Metaphor

I am an oak tree

branches reaching high

spreading wide

giving cooling comfort

peaceful presence.

I grow new leaves in spring

small, fragile at first

stretching, lifting with the breeze

courage to keep growing

strong trunk

roots deep

March wind blows

July heat burns

October leaves fall

December rest received.

–Tonia

— Poem chosen and read by Amy W.

We walked through one of the gardens, called by the Japanese Apricot trees bursting with blossoms.  We walked in amazement, the bright joy of the branches against this morning’s grey sky.  We walked in awe at the early-ness of these.  And then we stood together, huddled underneath two of the trees, commenting on the wind chilling us through our layers.  With one of the gusts, the air around us filled with bold pink flurries.  (I stopped myself from trying to catch one on my tongue.)  The ground beneath our feet was confettied with petals that stayed, avoiding melt.  So we took it all in: the magic of what was and wasn’t really.  If I lived as a flowering apricot tree, I would welcome this season, offering hearts such simple delight.

— Photo and reflection by Amy W.

My Grannie’s version of famous quotes:

There is nothing neither good nor bad but thinking makes it so.   Shakespeare,  Hamlet

The mind is its own place, can make a heaven out of Hell or a hell out of Heaven.  Milton,  Paradise Lost

— Reflection by Nancy W.

As I began walking I was drawn to the bare branches against the gray skies. There was a “peaceful presence” about these winter trees adorned with their moss, preparing to welcome the new growth of spring soon. The branches were both eery and elegant against the clouded sky. And as I walked on I began to see the signs of new life in the tulip magnolia buds and array of other late winter growth… all of this glory and wonder supported by the deep roots courageously laid down many years ago.

— Photos and reflection by Nancy L.