Bedazzled

Last evening I went out to Noerenberg Gardens for a sunset photo shoot. Upon entering the gardens I spotted a hummingbird moth. That was it for me! I was

Bedazzled

I don’t know how long I watched it and photographed it. But I do know that my evening would have been complete even if I didn’t make a single photograph. Simply watching it flutter from flower to flower and drink their nectar gave me enough joy to fill me up to the brim.

The first time I saw one of these moths I was confused. What was it? A hummingbird? Some kind of moth? Now I keep an eye out for them this time of year flower gardens.

And last evening I was so blessed with a visitation by one. The wonderment I felt reminded me of this poem by Mary Oliver…

Mysteries, Yes

Truly, we live with mysteries too marvelous
   to be understood.

How grass can be nourishing in the
   mouths of the lambs.
How rivers and stones are forever
   in allegiance with gravity
      while we ourselves dream of rising.
How two hands touch and the bonds will
   never be broken.
How people come, from delight or the
   scars of damage,
to the comfort of a poem.

Let me keep my distance, always, from those
   who think they have the answers.

Let me keep company always with those who say
   “Look!” and laugh in astonishment,
   and bow their heads.

   — Mary Oliver

New Project???

I’ve begun thinking about a photo project where I plan to create toned black and white nature photographs that I will embellish with words from Mary Oliver poems. Earlier this week I began making a list of phrases from her work that I might use. And last evening at Noerenberg Gardens I began trying to create a photo to go with one of the phrases. It was more difficult than I expected.

As is often the case with creative ideas, it takes time to find my way into the core of the idea and how to actually create what I imagine. The tricky part is to be patient and persistent long enough to find a path into the heart of the idea. It’s all too tempting to throw up my hands and give up before I’ve really tried. 

How about you? What’s happening in your creative life?

When was the last time you were bedazzled? Is it time to slow down and marvel at this amazing thing called life?

May you always be one who exclaims, “Look” in wonderment and awe.

May you walk in beauty.