Observing Inching of the Green

Crocus Amidst Daffodil Shoots and Grass Blades Lisa A. Wisniewski

Rain the past few days has made for some rather gray skies in our area.  However, the rain combined with added daylight has allowed a number of dormant plants to come to life again.  The result has been a hint of green in the woods and fields, along with a number of wildflowers and weeds emerging from the ground.  This hint of green is a reminder that life is moving forward, despite the circumstances surrounding us.  Sunshine late yesterday and earlier today provided a literal and figurative bright spot in our area.  Sunrise is now at 7:14 AM and sunset is at 7:40 PM, allowing for extra evening activities.

Life Goes On Lisa A. Wisniewski

“In three words I can sum up what I have learned about life: it goes on.” -Robert Frost

Little By Little

The air temperatures remain cool, with highs in the upper 40°F range and lows in the 30°F range.  Despite the cool evenings and chilly mornings, a number of bulbs continue to grow shoots from the ground.  The daffodils and crocus are in bloom, but the tulips and hyacinth have yet to bud or flower.  The slow but progressive growth of these bulbs is a reminder that even slow growth is progress.  While the slowness of the process may be frustrating to us humans at times, we do eventually arrive where we need to be.

Day Lily Shoots Notice the Snail Hidden in the Shoots Lisa A. Wisniewski

The little by little approach is one way we learn.  Think back to early grade school when you first learned to read.  The teachers showed us how to read small words like the, and, ball, cat, dog, etc.  Then we learned to read sentences with multiple words, like “See Jane run” or “The dog is brown.” After learning to read sentences, we graduated to paragraphs.  Then on to short stories, and finally longer articles and books.

The plants grow little by little because of how they use nutrients provided.  In a similar fashion, we humans grow physically, mentally, and emotionally as nutrients allow.  These nutrients may be in the form of food, water, teaching, exercise, or some other manner.  Like the plants, if we consume too much of any given nutrient, we become sick or stressed.

Nature’s Gold Lisa A. Wisniewski

“A man is rich in proportion to the number of things he can afford to let alone.” –Henry David Thoreau

 

One Step At a Time

The process that allows the plants to turn green (and other colors depending upon the plants’ pigment) is called photosynthesis.  Photosynthesis  is the changing of light energy to chemical energy.  There are two types of photosynthesis: oxygenic and anoxygenic.  The principles in each of these processes are similar, but oxygenic photosynthesis is more common as it is seen in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria.

Coreopsis Turning Green Lisa A. Wisniewski

During oxygenic photosynthesis, electrons from water are transferred to carbon dioxide to produce carbohydrates.  The carbon dioxide is considered to be reduced, meaning it receives electrons.  The water is oxidized, meaning it loses electrons.  The oxidation of the water produces oxygen gas and hydrogen ions.  The carbohydrates produced in green cells are starch and sugar sucrose.

Though photosynthesis can be neatly summarized as previously stated, the process involves numerous reactions involving enzymes, also known as organic catalysts.  Catalysts increase the rate of reactions.  Even though the rate of the reactions may be increased, the process still happens step by step, with no step being skipped.

The greening of the landscape this week has also been a process.  Each day, another blade of grass, leaf shoot, or spring adds its own accent to the picture being painted by nature.  As with both art and science, the additional colors are varied and unique to the plant types.  Like any process, a number of aspects come together to create an output.

Setting Nature in Motion Lisa A. Wisniewski

“Vegetation is the basic instrument the creator uses to set all of nature in motion.” –Antoine Lavoisier

Help Along the Way

Photosynthesis is a process that depends upon a number of components.  Some of the key components essential to photosynthesis include pigments and plastids.  Pigments give color to plants, algae, and bacteria. Pigments also trap sunlight, and this trapping of the sunlight allows photosynthesis to occur.

There are three main groups of pigments: chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phycobilins.  Chlorophylls are green pigments that trap blue and red light.  Carotenoids are red, orange, or yellow pigments that absorb blueish green light.  Phycobilins are red or blue pigments that trap other wavelengths of light that are not readily absorbed by chlorophylls or carotenoids.

Pink Bleeding Heart Lisa A. Wisniewski

Plastids may contain pigments or store food.  They reside in the cytoplasm of plant cells.  Like many things in life and nature, there are different types of plastids.  Chloroplasts are plastids that contain green pigment.  Plastids containing pigments other than green are called chromoplasts.  A leucoplast is a plastid that lacks pigment.  A proplastid is a plastid with no differentiation the may later develop into one of the other types of plastids.

All of these components are essential to photosynthesis.  Like the many members of the human body, these elements act as required to complete the overall function.  No one member is more important than another member, for all are necessary at given points in the process.

White Bleeding Heart Lisa A. Wisniewski

“Every particular in nature, a leaf, a drop, a crystal, a moment of time is related to the whole, and partakes of the perfection of the whole.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson

Beauty Seen and Unseen

In our walks this week, we found a number of green plants, including thistle, fleabane, iris, violets, day lilies, gil-over-the-ground, and henbit.  The henbit was the most interesting, with its deep green textured leaves and pinkish-purple flowers.  The thistle was a bit of a reminder to the coming onslaught of “weeds” we will be pulling from the driveway and landscape beds.

Thistle Lisa A. Wisniewski

Seeing the thistle made me wonder why nature created such plants.  The green part of the plant is interesting and has a beauty of its own, but those little prickly hairs that can pinch and puncture skin can be a nuisance.  Considering all the thistle has to offer reminded me that nature creates all things for a reason. We may not understand this reason on earth, but possibly that is the point—not to understand, but to ponder, wonder, and eventually accept it for what it is.

