I love nature.
I love movement
and time to
think my thoughts
uninterrupted by
the “perceived”
judgments of of the
presence of other people.
The need to please them.
I’m working these
quirks out gradually.
They don’t serve me
or others.
Still, I miss nature,
and not going on my
healing walks.
Photography © Dennis Frates Photography http://www.fratesphoto.com/
A fly says, “I rest today”,
Too hot to be out bugging
people.
All the bugs–gone underground.
The other animals wild
and homeless unless in their
shelter rest this one out.
Nature’s adversary brings us
together inside.
We wouldn’t stop or even
slow down if it weren’t for
the help of nature.
Tomato with yellow sepals.
Photography © Dennis Frates Photography http://www.fratesphoto.com/
There are blue rocks & black
rocks. brown rocks and
rocks of all colors.
The earth isn’t just green
and blue. Much of it is, or
was, green. Growing.
For every profiteer who
cuts down my forest
indiscriminately, there’s
a million people willing
to plant a sapling.
Your garden deserves more
than what it’s getting.
Give and take. Can’t
continually take
without sustaining
the give back option.
Water your plants if
you want green
leaves tomorrow.
They’re really thirsty
in this warm
weather.
Pacific Albus (Poplar) tree farm, Boardman Tree Farm, Oregon
Photography © Dennis Frates Photography http://www.fratesphoto.com/
It’s amazing how fast the
leaves grow
on bare limbs
buffeted by the icy
winds of winter.
What was once a view
to the other side
now reflects back
the freshness of Spring
rampaging ahead on
its way to Winter’s
starkness, hiding
not the bird nest
nor putting your
attention to the
limits of the tree’s
reach.
It rained today.
I’m happy that it rained.
I like to listen to it
and see it falling
and hitting the puddles
on the ground.
It’s quiet. No one is out.
Voices are hushed.
Nature takes center
stage.
Next best to being
out in it, breathing
the fresh air and
letting my being
expand with the nature
around me.
It says nature’s taking
care of the earth.
Good to know someone
is on the job.
People who are wiser
(and more experienced),
I need to listen to them.
They tell me something
and I think, “I could
never do that!” But
I try and find that I
can. And it helps.
So, the only way
it seems, is to push
forward and faithfully
do what is suggested.
I like seeing results.
A lot of people, I feel,
are supporting me,
and not the least of
all, nature herself.
A synchronistic
meeting, a kind
word.
My way isn’t rudeness.
So people can see
my good side
and I can feel
better about
myself.
When I put my pen in my hand
sometimes thoughts flood
my mind of I have nothing to
say. or even other untrue
thoughts.
Resisting the abundance
of the universe keeps me
alone and without.
Things should flow in
and things should flow out.
Otherwise there’s stagnation
that is not desirable.
When you have food stuck
in a jar, sometimes you
just shake it up and it’s
no longer stuck. Loose food.
I miss not seeing nature
when I’m ill.
But to just see the
smallest sparrow
enjoying it’s sunshine
is enough to bring back
to me the resurgence of
nature.
Safron Finch. Hawaii, The Big Island
Photography © Dennis Frates Photography http://www.fratesphoto.com/
If a day wasn’t what
you expected, then
there’s always tomorrow.
It’s promised to no one,
but it usually comes.
In the cold winter, it’s
just good to bundle up
and go outside for as
long a walk (or run!)
as you’re able.
Coming back, you
really have a new
start on the day.
Nature nurtures.
Leaves, limbs, dirt trails
all are very unlike
my neighborhood.
Leaves, yes. Limbs, yes
but no dirt trails.
Walking on the earth
is getting rarer
these days.
It reminds me
of all that’s arisen
and where all
will return.
Primal.
It’s good the
earth is as
forgiving as
she is. I would
be really peeved
if you did that
to me.
I like the rain!
it gives me an excuse
not to be out.
A stormy day
is a novel experience
where I live.
And besides I like the
wind & rain pelting
on my face. It is
invigorating and
I might wait a long
time for another.
It’s sad when it stops.
Where did the rain
go? To heaven with
the rest of the clouds.
It comes around
again, they say.
Nothing is created
or destroyed,
just recycled.
A New Beginning 