Musings

Subtlety is an underrated power. Sometimes the most profound realizations spring from the quietest of cues.

Today marks a personal magical milestone: the release of monarch butterfly #1200. It took eight years and countless hours of dedication to reach this number, and I am grateful that I’ve maintained the passion and discipline to continue what I consider a spiritual practice: rearing Monarchs from eggs that I find on milkweed plants in my yard. Each butterfly that I release into its wild, uncertain destiny is a winged ambassador of hope for the future of all life on this indescribably beautiful planet. I look forward to hosting their grandchildren when they return to grace my gardens next year.

Morning dew is a treat for earth-loving feet.

This October morning emerges from dawn’s muted light, as it sets sail for a bright and sunny afternoon.

It’s important to honor the fierce faces of Nature. Clouds and wind offer wisdom even the sun can’t reveal.

Even as the brilliance of autumn adds to Nature’s rich palette, some of summer’s soft colors have agreed to hang on.

Every season features new subjects of beauty to help keep us well-rounded and grounded in the practice of gratitude.

Every moment offers us a unique glimpse into the cosmos. Open your eyes, and enjoy the view.

Fresh from his chrysalis, a handsome male Monarch surrenders to instinct as he prepares to depart on his epic journey. Lured by westward winds and mountain pine forests, his winter home, Mexico, beckons. I look forward with love to hosting his grandchildren here on the south shore of Lake Erie next year.

Vaya con Dios, mi amigo.

October dawns with a fresh new face, displaying sunny vestiges of summer coupled with promises of twilight dreams.