“But I also know we are the pawns in a biblical, made-for-TV Revelations show where the “Second Coming” is the season finale.”
Ugh, Maria - so true. So many precious, irreplaceable archeological treasures will be, and probably already have been, lost.
Your photos remarkably captured the sterility of Longwood Gardens, which I applaud, because so few people who go there fully appreciate that perspective. They’re captivated by the superficial.
Before the most recent rains, a multitude of fireflies arose from the fields past which I walk every early evening. They “spark” joy in me every single time I see even just one.
This is why I love Chanticleer. It's much less structured and informal, although very much cared for and planned. I think they've done an outstanding job of integrating native species among ornamentals throughout their grounds. Longwood is gorgeous but it can feel sterile, although I enjoy visiting it, too.
I saw quite a few fireflies just one night so far and nothing since. It's quite sad. I'm really trying to embrace the messy and chemical-free approach to gardening.
Oh. Balm to my soul!!! Yes a thousand times yes. I was driving through California’s central valley and saw all the crops planted in regimented lines. Ditto the almond trees and the grape vines. And I could almost hear them mewling in protest. I may be nuts but I don’t think any thing, creature, plant thrives under military rule. I felt such despair because we are so misguided. So wrong. And sometimes it feels that whatever I do in my backyard, can hardly matter. Still. I soldier messily on.
For a couple years we had a membership at Longwood. And as much as they want to promote the whole landscaping, gardening, trees, nature, etc. image, I just couldn't get past the fact that there were no weeds. I used to say, "They must have an entire crew that gets out here before the gate opens and weeds this entire place!"
Oh, Maria... you touch so many points of resonance with my own experience and heart-felt, deeply intuitive communications with Nature over decades! First, some of the things I love in this essay... The 'mess' in Messiah! The cry, 'where are the flreflies?' (Standing on my balcony, nake, in the middle of the night, I saw one lonely firefly flitting around the yard.) Dance! Yes, yes, and yes again! Nothing brings me closer to my erotic gnosis... Resist the urge to tidy? Such wisdom there. My neighbour is masterful in the organization of her garden - tidy, seedlings in rows... but when she walks my garden with me she often comments, "But you have a REAL garden." And the history of gunpowder, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and monuments... Brilliant. I will continue pulling my respect back from such products and places as you reveal the trajectory of their deeply entrenched presence in our lives, and consciousness! Keep writing (and dancing), Maria. Your voice and presence Matters, literally, in these threshold days!
"All This Complicated Beauty" is the best title ever. Beautifully expressed, Maria, thank you.
Thanks. I was thinking of the Elvis Costello song All This Useless Beauty. A great song!
“But I also know we are the pawns in a biblical, made-for-TV Revelations show where the “Second Coming” is the season finale.”
Ugh, Maria - so true. So many precious, irreplaceable archeological treasures will be, and probably already have been, lost.
Your photos remarkably captured the sterility of Longwood Gardens, which I applaud, because so few people who go there fully appreciate that perspective. They’re captivated by the superficial.
Before the most recent rains, a multitude of fireflies arose from the fields past which I walk every early evening. They “spark” joy in me every single time I see even just one.
Thanks, too, for the historical perspective.
😊
Feeling Healing
Being’s
In Transition
I needed this today. Thank you. ❤️
This is why I love Chanticleer. It's much less structured and informal, although very much cared for and planned. I think they've done an outstanding job of integrating native species among ornamentals throughout their grounds. Longwood is gorgeous but it can feel sterile, although I enjoy visiting it, too.
I saw quite a few fireflies just one night so far and nothing since. It's quite sad. I'm really trying to embrace the messy and chemical-free approach to gardening.
Oh. Balm to my soul!!! Yes a thousand times yes. I was driving through California’s central valley and saw all the crops planted in regimented lines. Ditto the almond trees and the grape vines. And I could almost hear them mewling in protest. I may be nuts but I don’t think any thing, creature, plant thrives under military rule. I felt such despair because we are so misguided. So wrong. And sometimes it feels that whatever I do in my backyard, can hardly matter. Still. I soldier messily on.
Free the plants!
For a couple years we had a membership at Longwood. And as much as they want to promote the whole landscaping, gardening, trees, nature, etc. image, I just couldn't get past the fact that there were no weeds. I used to say, "They must have an entire crew that gets out here before the gate opens and weeds this entire place!"
I’m sure they do! With the help of some chemicals.
Oh, Maria... you touch so many points of resonance with my own experience and heart-felt, deeply intuitive communications with Nature over decades! First, some of the things I love in this essay... The 'mess' in Messiah! The cry, 'where are the flreflies?' (Standing on my balcony, nake, in the middle of the night, I saw one lonely firefly flitting around the yard.) Dance! Yes, yes, and yes again! Nothing brings me closer to my erotic gnosis... Resist the urge to tidy? Such wisdom there. My neighbour is masterful in the organization of her garden - tidy, seedlings in rows... but when she walks my garden with me she often comments, "But you have a REAL garden." And the history of gunpowder, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and monuments... Brilliant. I will continue pulling my respect back from such products and places as you reveal the trajectory of their deeply entrenched presence in our lives, and consciousness! Keep writing (and dancing), Maria. Your voice and presence Matters, literally, in these threshold days!
Thank you!
Oh my love how you weave many threads of wisdom and truth together. 🙏
❤️
Thank you Maria. Your images transported me for a few lovely moments