OKAY, ST. FRANCIS…NOW I GET IT!

St. Francis, the patron saint of ecology, our environment, animals, birds, etc. could certainly be called the original “Earth Day” advocate. I took him for granted, even used him as a sculptural “fence post” to steady myself as I transitioned more difficult terrain in our previous backyard. I respectfully said, “Thanks, Frank,” when I used his head to help my footing.

This St. Francis blessed the natural world of my parent’s West Texas home for many years. Their passing enabled me to accept responsibility for the legacy, and I gratefully accepted the stewardship of this ageless natural/spiritual collaborator. I’ve got to say that after many years of relegating St. Francis to little more than yard art, I have a more expansive respect for and understanding of the relevance of this patron saint. Perhaps you do, too.

It was the combination of soul-wrecking politics, the multiple repercussions of Covid-19, and weather extremes, especially the Big Freeze in Texas and surrounding states. All prompting considerable introspection, mobility lockdowns, travel halts and major interruptions to our lives and lifestyles. Suddenly, our gardens, yards and the natural world beyond took on a lot more significance.

THE SPRING AWAKENING FROM OUR “WINTER OF DISCONTENT”

Our brown-to-green seasonal metamorphosis seems so much more profound this year. Metaphors and symbolism are abundant— some loudly obvious, some pleasantly nuanced. I’m talking to so many more folks—men and women, but especially men (women were already there, of course)—who have developed a deeper appreciation for their natural worlds. Gardens, yards, parks…the waters and woods. The evolving beauty and occasional danger emanating from dynamic skies. We’re paying closer attention, always gratified by our experiences.

After feeling trapped, many of us surrendered and settled in to a healthier relationship with ourselves, our loved ones and our natural surroundings. Suddenly our gardens and yards became less about chores and more about possibilities. Our helplessness with Covid and politics turned to purpose, as we cultivated in hopes of the Spring we’re now experiencing.

MY PHOTOGRAPHIC GRATITUDE JOURNAL

Recent travel restrictions and life-threatening health risks have encouraged most of us to reflect more on the beauty around us. These photos, all taken within an hour’s drive from my Austin home, are reminders to me of the diverse beauty and inspiration that are so easily within reach…if we’ll just slow down, catch our breaths, and open our hearts, minds and senses to better engage our world. ENJOY!

THANKS, “FRANK”! I GET IT NOW…

I’m so grateful that my forced down time gave me the opportunity to revisit priorities, look beyond the material to the natural, and learn to better appreciate the blessings of air, earth, sky, water and the life they enable. I can best do my part by being a proactive, responsible steward of these natural gifts.