Flowers in my life

As I approached the flower area at Kroger recently, I felt my heart leap and my spirit gladden. My nose and pores all tingled. Colors, textures, lines, fragrances - as they each lift their proud faces to me, or shyly turned away. To be chosen to come home with me - or not. Over the years of my painting, I have looked deeply into their souls, and in turn, they have peered into mine. We bond. With each study, sketch or painting, I come closer to knowing how my spirit depends on continuing this bond of getting to know and cherish flora. And our worlds intertwine. 

The travels of the pale spider

The nearly white spider and I nearly collided

on the path from the library

The breeze carried her away a bit - then the nearly invisible thread

continued swinging back and forth

The pale creature kept hanging on - tightening her many legs,

then loosening them once again.

Curling and unfurling on her trapeze -

Her constantly traveling tight rope

I felt the pleasure and exhilaration the spider feels, I suppose,

Sunlight and air and just enough freedom.

Pink kalanchoe in golden basket

Soft pink blossoms

Tiny dots of green pierce each bud

The clusters nestle and rest 

Between shiny green leaves

Enamaled slices of jade

Perfectly placed in their gilded basket home