Observing Summer’s Wonders

Summer Wonder Lisa A. Wisniewski

Summer has brought with it clearer, drier skies; a variety of blooming flowers, trees, and shrubs; and many aspects of life and nature to ponder.  As we went about our activities this week, we found ourselves asking many questions about what we saw, heard, and felt.  We marveled at how our senses can be so in tune to certain things, but oblivious to others at times.  We also got to do some research on some plants and processes in nature to learn more about what we are seeing in the landscape.  In all, it has been a productive week on a number of fronts, one of much learning and wondering, full of activities to engage the mind, body, and soul (which is how we like life to be in our household).

More to be Learned Lisa A. Wisniewski

“There is frequently more to be learned from the unexpected questions of a child than the discourses of men.” -John Locke

Wondering About Wonder

While riding my bike the other night, I found myself asking a number of questions about what I saw around me:

• What is that flower called? I’ll have to look it up in my book when I get home.
• The patterns in the clouds tonight are so pretty. I wonder is there a name for that pattern?
• What bird is that calling in the distance? Its song sounds familiar.
• I know there is a difference between poison hemlock and Queen Anne’s lace, but what is it?
• How can a bird like a pileated woodpecker create such a mess out of all the stumps in the area? Why are these birds doing this? Don’t they get a headache from all that tapping with their beaks?
• All this wondering has me wondering about the origin of the word wonder. Where did it come from? How many meanings does it have? When did I first learn this word?

Cloud Patterns Lisa A. Wisniewski

The list of questions grew as I pedaled through the miles.  The one that kept nagging me most was the one about wonder.  I was stuck on this two-syllable, six-letter word.  Combing through the dictionary later, I discovered wonder is derived from the Old English wundor and akin to Old High German wuntar. Wonder can be a noun, a verb, or an adjective.  As a noun, it can be defined in general as a cause of astonishment or adoration, a reason to marvel, or a feeling of doubt or uncertainty.  As a verb, wonder can be summarized as to feel surprised, curious, or in doubt.  As an adjective, wonder means exciting amazement or admiration.

Crown Vetch Lisa A. Wisniewski

In short, this little word covers a lot of ground with its many meanings.  As such, it is an important part in the web we know as life.  Without wonder, there might not be curiosity, amazement, or understanding of what lies in and around us as individuals and as part of a community.

“Men love to wonder and that is the seed of science.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wonders in Bloom

Queen Anne’s Lace Lisa A. Wisniewski

While running one night, I noticed the first Queen Anne’s lace in bloom along the roadside.  Further along, I found a few of the first common chicory blooms of the season.  Even further along, the orange day lilies above the neighbors’ pond were just starting to open up their tubular petals.  These flowers join the blooming wild indigo, red clover, milk vetch, crown vetch, cow vetch, birdfot trefoil, and tall cinquefoil in bloom.

Queen Anne’s lace is actually in the carrot family, also known as Daucus.  Like garden carrots, the roots of Queen Anne’s lace are edible.  One must be careful though when identifying Queen Anne’s lace, as it looks similar to poison hemlock, of which the entire plant is poisonous.  The key to identifying Queen Anne’s lace is the dark flower central flower, which is usually red or reddish brown in color.  The stalks of Queen Anne’s lace are also different, as they do not have the red spots like the poison hemlock.

Common Chicory Lisa A. Wisniewski

Common chicory has blue ray flowers scattered along long stems.  The root of the plant is commonly roasted and ground and mixed with or used as a substitute for coffee.  The leaves may be cultivated and are often sold with its cousin, cichorium endivia, as endive or escarole.  Though common chicory is native to the Mediterranean region, it spread throughout much of the world because of the popularity of its roots.

Orange day lilies sit atop leafless stalks and are cultivated through fibrous root stalks instead of seeds.  These tow distinctions make them different from the Eurasian varieties. Though the orange day lilies can bloom from May through July, we typically do not see blooms in our area until mid July. This year’s blooms are early, most likely due to the warm spell we had that brought with it weather similar to a traditional July in our area.

Orange Day Lily Lisa A. Wisniewski

Like the blooms above, we humans each have qualities and features that help differentiate us from each other.  Also like the blooms, we have different conditions in which we grow best.  Unlike the blooms, sometimes we grow most in what we would consider unfavorable conditions.  This is somewhat of a paradox in thought, but if you consider the growth one incurs in facing challenges in life, one can see how this is true.

“The strongest principle of growth lies in the human choice.” -George Eliot

Wonders in the Night

Skies Before the Fireflies Come Out Lisa A. Wisniewski

We saw our first fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, of the season earlier this week as we hurried to water the garden before dark.  The sight made me recall an article I had read earlier this year about the decreasing population of these soft bodied beetles.  The firefly is Pennsylvania’s state insect and was once very prevalent in our area.  It is believed that loss of habitat, chemicals, and increased use of artificial light are taking a toll on the population of these insects.

Fireflies have luminescent tails that produce “cold light” with no infrared or ultraviolet frequencies.  The males signal to the females in the dark with their flashing.  The females respond with patterned flashes.  The sequence of events leads to mating.  The female is wingless, unlike the male, yet very mobile.

Be the Light Lisa A. Wisniewski

Like the fireflies, we sometimes need the dark in order to see the light or find our way in life.  We also have a way of reflecting or emanating light to and among others.  Often, our environments play a part in the type of light we shine.

“Every moment of light and dark is a miracle.” -Walt Whitman

 

Wonders of Life

Be Not Afraid Lisa A. Wisniewski

Church services are still very limited in our area due to the recovery from the pandemic.  However, many churches have online resources to help the congregation keep a sense of spiritual community.  One church in my area started publishing the weekly mass readings and songs in their bulletin.  The addition of the songs has been a great benefit to me, for not only are the words published, but also the notes like sheet music.  I appreciate this as I try to learn to play guitar better and have better luck reading music than trying to play the notes or chords by ear.

One of this week’s songs provided a great reminder and answer to a major wonder I have had—how do we move on after all that has happened in the world around us? This question has been dogging me for some time, though I keep telling myself to have faith and just do my best to live life to the fullest in a simple way.  The song’s words are simple, yet profound, offering a great reason and way to move on.

Be Not Afraid

Far in Safety Lisa A. Wisniewski

You shall cross the barren desert, but you shall not die of thirst.
You shall wander far in safety though you do not know the way.
You shall speak your words in foreign lands and all will understand.
You shall see the face of god and live.

Be not afraid.  I go before you always.  Come follow me and I will give you rest.

If you pass through raging waters in the sea you will not drown.
If you walk amid the burning flames you shall not be harmed.
If you stand before the power of hell and death is at your side, know that I am with you through it all.

Before You Always Lisa A. Wisniewski

Be not afraid.  I go before you always.  Come follow me and I will give you rest.

