you, Lord, "for letting me see the colors." Amen

Hold the Balance

Last evening a friend shared with us an experience he had while swimming laps at his local YMCA. It seems, though he had competed in the medley as a youth, recent health issues affected his abilities, and as he switched to the backstroke from his usual breaststroke something went wrong. He was all over the place and clearly disoriented. Helpless to sort it out, unnerved.

Transitions can be disorienting. Thankfully, this has been a long fall in terms of color and temperature allowing leisurely opportunities to notice the patterns surrounding us. But just on the other side will be holidays marking new seasons serving to hold the balance, setting the course.

Bringing in the Green

When you consider how much of the landscape, as we see it today, will change tremendously within the next week or two, each remaining leaf of color or flower demands more focus. There will no longer be an awning of yellow and orange over the morning window; the swirling art prints formed by newly fallen leaves upon the stream surface will flow away. Scenes will be brown and thin and gray.

And yet evergreens remain. Exposed soon in the cold wind blowing, their fragrance invites us to bring them inside, a promise of blossoms in spring.