Reflecting on this a bit longer reminded me of a favorite song that speaks of roses and thorns.  Though the song was recorded a number of years ago, it does fit the times we see currently in the world and offers a different perspective to the power and frailty of life itself.

God Is In The Roses

Thorns After the Rain Lisa A. Wisniewski

God is in the roses
The petals and the thorns
Storms out on the oceans
The souls who will be born
And every drop of rain that falls
Falls for those who mourn
God is in the roses and the thorns

The sun is on the cemetery
Leaves are on the stones
There never was a place on earth
That felt so much like home
We’re falling like the velvet petals
We’re bleeding and we’re torn
But God is in the roses and the thorns

Never Will Be Done Lisa A. Wisniewski

I love you like a brother
A father and a son
It may not last forever and ever
But it never will be done
My whole world fits inside the moment
I saw you be reborn
God is in the roses
And that day was filled with roses
God is in the roses and the thorns

(Written by Rosanne Cash after the death of her father, Johnny Cash)

As the lyrics state, we are much like the petals of a flower, but have our own thorns.  Both were created by God, and if we look hard enough, we can see Him in these and other aspects of our lives.  Like the green growth of spring, we too go through times of different colors in the seasons of our lives.  We inch along through the miles with the help of others.  It is when we learn to understand that we see the flower full of beauty. This understanding requires patience, hope, faith, love, and a myriad of other inputs to produce the bloom.

Henbit Lisa A. Wisniewski

“The Amen of nature is always a flower.” –Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

May the days we encounter along our journey allow us to grow.  May this growth in turn allow us to share what we have with others, furthering along the growth of all, and may we find our way to where we need to be through the inching of the green.

Shoots Emerge Lisa A. Wisniewski

Inching of the Green

Little by little the shoots emerge
From the brittle seeds and bulbs under the earth,
Each one granted a life line
By the sun, wind, and rains of time
All to be taken in and absorbed
So that what has been is no more,
Converting light energy to growth
So that what is to come to be is made known
Through the inching of the green
As it moves onward in time’s sea.

Step By Step Lisa A. Wisniewski

Step by step along the way
The shoots beget flowers that sway
In the breeze and let their pollen fly
To feed the bees and birds in the sky
Who then take it from plant to plant
To replenish on earth what man can’t
Keeping the process of life sustained
Through the blessings of God’s grace
And the inching of the green
Minting life eternally.

Viola Lisa A. Wisniewski

Through the shoots and blades, springs and leaves
Life comes to after winter’s sleep
Sending energy forth
In the sun’s beams and rains’ force
To the earth below
Dispelling the dearth and casting a rainbow
Just like the covenant in Scriptures describe
Between the heavens and human life
Carried forth in the inching of the green
Allowing life’s storms to be washed out to sea.

-Lisa A. Wisniewski

Ever Evolving Lisa A. Wisniewski

A Note of Thanks

Bo in 2012 Lisa A. Wisniewski

Our thanks this week goes out to my late dog, Bo, who passed away March 25, 2013, shortly before his second birthday.  Though Bo’s time on earth was short and his journey rather difficult, he managed to teach me many lessons.  One of these lessons was that sometimes in life, you have to recognize your limitations and inch your way along to new growth.  You can read more about Bo in the book Trouble With a Capital LU-K-E.  We would also like to thank the people in our community who have reached out to make sure we are managing through what most of the country and world are viewing as difficult times.  Our hope and our faith tell us we will survive, as will many others.  Like the photosynthesis process, it will take the work of many working together to get us through.

Editor-in-Chief Sadie and Junior Editor Leo Lisa A. Wisniewski

We celebrate this week the fifth year of posting on Natural Deltas.  This blog started out as a requirement for a graduate class and has since evolved into the format seen today.  We have made 280 posts and gained followers across the globe and country.  We thank the many people who have read our posts through the years and we remain committed to posting quality writing that in the words of Joseph Pulitzer, “Put it before them briefly so they will read it, clearly so they will appreciate it, picturesquely so they will remember it and, above all, accurately so they will be guided by its light.”

-Lisa, Sadie, and Leo

Observing the Vernal Equinox & Time’s Plot

Wisdom of the Season Lisa A. Wisniewski

The vernal equinox, also known as spring, arrives this evening, March 19, in our area.  Given all the negative headlines in the news the past week, we thought we’d offer up some facts about the vernal equinox, the spring season, and nature in general as a way to infuse some hope and inspiration to those around us.  No, we are not avoiding the facts or the dire issues of the world.  We simply wanted to do something different because we felt the need to help spread the light of hope to others.

A Little Hope Lisa A. Wisniewski

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” –Romans 15:4

Vernal Equinox or Not?

The vernal equinox, also known as spring, occurs this year on March 19^th at 11:50 PM EDT.  This is the earliest spring has occurred since 1896.  In the years since 1896, spring has arrived on March 20^th or 21^st.  The reason for the variation in the dates has to do with the calendar and how time is recorded.  The fact that the earth orbits the sun in 365.24 days also plays a part.

This year is a leap year. Years divisible by four are leap years, but if the year is also divisible by 100, it is not a leap year.  The caveat to the divisible by 100 is that if the year is divisible by 400, it is a leap year.  Pope Gregory came up with this system to keep the calendar days in line with the actual orbit days of the earth.

