There is a time

Watercolor, June 2022

                                There is a time for containing,

                                        and a time for pouring.

                                

                                There is a time for restraint,

                                       and a time for generosity.

                                

                                There is a time for measuring, 

                                        and a time for making your best guess.

Through the window

Street Art, June 2022
Georgetown, Texas

 

I consider days,

counting blessings that arrive

without and within

Listening In

Our Lady, June 2022
Congress Avenue, Austin

 

The street musician

plays his heart out for tips while

you listen in love

* On a busy street corner in Austin, Texas, just across from this mural, a man played the trombone beautifully and with great enthusiasm. I imagined that Our Lady was listening in.

Boldness Blooms

Pride of Barbados, June 2022

Undeniable

fiery boldness blooms and

I can't look away

* What actually catches my eye in this photo is the serene, silvery green background. What a contrast to the bright flowers. I love the idea that when these red-orange petals fall, they will come to rest in the soft green. 

And Dance

Vintage Elephant Planter, June 2022
Austin, Texas

 

Take a step in joy

raise your voice above the dust

let your eyes stay bright

This very moment

Pink Turk's Cap wreath in Antique Printer's Drawer, June 2022

The blush of summer

encircles you with goodness

this very moment

Texan Crescent Butterfly

Texan Crescent Butterfly, June 2022

 

I walk in the backyard garden every morning to water the plants and scatter birdseed. Today I saw this small butterfly fluttering through the shrimp plant. I've never seen a crescent butterfly up close before and it was so exciting to watch her for several minutes. I continue to be amazed that we can be in a familiar place and see something for the first time. It's a great encouragement to pay attention where we are and notice what comes into view. 

Father's Day

Fledgling Blue Jay, June 2022

 

Who watches me when

squirrels and hawks and cats come near?

I will, little one

* While on a call with my Dad, I spotted a young blue jay hopping in the street and up on my son's truck. He rested for several minutes before making the short flight to a low branch on his "home" tree. 

A Summer Morning

Gulf Fritillary Butterfly on Milkweed, June 2022

 The world welcomes us

through the beautiful door of 

a summer morning

A merry chaos

Esperanza (or Yellow Elder), June 2022

 

A merry chaos

of midsummer gold and green

dancing together

Love

Desert Willow, June 2022
UT Dallas, Texas

 

Notice and nurture

the quiet growing of love

in your heart of hearts

Goodness along the way

Horseweed, June 2022

Let me celebrate

the goodness along the way

and offer deep thanks

Ordinary Time

Texas Star Hibiscus, June 2022

 

Ordinary Time

for slowing and savoring 

summer's bright delights

* After Pentecost, we turn the liturgical calendar's page to Ordinary Time. Click here for a reflection. 

Presence

Checkered Skipper, June 2022

The smallest things tap

our capacity to stay

in joyful presence 

Walk with Me

Walk with me

in the fullness of summer

where Sabbath delight

is all around.

 June 2022

This time

Clematis, June 2022

The sprinkler is on

feel the coolness on your skin

don't hurry this time

Rock Rose

Rock Rose, June 2022

I was on a short hike just outside of Pagosa Springs, Colorado some years ago and rock roses grew wild along the trail. Their bright pink stood out against a background of greens and browns. Back home, I strolled through a local garden center and came upon a very dry and wilted rock rose at the end of the summer and brought it home where it has been happy on the back porch. I love when it blooms and I'm reminded of my time in beautiful Colorado. Many of the plants in my garden remind me of people and places I hold close to my heart. 

 

If

Sombrero Salsa Red Cone Flowers, June 2022

 Imagine if love

moved easily from the heart

evident to all

For the finding

American Lady Butterfly, June 2022

Concealed in green grass

a burnished gift waits for you

there for the finding