He does not keep track of how many lives he has lived. How many lay behind him or before him are of no concern or consequence. He exists only in this moment, this day, this life. Past and Future are not points on his compass. He is only Present. And in this life, this day, this moment, this present, there are no clouds. The sun is warm on his back. And he is Captain, if only in his own mind and only on dry land. Continue reading Nine Lives

There are trees that dance in the wind. Their leaves and branches, paired with gusts of air, lead and follow, dip and sway. But only when the wind blows. There are other trees however, that need no partner. Trees that dance alone in the still, hot, unmoving air. Trees that carry deep inside of them, ingrained in their grain, rings like tracks on an album; spirituals and sambas and every rhythm in between. Trees that have absorbed music instead of nitrates. Trees with an arch in their back. Trees that lean forward but maintain their center of gravity. Trees with … Continue reading The Dancing Tree

We live in an area full of beautiful birds. The morning sky lights up pink as flocks of roseate spoonbills chase the horizon. Cranes and herons stand haughty and elite, judging the marsh below them with half interest and disdain while balancing, uninterestedly, on one foot. Ibis grace us with their presence, but only on the foggiest of mornings; and only if they think no one is looking. Elusive birds all. They trade on their beauty. Coquettish and shy, they seduce photographers in wading boots far from the shore, draw them a little further out; tease the current, exchange daring … Continue reading Pretty Bird

I am sorry I am so brief these days. It is a combination of things; weather, time of year, COVID fatigue, neighborhood “drama,” the state of the world, and added to the mix tonight…..Benadryl (bugs are eating me alive) that have me in a funk I am having trouble shaking. Despite all of the positives, I find myself drawn to the negatives. Ignoring the light which hurts my eyes. Wallowing in the dark which feeds my melancholia. The negative spaces and voids call to be filled, and I, obediently oblige. Filling them with worst case scenarios and feelings of unworthiness. … Continue reading Light and Dark

I apologize that I have nothing much to say tonight. It was a blah weather day that created a blah mood that settled over me early and has yet to lift. But….in the garden, among the drab, blah shades of the day, I spotted an orange or two, full of potential, ready to burst into fruition, claiming branches and saving space for what they are about to become. Continue reading Saving Space

Today was a “do nothing day.” We puttered and chatted, watched movies and relaxed. We worked on a few small projects but accomplish nothing major. Nature rewarded us all the same. Reminded us that even a “do nothing day” is not a wasted day. Showed us that even the mundane is worth celebrating. Rolled the credits and lit up the sky not caring if an audience was present or not. Gave this day a send off that made it anything but ordinary. Continue reading Sunday Sunset

I was big, (relatively speaking) and he was scary. I blindly reached into the brush to clear the Spanish Moss that had dropped during the last bout of wind. Trusting the void held nothing but empty space. He, unbeknownst to me, had laid claim to that patch of moss. Had it earmarked for an upcoming project. Took offense to me removing it. What I saw as an eyesore, he saw as home improvement. I spotted him before he laid eyes on me. Noticed his stripes, his war paint. His missing antenna, his lack of a stinger. Allowed him the bravado … Continue reading Big and Scary

I saw her at a red light while waiting for green. In the pause between songs on the radio, I caught the slightest of movements while changing the channel. A ladybug hitching a ride. Heading out of the “city” for the weekend. Looking to put some miles between herself and her past. “Hold on” I warned as the light turned and we started to move. I lost her near the salt marsh, in the straight stretch between curves. In the shift between fifth and sixth she lost her grip or let go and surrendered to the wind. Continue reading Hitching A Ride

The calendar and the seasons have changed. As if on cue, the temperature and leaves have dropped. And October, in a flurry, has announced her arrival. I spent the afternoon raking leaves, only to watch more drop this evening. It is a reminder, I suppose, that everything is a work in progress. That evolution is the only constant. That the more we try to control the landscape, the more nature asserts her dominance. That in the end, the only thing certain, is change. Continue reading Fall Has Fallen