Patterns in Nature

When I take pictures in nature, I often look for where the light creates patterns and there is a rhythm between light and dark. 

I often see patterns repeat and speak to me through texture, color and form.

I have collected photographs that I have taken over the years that have eye catching details. When I placed some of these images together they began to tell a different story.  

Ferns from Hawaii, flowers from all over the world, a sea shell from my grandmother's collection, an abandoned  paper wasp nest, coral from Bimini. a turtle shell, tree bark with lichens,  peacock and turkey feathers, and the magic whale shark skin. 

The light is growing fainter and more golden now and I am delighted to catch this light in my pictures. 

As the season is shifting, the leaves are beginning to curl a bit and change color. 

The wrens have left their bird houses and the bay waters are deliciously warm. 

The cicadas are singing as I write this piece, they too have their own rhythm and patterns to their songs. 

One group sings, while another will pause, they go back and forth, like a symphony performing for the stars. 

The Peace of Wild Things

This past week I had several experiences that moved me very deeply. 

I began a three year program for health care professionals in healing trauma where I met many truly amazing people who inspired me. 

During the class, a small dragonfly landed on a chair in front of me. I watched it with great curiosity as it stayed still for a very long time. 

Later that day I went for a walk around a body of water in Southbury, Connecticut and photographed these lovelies. 

I was struck by their stillness and beautiful wings. 

This is the first time that I have ever photographed dragonflies.  

When I came home I read about the meaning of the dragonfly and was reminded that they are symbolic of prosperity, harmony, happiness and purity. 

They are also symbolic of life cycles and change,  joy and new light. 

 This lovely poem was shared on the second day of class by one of the students. 

THE PEACE OF WILD THINGS

by 

Wendell Berry

When despair for the world grows in me

and I wake in the night at the least sound

in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be, 

I go and lie down where the wood drake

rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron

feeds.

I come into the peace of wild things

who do not tax their lives with forethought

of grief. I come into the presence of still water.

And I feel above me the day-blind stars

waiting with their light. For a time

I rest in the grace of the world, and I am free.