26 Comments
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Billie Short's avatar

Today's piece reminds me of The Guardian in Flourishing Fictions. The beauty you describe in nature most of us would walk past without a second look. Thank you for sharing what you see to the world. I am learning to look closer. Thank you.

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3musesmerge's avatar

🥰

Thanks Billie! I have so much gratitude for my mother-in-law who was one of my earliest examples of paying attention to nature. She (and my husband) taught me about plants and birds — almost invisible lines of connection.

I’m currently fascinated by the relationship between what we allow in and what comes out. Since I started reading a little poetry every morning, I seem to be noticing more and am able to describe it with prettier words.

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Monty's avatar

It's an honor to know you even just a little bit!

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3musesmerge's avatar

Thank you Monty!!!

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Bobby Kountz's avatar

If someone walked into the room right now, they would see me smiling… They would immediately know I was full of joy but would have no idea why…

They don’t know what I know, haven’t read what I’ve read, or seen what I’ve seen today, but if they had, they would know Muditā too!

I Am #Grateful for today’s thread and all of the replies and comments!

The “buttery throat” of a petunia has that effect…

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Jack Herlocker's avatar

T-shirt: “I came, I saw, I forgot what I was doing, retraced my steps, got lost on the way back, and now I have no idea what’s going on.” 😁

Possibly due to distractions of the day?

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3musesmerge's avatar

I have no idea what that t-shirt is talking about! 🤣

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Bobby Kountz's avatar

Even better! 🤣😂🤣

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Bobby Kountz's avatar

I love this one! 😂🤣😂

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Pennie R. S. Nelson's avatar

Such a sweet video. The love that blooms in a persons eyes and face is precious when they receive an animal as a gift.

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3musesmerge's avatar

I’ve never received an animal as a gift! Have you?

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Pennie R. S. Nelson's avatar

Not necessarily as a gift but I have felt the joy of being handed a tiny rescued kitten twice. It's a feeling of uncertainty but surprise and absolute love.

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3musesmerge's avatar

One cat and three dogs for me. I’ve loved each with all of my heart.

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Pennie R. S. Nelson's avatar

Throughout my life I had a dog as a kid and then as an adult I have had four cats. I have one cat now and live with my Dad and my sister. My sister has a cat. Animals are such a joy.

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Gary Spangler's avatar

No. Never.

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3musesmerge's avatar

A young woman I know recently adopted a stray that she and her family found in a park near their home. She’s named it Juliet!

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Gary Spangler's avatar

And possibly on the face of the animal? Especially “man’s best friend.”

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3musesmerge's avatar

I believe animals and our relationships with them are filled with unconditional love and growth opportunities. Elsa, Mara, Henrietta… each seemed to provide just what I needed when I needed it.

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Gary Spangler's avatar

Did you perchance dip a toe, or soul, in Browning’s Pippa Passes? “God’s in his heaven; All’s right with the world.” For me that sense of your day was abundantly clear.

Any time to set up a sprinkler for Henrietta? 🙃 Cal could keep a hand on Henny’s leash, at the possible risk of being dragged to Milwaukee!

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3musesmerge's avatar

Pippa Passes is new to me! That said, the line you quote is familiar. Perhaps you have shared it with me before? Thank you. Sitting next to the pink petunias I couldn’t help but notice the sun’s early rays illuminating their centers. Inspiration (the muses?) grabbed me by the collar and said, “Let’s go!”

Henny has been enjoying trips to the river… lucky girl. And do you know what? She seems to be calming a bit. It’s been a while since I’ve sustained a fourleg related injury!

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Gary Spangler's avatar

Wonderful (on the lack of recent injuries) I did offer Browning’s words once before. Just as you and The Muses were inspired by sun striking the pink petunias, I often respond that way with my phone’s camera. Not a small amount arises from my sense of connection with Nature. I shared with you a while ago about walking Izzie the first time with my new, bright LED headlamp. The eyes of hundreds of ground spiders reflected back the LED light. And my first thought was of trampling them, unaware, for ever so many walks. And now I chose my paths with that in mind, and wonder if the light hurts their eyes.

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3musesmerge's avatar

Compassion for all beings.

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Gary Spangler's avatar

When I first began to learn a bit about ecosystems, and our inter-dependence on them for our very survival, I was stunned! As I learn more (trees use root systems and certain chemicals to wage war, root to root, with other species of trees!), I wince at instances of gross mismanagement of wildlife and their importance to much larger ecosystems. Tread lightly. 🙃

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Margaret O'Brien's avatar

I love Grandpa’s birthday surprise - lots of love in that room Gail 💗

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3musesmerge's avatar

Yes! 💜💜💜

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3musesmerge's avatar

Your love of Dukee and Princess Mia shines through in your writing!

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