Blessed are your poor, for the kingdom shall be theirs.
Blessed are you that weep and mourn, for one day you shall laugh.
And if wicked tongues insult and hate you all because of me, blessed, blessed are you.

Be not afraid.  I go before you always.  Come follow me and I will give you rest.

May the questions we have lead us to answers and peace in time.  May knowledge found be shared with others along the way to make for better understanding around and within, and may we not lose the childlike curiosity of summer’s wonders.

Hot Summer Sun Lisa A. Wisniewski

 Summer’s Wonders

Hot summer sun rising in the east
High above the wooded trees
And the mist of the valley below
Where a list of vetches grow
In splotches of color like a quilt
Dotting the landscape at will
Calling the child to come under
The spell falling in summer’s wonder.

Wispy Clouds at Midday Lisa A. Wisniewski

Wispy clouds at midday
Swirled about to create
Patterns far and wide
Before the night stars grace the skies
In the blue expanse of heaven above
Where the truth stands among
The angels and saints that hover under
The magic of the day in summer’s wonder.

Sunset in the West Lisa A. Wisniewski

Sunset in the west crimson and bright
Allowing the soul to find rest in its life
Amidst the colorful sea
That invites it in to just be
Part of the silence at day’s end
Before another day starts all over again
In the river running under
Time delivered by summer’s wonder.

-Lisa A. Wisniewski

Milk Vetch Lisa A. Wisniewski

 Note of Thanks

Thank You One and All Lisa A. Wisniewski

Our thanks this week goes out to our readers and followers.  We know summer can be a very busy time of year when not everything on the daily to-do list gets done, and so we appreciate you taking time to view and read our posts.

-Lisa, Sadie, and Leo

Observing Community

Community in the Skies Lisa A. Wisniewski

Our adventures and life experiences this week took us through the final days of spring and prepared us for the coming of summer, which starts June 20^th.  Sunrise has been stuck at 5:50 AM for about two weeks now, and sunset is inching closer to the latest it can be in our area, which is 8:55 PM.  The arrival of summer marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, with over 15 hours of daylight.  All this light offers many opportunities for outdoor activities and observing nature’s finest events.  As we watched the geese, deer, turkeys, rabbits, squirrels, and birds in our area this week, we noticed a number of youngsters with their respective parents.  The sights offered up our theme of the week, which is that of community.

Life Itself Lisa A. Wisniewski

“There can be no vulnerability without risk; there can be no community without vulnerability; there can be no peace, and ultimately no life, without community.” –M. Scott Peck

 Community in Thee

This theme of community was reinforced with a number of readings this week from a variety of sources.  In reflecting on the readings and the sights in nature around us, we found a number of profound yet simple life lessons that helped put where we are in life in perspective.

One reading about a woman and her grandson’s fishing experience really had an impact upon how I viewed the circumstances of life this past week. The woman, her husband, and two grandsons were fishing one day when the woman noticed a small leak in the boat.  Her husband said it would be fine and they would not be fishing much longer given the time of day.  The fish were very active, so they focused on catching the many bites they were getting on their fishing lines.  At one point, the woman looked over to see one grandson clenching the sides of the boat with his arms outstretched as far as they could go.  She asked him what he was doing, and he said he was holding up the boat so it would not sink.

Holding Up the Boat Lisa A. Wisniewski

The grandson’s explanation made the woman wonder how often we feel obligated to “hold up the boat” for others in our lives, often taking our focus away from what is really important and relying too much on our own strength, only to disappoint ourselves when the inevitable human failings come into play.  How often do we miss out on a sense of community or belonging because we focus too much on what we are doing and not realizing what others are doing to help? How often do we limit ourselves with our own power or powerlessness to control life situations?

As I reflected upon this reading, I realized that nature does not care who is “holding up the boat” in life.  Nature just goes about its business of doing what it does without question (and without fail) each day.  Nature does not keep score or track of who is doing what, but rather assumes all are doing their part, and in turn, this provides a sense of freedom and peace in a community united.  Given all that is going on in the world today, I think it could benefit society as a whole to contemplate nature more and focus less on who is “holding up the boat” for or with us.

Favorable Winds Lisa A. Wisniewski

“If a man does not know what port he is steering for, no wind is favorable to him.” –Seneca

Community in What is To Be

The amount of daylight combined with some clear, dry, comfortable temperature days made for some wonderful running, biking, walking, and outdoor experiences this past week. Though temperatures have been cooler than normal, the dry skies filled with sunshine have made it pleasant to be outside at all hours of the day and night.  The sunrises have been colorful on the cloudier days, and paler on the clearer days.  This contrast has to do with the clouds’ ability to reflect the sun’s light and change the angle of the rays to create brighter colors.

Community in Nature Lisa A. Wisniewski

While running and watching the sunrise several days this week, I felt a sense of community with nature that I have not had for some time.  It is a wonderful feeling, as if floating on air, not worrying about the little issues of life that tend to trip us up and detour our journey.  During one of my runs, I lamented having to go back home and then to work.  I really wanted to just stay home that day, watch the day unfold, and let a number of thoughts in my head spill onto a piece of paper or the computer screen in the form of a story or poem.  However, what I wanted was not to be.

I could have been upset about this fact, but instead chose to contemplate a future time when possibly I could do as I wanted with my schedule.  Then I realized I have a number of years of work ahead of me to get to this point, so for now, I will have to be satisfied with the hope for what may come in time and with faith.  Though some of this contemplation was disappointing, I found myself accepting the facts and grateful to have the ambition to dream ahead.

Charting Our Course Lisa A. Wisniewski

“Ideals are like the stars; we never reach them, but like the mariners of the sea, we chart our course by them.” –Carl Schurz

 

Community in Family

That same morning on the way to work, I had my first fawn sighting of the season.  Two fawns and their mother crossed the road ahead of me, each fawn with many white spots on their light rust coats.  The fawns seemed very confident in themselves and able to navigate their surroundings well despite being so young.  The mother watched closely, yet allowed the fawns freedom to explore and learn.  Seeing them interact reminded me of when I was growing up and how my mom taught my sister and me certain life lessons.  Mom allowed us freedom, but there were stipulations and circumstances also.  It was in testing the limits of this freedom that we found our sense of belonging, not only within our family, but in the extended communities of school and church.

Becoming a Part Lisa A. Wisniewski

Later in life, the lessons mom taught us allowed us to become part of other communities in circles of friends and coworkers, local organizations, and activities.  Though we were still part of our family, we were also part of a larger community, one that helped set additional aspirations, boundaries, and life lessons to be learned.

