One of the many things which I appreciate in life is the vast variety amongst all species, including us. Recently I have been especially mindful of that. I've picnicked with a group of Turkish Muslim people who have enriched my life immeasurably and wept as one of the families moved on to another place.
This past weekend I spent several hours at the East Lansing Folk Festival where I saw and/or spoke with people from all over the world--really interesting people. (I wish others would notice what an interesting community this is, instead of grousing about it being "dull". It's only dull if you're not really looking.)
Among the nicest people I've met, is Scott Harris, who started Everybody Reads Bookstore in Lansing almost five years ago. We spent several hours tending his book display at the Festival and when not talking with Festival-goers, we were deep in meaningful conversation about all sorts of things. No shallow "where did you get that cute hat?" sort of talk for us! We dive deep! I so admire someone with the courage to offer the community a local bookstore/gathering place, particularly open to those who might be overlooked or rejected in other settings. By the way, to put in a plug, the store is on E. Michigan Ave. next to Gone Wired Cafe', which is also a neat place to hang out. If you care whether Lansing has any independent bookstore (this is the last one), please consider visiting it and spending some money, too. (I do not have an financial interest in the store!)
The variety in the rest of nature is amazing, as well. The view from the large window above my computer desk is less than spectacular. In fact, in earlier years I rather hated it. After all, it was just the house close next door, their yard, and a bunch of trees. That was how I "saw" it. As time went on, however, and I became more contemplative I began to see the beauty there--the colors, the shapes, and the wonderful sky.
I planted a butterfly bush near this window several years ago and it has grown large enough that the branches are visible to me as I write. It is loaded with lovely lavender blooms. That would be rich in itself, but it attracts all sorts of creatures--bugs, actually--and today I've made the acquaintance of a large Tiger Swallowtail butterfly. From tip to tip it must be at least 5" wide. It's been around all morning, along with several bees and some small white butterflies. I have a bird's eye view, so to speak, as they drink from the tiny blossoms. For some reason, the squirrels and birds aren't so visible today, but yesterday there were two rabbits in the yard, one huddling in the deeper grass (yes, I need to mow), thinking I didn't see it, or hoping so anyway.
Of course, there are my two cats, as different from each other as can be, and my little Tessa dog, who is unusual to say the least. After a long period of not accepting her, the cats have finally come around, sort of. It's so cute to see Willie run down the sidewalk next to Tessa (they are about the same size) when we go out in the morning. And often, Nellie is looking out at us from my bedroom window.
I think of my dear ones and the amazing people who visit my home for spiritual sustenance and guidance! Each one is unique, yet they/we are all so similar. Isn't life something, folks? Even if you "don't got religion", on a day like this it's pretty hard not to give thanks to Someone!
