CAMELIAS

This blooming camelia reminds me of my Junior prom.

My gown was just such a pink.

I felt  I was a beautiful girl.

An unusual self perception of my presence in the world.

I was shedding childhood in lieu of becoming a woman.

This camelia was an ealy bloomer in January or was it December?

Which ever month it was,  it was earlier than expected. 

Now,  February,  many camelias are blooming, as are azaleas, prickly pear, and citrus buds, to name a few.

Signs of Spring, these days, may be frozen out, and have to start over again in another month or two.

If that is the case, nevertheless, signs of Spring will return.

A village in full bloom is as beautiful as a Junior prom filled with young women in their ball gowns.

PROMISE

2017

7:20 am.

About 55°.

First sunrise of this year full of promises of love.

Birds and alligators say the night is past.

Fish jump clear out of the lake. 

A few auto engines pass up on the main drag.

Trusting sits gently in my heart again.

I have confidence that I am able to stand unafraid of the encounters ahead.

Living on this beautiful Lake with its ever changing sunrise  is nature's message from a history long and world wide perspective. 

SUNSET

That brief moment at the end of the day.when a dazzling sun's light
bathes the earth with sienna and a bright golden aura.

Sun never fails to set without breathing a promise of another sunrise
after a night of reflection from the moon - new or crescent or full.

Have faith.
The sun is present even in reflection,
even as it sets.

FOUNTAIN

Eating on the Atlantic Ocean.
Hotel Fountain has my full attention.

One container stands tall, continually overflowing.

The other hangs from a pole, fills up, tips over, and dumps out the water when full.

What does this say about the way life is?

Which am I more like?

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.