Like the fawns, we each have our needs in life, such as water, shelter, food, and someone to help guide us until we can find our way.  Also like the fawns, we need to explore in order to learn, and sometimes our exploring can lead to some hard lessons.  These hard lessons help us to build character and set our comfort zones.  In time, we learn to step out further to build more character and extend our zones.  In doing so, we can offer guidance and assistance to others around us.

Making a Life Lisa A. Wisniewski

“From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.” –Arthur Ashe

Community Set Me Free

During one of my bike rides this week, I found my mind twisted in knots over an incident that happened at work earlier in the day.  I fretted and worried for about half a mile when looking up at the sky, I saw the clouds reflecting the sunset in patterns of wisps and swirls.  The sight made me ask aloud, “Where is your faith?”

Letting Go Lisa A. Wisniewski

It was then that I realized I was like the woman’s grandson trying to hold up the boat.  I needed to just let go and move on.  What happened could not be changed.  It was what it was and I had to accept that fact.  In contemplating this, I also realized that there comes a time in every person’s life where you have to just live your life the best you can.  Whether it is during a pandemic, a tropical storm, or a personal period of grief, you have to let go and live.  What is going to happen will happen regardless of what you do. That is the mystery of life—it goes on no matter what is going on in and around it.  It carries us with it whether we want to go or not.  It nurtures and feeds us with some very unorthodox and difficult to understand methods.  Yet in the end, we somehow arrive at our destination.

For the rest of my bike ride, I concentrated on the warm breeze, the sunset, the skies above, and the plants and wildlife around me.  In doing so, I felt a sense of freedom, as if the weight of life had been lifted and I could focus and breathe once again.  It was in removing myself from a sense of control that I found this freedom.

Freedom’s Song Lisa A. Wisniewski

The next day, I read a blog post by Richard Rohr that talked about structural and personal freedom.  Rohr made his points using the lives of Frances and Clare of Assisi as examples.  Frances and Clare of Assisi lived simple lifestyles, took vows of poverty, and focused on identifying with the most marginalized sections of society.  In doing so, Francis and Clare of Assisi found inner and outer freedom.  According to Rohr, “ Francis and Clare showed us it is possible to change the system not be negative attacks (which tend to inflate the ego), but simply by quietly moving to the side and doing it better.”

“You take your small and sufficient place in the great and grand scheme of God.” –Richard Rohr

Community in Seen and Unseen

Vision Through the Clouds Lisa A. Wisniewski

One aspect of community lies in how we see things.  June is cataract awareness month, and since cataracts can cause vision problems, we thought we’d include a few facts about them in this week’s post.

Cataracts are a clouding of the eye lens, preventing passage of light into the eye.  Looking through a cataract is like looking through a frosted or fogged window—nothing is clear or fully vivid.  Some cataract sufferers also see halos, have sensitivity to light, or have double vision in one eye.  The leading cause of vision impairment in the US is cataracts.  The majority of the population will develop a cataract at some point in life, most likely in the older stages of life.  A small portion of the population is affected by congenital cataracts, which form in babies or early childhood years.

Other types of cataracts include:

• Secondary cataracts, which form after surgery for other eye issues
• Traumatic cataracts, which develop after an eye injury
• Radiation cataracts, which may develop after exposure to certain types of radiation

Life Renewed Lisa A. Wisniewski

The solution to cataracts is surgery, which through technological advancements is an easy procedure these days, unlike the rather sophisticated operation I had to undergo years ago when I was 15 years old.

In my case, a cataract formed in my left eye when I was eight years old.  Due to the level of understanding of cataracts and medical procedures available at that time, it was decided that I would wait to have surgery.  During the seven years of waiting, I was part of a number of statistics and communities in which I did not want to be.  Kids in school teased and harassed me to no end.  I became very withdrawn and lost my sense of self-worth.  Though I did my best to live life, how I was treated bothered me and clouded my vision of myself and life in general.

Where We Go Lisa A. Wisniewski

Fortunately, medical advancements were made and I was able to have surgery.  Talk about being set free from a prison of literal and figurative darkness! Though after surgery I was still part of statistics and communities that made me uncomfortable, I also found new communities in nature and faith that allowed me to grow.   All that I had not seen for years came into view slowly, allowing me to adjust and find my way back to “the land of the living” and a sense of normalcy.  All that I had seen during this time made me a more compassionate person, for I never wanted anyone to feel the darkness like I had experienced.

“It is where we go, and what we do when we get there, that tells us who we are.” –Joyce Carol Oates

Community of Three

Bucks in Velvet Lisa A. Wisniewski

Tonight on my bike ride, I saw three buck in velvet.  The first buck came into sight as I rounded a bend by a pine tree.  He had a large rack already with eight very velvety antlers.  He was standing on a hill, which put him eye level with me at just twelve feet away.   I wanted to get a picture, but a car came up behind me, forcing me closer to the edge of the hill and around another pine tree.  To my amazement, staring back at me as I rounded the pine tree was another buck, just six feet from me.  I am not sure which of us was more surprised to see the other.  He had a smaller rack than the first buck, but was still a sight to see.

The car behind me was passing slowly, and looking to my left, I saw the reason why.  A young spike was trying to make his way across the road to join the other two buck.  By this point, I was trying to get my camera out of my pocket as I guided my bike around potholes and not get in the way of the car.  The car finally did pass, so I turned around and hoped for a picture of at least one of the buck.  I got my wish when I spotted the spike at the edge of the field just before a patch of pine trees.  He paused long enough for me to get a picture then disappeared into the pines.

Daisies-Summer Flower Community Lisa A. Wisniewski

Seeing the three buck reminded me of the fact the male deer tend to gather in bachelor groups later in the summer.  The buck then make their way through their territories together until mating season starts in late September and early October.  Whether these three will remain friendly toward each other through the summer months remains to be seen.  However, for now, they have their own little community in nature and they seem to be navigating through life just fine.

The experience reminded me that a community can be large or small.  It can be very close in nature or across miles via technology these days.  It can be for a common cause or simply a byproduct of circumstances or events.  Communities are much like statistics, in that they are varied, formed by a collection, and may or may not be solicited.  One can belong to either a set of statistics or a community either by choice, happenstance, or even against one’s wishes.  Like the statistics, the face (or numbers) do not tell the whole story.  One has to dig deeper to find all the details to understand better.

Teasel Among Vetch in Bloom Lisa A. Wisniewski

Sometimes the details are easy to find, and sometimes you spend a lifetime searching.  Regardless of the time taken, a sense of belonging fuels the faith to become a better part of the whole.  Whether this better part is obtained by letting go of the boat, stepping aside from the mainstream, or stepping up to help lead may or may not be known to us.

“We must not, in trying to think about how to make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.” -Marian Wright Edelman

May the areas in which we live, work, and are a part of help us to learn and grow in time.  May who we become allow us to better understand our part of the miles upon the journey, and may we find freedom in nature’s definition of community.