Sing of Spring: Ducks on Pond Lisa A. Wisniewski

Since 2000 was a leap year, it pushed the equinox to the 20^th of March.  This remained the day of the equinox until this year, which is a leap year.  The additional day in February pushed the equinox back another day to the 19^th.  Next year, the equinox moves back to March 20^th. More information on the equinox and the date it occurs can be found at https://www.almanac.com/spring-2020-earliest-spring-in-over-100-years#.

“It does not matter how slow you go, as long as you don’t stop.” -Confucius

Equi-not Equinox

Equinox is derived from the Latin words aequus (equal) and nox (night), translating to equal night.  During the equinox, the time of day is night is not exactly equal, but is close.  This year, with sunrise at 7:25 AM and sunset at 7:32 PM on the day of the equinox, we see that there are seven extra minutes to the day time than that of the night time.

Rekindling the Flame Lisa A. Wisniewski

The reason the time of day and night is not exactly equal has to deal with the definition of daytime and the fact the sun is a large object, not a point in space.  Daytime is defined as the moment any part of the sun is over the horizon until the last part of the sun has disappeared from the horizon.  In order to have exactly equal daytime and night time, the sun would have to shrink to a point in space.

“Sometimes our light goes out, but it is blown again into instant flame by an encounter with another human being.” –Albert Schweitzer

Which Spring Is It?

Endurance Lisa A. Wisniewski

There are actually different perspectives or definitions for spring, which in turn lead to different dates for spring’s start. From an astronomical sense, spring is marked by the vernal equinox as defined previously.  From a meteorological perspective, spring begins March 1^st.  Meteorologists divide the year into quarters to compare seasonal and monthly statistics. The meteorological seasons are based on annual temperature cycles rather than the earth’s position relative to the sun.

Spring in the astronomical sense is from March 19^th, 20^th, or 21^st though June 20^th or 21^st.  In the meteorological sense, spring is from March 1^st through May 31^st.

“I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars.” –Og Mandino

Daffodils and Come What Will

Emerging Blooms Lisa A. Wisniewski

During one of my runs this past week, I found the first daffodils in bloom in our area.  The delicate yellow flowers stood out like beacons from atop their bright green stems.  Daffodils Latin or botanical name is narcissus derived after the Greek mythological hunter Narcissus.  Narcissus was the son of the river god Cephissus and the nymph Liriope.  He was considered to be very beautiful by many.  Sadly, Narcissus was self-consumed with his own countenance and beauty.  His love for himself over others led to his demise.  He was lured to a pool of water where he noticed his reflection and fell in love with it.  There are different accounts as to how his story ends.  One thought is the nymphs transformed him into a flower as he gazed at his image on the water.  Another account says he drowned trying to embrace his reflection and the flowers growing along the river bed were named after him.  The nodding head of the daffodil flowers are sometimes likened to Narcissus bending down and gazing at his reflection.

Daffodils are also known as jonquils and Lent lilies.  The jonquil reference pertains to the Narcissus jonquilla variety of the flower.  It is a bulbous herb of the amaryllis family.  This variety is native to the Mediterranean region and produce an oil used in perfumes.  The Lent lily name originated in England and is based on the flowers association with the Christian fasting period of Lent. This variety is known as Narcissus pseudonarcissus.

Here We Come! Lisa A. Wisniewski

Daffodils are recognized by their trumpet like center flower surrounded by petals.  They may exhibit several flower styles, including trumpets, doubles, split-cups, large-cups, and jonquillas.  Daffodils symbolize rebirth and new beginnings.  These symbols are in part due to the daffodils being one of the first perennials to bloom after the winter season.

The daffodil is the national flower of Wales, and its bloom coincides with St. David’s Day.  St. David is the patron saint of Wales. The daffodils faithful re-emergence each year is associated with St. David’s faithfulness to his people.

Often given on ten year wedding anniversaries, daffodils offer connotations of joy, cheerfulness, and happiness.  The American Cancer Society uses daffodils as a symbol of hope.

“We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope.”-Martin Luther King

Willows Weeping and Pussy

Weeping Willow Over Arborvitae Lisa A. Wisniewski

On my bike ride the other night, I noticed some of the weeping willow trees have a yellowish green tinge to their lanky drooping branches.  The hint of color is from the leaves starting to form.  Weeping willows grow well near water.  The trees grow well in a variety of soil types, including acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained, and clay.  They produce yellow flowers on short catkins in April and May, and brown fruits about ¼” in diameter.

Willows provide food for rabbits, beavers, and larger animals like deer.  Birds and small mammals use the trees as nesting sites.

Towering Giant Weeping Willow Lisa A. Wisniewski

It is believed that cuttings from the willow trees were carried along the trade routes from China.  The botanist Linnaeus observed the trees growing along the Euphrates River and thought they were the willows mentioned in the Bible.  He gave the trees the scientific name babylonica (now known as salix babylonica).  Napolean is believed to have sought shelter from the trees during his exile on the island of St. Helena.  He was later buried until a willow tree, and cuttings from this tree were highly valued by his admirers across the globe.

During one of my walks this week, I noticed tiny gray sacs on the ends of a tree.  Closer examination allowed me to determine the tree was a pussy willow, also known as salix caprea.  Unlike the weeping willow, the pussy willow has branches that grow upwards.   The little sacs I saw are actually catkins that will get 1-2 inches long.  The pussy willow can grow as either a small tree or a large shrub.

