Looking Closely

Sometimes we need to slow down and take a closer look at the little things that we are stepping passed every day.

This grasshopper reminds me that spring really is on its way:

A bit of green moss that surprises in a sea of browns and gold.



The discoloration on the bottom of this oak tree by the creek caught my eye,

...and further investigation shows that a wood pecker has been at work. That tiny little bird that may have single handily taken this mighty oak down. A practical application of the story of David and Goliath. We'll see if the oak eventually recovers.

Then again, some things are never restored to as they once were, as this rib bone (probably from a fawn) will attest to.

When you see these....

...then you know that you are near some of these Shag Bark Hickory trees.

I have some old chairs that I picked up at a Leipers Fork auction that have seats caned from shag bark hickory. It's amazing stuff.

This blue fungus is fun to look at.

I come across a little lost football in the pine needles.

Also a pretzel that hasn't been worn away yet from countless rainstorms.

An acorn that has rooted reminds us to keep believing in the future.

A new butterfly drying its wings is easy to ignore.



But some little things won't put up with being ignored.

So as we fly through life, as fun and exciting as that is, it's important to remember to land every now and then, for to dry our wings that will enable us to soar even higher the next time we embark toward the skies.