One in a Family Lisa A. Wisniewski

Community

Community: one in a family
Of many coming to be
Moving along, around, and inside
Making the way through time
Under the stars and sun
Needed to see the love
In each other and each being
Through the innocence of seeking,
Yet not for one alone, but rather all on the journey home.

Coming Together Lisa A. Wisniewski

Community: coming together to be
One in the sea
Moving onward as the tides
Make their undulations ebbing and flowing side to side
United by the waters
Negotiating the paths offered
In the effort to free
The inner and outer as it comes to be
Yet another part of nature’s heart.

Among and Around Lisa A. Wisniewski

Community:  in, among, and around
On the fringe of here and now
Made possible through the connections
Maturing through reflections
Used to find the way
Next to others both different and the same
Intertwined by moments of life
To get to the other side
Years apart and miles away, yet still a part of each today.

-Lisa A. Wisniewski

A Note of Thanks

Sadie and Leo- Part of My Community Lisa A. Wisniewski

Our thanks this week goes out to a friend who helped us find a better sense of community.  As often happens in life, this friend lost a dear canine companion last week, and we wanted to thank them both for helping us to see the world with better perspective. Thanks Loretta and Minnie for sharing your wisdom and kindness with others and for fostering more positive communities around you.

Thanks also to Dr. Pettapiece and Dr. Bissell, both of whom helped me through cataract and vision issues at different stages of life.  These doctors helped establish caring communities for their patients and their work has allowed many people to find better vision for the future.

-Lisa, Sadie, and Leo

Observing Nature’s Channels

Nature’s Channels Lisa A. Wisniewski

Looking back through our pictures taken and lessons learned this week, we knew there was a common thread to tie them all together, but struggled to find the right word to define it.  We even struggled with the overall subject, for nature and life had been so varied in their offerings.  After much contemplation and reflection and more than a few walks, runs, and bike rides, we found the right word and a way to categorize the subject to be presented in this week’s post.  Our efforts and experiences in doing this exercise reminded us of a quote we recently came upon:

Chance to Grow Lisa A. Wisniewski

“God never misses a chance to help us grow up.” –Richard Rohr

Theme of the Week: Channels of Variety

Our word for categorizing this week’s sights and lessons is channel.  Channel is one of a number of words in the English language that has multiple meanings and can be a noun or a verb.  As such, channel is an example of a homonym, or a word that is spelled and pronounced alike, but different in meaning.

When used as a noun, channel may mean any of the following, depending on context:

• The bed where a natural stream of water runs
• The deeper part of a river, harbor, or strait
• A strait or narrow sea between two close landmasses
• A means of communication or expression
• A way, course, or direction of thought or action
• A band of frequencies of sufficient width for a single radio or television communication
• A tubular enclosed passage, also known as a conduit
• A passage created in a permeable membrane
• A long gutter, groove, or furrow
• A metal bar of flattened U-shaped section

Channels in the Sky Lisa A. Wisniewski

When used as a verb, channel may mean:

• To form, cut, or wear a channel in
• To convey or direct into or through a channel
• To serve as an intermediary for an activity

So, as one can see, this seven letter, two syllable word offers much to learn about all on its own.  When using it to categorize or group similar yet different items, it grows exponentially with legs running through a variety of subjects, theories, and applications.

Channel One: Reflections Above

Mix of Cirrus Cloud Types Lisa A. Wisniewski

Our first observation this week was of the many cloud forms in the skies.  We saw combinations of wispy cirrus, cirrocumulus, and cirrostratus clouds early in the week.  Cirrus clouds are high in altitude and wispy. Cirrocumulus clouds are slightly lower in altitude and puffed up.  Cirrocumulus clouds are at the lowest altitude of the high cloud family and are wispy and layered.

In the middle of the week, we saw a number of altostratus and altocumulus clouds.  These clouds are considered to be middle clouds with altitudes from 7,000 to 20,000 feet.  Altostratus clouds are high and layered.  Altocumulus clouds are high and puffed up like small cotton balls.

Cumulus Clouds Lisa A. Wisniewski

The other night before a cold front moved in bringing rain, we saw cumulus, cumulonimbus, stratocumulus, and nimbostratus clouds.  Cumulus clouds are puffy, like cotton candy.  Cumulonimbus clouds are puffy rain clouds that typically appear textured like cauliflower and gray or dark gray regions to their color.  Stratocumulus clouds are layered and puffy, often seen above rain clouds.  Nimbostratus clouds are rain clouds that are layered and typically gray or dark gray in color.

These clouds reminded us of the many faces clouds can have, along with the indications they bring for current and pending weather patterns and systems.  As such, the clouds act as a means of communication or expression in nature.  They also can convey or direct what nature is going to present next through the skies and resulting conditions.

Messengers of the Skies Lisa A. Wisniewski

For us, the clouds often act as a message not only in a weather sense, but also a spiritual sense.  The most amazing sunrises and sunsets we have ever seen were those whose colors reflected off the clouds, offering a sense of hope or love.  These sights have also been the inspiration for many of our writings, whose words would not have come to us otherwise.

“God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars.” –Martin Luther

 Channel Two: What Life Offers To You

Our next observation was through our readings for the week, many of which pertained to how we see or what we do in life.  One reading focused on seeing the face of God in others and how when we ask for forgiveness, we have the chance to see the face of God in others’ response to our request.  The author compared his experience with his brother to the story of Jacob and Esau.  While neither brother was perfect, Jacob (and the author) deemed it necessary to ask for forgiveness and equated the forgiveness to seeing the face of God.

Many Faces of God in Nature Lisa A. Wisniewski

Another reading addressed how what we do affects how we see others and how others see us.  The author recounted a story of how he was treated while serving in the military.  Because he had called out an officer of higher rank for what he felt was inappropriate language, the officer of higher rank assigned the author a very difficult task that on the surface appeared impossible to complete.  However, the author focused his work on what Jesus would do, and despite his frustrations, managed to keep his thoughts and actions in line.  He was later rewarded by the superior officer.  It was a test of patience and faith, but also a good lesson on how when our focus is in the right place, even the worst of circumstances can be overcome.

Trust Me Lisa A. Wisniewski

Yet another reading spoke of trusting God through very difficult times. The author suffered a concussion that left her unable to do the simplest of tasks in life for some time.  This was very frustrating to her and though she had many caring compassionate people to support her, felt cut off from life and others and very alone because of her symptoms.  She recounted a day when while sitting in the warm sunshine, she felt as if God was all around her, asking her to trust him.

