SOLSTICE

Set out for solstice drumming evening.

 Instead entered place of high ritual in a yard on the St. Johns river.
(Not a republican in the 50 or so participants.)

 A native American ritual included:

 real fireworks, 
a pause to watch space shuttle pass in the sky,
 a symbolic burning of something personal that needs to end,
 a spiral dance into the center and back,
 lighting of candles around the circle to call in the return of the sun,
 and a candle lit and placed on a circle symbol in sand for a new intention or dream to manifest. 

Feeling of belonging where I am now is a precious moment to hold dear through the holidays.

 (And sitting by the fire, after feasting,with others on a dark crisp night makes for perfect.

TREE

Sitting next to a small tree draped with branches of leaves, green and gentle.

The Autumn  sun is hot

Theafternoon  breeze is cool.

As I breathe, Iam  smiling.

I am listening to the sound created by the leaves and the breeze.

Nature's  wooden wind chimes.

AFTERMATH

Tropical Storm/Hurricane Hermine rained it's way through Florida and on to its sailing voyage to New England.

Winds blew at a steady pace,  gusting occasionally, threatening havoc by tornado.

Lawns are green and spanish moss  is strewn across the lawns and streets.

Dead branches fell to the ground, pruning their trees naturally.

Shores of the lakes, covered with rising waters,  are void of sandy beaches.

Strange mushrooms have sprung up in really soggy areas.

Following an early walk, more rains consume the morning's hours.

Contentment is gratefully receiving it's bounty of peace.

However temporary the moment,  it's power is lasting. 

Being now is what it is.