An Extraordinary Gift Amid the Day to Day

There is an annual phenomenon that occurs every year from mid to late summer along Route Scenic -1 A just outside of Wickford Village. The most beautiful water lily pond puts on a show for all the passersby to appreciate.

The natural beauty in an unexpected area literally stops people in their tracks. I can't tell you how many times I have seen cars whip around in a U-turn because the drivers cannot believe what they just saw.

Photographers, painters and people af all ages and types stand there and ooh and ahh over the little pond. Very small, and squeezed in along the side of the road, this sweet pond and its drop-dead gorgeous flowers have been gracing our world at least since the 1970s. How long before that and exactly what is its origin, I do not know but I intend to find out.

No one picks them, trods on them, or disturbs them in any way. It is if we know we are in the presence of something extraordinary and on some very deep level understand that it is a precious gift from nature. For once, we are able to look and not touch or disturb nature.

Don't they look like lotus blossoms? The gifts of the gods to mankind?

The Bee Whisperer

I am blessed with a delightful child in my life (one of 3 delights) who told me that she has a special talent - she is a bee whisperer! Her name is Mia and she is 8 years old.

Big, fat, fuzzy bumble bees, skinny little yellow jackets. "Don't touch! You'll get stung!" No matter. She goes up to the little bees on the flowers and pets them. You have to see it to appreciate the finesse involved. I guess they know she means them no harm and they return the favor.

A child who loves nature so much is a treasure - so caring and kind to all living creatures. She has learned a lot about life in only 8 years. Here she is with a praying mantis.

We spend a lot of time in the garden. A bee, an ant, a bird, a snake - everything is an experience and a sweet joy to be discovered anew with Mia.