These readings remind us to look for the face of God in others and remember what we do affects how we see the face of God in others and how they see the face of God in us.  We must trust God will prevail despite our ability or inability to see Him.  These readings also tie into a concept from this past Sunday, which was the feast of the Holy Trinity in the Catholic church.  The Holy Trinity is the collective name for God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.  God’s love is passed on to us through His Son, Jesus.  Jesus passed on to us through his teachings the sense of the Holy Spirit.  Through the Holy Spirit, also known as the Advocate, works within us to help us pass both love and spirit on to others.

Love in Flowers Lisa A. Wisniewski

“Love is like a beautiful flower which I may not touch, but whose fragrance makes the garden a place of delight just the same.” –Helen Keller

Channel Three: What Comes to Be

The weather, nature’s offerings, and yet another reading came together to offer us one great lesson on Wednesday.  We had very warm temperatures, high humidity, and varied skies this day.  The morning was more gray and rainy in spots, but the clouds lifted in the afternoon to bring bright, hot sunshine before giving way late in the evening hours to very stormy conditions.  We had some difficulties that day in our household due to life circumstances, and it seemed nature was imitating how we felt with all the issues around us.  Part of the day was rather unnerving, but we came across a reading that put things in both our household and the world around us into better perspective.

Why Despair? Lisa A. Wisniewski

The author of the reading focused on Psalm 42:5, which asks, “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed and restless within me?”

As we contemplated how this reading matched our lives at the moment, we recalled another quote read earlier in the week:

“In India, we have a saying: ‘Everything will be alright in the end.  So if it is not all right, it is not yet the end.’” –From the movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, spoken by the character Patel

We need to remember life is a journey.  Not every day can be the same, for that is what makes life what it is.  Variety is what allows life to continue through different and varied aspects of nature, circumstance, people, places, and things.  If we learn to recognize the value in this variety, we can learn important lessons to help see us through it all—the good, bad, ugly, and in between.  Whether we recognize it or not, we need it all to recognize life (and love) itself.

Life is a Journey Lisa A. Wisniewski

“Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations.” –Oliver Goldsmith

Channel Four: Look Out the Door

In addition to the clouds in the sky, we found a number of interesting flowers, trees, and shrubs in bloom or nearing bloom.  Our blooming finds included: elderberry bushes, a vine with purple and yellow flowers that we are trying to identify, and white yarrow.  Nearing bloom finds included bull thistle, teasels, and jewel weed.  We also found Virginia creeper and poison ivy in vast patches under pine trees in the area.

American Copper on Dandelion Lisa A. Wisniewski

On one of my lunchtime walks, I saw a flutter out of the corner of my eye and realized a butterfly had landed close to me on a dandelion. I had not seen this species before, so I stopped to take pictures so I could research what it was.  My research led me to find out this butterfly was an American Copper, identified by its black spot pattern, yellow-white under body, and pale orange upper wing color.

On my bike ride tonight, I spotted a deer at the edge of the woods in the high brush of the fields.  As I came closer, I realized the deer was a buck, for its antlers stuck about four inches above its ears and were covered in heavy velvet.  This is the earliest I have ever seen a buck in velvet, so it was a neat experience for me.  Sadly, I could not get a picture to post, as the buck took off as soon as I lifted my camera to take a shot.  Admittedly, I was a bit frustrated for not getting the picture, but life has taught me to not dwell on such things.  Maybe other opportunities will come to get a picture, maybe not.  In either case, the experience itself is enough to be thankful for in life.

Gratitude Lisa A. Wisniewski

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” –William Arthur Ward

Channel Five: Love is Still Alive

The colors in the sunset tonight reminded us that love is still alive in the world today despite the pandemic, economy, protests, and other world issues.  It was also a reminder that nature broadcasts drama, comedy, educational, and other formats for our viewing pleasure 24-7, 365.  It does so at no cost to us, save for our time.  We don’t need a special connection, technological device, or subscription through a costly service to view it.

Wealth in Nature Lisa A. Wisniewski

“He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.” -Socrates

May we come to view nature’s many channels as opportunities to grow.  May this growth allow us to see clearer the path before us, and to help others along the way. 

Dawn in the Sky Lisa A. Wisniewski

Nature’s Channels

Dawn in the sky far in the east
Spreading the light of life as the day comes to be
What it will through the river of time
Covering the hills with the colors of life
In the flowers and the trees,
Growing from the rain showers and sun in the breeze
As the clouds come and go
Above the ground upon the road
Broadcasting nature’s channels day and night
Through the many faces of God we find.

Clouds in the Sky Lisa A. Wisniewski

Clouds in the sky
All puffy round and white
Rolling with the wind
Trolling over and over again
Watching the earth below
As in the dirt the seeds grow
Bringing to life the Father’s love
Ringing in the silence of
The colors and hues in the petals so fine
Broadcasting through nature’s channels of life.

Life Comes to Be Lisa A. Wisniewski

In the sky, river, and seed
Life comes to be
Part of each day
Come what may
And all the in between
Rises and falls in the breeze
To lift and let down
The gift of blessings found
Through the annuls of time
Broadcast through nature’s channels so fine.

-Lisa A. Wisniewski

A Note of Thanks

Thank You! Lisa A. Wisniewski

Our note of thanks this week goes out to the many writers and contributors to the Upper Room and Guideposts publications.  We appreciate the authors’ willingness to share their stories and insights, and we look forward to reading and sharing these writings with others who may not have access to these publications.  Thanks also to nature, whose offerings this week helped put life and our circumstances in perspective.  Thanks to our readers and followers for sticking with us as we adapt and hone our writing skills to create meaningful posts.

-Lisa, Sadie, and Leo

Observing June Days

Sunrise June 4, 2020 Lisa A. Wisniewski

June has finally arrived, bringing with it a flurry of activity and variety in nature and life.  With sunrise at 5:50 AM and sunset at 8:45 PM, we have almost fifteen hours of daylight in which to work, play, and observe nature.  The sunrise is in the far northeast corner of our property now, and sunset is in the far northwestern sky above the neighboring fields and woods.  This means we have to go to the extents of our property to see the beauty in the sun’s colors, and now with the trees dense foliage, have to do some maneuvering to get clear views and the best pictures.  As we went about our picture taking and gathering facts and information for our post this week, we tested our flexibility and thought process, challenging ourselves to reach a fuller potential.   In doing so, we found ourselves in awe of nature and all it and life have to offer us, not only in its beauty, but in its simple yet profound ways of teaching us important life lessons.

Lessons to Learn Lisa A. Wisniewski

“It would seem that, quite possibly, the ultimate measure of health in any community might well reside in our ability to stand in awe at what folks have to carry rather than in judgment at how they carry it.” —Gregory Boyle

Origins and Explorations

June is named after the Roman goddess Juno, who was the patroness of marriage and well-being of women.  Perhaps this is why historically the number of weddings is higher in the month of June than in other times of the year.  June is also derived from the Latin word juvenis, or young people.   Historically, June is when schools let out and young minds go off searching for the wonders of summer.  This year is a bit different with the pandemic and constraints in many areas, but it is our hope that young minds still find the courage and motivation to learn more.