Pussy Willow Lisa A. Wisniewski

Some pussy willows are American Native, though the exact origin is unclear.  Pussy willows are dioecious, meaning male and female parts are found on different plants.  Male plants have longer, showier catkins, as opposed to the female’s smaller, more greenish catkins.  The fuzzy growth that appears in early spring keeps the reproductive parts of the plants warm.

Pussy willows are an early nectar source for pollinators.  The pollinators in turn act as a food source for songbirds like chickadees and goldfinches.  The pussy willow also attracts viceroys and mourning cloak varieties of butterflies.  The butterflies lay their eggs on the branches.  The eggs seek refuge in the leaves and use them for food.

Myrtle Making the Best of the Way Things Turn Out Lisa A. Wisniewski

The pussy willow needs insect pollination, as opposed to wind pollination, in order to reproduce.  Fortunately, the strong scented nectar attracts the insects that can act as pollinators.  This is an example in nature of how nature takes care of itself.  A need created (pollination) is filled by another need (food supply).

“Things turn out the best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” –John Wooden

Signs of the Times

First Forsythia Blooms Lisa A. Wisniewski

In addition to the daffodils and willows, nature called my attention to the first blooming myrtle along the roadside, a purple crocus in a neighbor’s yard, and yellow forsythia along a back road on my biking route.  These blooms and their colors reminded me that nature uses such things as signs.  Why are these signs important? Well, for many years, people used them as indicators for when to plant crops.  The practice of using nature’s signs as cues to action is called phenology.

Observing nature’s first buds, blooms, animal migrations, appearance of insects, emergence of hibernating animals, and amphibians (like spring peepers) are part of phenology.  A good observer is not guaranteed a successful garden or crop, but is well-informed by nature.

Some examples of nature’s signs and what they indicate include:

• Blooming crocus are indicators to plant radishes, parsnips, and spinach
• Peas, onion sets, and lettuce can be planted when the forsythia is blooming
• When daffodils blossom, it is safe to plant beets, carrots, and chard
• Plant potatoes after the dandelions have started to bloom
• When maple trees begin to leaf out, it is safe to plant perennial flowers
• Cabbage and broccoli can be planted when quince is in blossom
• Plant bush beans after apple trees bloom
• When apple blossoms fall, plant pole beans and cucumbers
• Tender annual flowers and squash can be planted when lilacs are in full bloom
• When the lily-of-the-valley is in full flower, transfer tomato seedlings to the garden
• Morning glory seeds should be planted when maple leaves are full size
• Bearded irises in bloom signal it is safe to transplant peppers and eggplants
• Blossoms on peonies indicate it is safe to plant melons like canteloup

Reserves of Strength Lisa A. Wisniewski

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” –Rachel Carson

 Lesson of the Water

Rainfall this week created a number of little streams running through the landscape. During my walk today, I noticed some of the streams were clear, others muddier.  This made me wonder why there was a difference in the water’s appearance and clarity.  The answer lies in what the water picks up on its journey.  As water travels, it creates friction, stirring up little molecules.  It is also met along the way by molecules and particles that upon impact may break apart or split the water molecules.  As more and more particles are collected by the water, the water becomes cloudy or muddy.

Running Water Lisa A. Wisniewski

Similarly, if water is standing, as in a pond, the molecules and particles in close proximity have an effect upon the appearance of the water.  Water with a green cast is infused with algae.  Water with a brown cast has more mud particles in it.  Ponds with pumps or sources of flowing water tend to be clearer because the water does not stagnate and collect algae or other particles on the surface.

Like the water, we are affected by our surroundings.  Our thoughts, beliefs, and level of understanding, as well as our responses, reactions, and actions are impacted by our environment.  If we stay fluid and active, we are able to process more information, withstand physical challenges, and have a more clearer or open mind to help respond to emotions and trying situations.

Seeds of Benefit Lisa A. Wisniewski

“Every adversity, every failure, and every heartache carries with it the seed of an equivalent or a greater benefit.” –Napoleon Hill

Tying It All Together

What do all the above have in common? They are all part of nature and life.  Each has its own input and impact upon others.  We humans are much the same.  Nature offers many lessons to us each day.  Whether we are open to receiving and pay attention to these lessons in turn affects us and others around us.

As we face the challenges of the world today, it is easy to lose sight of basic concepts and teachings.  However, the challenges of the day are often asking us to strip back to basics, such as paying attention, being courteous, and observing more. It is in the simplicity of the basics that we find the building blocks of life, as well as the answers to complex questions and situations.  There is a beauty in simplicity that far surpasses the most complex structure.

May we learn to accept the changes of nature and the world around us as we find our way.  May we not be like Narcissus and lose our way due to our inability to see and love others.  May we be like the willows, offering what we can to those in need, and may we learn to reflect the living water of Jesus to others as we tend to the land of time’s plot.

Crescent Moon Over the Morning Lisa A. Wisniewski

Time’s Plot

Crescent moon hanging over morn
In the blue skies just before
The sun comes into view
And the dew runs from the grass blades smooth
With the hint of spring’s arrival
In the glint of the frost’s survival
Before the birds start to sing
Their dirge of praise that rings
Its own rhyme of thanks begot
In the landscape of time’s plot.

Little Shoots Lisa A. Wisniewski

Little shoots rising up
From their roots beneath the dirt and dust
Washed clean by the night’s rain
Turning more green with each day
As the clouds form and fade in the skies
From north, south, east, and west alike
Riding the winds and the breeze
To and fro again with ease
Offering their own song in the light caught
Above and within the sights of time’s plot.

