Friday, April 11, 2008

"Miles to go..."


The year has come full circle.
My walking and watching, now passing its starting point.
One year’s time, captured and preserved.

I find myself asking if I have finished what I set out to do—record the beauty around me and set it in a light that others will find equally inspiring. Point a finger
toward what I fear many may not see, but could-- if they knew the reward in seeing it would be so great.

To make a note of the stories I’ve collected over time, ensuring they’ll be remembered--by me, if no one else.
Until I’ve caught them all, on a page, bound here.

As I walk behind the pond on this spring day, warm sunshine overhead, the dry leaves of the oak woods brittle beneath my feet, I recall last spring’s awakening and the discoveries that thrilled me. The joy of the first flowers’ arrival, turtles’ noses poking through the green of a summer pond, nesting birds, a growing garden, butterflies...
But what of this spring?
What newness will I find, that I have not already seen?
Perhaps I am finished.
Perhaps another year of the same will have less purpose.

There’s wisdom in the wildflowers.
Each one at my feet, brighter and more special than the last. The simplest fresh faces of spring, yet none diminished by my attention to its neighbor.
So common--yet each worthy of my admiration.






What an arrogant fool.
To think I have somehow seen all in a year’s days.
Or captured nature’s essence with my photographs.
Knowing now, that I will not truly see it all nor capture it here in a lifetime.

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23 comments:

cestoady said...

Congratulations !!! on having completed a year of blogging -- one that has brought so much joy, admiration and inspiration through your wonderful photos and thoughtful,elegant writing.

You are quite right, it would take a lifetime to capture all the beauty and essence of the ever changing natural world there -- or anywhere. Looking forward to following you on your journey of discovery for another year.

Beverly said...

What a lovely site you have here! Beautiful prose and photographs; I like how you think.

It's a delight to have found you...I'll be back...

Beverly

Cicero Sings said...

Congratulations on your year! Your site is beautifully done.

It is true that there are so many wonderful discoveries out there in the fields and in the woods that it does take a life time to capture and appreciate them. I got started into this blogging thing about a year ago now and somehow that lead me to really discovering the little things in the world around me. I've learned a lot and continue to learn!

Threadspider said...

I think neither fool nor arrogant Nina-just blessed with great perception. I am glad you have completed your year-it must have brought you great joy.

Mel said...

Congrats!!
Your posts are so great, beautiful pictures and lovely writing, I love to read them and learn from your experiences.
Those wildflowers are sooo delicate and georgeous!!

TR Ryan said...

The last paragraph says it all. Here's to the thought of your blog lasting a lifetime!!!

Anonymous said...

I was afraid I was going to have to scold you and tell you that each time you see the Spring Beauties there will be something Different to learn. But you redeemed yourself in the last paragraph... Ha ha.!!! Gorgeous photos and words...

KGMom said...

Congrats on the anniversary--but I beg to differ on the arrogant fool self-scold.
I find your photos capture the delicate beauty of nature perfectly. And I so appreciate your sharing as you have things to see that some of us do not have access to.

Dave Coulter said...

Those spring beauties look great. I can't wait until they pop around here!

pink dogwood said...

I am so glad that you stopped by my blog because now I have found yours - I really like what you have to say in your blog. I feel similarly about nature :)

thanks

Mary said...

Nina,

I've shared with you,

"But what of this spring?
What newness will I find, that I have not already seen?
Perhaps I am finished.
Perhaps another year of the same will have less purpose."

Keep going, and I will, too. There's always something new to love.

Mary

Ruth said...

Congratulations Nina. It has been interesting to see your blog evolve and your personal style develop. Yours is always a pleasant place to visit.

bobbie said...

A year is so short a time. Please do continue for many years. Your words and pictures are a joy. The first photo - the delicate flowers appearing through the harsh, brown leaves - takes my breath away.

Tom said...

What you have viewed and captured on camera or wrote about this past year is like you say a glimpse of what is about you... but it is always better to finish a project on a high note.. maybe starting a new project is what is now needed.

Tom

Tom Arbour said...

Nina-

Happy blogoversery!

Tom

MojoMan said...

Oh, Nina, you are building a special place here and we all come to see what new things you have discovered. Not only are there many more things for you to find and tell us about, but revisiting your old friends year after year is a story in itself. The cycles of the seasons never grow old, especially when recorded by the camera and words of a wise observer like you.

Anonymous said...

oh please keep observing!
It is a high point in my day when I have time to finally breath slowly and lean back and follow you into the woods.
congratulations. You bring me great joy with your work.
L,
Sally

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Congrats on your bloganniversary. I am so pleased that you are continuing. I do like to walk along with you.

LauraHinNJ said...

Congrats Nina! I would hate to think of you running out of things to see and write about. I love your blog!

SLW said...

Nina-- I'm out looking for submissions for the upcoming Berry-Go-Round plant carnival. Mind if I use this one (and maybe the tadpoles)... signs of spring, you know? Great post!

nina at Nature Remains. said...

SLW--That'd be fine!

I'm often unaware of the carnivals--I guess that's the novice blogger in me--but think they're fantastic anthologies!

You're welcome to use this!

Marvin said...

Your task is endless, but always interesting.

Q said...

Dear Nina,
Each year gets better! Always so much to see. Thank you for sharing your insights ang your world.
Congratulations on one year of your journal.
I have enjoyed the adventure with you and looking forward to another year of nature's marvels.
Sherry