As much as I love nature in full bloom, there is undeniable beauty to be found at all stages of life.
These particular ferns are a favorite of mine. They are Onoclea sensibilis, sensitive fern. So named because they react quickly to dry conditions. I started my fern bed with one tiny frond, spotted in the lawn while mowing and carefully transplanted.
Stopping by the fern bed one chilly morning I first mourned the loss of the cool bright green I so enjoyed. The earliest tiny fronds, so full of promise, are a favorite source of leaf impressions for my pendants.
Growing larger they enchant with their lovely shape and fresh color.
Today I was noticing the withering, drying fronds and feeling a little sad.
Looking closer I started to notice the individual cells... changing color... a beautiful pattern started to emerge.
I walked away from the bed feeling re-energized and hopeful for what had been and what is still to come.
What a beautiful post, Lynn. I love ferns, too and am lucky that they grow like mad in the redwoods here in the Bay Area. I love your analogy, which works on so many levels and it was absolutely what I needed to hear today! xo
ReplyDeleteWonderful perspective!
ReplyDeleteI sat outside our lake house in Maine this year and sketched ferns all afternoon one day for no reason but to learn and enjoy the shape.
Simply gorgeous! I love finding the beauty of the not so green seasons, whether it's glowing autumn leaves, the dried seed heads of flowers past, or the browned grasses - it always seems there's something "blooming" no matter where I turn. ;-) Beautiful work!
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