Noticing the Small Details

This is a gray tree frog that my husband found on our hose reel last night. He's a wee thing — about 2 inches long. Isn't he sweet? Doesn't he look like a wise sage?

What I have been really enjoying about creating this blog is I'm noticing the small details of my life. I don't think it's a coincidence that I've also discovered that I love taking close-up photos.

I find that when I take the time to notice what's around me — both the big and the little things — that I'm more centered and more open to the wonder of life. 

It also opens me up to my poet's eye, even when I don't write a poem in that moment. The words and images dance about my head as I notice. I'm taking notes in my mind's eye, filing them away for when the words will spill onto the page into a poem. 

We said good-bye to Mr. Tree Frog and placed him on near-by tree. I thanked him for the gift of allowing me a few moments of blissful presence and careful noticing.

Tell me, what are noticing in your life that is filling you with wonder?

Re-Emergence

 

View from one of the cave at Cave Canyon/Highlands Nature Sanctuary, Bainbridge, Ohio

I am re-emerging into my life in Wisconsin after a blissfully wonderful and expansive week at Highlands Nature Sanctuary in Bainbridge, Ohio  (part of the Arc of Appalachia Preserve system). But am still playing some catch-up on life here, so look for more photos and stories beginning tomorrow.

In the meantime, if you aren't a regular reader of my newsletter, you can read a bit about my transformative visit here.

Looking into the canyon, Cave Canyon/Highlands Nature Sanctuary, Bainbridge, Ohio

Soul-space

Photo taken during my last trip to Highlands in Fall 2006

I'm heading off for a week's visit to one of my favorite places on earth, a place where I feel grounded and connected, where I find myself inspired (and writing poetry), where I can be with nature and wilderness and stand in awe. 

For almost a decade now, HIghlands Nature Sanctuary has been my soul's favorite place to be. I can't explain why. But it is. 

I'm going to be spending a week there contributing my distinctions in the area of publicity and media relations. So excited to be able to contribute to a place I love in this way — and so excited to be spending a week in a place that feeds me both creatively and spiritually.

I find that when I'm grounded and centered, the creativity flowers and flows. 

While I'm there, I'm sure there will be some time to reflect and notice the changing of the seasons. And to look inward and notice what leaves of old thinking need letting go.

I probably won't have internet access, but  if I do, I'll post.

If not, I'll be back with pictures and stories come Sunday, October 5.

So, tell me, where are you most grounded? What place is your soul-space?

 P.S. Had my first bongo lesson this evening with my wonderful (and wonderfully patient) teacher, Jeff Kuliga! I learned a common rhythm — the martillo (which means the hammer)  — and got some starting "language" for jamming. I have a lot to learn and practice. But it's going to be a wonderful way for me to learn more about patience and how to be okay with being a beginner in something.  Good lessons for me, indeed.