Ducks on the Pond Lisa A. Wisniewski

Ducks on the pond swimming with ease
Spreading rings upon the water with the breeze
As the birds sing and the peepers call
Sending an echoing song
Through the air and to the heavens above
To affirm and declare the Lord’s love
For one and all in equal lots
Made possible in the rise and fall of time’s plot.

-Lisa A. Wisniewski

A Note of Thanks

Sadie and Leo Say Thanks! Lisa A. Wisniewski

Our note of thanks this week goes out to author Max Lucado.  We’d like to leave you with a snippet of his many writings, which was one of our reflection readings this week, and just happens to tie into the events of the world. The following is from Lucado’s Grace for the Moment Volume II, and also appears in his book Come Thirsty:

The worrisome heart pays a high price for doing so.  Worry comes from the Greek word that means “to divide the mind.” Anxiety splits us right down the middle, creating a double-minded thinker.  Rather than take away tomorrow’s trouble, worry voids today’s strength.  Perception is divided, distorting your vision.  Strength is divided, wasting your energy.  Who can afford to lose power?

Aligned in Hope Lisa A. Wisniewski

But how can we stop doing so? Paul offers a two-pronged answer: God’s part and our part.  Our part includes prayer and gratitude.  “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Phillipians 4:6 NLT).

God’s part? “If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand” (Phillipians 4:7 NLT)

Thanks to everyone for reading this post.  We appreciate your time and your support.

-Lisa, Sadie, and Leo

Observing Nature’s Calamities

Attention in the Skies Lisa A. Wisniewski

Activities in both nature and life have picked up the pace this past week.   All this activity has us juggling schedules and time to meet the demands and needs of each day.  In going through our shifting of priorities and activities this week, we realized that everything in life seems to be trying to get our attention.  From the birds calling to the many requests for our assistance in the community around us, everyone wants a piece of our time.  In our efforts to accommodate each request, we have discovered some interesting perspectives, some of which we thought we would share in this week’s post.

Listen! Lisa A. Wisniewski

“In an age of distraction, nothing can feel more luxurious than paying attention.” –Pico Iyer

First Things First

Sunday dawned a bit later than we had been experiencing due to changing the clocks for daylight savings time. Sunrise an hour later than the previous days was both helpful and not so helpful to us that day.  It was helpful in allowing us some extra time to reflect upon our day and to-do list, but not so helpful in getting started on the many tasks at hand.

Sweet Morning Skies Lisa A. Wisniewski

Seeing the sun stream through the windows of the church during mass was a reminder to keep priorities straight and that as with all things in life, everything has its time and season.  Driving home, I watched the clouds shifting in beautiful patterns.  It was as if nature was inviting me to spend some time observing what it has to offer.  Never one to pass up time with nature, I went for an 8 mile run upon my return home.  One thing I realized while running was I was not focusing on nature, but rather fretting about time and the many things I had to do that day.

Nature’s Wisdom Lisa A. Wisniewski

Once I realized my error in thought, I felt crushed.  However, the warmth of the sun and clearing skies above reassured me that there was time to change my thought process and even accomplish much in the day.  As the dogs and I worked through our long list of chores and activities that day, I kept reminding myself to look up at the sky and enjoy the sunshine.  During one of my glances upward, I saw a series of cirrus clouds in a feathery pattern.  The sight made me run to get my camera and take pictures.  Other sights during the day also had me running for the camera and thanking God for the time granted to me.

Ambition Lisa A. Wisniewski

As we went about our tasks, we found additional things that we could do that were not on our list.  It soon became apparent that we would fall far short of our goals for the day, but we would also be able to accomplish some unplanned tasks that also needed our attention.  This was a valuable lesson because sometimes in life we have to barter, renegotiate, or re-prioritize in order to eventually get what we need.  Our reward for being open to such opportunities is accomplishing more, not necessarily on our to-do list, but rather in learning valuable lessons for the future.

“Ambition is the path to success.  Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.” – Bill Bradley

One At a Time Please!

More Time, Please Lisa A. Wisniewski

At one point on Sunday, I realized I had several tasks started and was simply jumping between them without really making any progress on any of them.  Taking a deep breath, I decided to stop and focus on one task at a time.  I had gotten stuck trying to install a door in the shed I am building, and realized I was wasting time trying to figure out why the door would not fit properly despite following all the directions.  Looking at the clock, I realized it was later in the day than I had thought.  The dogs needed walked and fed, tools and supplies needed cleaned up at some point, and then there was laundry to fold, dinner to make, and paperwork to be done.

Getting the dogs walked and fed was first on the list, and easy to accomplish.  We still had some time and daylight left so putting the tools and supplies away could wait, allowing me time to finish some of the smaller tasks on our spring cleaning to-do list.  Laundry and paperwork could wait until after sunset.  So we had a plan and by taking one thing at a time, we got it all done, plus a few more items that were not on the list.  How did that happen?

Maple Tree Buds Opening Lisa A. Wisniewski

While we have been known to multi-task a lot in our household, we have also learned that if you take just a few minutes to pray and be thankful for each day, you somehow get more done.  It is kind of magic how this happens, but we’ve done it too many times in our lives to believe otherwise.  At one point I stopped all the chores to go for a bike ride and pray, or at least listen for God since I was not sure if any of my thoughts made sense at this point in the day.

During my ride a friend and her husband drove by.  They stopped to chat and offered help with the door problem when I told them of my issues.  We made arrangements for the following day after I got home from work to see what we could accomplish.  With known help on the way, I was able to clear my head a bit and enjoy the sunset.  Watching the sunset gave me a renewed sense of energy, which I was very thankful to receive. When I returned home from my bike ride, I was able to get a few more tasks done before taking a shower, making dinner, folding the laundry, and doing paperwork.

