nature

As Summer Moves On

Backstory

Another post-pandemic summer has spun by. Did you get to enjoy it? Mother Nature was on a turbulent ride with wildfires up north, record heat down south, inflation dampening budgets, and unfulfilled airline promises causing disruption. And yet, somehow, July and August wound down fast, and here we are, ready to jump into autumn. It got me thinking.

As Summer Moves On

Summer always seems to end too soon. We’re watching flowers blossom and bloom, birds and bees are doing their thing, and suddenly one day we see that an early tree is losing its leaves. The deep shades of green on the landscape are fading, the grass is taking on a golden tone. It seems to be Mother Nature’s reminder that nothing lasts forever.

No longer can we head out the door barefoot and jacketless. Now the autumn weather requires preparation and thought to keep from being caught somewhere cold and damp. The autumn breeze that cools things down also sets the scene for other changes. New teachers, new schools, new subjects to study, new wardrobes, and new political or philosophical considerations. New friends require rethinking. Some of the values you carried in light of their newly expressed values.

Organizations restart up their activities after the summer hiatus. And you have to choose where you will volunteer and what next year’s passion will be.

And then there is the big issue of balance between work, family, church, community service and your own social life. There may be a new love in your coming winter or a new hobby, or a new favorite haunt.

So much to look forward to that you almost forgive summer for moving on.

P.S. Thanks for being here so many Sunday mornings, reading or listening to these stories. Consider making a comment at the end. Always love to hear from you.

[Show #539]

Spring

Backstory

This year, spring teased us as far back as February. Magnolia blooms popped out, tulip leaves sprouted and asparagus hit the grocery produce sections. But winter was not yet over.

Spring Bursting Out

What a gift spring is—Mother Nature at her most generous.

We drove up to Virginia from Florida in late March. While buds were very visible and trees were starting to leaf up in Florida and Georgia, by the time we got through the Carolinas to the Southern Virginia line, spring was nowhere to be found.

Trees had naked stick arms protruding from their trunks. The grass was still dry and golden. Daffodils still hid among their leaves, barely teasing a promise of flowering.

Yet I knew that in just a few days or weeks, Spring would burst forth in all its glory. The wait is tantalizing. I looked around the barren landscape and could imagine . . . pastel colors everywhere . . . cherry blossoms . . . yellow daffodils . . . tulips of every hue.

Spring seems to be God’s way of assuring us that we can all start over. Nature is not the only thing being renewed. We each get a chance to do it all again. Whatever you want to change, Spring is a great time to get started. Of course, right now, today, is a great time too.

Mother nature will probably get it right as she guides Spring through its steps. Maybe this time, we can get it right too. Whadayathink? Do we stand a chance?

P.S. What did you plan to get started in your New Year’s Resolution for 2023? How’s it going? If it’s stalled, here’s a reminder to check your promises and get restarted on this bountiful Spring day.

[Show #474]

Fog

Backstory

It’s a foggy morning here in the Shenandoah Valley. The vapor moves slowly along; hiding from view, everything over 10 feet away. It’s early morning and very quiet. What a wonderful time for wondering, daydreaming, allowing random thoughts to flutter across the busy landscape of my mind and take their own detours, left and right.

I sat here for quite a while, doing just that. Torn between getting the words down on paper – or just letting them glide in and out, unattended and undirected.

Most of the thoughts were quite elusive. I felt naughty, allowing them to swirl around so. I am usually disciplined about getting them down on paper. But they came and went like dry fallen leaves, on the rush of a nor-easter.

It took major concentration to finally come down and reconnect with reality. Once I did, this is the episode that came “Out of the Fog.”

Out of the Fog

The mountains have disappeared. Often, they simply turn blue with the weather. Today, they are invisible; masked by the early morning fog.

I feel alone in this temporary setting, shielded from anything that is not in my heart and mind this morning. I have the freedom to think any kind of thoughts.

I can worry about the world . . . or think happy thoughts. I can review my responsibilities . . . pay my bills . . . visit FaceBook friends.

Instead, I think I will sit here quietly. Just you and me. I’ll think about how grateful I am that you stop in – some, once in a while, some, every Sunday.