Almost Full Strawberry Moon on the Rise Lisa A. Wisniewski

There are many opportunities to learn in nature, and the month of June has some great examples to explore:

June’s full moon is known as the strawberry moon.  Other names include the rose moon, hot moon, and mead moon.  This year, the full moon occurs the morning of June 5^th.  The moon will enter a penumbral lunar eclipse shortly after rising that day.  This means the moon will enter the outer portion of the earth’s shadow.  The resulting eclipse will not be as pronounced as a total lunar eclipse, also known as a blood moon, which occurs when the moon enters the umbra, or inner part of the earth’s shadow. The eclipse will not be visible in our area, however, it will be visible to those living in parts of Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, and Europe.

Exploring the Heavens Wide Lisa A. Wisniewski

Tonight’s almost full moon will rise and be joined by the planet Mercury.  Due to Mercury’s positioning in its orbit around the sun, it will be easier to see in the night sky.  On June 8^th, the moon will be close to Jupiter and Saturn in the night sky.  Saturn will be closer to the moon than Jupiter.

The Summer Triangle, made up of the stars Daneb, Vega, and Altair, will also be visible in the June night skies.  The Summer Triangle is an asterism, meaning stars of similar brightness recognized in a distinctive shape.  It is also an amalgamation of stars from three different constellations.  Daneb is the brightest star in the constellation Cygnus, the swan.  It is also the farthest away from the earth of the three stars making up the Summer Triangle.  Vega is the brightest star in the constellation Lyra, the Harp.  Vega is also one the brightest stars in the nighttime sky.  Altair is the brightest star in the constellation Aquilia, the eagle.  Altair is also one of the brightest stars located closest to the earth.

Knowledge Potential Lisa A. Wisniewski

Looking at these examples, one can see ties to science, mythology, and history.  Digging in deeper, one can find related facts for specific studies like astrology, astronomy, Greek and Roman mythology, and early astronomers such as Ptolemy, Aristotle, Galileo, and Copernicus. Digging in even deeper, one can learn about the solar system as a whole, the earth and its makeup, and early civilizations.  All these opportunities come by asking a single question such as why, who, what, when, where, or how.  The single question can set the mind, body, and soul on a lifelong journey of learning and exploration.

Freedom Lisa A. Wisniewski

“Self is the only prison that can ever bind the soul.” –Henry Van Dyke

Garnering Garden Facts

In addition to the skies, we are learning much from our garden this year.  We admit we are making a very concerted effort this year, actually allowing for time in our schedule to weed, water, and tend to the plants.  Our efforts have been very rewarding thus far with the seeds we planted sprouting and growing at a good pace and the plants maturing in size.  We also put much effort in recent years to improve the soil conditions in our garden plot.  We are using natural means to do this, such as leaf composting, cultivating, and applying lime and gypsum to help sweeten and break up the soil.  It is a process, but we are seeing fruits to our labor, so we are encouraged despite the waiting we have endured to get to this point.

Seeds Sprouting in Our Garden Lisa A. Wisniewski

Some of the keys to gardening success include proper soil pH, water level, light, and temperature.  Since our garden is an open plot and not in a greenhouse, we don’t have much control over the light or temperature factors.  However, we can take steps to help modify soil pH and water properly.  Proper watering is essential for seed germination and growth.  The past few years, the very heavy spring and early summer rains offered too much water, washing away seeds and drowning plants. Though we have had higher than normal rainfall so far this year, the rain has fallen at a pace that the seeds and plants can tolerate.

Strawberries in Raised Bed Garden Lisa A. Wisniewski

We are also trying some container gardening this year with a few pots and hanging baskets.  We had tried this about three years ago with rather dismal results, but recently learned why we failed in our first attempt.  Some things we learned that may help others venturing into this compact form of gardening include:

• Making sure the containers (either barrels, pots, buckets, baskets, and boxes) have drainage holes in the bottom to keep the soil from becoming waterlogged.

• Plastic pots do not dry out as fast as unglazed terra cotta or pots made from porous materials.

• Black pots and containers absorb heat from the sun and are best suited to plants that can tolerate a higher soil temperature.

• Hanging baskets make great space-saving and easy to care for environments for tomatoes, strawberries, and herbs.

• 

  Rhubarb, Which Needs Space to Grow Lisa A. Wisniewski

  Placement of containers is critical to success. Most vegetables need six to eight hours of direct sun to grow and produce a harvest.  Cold crop vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, peas, and onions do not tolerate intense direct sunlight well and are better suited to partially shaded areas.

• Do not use soil from the garden in containers; it is too dense and more prone to disease in enclosed areas. Use compost, or soilless mixes that are quick draining and light weight instead.  There are now bagged soils available in garden centers that are specifically formulated for container gardening.

• Do not use a chemical fertilizer on container plants. Use liquid seaweed, fish emulsion, or manure tea on a weekly basis instead.

• 

  Black Raspberries Prefer Moist Well Drained Soil Lisa A. Wisniewski

  Most vegetables need consistently moist soil to grow. This may require watering twice a day, once in the early morning hours and again in the evening hours.  Avoid midday watering  as the water may heat up quickly in warm soil and steam or burn the roots.  Be sure to water the soil and not the leaves.  This helps prevent leaf spot and other fungus and diseases.  Remember that water droplets can act as magnifying glasses, catching the sun’s rays and creating burnt spots on plant leaves.

• To keep plants properly cool and moist when container gardening, use a double potting method. Place a small pot inside a larger pot and fill the void between the pots with peat moss or crumpled newspaper.  When watering, water filler between the pots.  This creates a natural thermos or cooler allowing the soil to remain cool and moist.

• Remember to support plants once they start to grow. Use trellises, stakes, netting, twine, or cages to help hold up climbing or vining vegetables such as pole beans, snap peas, and cucumbers.

Blueberries Prefer Acidic Moist Soil Lisa A. Wisniewski

In addition to asking questions, a great way to learn is to try.  We learned much of the above through a combination of questions, research, and experimentation through the years.  While we still have a lot to learn about new plant varieties, harvest methods, and proper crop combinations, we have a good foundation of basic facts and experience to get us off to a good start as long as we put forth some time and effort.

“Nature herself does not distinguish between what seed it receives.  It grows whatever seed is planted; this is the way life works.  Be mindful of the seeds you plant today, as they will become the crop you harvest.” –Mary Morrissey

New in Nature

First Daisies of the Season Lisa A. Wisniewski

Through my runs, walks, and bike rides this past week, I found a number of new blooms and circumstances in nature to ponder and reflect upon.  Early in the week, I found the first daisies of the season in bloom along the roadside.  Seeing the proverbial whimsical flowers set my mind to thoughts of summer, which arrives on June 20^th this year.