Help From the Skies Lisa A. Wisniewski

The other lesson that day was that sometimes you have to ask for help and doing so does not mean you are any less of a person.  Lately I have tried to rely too much on my own skills, which has led to some rather difficult times.  I need to remember to ask for help and to be open to offers for help that may or may not come in the form in which I envision.  One of the ways to be open is to pray for guidance.  Another is to acknowledge and accept the problem at hand as an opportunity to connect, either with others or with skills you may or may not know you have.

“Prayer: the world’s greatest wireless connection.” –Via @JesusGraces on Twitter

Conflicting Messages or United Fronts?

Balancing Act Lisa A. Wisniewski

Several readings this week only reinforced the fact that so many aspects of life clamor for our time and make a calamity in the process.  One reading was about how nature offers much for us to learn each day, but if we fail to notice, we lose not only the experience but also the knowledge of the lesson.  Another reading was about how we have to find a balance in life between both seeking and waiting.  While often we have to wait for answers or outcomes, we also need to do our part in seeking these answers and participating in the outcomes.

One of the most intriguing readings of the week was about redefining the meaning of certain things in our lives.  The particular example was that of prayer.  Prayer need not be rote, recited, or orthodox.  It can be silent, simply listening, or even continuous as we go about our tasks.  It is in redefining certain aspects of life that we discover the keys to balancing time and other resources in life.  Redefining in some ways is a means of widening our perspectives, often allowing us to see the flaws in our thinking and how better to help others in need.

God’s Signature Lisa A. Wisniewski

With so many aspects of life now tied to social media and the Internet, it is easy to get caught up in a seemingly endless contest for attention, popularity, power, or other things.  Like anything in life, there are positive and negative aspects to consider.  When you break it down to basics, it becomes clear that balance is a key consideration, along with discernment, respect, and discipline.

“You can see God’s signature everywhere around you once you learn to recognize His handwriting.” –Carol Harrington Brock

 

What About Me?

Ducks on Pond Lisa A. Wisniewski

In nature this week, we had a number calls for our attention.  From the geese honking to the robins singing, the birds made it quite clear they are back as part of the landscape and need us to be aware of their presence.  The turkeys also added their gobbles to the late morning and afternoon hours, along with the caw of the crows and quack of the ducks.

The moles are active once again, as Leo discovered earlier this week.  He saw one dive under the sidewalk and started digging frantically after it.  Now every time I let him and Sadie outside, he dives into the hole and starts digging.  What was a small divet is now a hole large enough for him to fit his entire head into.

Despite my trying to teach him the mole is long gone, Leo insists on digging to find it.  Leo’s actions remind me that though some things in our life go away, we may still harbor thoughts of feelings for what once was.  This is natural, especially when a close bond may be broken or a loss is sudden or unplanned.  It is as if what was is still asking us for attention.

Dandelion Lisa A. Wisniewski

To our surprise, we heard the spring peepers calling from over the hill on Tuesday night.  It is a little early for hearing such a din rising from the valley to the southeast, but it is also comforting to know the peepers are back. Their presence means the days are moving us closer to spring, warmer weather, clearer skies, and some of nature’s greatest offerings.  The tree frogs will be calling next, also asking for our attention to their own symphony of sound.

In addition to all the sounds around us, the daffodils, tulips, hyacinth, and bleeding heart are emerging  in great numbers, asking for our attention.  On one of our walks today, we found crocus in bloom, two very eager blooming dandelions, wild onion shoots, peony shoots, wild radish leaves, and some very tiny white watercress blooms.  All these plants were in  half mile radius of our house, and we probably missed a few shoots or buds craning for our attention.

Crocus Lisa A. Wisniewski

“Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention.” –Rachel Naomi Remen

Attention on Past, Present and Future

One of the articles I read this week was about Pi Day, which is March 14.  Pi is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter.  This ratio is approximately 3.1416159…  Pi is an irrational and transcendental number, meaning it continues infinitely without repetition or pattern.  Pi Day is an annual opportunity for math enthusiasts to share facts and information about pi.  The day is celebrated on 3/14 because pi starts with 3.14.  Many celebrations of the day include pie eating.

Watercress Lisa A. Wisniewski

Pi was developed by the Greeks and caused quite a stir in ancient times due to beliefs in mathematics and the spiritual worlds.  In present day, pi is used in calculations for everything from buildings to pharmaceutical products.  Pi’s deep roots in the past and present make it a prominent fixture in future uses of it.

Interesting fact: Pi is symbolized by the Greek letter which is the first letter in the Greek word for perimeter.

May our lessons in life allow us to  better prioritize our time and attention to important details.  May we be open to nature’s and time’s teaching, and may we all come to pay attention to nature’s calamity.

Birds Calling From the Trees Lisa A. Wisniewski

 

Nature’s Calamity

Birds calling from the trees
Their voices rising and falling in the breeze
As the buds of the maple and buckeye
Slowly unfold in the lights,
Signs of spring coming forth
Graceful praises ringing after winter’s storms
Have come to pass and now here are we
Amidst the sun and nature’s calamity.

As the Sun Sinks Deeper Lisa A. Wisniewski

Spring peepers sing their song
As the sun sinks deeper above the ponds
And twilight settles in to its space
By divine grace
Now the colors in the sky
Offer an silent stellar symphony of delight
All sent forth by the breeze
In the chords of nature’s calamity.

