Life Carries On

Life Carries On

It snowed. Then it didn't. Then ice fell. Then more snow. Now the temperature is just above freezing and everything is melting. An intriguing winter, I must say. 

But even with the snow, life (in its current weirdness) carries on. The big, snowy footprints were left by our letter carrier, who delivered our mail regardless of the weather. Those mingled with delicate rabbit, squirrel, and bird prints. They were hopping, running, and sprinting around our house as usual, looking for a winter treat to eat. As I take my afternoon walk, I shift from sidewalk to street, trying to avoid the puddles of melting snow and the slippery spots of ice but I'm still getting out there.

Each day seems more of a meditation now than just a function. Whether paying attention to footprints or working at home or avoiding crowds at the supermarket, we need to be consciously aware of our attention. It's not a bad thing. Being present keeps us connected in lots of ways - with our health, with the people around us, with ordinary living.    

I know that Spring is on the horizon and it will be interesting to see if it comes gently or on the heels of a large, final winter storm. It sometimes does, though it didn't last year. And will this Spring bring more vaccines to help more people be healthy and safe? I hope so.

Hearts and Lovers

Hearts and Lovers

 It's snowing today, the second snowstorm in a week. It's easy to get into the "Oh no, not again." mode, anticipating the shoveling that will be needed when it stops. 

But when I looked out the window to see how much snow had fallen, I got quite the surprise. A car had backed into the driveway across the street and left an incredible image in the snow. Two interconnected hearts! They stayed that way for a while. No other cars came down the street to disturb them. Then two people came by, chatting happily as they walked their dog, and it seemed to be an affirmation of the snowy hearts.

What a way to start the day? So what if I have to shovel? I actually don't mind doing it. And I know that when the snow stops and I get out there, shovel in hand, I will be thinking of the unexpected hearts that were so delightful to see. And maybe it will be a reminder that in our present difficult time, there is still much to be appreciated and enjoyed.

Ah, Memories

  

                Ah, Memories

This is a time that nourishes memories. Some of my friends are going through their closets and rediscovering things they had forgotten. One friend found a coat that she used to wear on cold days when walking her dog. Now her daughter wears the same coat while walking her own dog, appreciating its physical and emotional warmth. Another friend looked back on her quilting days and thought it might be good to re-explore that craft.

An African Violet plant on my kitchen windowsill brings back memories of my mother-in-law, may she rest in peace, who was a nature lover. She planted gardens outdoors and pots of plants indoors. She especially loved African Violets and gave me the plant that I still have. I’ve separated it several times, giving plants to my daughter, to my friend, to my sister and another one to myself.

Earlier this year I noticed that my poor African Violet seemed cramped so I replanted it in a little bit bigger pot.  It started to blossom. And it hasn’t stopped! I look at it each time I wash dishes or start to cook, amazed by its continuing beauty but also reminded of the gift my mother-in-law had with plants. Her skill continues to impress me but it is the plant itself that keeps a loving memory alive.

Caring for African Violets:

https://newengland.com/today/living/gardening/grow-african-violets/

Focusing on Nature

 

Focusing on Nature

Nature has been a bit more obvious around here lately, with squirrels dashing in front of cars, hawks flying down closer to people and deer gallivanting on streets and in backyards. Here is an example. There were actually five deer crossing our backyard the other day. Two moved off into our neighbor’s property behind the children’s playground. One had stopped for a moment to look at the swings. I wondered if it was considering having a ride. When my husband came out with his camera, the deer moved on. They crossed the street slowly as if they were just out for a daily walk.

I think that our housing development was built on the deer’s natural roaming path. They figured out how to navigate around the fences that some of our neighbors have erected. We are used to them coming into our back to munch on our plants and our sweet cherry tree. But they have been showing up more frequently and being less reserved.

I think we all are looking at things differently now. What used to be in the background of our busy lives has come to be more prominent in our awareness as we become more locally aware. Focusing on nature is a way to step out of our daily worries and be lifted by its beauty or be delightfully surprised by an unusual encounter. I think of it as a gift that opens me up to a wider perspective.

Our Roots

We’ve been going to various nature centers during this pandemic, trying to be outdoors but away from crowds. I always find something that surprises me on these walks. This time, at the Parvin State Park in Pittsgrove, NJ, it was tree roots that were reaching up to the sky. The tree had fallen over into the lake and half of its roots were yanked up into the air. It was no longer living but half of its roots still held on, deep into the earth.

It was captivating. It isn’t often that tree roots are so visible. There was a lacy quality to them. I could see how interconnected they were, supporting each other so that the tree was able to rise high into the air.

It made me think of people who have passed away, especially now when so many have died from the corona virus. They may be virtually gone but they, too, have left roots in our society. Some of those roots can still be seen, biologically visible in relatives. But it is the impact they have made through their work and interactions in society that are the hidden roots, the connections that affect all of us.

Parvin State Park has quite a history:

https://www.stateparks.com/parvin_state_park_in_new_jersey.html

 

 

Mushroom Hunt

My grandson and I have been on a mushroom hunt these past covid months. Periodically we go out for a walk around the neighborhood, looking for varieties we haven’t yet come upon. I think we are up to thirteen.

We haven’t identified the mushrooms we’ve seen but that doesn’t matter: we don’t plan to eat any. We are aware of their structure, color, and size as we compare our findings. It is a way to connect with nature and to spend time with each other.   

These days it’s important to appreciate any connections we have, whether it’s with family or friends or nature, but safely. We keep a safe distance from each other on our walks. We wave to neighbors across the street. And when we find something interesting in nature to look at, we take turns going up close. I miss our hugs, to be sure, but I value our contact – however we need to do it.

Here’s how you can effectively photo mushrooms:

https://www.centraltexasmycology.org/blog/2020/7/17/photography-tips-for-mushroom-identification

Here is a (very) detailed chart to help you identify mushrooms:

https://www.mushroomexpert.com/

Grasshoppers Leap Into the Future

 

Grasshoppers Leap into the Future

You never know what will greet you when you open your front door. This time it was a grasshopper that had settled on the glass, an intriguing start to the day. Grasshoppers seem so ordinary but they have a history of deep symbolism. Sometimes looking into symbolism helps us move along in difficult times.

Grasshoppers are a symbol of good luck. They jump up and forward and encourage us to do the same, to move ahead and not get stuck on the past or regrets. It also is a symbol for freedom, joy, and creativity, among other positive qualities.

During this pandemic we are often, understandably, lost in negative, worrisome thoughts. But there are positive things to focus on: neighbors greeting neighbors with smiles and friendly though distant conversations, gratitude for the dedication of our health practitioners, conscious appreciation of the people in our lives.

The grasshopper eventually hopped away, taking a leap of faith that it will land safely. Perhaps it was a reminder for us to do the same.  

Lots to know about grasshoppers:

https://www.thoughtco.com/fascinating-facts-about-grasshoppers-1968334