During a walk through the yard with the dogs, we found the yellow poplar, also known as tulip trees, in bloom with yellow flowers.  These flowers have a slightly sweet smell and are sticky to touch.  The stickiness is from the sap and nutrients flowing from the tree roots and branches.  The yellow poplar is a soft wood, making it prone to storm damage and disease. The tree in our yard is almost seventy years old and over 45 feet tall.  It has seen many a storm and has had to heal from damage to the limbs, yet stands tall and stoic, watching over us through each season of the year.

Yellow Poplar (Tulip) Lisa A. Wisniewski

We also found ants on the peony blooms, which to many is a nuisance, but to nature is essential for the cycle of life.  Peonies contain a sweet sap that both attracts and nourishes the ants.  Without the sap, the ants may not survive the environmental conditions of a given area.  There is a school of thought that the peonies need the ants to help remove the sap so that the flowers can open and bloom.  Our research could not find conclusive evidence to this theory, so we cannot say it is fact.  However, it is an interesting concept to consider and offers a life lesson on how what one provides for others can benefit to the greater good of all.

Ant on Peony Lisa A. Wisniewski

On a bike ride the other night, I found a variety of vetch with purple flowers.  Though I know the area where the vetch was growing has supported similar plant life through the years, I do not recall this color ever blooming.  There are a number of possible explanations for this, including a change in soil pH to foster the darker purple instead of the whitish pink I had seen in prior years, water content in the soil, and the planting of a different variety through the droppings of birds or animals.  Whatever the reason, I am thankful to nature to providing not only the beauty of the vetch, but also the opportunity to pursue higher levels of knowledge and understanding through observation, questions, and research.

Multiflora Rose Lisa A. Wisniewski

Vetch Lisa A. Wisniewski

We also found the first multiflora rose blooms this week.  This variety of roses is distinguishable by its seven leaved stalk and five petal flowers which are typically white or pink in color.  Its twigs are bright green with stout thorns and it has red fruits that grace the arching branches after the flowers have bloomed.  The fruits are also known as hips and are considered one of the distinguishing traits to wild roses.

Common Yarrow Lisa A. Wisniewski

Additional finds include common yarrow just starting to bloom, yellow wood sorrel (which looks like clover, but has hairy leaves and five-petal flowers), and several other wild flowers that I am still trying to identify as they are not familiar to me to date.

“All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today.” –Indian proverb

May we come to discover more about life and ourselves through our experiences upon the journey.  May we learn to share our knowledge with the hope of making a positive impact upon the seeds around us, and may we be encouraged upon the journey by June days.

Slow Sunrise Lisa A. Wisniewski

June Days
Slow sunrise in the east
As the wind blows through the trees

Whispering to the earth below
Where in the dirt the seeds sowed
Are reaching, reaching, up, up, to the sky
Seeking, seeking, the warmth of the light
Made majestic on the horizon
By the clouds reflection of colors sent
From heaven to wake
The soul through June days.

Ribbons of Light Lisa A. Wisniewski

Ribbons of light in crimson and peach
Deliver the message of God’s love for thee
While the dew on the grass
Sparkles and moves past
Each blade and leaf
Blessing the day to be
Coming to life in the cycle moving
Everything in its path to the
Next moment in pursuit of grace
Coming in and through June days.

Moon on the Rise Lisa A. Wisniewski

Full moon on the rise at end of day
Shines its light as the shadows make
Their way through the woods and fields
Coming to life to reveal
Beauty, wonder, and art
Through and under nature’s heart
Beating in a rhythm steady and true
Making ready the little shoots
To become what they may
In the through the run of June days.

-Lisa A. Wisniewski

 A Note of Thanks

Thanks From Us! Lisa A. Wisniewski

Our thanks this week goes out to my parents, who taught my sister and me much of what we know about gardening.  Growing up, we had two annual family events that shaped our lives—the planting of the garden in summer and the cutting of wood in early fall.  No matter what age or what level of skillset we had, we participated, helping each other to learn and grow together.  The memories of these events and the work ethic they instilled allowed my sister and me to become who we are today.  This is proof of many of the concepts presented in this post regarding seeds and how when properly nurtured and cared for, a harvest of much variety can be reaped.

-Lisa, Sadie, and Leo

Observing Shifts and Switches

Shifting Skies Lisa A. Wisniewski

Nature flipped the switch on the weather this week in our area from cooler, cloudy days to warmer days full of sunshine. With sunrise at 5:52 AM and sunset at 8:43 PM, we have had almost fifteen hours of daylight per day this week.  This fact alone has us more active than normal, for we love the light in our household as it seems to be instant energy for us.  In addition to the light, the warmer temperatures have the trees, plants, and grasses in the yards and fields growing at a rapid pace.  This week alone, we had to cut the yard grass several times due to rapid growth.  As we went about our activities this week, we noticed a marked change in the weather, the landscape, our community, and even ourselves.  We thought we’d share some of what we observed and learned in this week’s post.

Brighter Days Ahead Lisa A. Wisniewski

“There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” – C.S. Lewis

Assurance and Endurance

One dominant theme in our activities and observations this week was one of endurance.  In nature, we noticed many of the plants and trees that were hit hard by frost earlier in the month have endured and even bloomed.  The seeds we planted in our garden also survived the frost, a wet spell, and the recent temperature spike and are now pushing little shoots from the dirt.  Deer, rabbits, and other wildlife in the area made it through a very wet spring and are now having little fawns and baby bunnies.  All of these examples offer assurance that despite the conditions around and among us, we can endure them, survive, and even thrive.

No Rush Lisa A. Wisniewski

As we went about a longer than normal list of things to do, we wondered how we would get it all done, for my work schedule was busier than normal, leaving less time at home to do the work we have there and still have time to run, bike, and reflect.  Very early in the week, I realized we would not be able to get it all done, for I had to work extra hours despite the Memorial Day holiday.  So, after some reflection and thought, I prioritized the list and set out to do the best I could and leave the rest to the powers that be.

One lesson I learned long ago is not to rush things.  I learned this lesson the hard way, for it took two experiences of having to spend an extra $1500 on house projects due to my impatience before I realized that endurance wins the race, not speed.  So that is what we did this week—endured to the best of our ability whatever life put before us.  There were mishaps and unplanned events along the way that were frustrating but not impossible to overcome.  We changed up some activities and scheduled times and tried to group similar activities so as to help with allotted time, and this seemed to work well.

