“Give food to the birds, you will then be surrounded by the wings of love, you will be encompassed by the joys of little silent hearts!” — Mehmet Murat Ildan
In a word, Pomegranate
“Look at all the life in this," she said. "Every pip could become a tree, and every tree could bear another hundred fruits and every fruit could bear another hundred trees. And so on to infinity." — David Almond, Skellig
On the last day of school before Christmas vacation, a very kind and very cleaver educator sent me one of the most considerate gifts that I have ever received — a pomegranate. He explained that the pomegranate or punica granatum is symbolic in many cultures, representing prosperity, ambition, abundance, and good luck — all lovely gifts for the new year. He spoke of the health benefits of this "frickin' delicious" fruit as well as the effort required to harvest its seeds: “If you have never taken the time to break down a pomegranate, you’re in for a treat (and an arduous task). But the manner in which the seeds are so tightly packed and delicately protected is a true natural marvel. Kind of like every day we get to be alive on this planet. May your pom have 365+ seeds to cover you for each day this next year! May your 2021 be the best rebound year you could have ever imagined. And may every little sweet, tart, delicious seed you harvest represent a beautiful day or memory in the year to come.” What a generous gift and, as my friend suggests, “If each seed is one of happiness for you, perhaps you may bring happiness to others. And this connected happiness becomes joy for everyone!”
The final aspect of this wonderful present was a challenge to document the process of harvesting the seeds and to share my photos. "The shared images of hilarity, frustration, and fun could (selfishly) end up being the best part of this gift. It is likely you will be left with deep red juice on the counter, the floor, your shirt, your hands, just about everywhere. And that’s part of the messy journey. The fruits of your labor are the result of your work. Lean into the process so you can enjoy the product. But don’t ever forget that the process is how you got there.”
In the final weeks of December, I always take time to reflect on the past year and to "plan" for the new by choosing one word to guide my thoughts and observations. In 2019, my word was "wonder." In 2020, I chose "focus." Thanks to my cleaver friend, my somewhat enigmatic word for 2021 is "pomegranate."
May 2021 be a year …
of good health -- In contrast to 2020, may the new year be one of healing of bodies, minds, and hearts.
of potential -- In 2021, I will strive to contribute, to create, to make (or to quote my alma mater "to be") the difference.
of abundance -- May we all recognize the abundance of blessings, hope, and joy, and inspiration in the ordinary and the extraordinary.
And I promise to document “the messy journey.”
The beginning of “the messy journey.” I learned that if you whack the pomegranate all around with a wooden spoon, the seeds, called arils release more easily. (Thanks, Nan!)
Piper discovered that pomegranates are indeed “frickin’ delicious” and she will undoubtedly be by my side throughout the journey that is 2021.
La vie est délicieuse
Christmas Angels
“When cardinals appear, angels are near.”
There is an old saying that when a cardinal appears in your yard, it’s a visitor from heaven, a sign of beauty in the midst of darkness, hope in the midst of sorrow, and renewal in the midst of winter. It’s Christmas Eve and of course, my mom and dad wouldn’t miss it!
C'est ma famille | Family
Capture 52 - Week 17: Red
“There is a shade of red for every woman.” - Audrey Hepburn
Red is a powerful colour in photography. Find something red and create a composition around it. #Capture52 #capture52week17 #red #icyred
Capture 52
Links I Love • December 2019
“By people getting together and celebrating this idea of togetherness, great things can happen.” - Edward Enninful
Remember When Audrey Hepburn Defined Elegance in a Little Black Dress?
11 tech gifts you should probably just buy for yourself already | Holiday Tech Guide 2019
Travel from Venice to London Gatsby-style in this 1920's-themed Luxury Train
Airfare Predicted to Be Under $300 to These Top Trending Destinations in 2020 - On y va!
Links I Love
Week 14 - Composition: Leading Lines - Food Photography
“Life is just a bowl of cherries.”
#dogwoodweek23 #dogwood52 #2019dogwood52
#dogwood52
