Hidden Surprises

©pralinanmi

There are two ponds on campus...and both of them are slimy and murky. The life which unbelievably calls these ponds home...however...couldn't be more content... slithering and darting through the thick green algae for food...following a visitor...or each other...around...and doing whatever else their day consists of...
A few weeks ago...I was thinking of interesting places to take my grandchildren...and remembered the ponds. Ever ready for an adventure...the young ones were eager to start. Shortly after setting foot on the grounds...my granddaughter noticed an unusual looking dragonfly land on a boulder. As we crept slowly and silently towards it...I could see the amazing pattern of black squares on each of its wings. Sensing us close it flew off in the direction of the ponds...and we followed...anxious to get another...hopefully closer...look...
While at the pond we also witnessed an incredible sight...a large blue dragonfly chasing an annoying goose into the water! I thought my eyes had played with me until my granddaughter said "did you see that...."
I used to visit these ponds years ago...but they were nothing like they are now. For one thing...they were a lot less dark and green...and the only wild life I remember passing time there were geese and ducks. Now...the area teems and swarms with many different kinds of dragonfly...fish...huge and small...turtles...birds...and countless others hidden in the thickness of the water and the bordering vegetation. The place is a photographer's and "nature" observer's heaven........and I'm selfishly thankful that not too many people seem to have noticed.....


©pralinanmi

SwordDance

©pralinanmi

I am full of past memories
recognizing strangers' faces....
what is real or
what is not
in this sworddance
through
time........

Years Passing

Nainaine ~ October 31, 1927 ~ July 5, 2002

©pralinanmi

Years passing
do not erase
the thousand memories
of her
or
that awful day........

Years passing
have not dulled
the longing
for a mere glimpse of
a simple word from
mother

Years passing
have not changed
her being everpresent
in the beauty
around me...........

Summer Gatherings

©pralinanmi

After many years of studying on my own about...and using...medicinal plants and traditional chinese medicines I finally decided this was the summer that I was going to take my learning to the next level... actually gather some of the medicinal plants growing "in the wild" around me...and learn to make medicinal oils and salves.

Luckily...a winter filled with snow has brought an abundance of beautiful mountain flowers. Medicinal plants too...such as arnica...cranesbill...rose... and false solomon seal...are growing in large numbers... ensuring that this summer will be filled with opportunity to gather plants for the preparation of healing oils, salves and compound mixes for the year.

My "experimentations" with using fresh plants in custom blends...and the preparations...have been extremely pleasing thus far... and work much better than store-bought products. The process of gathering the medicinals has also deepened my understanding of how we and plant life are connected..... and the responsibility we must exercise in using other living creatures for our benefit.....

The Columbine...Colorado's state flower...is not mentioned in any of the wonderful traditional healing manuals I've consulted. However...the Columbine's beauty is definitely healing to the mind and the spirit...and it's always an uplifting surprise to see one.........