As the Buds Wake Lisa A. Wisniewski

In the morn, the geese will honk
Their own praises for time moving on
As the buds wake more from their slumber
By the grace of the sun under
Heaven’s skies turning blue
In the churning of the earth through
Its orbit in space
Each day its own story to embrace
In the hours as they come to be
Part of the song of showers in nature’s calamity.

-Lisa A. Wisniewski

A Note of Thanks

Thanks From Us! Lisa A. Wisniewski

Our thanks this week goes out to my late canine friend, Princess.  We remember Princess on March 10 each year as it is the anniversary of her passing from this life to heaven’s gates.  Princess made quite a calamity when we adopted her in the spring of 1991, but as the years went by, she became more noticed for her wisdom.  She remains one of my greatest teachers in life, as well as one of my greatest blessings.  You can read more about Princess and the adventures we had in her book, Angel in Disguise.

-Lisa, Sadie, and Leo

Observing Awakenings

Awaken! Lisa A. Wisniewski

The increasing hours of sunshine in our area tell us nature is awakening from its winter slumber.  It is far from a quick awakening, but that is what makes it and life so interesting and educational.  Sunrise is now at 6:48 AM and sunset is at 6:17 PM, just shy of 11.5 hours of daylight.  Each day puts us closer to the spring season, though winter has made it clear it will not give in easily this year.  We’ve had every kind of weather from snow to thunderstorms, clear skies to foggy and misty gray days this past week.  The variety in the weather has made doing some of our activities a challenge, but we view this as nature’s way of awakening us to new opportunities and growth in our household.

Potential Lisa A. Wisniewski

“True happiness comes not when we get rid of all our problems, but when we change our relationship to them, when we see our problems as a potential source of awakening, opportunities to practice, and to learn.” –Richard Carlson

Theme of the Week: Patience, Please!

Our theme of the week came upon as a subtle nudging that grew stronger as the days went by.  It started with a very different kind of weekend for us, as I attended a Christ Renews His Parish (CHRP) retreat at a church I recently started attending.  The experience itself was a gradual awakening for me, one that I needed and welcomed given the circumstances and experiences I have had in life.  As I listened to the presentations and took part in the activities and discussions, I realized I had been waiting for something like this to happen for a very long time.

Patience Lisa A. Wisniewski

One of the topics of discussion was about how God and life often challenge our faith, hope, and resolve.  We read a number of passages and examples from the Bible and one of the most interesting discussions was about King David and how though his heart was in the right place, he often made errors in judgement.  Despite the errors, he and God still had a good relationship.  I shared my thoughts that perhaps King David is the culmination of all of us in life, representing the good, bad, and in-between characteristics we all experience and exhibit.  Though I have read much about King David, this thought about him never really entered my mind until the retreat.

This thought made me contemplate how often my impatience gets in the way of my making progress in life.  Other thoughts soon followed, and as each presenter offered additional insight, I realized that we as humans really do stumble because of our own perspectives.  It is in sharing our perspectives that we learn to steady our feet and find guideposts along our journey.

Sweet Reward Lisa A. Wisniewski

“Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” -Aristotle

Awake From Your Slumber

One of the most moving parts of the weekend for me was a late evening mass on Saturday.  We had just taken part in the opportunity for reflection and confession before the mass.  The mass itself was a very different experience for me, as it was a type of mass I had never attended before.  We sang some of my favorite hymns without any musical accompaniment.  The sound of just our voices ringing through the church was amazingly beautiful.  The memory of the moments remained in my mind as I drove home late that night.  In the silence of the drive, I felt a wave of calmness come over me, as if waking from a deep sleep to see life from a totally different perspective.

Sunday Morning Lisa A. Wisniewski

Sunday morning offered another sense of awakening as the dogs and I were outside early, watching the sunrise from the first hint of light on the horizon.  Being under the stars in the silence watching the sun’s slow ascent was like watching nature wake up for the day.  The frost on the ground and little sparkles the droplets created as the sun’s beams touched them made for a wonderful start to the day.

On Monday, I had a very good ten mile run in the morning.  It was a rare day off from work for me, and watching the sun break through the passing clouds as I ran made me feel as if nature and God were calling me to awaken from the burdens of life and simply move on in faith and hope.  I have not had a running experience like this in some time, so it was refreshing as well as comforting to know that my go-to habit for every issue and aspect of life still works after all these years.

Patience and Fortitude Lisa A. Wisniewski

It was while running that I realized one of the keys to faith and surviving life is patience and being open to new challenges, which are often used to wake us up from bad habits, complacency, and even to some extent, sin.  Sadly, we humans often need a “thunderstorm” complete with wind, hail, rain, lightning and thunder to rouse us from our wandering ways.  However, we are fortunate to have aspects of life such as faith, hope, love, and others that are patient with us as we learn, grow, and find our way.

“Patience and fortitude conquer all things.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson

Song of the Week: Serving Thee

Serving You Lisa A. Wisniewski

While running, a song we had sung numerous times during the retreat flowed through my mind.  I had heard and sung the song years before at church, but since the one music director left the parish, the song has not been part of the mass.  I admit to not really listening to or understanding the song until my retreat experience.  Though I liked the melody and the words the first time I heard the song years ago, it just did not register or resonate deep within me until now.

Servant’s Song

Will you let me be your servant
Let me be as Christ to you
Pray that I might have the grace
To let you be my servant too

Pilgrims on the Journey Lisa A. Wisniewski

We are pilgrims on the journey
We are travelers on the road
We are here to help each other
Walk the mile and bear the load

I will hold the Christ light for you
In the night time of your fear
I will hold my hand out to you
Speak the peace you long to hear.