Water Iris, One at a Time Lisa A. Wisniewski

Each day as we checked off a handful of things on our list, we found ourselves assured that though completing the list was most likely not going to happen, we could still get the majority of the items completed.  One thing we have found to be true for us is if we can just get one thing done, be it large or small, that one thing can act as a confidence builder to help us get more things done.  This builds momentum and helps the thought process along the way.  As we learn to recognize patterns and make associations between what does and does not work, we grow in many ways.  As we grow, we build strength to assist with the required physical and mental endurance to complete our tasks and achieve our goals.

I also learned in recent years if I let go of the temptation to rely on my own power and allow God to help, things are much easier and more acceptable in the long run.  For me, this was both a shift and a switch in mentality, and though it took me a long time to accept, the change has been a positive one, allowing me to reach many a destination that seemed out of reach.

Hope Lisa A. Wisniewski

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” -Romans 5: 3-4

Shifting Stages

The landscape this week has really opened up some of nature’s most beautiful offerings in the blooming flowers and tall grasses swaying in the wind.  The rhododendron are now in bloom, sitting regally atop the shiny green leaves of the shrubs.  With colors of pink, purple, and white, these flowers are helping to paint nature’s canvas in a variety of hues.  The iris and water iris are adding in yellows, reds, whites, purples, and rusty hues.  Peonies in magenta shades are now opening up as well.  The columbine and salvia in the landscape beds are in full bloom in a variety of blues, whites, and violet hues.  Tall phlox, buttercups, and chrysanthemum are adding splotches of color along the back roads and in the valleys.

Rhododendron Lisa A, Wisniewski

I found the first flowers on the red clover and cow vetch on a lunch time walk today, along with blossoms on the wild raspberry bushes.  While walking the dogs later in the evening, we found flowers on the dianthus and shoots popping up from the wildflower seeds we had planted earlier in the month.

The explosion of blooms is in part due to the added sunlight of the longer days.  Combine this with warmer temperatures, and you have a literal hotbed for the plants to grow and bloom.  Many of the tall grasses in the fields have shot up inches in height and are now sporting crowns and fronds of seeds.  A number of the local farmers have cut the first batches of hay for the season, taking advantage of the first long stretch of dry weather we have had this spring.

Salvia Lisa A. Wisniewski

The catkins on the oak trees have fallen, creating rivers of brown and tan along the roadsides and field edges.  This observation surprised me, for the oak trees just pushed leaves open last week.  Typically, there is more time between the leafing out and the catkins falling.  The sharp rise in temperature most likely accelerated the growth process this year leading to the catkins falling sooner.

As mentioned in other posts, heat is a catalyst, or agent for change.  Whether induced by nature or through man-made means, heat accelerates growth.  This growth can induce stress, which may in turn lead to early shorter life span or reduced overall production of fruits.  The proper amount of heat at the right rate of time is critical to the overall health of plants and trees.

Catkin River Lisa A. Wisniewski

Much like the examples in nature above, we humans are constantly going through shifts and stages in life.  We may or may not recognize the catalysts causing us to change, or even the change itself until time has passed or the change becomes very visible or pronounced.  Also like the plants, we can become stressed under a variety of “heated” conditions and this is one reason it is important to try to find balance in life between activities and responsibilities.

“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” – John Maxwell

Different Phases

Two Families of Geese Lisa A. Wisniewski

On one of my walks this week, I found four families of geese with goslings at different phases of growth.  Some of the goslings were still rather small and sporting fuzzy yellow-gray feathers.  Other goslings were larger with grayer feathers.  Still others were almost as large as their parent geese in size, but not with the distinct feather colors of gray, tan, black, and white.  Seeing the different broods of geese reminded me that we are all in different phases of life at any given time.  Our growth rates may differ due to environmental or biological reasons.  Our curiosity and intelligence levels may differ due to economic, social or educational opportunity factors.

Also like the geese, we grow in phases, learning as we go what does and does not work for us in life.  What may work for one may not work for all, so we constantly assess, reassess, and try to adjust in order to survive.

Goose With Smaller Goslings Lisa A. Wisniewski

This led me to recognize many communities are in different phases of the pandemic conditions.  Some are only in the infancy stages with many people sick or dying from the virus.  Others are in intermediate phases with social distancing and other restrictions in place.   Still others appear to be over the major concern phase and are moving on with life under a new version of what normal means.

Within each community, each individual is also at a different phase of adapting and recovering.  This makes it hard at times to know what to do, how to do what needs done, and where to turn for help if necessary.  At both places where I am employed, we are at different phases, and each person has his or her own interpretation of what is or is not required.  Depending on where and with whom I am working, I have to shift or adjust how I do my work.  At times, it seems daunting to keep things in order.  Fortunately, many years of physical and mental flexibility exercises have allowed me to learn to adjust without becoming too stressed.

Life Stages Lisa A. Wisniewski

“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.” –Carl Gustav Jung

Changing Ranges

Our experiences this week also reaffirmed something I learned several years ago—sometimes you have to step back in order to move forward.  While it may not sound like it makes sense on the surface, the deeper side of this fact allows it to make sense.  Stepping back (either literally or figuratively) offers a different perspective.  The different perspective allows for a shift in mindset that allows one to switch course.

For us this week, we went back to a format of life that had worked for us in the past.  How we shifted away from that format is unknown, as we did not realize we even changed until we stepped back and assessed all we had going on in life.  Granted, the pandemic most likely played a part both in the switch from and then back to what seems to be for us a better path.  It is a very simple path, one that we very much appreciate and accept.

Changing Horizon Lisa A. Wisniewski

“You must welcome change as the rule, but not as your ruler.” –Denis Waitley

May the changes we undergo either through circumstantial or self-imposed means allow us to understand life and our role in it better.  May we learn to encourage others through challenging times to help create the best possible outcomes through life’s shifts and switches.

Shift Lisa A. Wisniewski

Shift

Shift
How one gets
In, among, and between
Fears that come to be
Tiny matters in life’s seas.

Sun, Moon, and Stars Lisa A. Wisniewski

Sun, moon, and stars
Hung in heaven afar
Intertwined to be
For all minds to see
The heights above the lows of life.

River in the Sky Lisa A. Wisniewski

Stream, river, and sea
Humbling to humanity
In ways untold
From each day as it unfolds
To reveal to us who we are to become.

-Lisa A. Wisniewski

A Note of Thanks

Thanks Everyone! Lisa A. Wisniewski

Our thanks this week goes out to anyone who has had to make sacrifices and drastic changes during this unprecedented time.  We thank you for your sacrifices and we pray that any turmoil, stress, or anxiety faced  is soon washed away in time’s sea.  Thanks also to everyone who has helped us through the many shifts and switches we have made throughout our lives.  We appreciate your patience, time, concern and assistance.

-Lisa, Sadie, and Leo