Beauty Blooms
When initially putting my thoughts for this project together I thought: Spring is the perfect season to start a project like this. The days are trending toward longer, the weather is getting nicer, I’m motivated to get out after spending more time inside over the winter, and flowers are budding out, so there is plenty of noteworthy material to feed my exploration.
California buckeye (Aesculus californica) in bloom
The tall, ancient Redwoods appear unchanged. The vines and ground cover seem to be about the same. But there are little intricacies that change from day to day. Little things, such as a bird rustling in the tall foliage pulls my attention over to the right side of the trail. My attention and gaze stays there as I take the next several steps. Did I miss something on the left side of the trail as I was focused on the bird? Is this why some things just “appear” on the trail one day, seemingly out of nowhere?
Crimson columbine (Aquilegia formosa) peeks out along the trail
The awareness it takes to absorb everything in the immediate surroundings is more than I would have expected. Sure, it’s easy to just see what you see when you’re hiking along a trail talking with a friend. But to take the time and give the attention needed to really notice everything around you? I think that is a skill that I’m slowly developing as this project continues on.
The delicate Globe lily (Calochortus albus) lies low along the trail, easily passed over by the unobserving eye
Watching a flower go through the cycle from bud to bloom to wilted away is one way to maintain focus and tune in to the subtle changes from day to day. See the California Rose’s progression.
All of the elements are necessary for a flower’s bloom: the bud slowly opens and the flower petals move into a new space (ether). The light from the fire of the sun shines down and reflects the flower’s beautiful colors. The petals dance as the wind moves through the air and brushes past the flower. The earth holds the plant firmly in the ground as the plant drinks up water seeped deep within to provide nourishment.