I love to share with you thoughts and stories and laughs. I like to pass along reminders of the good things we have to hold on to. Often reminders about being thankful, and expressing that thanks. Reminders about the love that surrounds you. Maybe a little nudge about reaching out or speaking up – or keeping quiet.

So many thoughts to share . . . So many stories to tell.

Thank you for spending these 90 seconds with me. Even if your day starts with fog, like mine did, may it end, with hope.

P.S.

Now that we are out of lock-down and into more pre-pandemic rhythm, don’t become so caught up with “hurry” that you forget time out. Continue to leave space for contemplation. And above all, be kind.

[Show #622]

White Orchids

Back Story

We are surrounded with miracles. Many of them are taken for granted. Others capture our attention and we find ourselves mesmerized. That’s what happened here.

White Orchids

At the Farmers Market, I purchased a fresh cut spray of white orchids. Put them in the turquoise Fenton vase that has been gracing the dining room table for weeks since I won it out of the hands of the other bidders at an auction.

The vase had been giving us such pleasure, with its round sculpture and graceful scallops. The glass is intriguingly cut to clear in oval designs. It was really pretty, all by itself.

But with the orchids added, the two came alive with the beauty created by nature and by man. It was impossible not to smile every time you pass by. So fresh, bold and inspiring.

Sort of like passing by a cherished photo of grandchildren or good friends. You just HAVE to stop and look and remember some event or occasion when you were so glad they were in your life.

I’m told that if I treat them right, the orchids will last a good three weeks. Then, like most good things, they will become a lovely memory. Then we’ll look for some new gifts of Mother Nature and start the process of enjoyment all over again.

A very small thing – drawing enjoyment out of looking at flowers in a vase. But then life is made beautiful by the daily strings of just such small enjoyments.

P.S.

The sadness of months in the last year have shrouded many everyday enjoyments. Let’s let the summer sun bring back the happiness.

[Show #428]

Spring

Backstory

All through March, we were on standby for traces of that precious season-turn. Winter’s sad statistics wore us out. So many were deprived of the wonder unfolding now. In their honor, let’s cherish this Spring as never before.

Spring

What a gift spring is. Mother Nature at her most generous.

Trees had naked stick arms protruding from their trunks. Grass was still dry and golden. Daffodils still hid among their leaves, barely teasing a promise of flowering.

Yet I knew that in just a few days or weeks, Spring would burst forth in all its glory. The wait is tantalizing. I looked around the barren landscape and could imagine…pastel colors everywhere…cherry blossoms…yellow daffodils…tulips of every hue.

Mother Nature will probably get it right as she guides Spring through its steps. Maybe this time, we can get it right too. Whadayathink? Do we stand a chance?

P.S.

In memory of friends, family and loved ones who did not survive the pandemic, let’s pledge new waves of kindness, compliments, caring and gratitude this Spring and beyond.

[Show #474]

Autumn

Backstory

At a time when we tend to reach out for reminders of normalcy, I sat back and looked around me, trying to find something to focus on that would encourage hope. Here is what came into view, looking ahead.

Click to listen or follow below to read.

Autumn – #630

As I write this for you, the mountains are still gleaming green, as they have, all summer. It’s September, but the tones of autumn have not yet touched the leaves.

Soon, they will lose their summer strength and then EXPLODE with the colors of fall. Such a special time, here in the valley. Folks will travel from afar to witness it for the few special days when nature offers this feast of color and spins the air with the fresh fall smell.

Before we know it, the leaves will have fallen and the cold will take over. Sharp breezes and stinging winds and rain and snow. There will be winter days of dazzling, ice-covered beauty and days of danger and inconvenience as snow interferes with daily comings and goings.

And just when we’ve had enough, those tiny crocus will stick their heads up, sometimes from under the snow, with their promise of springtime. And suddenly, before you know it, the world comes to life again in full spring glory.

What a miracle. And it happens, year in and year out. It sweeps through holidays and vacations and visits and events. I never get tired of the progression. I love it, look forward to it, plan for it. Because we can always be assured, it will happen again, ready or not.

[Show #630]

P.S.

“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.” Early American poet, Anne Bradstreet