The gift of wonder: the ordinary, the hiding place for the holy. “People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don’t even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child—our own two eyes. All is a miracle.” — Thích Nhất Hạnh

— Opening reading chosen and read by Amy W.

Cypress City… photos by Kathy L.

BARK!

Pinchy

scraggly

shredded

smooth,

lichen-coated

pocked, 

…..

feathery

latticed

camouflaged–

no uniform, this flock;

…..

chips and strips

and banded

in mustards, salmon, greys

dappled trunks or knobbly

each voice unique, they raise:

…..

Don’t touch! 

Please do!

bark’s messages are clear

if warding off

or welcoming

Just glad you’ve noticed, dear!

— Photos and poem by Amy Webb, May 12, 2023

A magenta butterfly emerging from its chrysalis! An everyday wonder that is a miracle! Image and reflection by Emilie C. (apologies to Emilie because I could not figure out how to load her incredible video in to the blog- this is a photo of her video… a miracle none the less!)

Holding a huge magnolia blossom in her hand: “Look, there’s not another one exactly like it!” (reflection by Peggy)

Along the walk: “Those birds sure have a lot to say today!”  (reflection by Peggy)

Mentioning the Gullah Gaadin information on the beneficial aspects of planting the 
three sisters—corn, squash, beans: “It made me wonder, what part do I play in bringing about nourishment to the life around me?”  (reflection by Walt W.)

“Live your life as if nothing is a miracle, or everything is a miracle.”  — Albert Einstein  (reflection by Kathy L.)

Standing on a wooden bridge, looking out over a sea of spartina reeds blowing in the morning  breeze, I realized it was quiet enough in and around me to hear their tassels whisper.  (reflection by Amy W.)

Of all the sounds I heard today, only the birds had perfect pitch. (reflection by Mike T. 4.29.23)

Everyday miracles… the wide expanse of green and blue, the spider web glistening in morning dew, the delicate single bloom…

— Photos and reflection by Nancy L.