A Path

"If the path be beautiful, let us not ask where it leads."

                                                                                                                 --Anatole France

Prior to the outbreak of Covid-19, I would have posted this photo with the corresponding quote and left it at that; however, after several weeks of our paths looking drastically different than we previously would have imagined, I felt compelled to write a bit more.  

In my case, as a teacher attempting to teach remotely, there really is no path as it's essentially just doing my best within the guidelines outlined by administrators to provide learning opportunities to students and stay in touch with them regarding their progress.  Sound simple?  It's not. 

However, relatively speaking, my existence has been easy when compared to those in other professions who can't stay at home or who lack resources for their basic needs.  Although my path in the last while has looked much different than during other school years, I do have food and shelter and safety in my home.  So, again, I am grateful for so much and keep so many other individuals in my thoughts as their paths at this time are much more challenging than mine.

The Human Spirit

In recent weeks we've all seen countless videos of inspiring acts of kindness, bravery, creativity, thoughtfulness, and people helping people.  Celebrations have taken to the streets and outdoor spaces where life's milestones and special moments are still honored.  Clearly, even in times of trepidation, the human spirit is resilient and bold in its many forms of goodness.

These images are from a birthday parade that was organized for a dear cousin.  Vehicle after vehicle poured in to the meeting place and then processed through the streets passing by the birthday girl.  She loved it....and so did all the rest of us.  

Rewind a few months and not one of us would've imagined such an event ...but really, amid all of the world's current imperfections, just for a few minutes, life seemed perfect.  The evening temperature was mild and the wind light.  A hint of sun popped through the clouds.  My paper-plate birthday sign, even though it was NOT how I'd planned to make it, was easy to toss like a frisbee from inside the vehicle to the lawn.  In so many ways, this event was another expression of the human spirit that was simply perfect.

Silly Squirrel

Comic relief provided by a local squirrel.  On a windy, rainy, dreary day as I was looking out the window,  suddenly this goofy rodent appeared leaping along the deck railing.  Instead of sprinting toward the nearby tree, it seemed to have springs in its legs and to be playing a game of leap frog.  From inside the house I was stunned at what I was seeing but fortunately captured this image to substantiate my claim.  Regardless, seeing this photo and recalling that episode makes me laugh, and I hope it does the same for you.

Ahhh....Daffodils

This post makes me happy as I think of some of the simple pleasures that bring much joy, including warmer temperatures and all sorts of things emerging with new life.  This image of daffodils is a perfect example.  Even in these times of social distancing, if you are in your vehicle or walking outdoors, take a look as something just might be blooming right in front of you.  Finally, I delight in the William Wordsworth poem about daffodils but below is only one stanza.  Hope you will take the time to look up the entire piece as it's a great visual description and uplifting.

"Daffodils"

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze."

                                                                                          -- William Wordsworth

BEE Happy

Notice the bumble bees.  Since I love bees and acknowledge all the ways they contribute to food production and so forth, when I saw this decorative item in a store, I immediately knew it would land in my home.  However, in early February when I put together this arrangement, I had no idea what was coming regarding the virus and the dramatic change to our daily lives.  Interestingly, in the last month it has been inspirational as some days seem very dark and heavy.  Just seeing this reminder usually helps me pause and refocus on the present and the many things for which I am grateful.  This display that I hurriedly assembled with miscellaneous pieces of home decor has truly been a gift....that I gave myself and want to share.

Still Believe?

"I still believe in Santa, the Easter Bunny, 

the Tooth Fairy, and true love.

Don't even try to tell me different."

                                                                                                                            --Dolly Parton

Beautiful Things

"But the most beautiful things in life are not just things.

They're people, and places, memories and pictures.

They're feelings and moments and smiles and laughter."

                                                                                                                       --Unknown

Prickly Times

This image resonated with me as we experience these unprecedented times involving the Corona virus pandemic.  Despite the very sharp spines and edges, the large agave plant and surrounding cacti are also beautiful in their own regard.  For example, their striking shapes, sizes and colors are unique and add interest to our living spaces.  In addition, these slow-growing plants are mostly self-sustaining as they store moisture in their roots, leaves and stems.

Just as the above beauties can cause pain and bloodshed, in our current state of affairs I quickly notice how the illness, disruptions and numerous governmental proclamations have caused tremendous distress, hardship and grief.

However, as I recognized some inherent positive qualities in these thorny characters, I also realize that during these weeks spent at home I also have an opportunity to enjoy some quiet moments, improve my use of technology as I reach out to my students, draw more tangles, connect with loved ones and friends, appreciate the warmth of the sun, be grateful and surrender to the tranquility found walking along a river's edge.  Fortunately, during these trying times, I've also been more gentle with myself and careful to remember that today I'm doing enough.

"...You may have been given a cactus, 

but you don't have to sit on it."

                                                                                                         --Joyce Meyer

Del Co Freedom Rock

This post is another virtual field trip with images of the Delaware County Freedom Rock located in Dundee, Iowa.  Have a look.

The above scene honors all of Delaware County's veterans past and present.

Artist Ray "Bubba" Sorenson II has painted similar murals in most, but not all, of Iowa's 99 counties.  In each county he aims to thank veterans through a unique mural that portrays their stories and contributions from that specific area.  More information about The Freedom Rock Tour can be found @ thefreedomrock.com.

The mural below pays tribute to veterans that made the ultimate sacrifce in the line of duty.  In particular, these seven men from Delaware County lost their lives while serving in Vietnam.  Finally, to the far right there is a crest that also recognizes the invaluable work of  law enforcement personnel, emergency medical responders and firefighters. In 2019 Sorenson completed the Delaware County project.