Every night, as the sun sinks behind the Organ Mountains to the west, I stand still and watch how it lights up this one tree.
The day the wind started throwing dust and sand into the air, the skies that evening reflected the change. Still, the light found a way through the clouds for just a moment. Sometimes that one moment is all it takes to remember the good.
The next day brought high winds, sporadic rain, small hailstones, and a dusting of snow on the mountains. At the end of the day, the desert was still as the clouds broke up and the sun returned for one brief moment.
Most days, the sky has been clear and the sunsets not so amazing. Still, I stand outside every night, bearing witness to the end of the day and the coming of the night.
We never know when we wake up in the morning if we’ll see the sunset at the end of the day. We always think we will. Still…
There is nothing to save, now all is lost,
but a tiny core of stillness in the heart
like the eye of a violet.
Dedicated to the memory of Jeanne Pupke (1955-2022)
Beautiful, thoughtful post. Hugs. <3
Very nicely done. Such variety with one tree and one sky.
My heart and thoughts are with you Annie. What a beautiful way to express your love…
My condolences for your loss. Your posts with dedications are very special. Beautiful shots.
They are all beautiful- the reflection shot is outstanding!
Bearing witness to endings and beginnings…how beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful post – photos and words. I’m sorry for your loss.
Thanks for including us in your quiet reflections and reminding us to take time out of our day to enjoy life.
As always, the photos are beautiful, as are the words. No tomorrow is guaranteed…
You’re welcome, my friend. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking the last several weeks, part of which is learning to be still. A lot to keep learning in this life, too.
Your poem, and your reading of it, was beautiful yesterday. The minute I heard that first line, I recognized how well it fit the moment. And I cried all the way through your reading. Thank you for sharing it, and to Annette for that photo montage, which was a wonderful summary of a life well-lived.
Beautiful. To be fully present for what is, seeing its beauty sometimes hidden within, knowing it will change and take on another form we couldn’t possibly anticipate. Being open to the magic that unfolds again and again. “Still life according to Annie” pops into mind and makes me smile. Thank you my dear friend.
Thanks, needed these words today.
Just wow! Loved these photos.
Amazing! The tree, your photos, all of it. Wow.