My niece Holly (who just so happens to have been born on Christmas day :-) gifted me a book called, 'The Field Guide to Natural Wonders'. It really is quite wonderful and I'm enjoying it very much. In particular, I was fascinated by a phenomenon called 'Frost Flowers' which only ever bloom in Winter and can never be found in any field guide to flora or fauna. This is because they're not really flowers but beautiful, natural ice formations created by Demeter's fallen tears (well, I like to think so...)
The scientific explanation determines that these 'flowers' are formed out of dead plant stems and appear to favour certain species - white crownbeard, yellow ironweed, frostweed and wild oregano. Because of their delicacy, they quickly vapourise when temperatures rise above freezing - which accounts for their rarity.
Whether scientific or fanciful, nature truly is beautiful...
Namaste, my sister Annie. They are beautiful, thank you for sharing. As well I would be remiss if I did not thank you for sharing your thoughts in 2010. I wish you all the very best for the coming year, may you continue to find love in all these strange places.
ReplyDeleteIn Lak' esh, my sister, finder of love...
Thank you, Christopher :-) And thank you for being out there, I truly appreciate it. Today, I was making up Burns Supper menus and I came across my favourite Burns poem - it made me think of you...
ReplyDeleteA Man's a Man For A' That
Is there for honest poverty
That hings his head, an' a' that?
The coward slave, we pass him by --
We dare be poor for a' that!
For a' that, an' a' that,
Our toils obscure, an' a' that,
The rank is but the guinea's stamp,
The man's the gowd for a' that.
What though on hamely fare we dine,
Wear hoddin grey, an' a' that?
Gie fools their silks, and knaves their wine --
A man's a man for a' that.
For a' that, an' a' that,
Their tinsel show, an' a' that,
The honest man, tho' e'er sae poor,
Is king o' men for a' that.
Ye see yon birkie ca'd 'a lord,'
Wha struts, an' stares, an' a' that?
Tho' hundreds worship at his word,
He's but a cuif for a' that.
For a' that, an' a' that,
His ribband, star, an' a' that,
The man o' independent mind,
He looks an' laughs at a' that.
A prince can mak a belted knight,
A marquis, duke, an' a' that!
But an honest man's aboon his might --
Guid faith, he mauna fa' that!
For a' that, an' a' that,
Their dignities, an' a' that,
The pith o' sense an' pride o' worth
Are higher rank than a' that.
Then let us pray that come it may
(As come it will for a' that)
That Sense and Worth o'er a' the earth
Shall bear the gree an' a' that!
For a' that, an' a' that,
It's comin yet for a' that,
That man to man the world o'er
Shall brithers be for a' that.
Happy Hogmanay and all the best for the New Year!
Namaste my dear sister Annie, such very beautiful thoughts. It is my esteemed pleasure that you allow me to share your world.
ReplyDeleteIn Lak' esh, my sister Annie, nothing is easier and more rewarding than giving love unconditionally...