Beauty on High

On one of our first forest tromps--Clytie and I visited our old haunts, Deer Valley, Bambi's meadow, the mud flats, and huckleberry bridge.

How wonderful to think as children we played there, not knowing years later we would return. I could hear echoes of laughter from long ago.

I am in awe of my sister Clytie's gift in photography. She has a way of seeing which astounds me. This ancient tree is one which captured both our imaginations.

I was fascinated by her photos of the same trees, flora and fauna--how similar, yet diverse, our perception and photos were! We took pictures of the same things, yet each of us ended up with very different viewpoints. I am PROUD of my sister. She has come through difficult life storms, yet she has an astounding capacity to see beauty.

This incredible tree is hollow inside--still, within there is a core of strength flourishing up through the twisted trunk to sample the clouds above. We, too, like this wonderful old tree, can find strength to grow up through the past, to rise into something amazing, to seek strength and beauty from on high, even as age grows inevitable moss over youthful vigor.

Bug House Condo

This is an unusual clustering of what we used to call "bug houses." They probably not really bug houses at all. When a bug house is broken, one can see a delicate structure of soft honey-colored webbing filling the interior.

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Bug houses can be great fun. Growing up, my siblings and I found many uses for them. They float, they can be used as "tossy balls" and when batted with a length of branch , they blow to pieces quite satisfactorily.

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Daddy Update: Daddy Update: The plastic surgeon and consultants have determined skin grafts will not be applied until Dad's broken neck is healed. Dad will be wearing a neck brace for five more months. The surgeons are sure the exposed bone will not heal over by itself. Since the wound vac has been removed, Mom and I have been changing the dressings each day. It seems to us that his head is starting to heal. I would appreciate your prayers for the broken bones in his neck to heal, and for exposed bone to grow new skin overtop. Nothing is impossible with God. Miracles happen every day! Thank you!