Beyond reflections

Closeups of flowers in our backyard remind me of scuba diving... of sea anemones and of losing sense of time and space... of fleeting moments of deep meditation where time is suspended ...



Herons wading in water... i wonder --- what happens if I am able to look beyond my reflection, look deeper and into the water.... what would i see?



and if I spread my wings, imagine what can be



imagine what can be, if i dare to explore....

Synergy

I have been blessed to have come across Pet Haven (www.pethavenmn.org) and to have found my passion and my voice. In the past 19 months I have learned so much. So many of us (shelters and rescues) want the same thing - to put an end to homeless dogs and cats. Yet we haven't quite figured out how to all work together. I believe we can. I know we can. Synergy. Collaboration. Creativity.

I end a piece I wrote titled "Panoramic view of animal rescue" with "I hold in my heart, an image in the viewfinder, of a world where there are no more homeless animals." To do this, we must work together in a kind, compassionate and respectful way. We must seek to understand those whose opinions and approaches differ from our's.

There is no single path. I watch flowers blossom in my backyard ... an incredible reminder to me of the cycles and seasons of life, and beauty that is waiting to emerge.

Symbiosis

Symbiosis is defined as a "cooperative relationship". Sounds simple. Yet, why do we struggle so much to live in harmony -- with each other, with our environment, with animals? St. Francis said... "seek first to understand, then to be understood." Every morning I remind myself of that ... at 5 in the morning, when birds are chirping, it's as if St. Francis is speaking.

Life's lessons are everywhere. I'm mesmerized by something as simple as an ant visiting a flower to collect nectar. Flowers provide sustenance to ants, and flowers in turn rely on ants to protect them from other insects. Symbiosis. Sounds simple. Yet is it?

Mister - worshipping the water goddess

"I can catch that darn water ... just watch me!"



"Told you!"



"Ahhh .... this is the life"



"More please????"

A man and his shepherd

Taken at Lake Harriet one Saturday evening...

Enjoying our backyard .. slowing down

Summer is here, and flowers are in bloom.








I am reminded of Splat, Shen and Shadow. Forever in my heart. I am grateful for Missy, Mister and Henry. Yet my heart still aches ...



They are with me. Always... in the flowers, in the seeds, and in the seasons.

Mister - Master of Zen

I learn from the pearls of wisdom inherently present in our furry companions. Mister is the master - a master of Zen.

Be present. Live in the moment. Live. Don't hold back. Dare. Play. Risk.

The only thing that matters is now ... not yesterday ... not tomorrow.

Bleeding hearts ... return to the moment

Our neighbor has a gorgeous backyard we are fortunate enough to enjoy.. flowering bleeding hearts. A poetic name that is calling to me ... a metaphor for something .. i believe for the story of four orphaned kittens Pet Haven rescued. We had to let Louie go yesterday. Their story must be told...




Meanwhile, Mister reminds me to be grateful for all we have.