I will weep when you are weeping
When you laugh, I’ll laugh with you
I will share your joy and sorrow
Till we’ve seen this journey through

Will you let me be your servant
Let me be as Christ to you
Pray that I might have the grace
To let you be my servant too

(Written by David Haas)

Never Alone Lisa A. Wisniewski

As the words to the song indicate, we are all upon this journey of life together.  Though we may feel separated, alone, or even asleep along the way, we are also together with others facing similar struggles, burdens, questions, issues, and needs.  It is in serving others that we learn to serve ourselves, but not the other way around.  If we serve ourselves, we fail to see the deeper meanings and relationships in life.  It is in serving others that we discover the artistic and creative sides of faith, hope, and love, and how powerful they can be, not only for us, but for others as well.

The song also implies to be patient as we try to awaken and recover from the many things that make us weary in life.  Like nature, we need times of dormancy in order to grow.  We also need to be nurtured by the sunlight of others and washed by the rains of different aspects of love in order to grow.  It is in discovering and acknowledging our suns and rains in life that we learn to be patient with others and ourselves.

Service Lisa A. Wisniewski

“Service to others is the rent you pay for the room here on earth.” –Muhammad Ali

Treat of the Week: Sunrise for Thee

Our treat of the week came in several very nice sunrises.  The bold colors above the frosted ground reassured us that life indeed goes on no matter what is going on in our lives.  Though we may stumble and fall, there is always another dawn to wake us and help us rise up again.  How can this be? Well, the earth is continually spinning on its axis as it also orbits the sun. The spinning of the earth on its axis is what creates night and day.  The tilt of the earth on its axis determines how long the nights and days are.  Where the earth is in its orbit around the sun determines what season we are experiencing.  All this movement is transferred to us in the hours of our days.

Each sunrise is different in the colors it contains, the length it appears, and the location it is on the horizon.  This time of year, the air is still colder and thinner.  The thinner air traps less molecules, allowing for clearer skies and bolder sunrise and sunset colors to appear.  As the air warms and becomes denser, more molecules get trapped, making for hazier skies and colors that appear more pastel-like.

Sunrise Lisa A. Wisniewski

Sunrise this morning offered a real treat for us.  The sun’s beams were warming the upper layers of air while the colder air above the ponds and valleys stayed closer to the ground.  When the warmer upper air met the colder lower air, a mist fog appeared. The mist hung like a veil over the ponds and lower elevations of the fields.  In certain areas, the sun’s beams penetrated the mist, appearing as slanted columns from the sky to the earth.  It looked like God and nature were lifting a thin blanket from the earth and asking the earth to wake from its slumber.

“We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake, not by mechanical aid, but by an infinite expectation of the dawn.” –Henry David Thoreau

Lesson From the Geese

Sunrise at the Pond Lisa A. Wisniewski

The cold temperatures over the weekend made the area ponds freeze.  Though we had much sunshine, the air temperature remained cooler, allowing the ice to remain in the middle of the ponds.  One day while running, I watched two geese walking on the ice in the pond.  Seeing them cautiously take each step was both comical and dramatic. They carefully planted one foot, leaned forward with their necks, then planted the other foot as they made their way across the ice.

The sight made me wonder how often I am like the geese, seemingly picking my way across the slippery spots in life.  Am I intent on the task at hand as the geese appeared to be, or am I easily distracted? Do I know my way to my destination, or am I simply meandering through life with no direction?

Life Lesson Lisa A. Wisniewski

Watching the geese was another reminder to be patient in and for life.  Though our steps may not be as graceful those of the geese, they can be full of grace if we allow them to be.  Each step we take allows us to awaken in a variety of ways.  In these steps we find the necessities we need to exist.  The findings may not be easy or even wanted at times, but nonetheless are part of our journey.

“We don’t receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us.” –Marcel Proust

May we be open to the lessons nature has to offer to us and allow these lessons to teach us new things.  May we learn to find patience with ourselves and others as we experience our own awakenings.

Awakenings Lisa A. Wisniewski

Awakenings

Sunrise in the distance beneath the fading stars
Coming closer to existence within nature’s heart
Beating to the rhythm of the tides in the seas
That sway with the hymn of life’s melodies
Calling, calling out to the soul
Falling, falling out of control
To be caught in the breeze and to rise up again
Like the lost sheep found in the shepherd’s amen.

Clouds at Midday Lisa A. Wisniewski

Clouds at midday wispy and white
Curl around the trees and the hillsides
Ushering in the expanses below
Where the creeks run gushing from the melting snow
And the buds on the branches slowly emerge
Neath the feet of the thrush and other birds
Coming back from their winter respites
Back to the sun and the heart of life
Where all find a way
In the call to awake.

Sunset Lisa A. Wisniewski

Sunset in the west going down tonight
Full of orange, crimson, and red light
Above the fading gold orb
Marking the end of the day once more
So that rest can be received
By all the seeds that grow beneath
The light of the sun and water of the rain
In time to awaken the entire earth’s landscape.

-Lisa A. Wisniewski

A Note of Thanks

Sadie and Leo Lisa A. Wisniewski

Our thanks this week goes out to the many members of the CHRP community who help foster growth and renewal in the souls of the faithful.  Thanks also to those who have had patience with us as we awaken upon our journey to being who we are meant to be.

-Lisa, Sadie, and Leo