An Ordinary Life

The whole world is a series of miracles, but we're so used to seeing them that we call them ordinary things.

 Hans Christian Anderson

I spend a lot of time observing nature at Crow River North and the surrounding

lakes and rivers.  I find the time spent to be calming and balancing in an otherwise busy life. Today was no exception. 

I had just arrived at my local library when one of my daughters called.  Rather than go inside, I sat on some steps that lead down to the shoreline of Buffalo Lake. We chatted for awhile and I enjoyed both the conversation and the breeze blowing off the lake.  Shortly after ending our conversation, an eagle worked its way toward shore. I hadn't ever seen an eagle swimming, so I lingered by to watch. It raised its wings, and with each stroke drew closer to the shore.  Upon reaching the shore, it stepped out of the water carrying a large fish in one talon.  It carefully carried its prey a little further up the shoreline. It wasn't an extraordinary event, like seeing a UFO, or watching your favorite team win a championship, instead it was a bird catching a fish,  a tiny spark, a daily reminder, of all that is beautiful, and ordinary, in life

Last evening, shortly before the sunset, I watched a doe, or as I would rather call her, Mama Dear, cross the field in front of my windows, with her two growing fawns.  I've been watching the trio since the fawns could barely stand. They have grown throughout the summer but still have remaining spots on their coats. They graze, and then look up, to observe me, observing them. 

Earlier in the day, a gang of turkeys grazed in front of my deck  - there were probably five or six adults and many young ones - eating and following one another across the grassy area.  Another ordinary day for them.

The cycle of life continues for many creatures, while I observe. There are the ducklings in the pond, swimming close to their mother - always one, moving a little too far away. 

There is the bee going about the business of pollination or whatever it is that bees do, while I silently observe.

I left another career to live and work at Crow River North, knowing that I needed to change my life. I chose to pursue a life in art. I have found art in life.

Wishing you all that is good,

L

When an ordinary man attains knowledge, he is a sage; when a sage attains understanding, he is an ordinary man. 

- A Zen Saying-