Paula Kovarik, 2013
As I was leaving the house a couple of days ago I snapped this composition of some weeds growing in one of the planters on the deck. The little snow-frosted hearts were too hallmark for my taste but did serve to remind me that we are surrounded by beauty. The swirls of grass have inspiring lines.
We spent the morning wrestling with the overgrown wisteria vine in our side yard. There was something very satisfying about yanking on a tendril and watching as a whip the length of a football field untangled at my feet. The vine had overtaken a mulberry tree and was threatening to romp on to the oak trees down the fence. We ended up with a huge pile of vines that we reassembled into two 4 foot high by about 8 foot wide nest sculptures. Just hoping that nothing takes root and that we don't invite a passing pterodactyl to roost.
I found this chestnut on a walk the other day. The texture caught my eye while walking and then upon examination the depth of it inspired me to think about our natural defenses — protecting ourselves, our environment and our sanity. Sometimes I wish I could don a coat of thorns and recede into the wild. Other times I want to shed the thorns and open up to the light. This little natural wonder speaks to both those urges.
Now if I could just remember where that tree was I could go collect a few more of these wonderful nuts and roast a little happiness into this cold cold day.
chestnut
It has been difficult to get into the spirit of Christmas this year since the temp has been hovering around 70 degrees and every thing seems to be crowding into too few days. As I was taking a walk the other day while mentally clicking off all the things I needed to do before the holiday I saw this lovely tree with it's natural christmas ornaments on it. This is the tree I want in my living room. very graphic, very simple...less is more.
Sharing the holiday last week with family and friends I was constantly aware of the bounty in my life. From beautiful grandchildren to gingko leaves, our life is rich. I am particularly thankful that my mom was released from a brief hospital stay just before the Thanksgiving spread began to cook. We have so much to be thankful for.
