Grace

Orchids in Printer's Drawer, September 2024

 

We don't deserve it,

we cannot earn the beauty

that keeps finding us

* This bundle of orchid blossoms continue to bloom. Today I see them resting for a few moments in an antique printers drawer. They were planted and nurtured by the hands of someone I won't meet in this lifetime. The plant was passed along to my mother and now a handful of stems are bringing life and color to the kitchen table. My table - my hands - my heart are all full of beauty that passed through more than one garden along the way. It's amazing isn't it? Beauty and grace find us when we need them the most. 

An abundance of orchids

Orchids, September 2024

 

A dazzling prelude - 

an abundance of orchids

meets the morning light

Boldness

Vine Sphinx Moth, September 2024
Corpus Christi, Texas

 

What boldness it takes

to show up as yourself in

the full light of day

* A surprise guest in my mother's back garden- the exquisite vine sphinx moth. We checked back after it got dark and she was still there. A first sighting for all of us!

Side by Side

Silver spotted skipper butterfly, September 2024
Raleigh Durham, North Carolina

     

Walking side by side

I find happiness with you --

hope you find it too

* A few weeks ago, my daughter took me to all her favorite places in Raleigh Durham. While out and about we stopped to admire this butterfly drinking nectar from the snapdragons. It was a moment of pure happiness. 

A kaleidoscope of blessing

Landrum Chapel Window, September 2024
Memorial Drive UMC, Houston

 

The colors call you 

into your belovedness

on this very day

* I have come to love this small Chapel not far from my home and the mid-week Contemplative worship offered there. Last week, I was struck by the green of the baptismal font against the multi-colored window. 

A Blessing

Comal River, September 2024
Gruene, Texas

            May you find joy in the blue sky.

            May you delight in the song of the river.

            May you breathe peace in the shelter of reaching trees.

            May you borrow the strength of enduring stones. 

            May you lift your face to feel the breeze coming off the water.

            May your heart know the spirit of refreshment.

You make the clearing

Driving West, September 2024

 

On long jumbled days

when my thoughts refuse to clear

You make the clearing

In Silence

Tersa Sphinx Moth, September 2024

 

Look with careful eyes

veined wings hidden in veined leaves

meet you in silence

* What a terrific thing to spot a Tersa Sphinx moth on the back porch yesterday. It looked like a brown leaf that was out of place among all the green leaves. The moth perched in that spot through the day, unmoving, and was gone by morning. I love seeing things for the first time. 

For a little while

Tree Frog, September 2024

For a little while

we find our rest together

on the shaded porch

 

Pause at the back gate

Blooming Sky Vine and Back Gate, September 2024

Lost in a pale bloom

intent on gathering what

sustains her for flight

 

Unknown Butterfly in Sky Vine, September 2024

* Last night I spend several minutes watching this small butterfly gather nectar from the blue sky vine flower. She was oblivious to my presence, nestled deep inside the blossom. So tiny, I almost missed her. 

Easy afternoons

Sunny Window in North Carolina
September 2024

Easy afternoons

bring the gift of graceful light

shining through the leaves

Rainy Days

Blue Sky Vine, September 2024

 

Your time has arrived

rainy days have become the

most faithful of friends

Composition

Snapdragon and Company, September 2024

 

Morning's gentle rain

brings joyful harmony to

every living thing

Entrusted

Seedlings, September 2024

 

A new beginning

from seeds collected, at last

entrusted to earth

* Over the years, I have collected seeds from many places. Two weeks ago, I finally decided to plant to containers of each one. The first sprouts are appearing. I am seeing seedlings from pods collected in Colorado and Costa Rica - and a mystery seed that wasn't labeled. They have all been on the laundry room shelf for awhile and now is the time to see what they will become. 

Welcome September

Lycoris (Red Spider Lily), September 2024

 

Welcome September

you arrive at my doorstep 

bright and exquisite