December 25, 2015. Today has been overcast and grey, mimicking traditional Christmas weather. No coats needed, though. The Ruellia appears to be celebrating this longer-than-typical growth season with an abundance of blooms – significant enough to send me back inside for the camera. It is Christmas – I’ll count this as Mother Nature’s gift.
December 16, 2015. Startled by the contrast added to the green grass I was tromping through, I stopped for a single leaf glowing up at me. It must have blown across the busy street from a nearly-bare ornamental pear tree. I picked the leaf up, brought it home, and later (still fascinated with its brilliance on an otherwise dull day) decided to photograph it, savor it, even if I can’t quite explain why it stirs me so.
I’d like to have such a burst of beauty right before my ultimate shriveling.
December 4, 2015. I am spinning with the heart-breaking understory of a young mother compelled to sacrifice herself for a cause she deemed greater than her own baby – left with grandmother on her way to kill and be killed. Compassion for the child comes easily. As for the mother? Much tougher. Yet nevertheless a little peace crept in while observing the Chiapas sage in first rays of sunshine. I don’t know the hows to stem violence, defensiveness, distrust. But I feel certain hate and relaliation are counterproductive. I won’t go there.
stepsandpauses 