Today was such a beautiful, sunny day. Even though I enjoy being at home, I knew my family and I needed to get some fresh air! My family has a membership that we renew annually for the Botanical Gardens so we go there fairly often. Even though we go there a lot, I always see something different on my walks. Each walk just hits me differently. My kids aren't the most patient people so I ended up being split up from them as I would pause to appreciate something that I was looking at as they walked away from me. It was nice because it was so quiet. It was just me and nature. With a tarot deck in hand, I shuffled as I strolled, filling my lungs with the cool air as my face felt the warmth from the sun.
I came upon this statue of three women holding hands in a wooded area. Their hands were interlocked and they wore no clothing. However, they did not appear vulnerable or embarrassed by their nakedness. They seemed to find strength from keeping each other company, fingers interlocked. It reminded me of how we find strength in our community. We are stronger together. I continued my stroll.
In the midst of predominant variations of brown and grey, a patch of green caught my attention. In this spot, I drew The Fool. The green moss clings to the ground with strong roots and grows where it is planted. It perseveres despite the elements. It made me think of my roots and where I feel safe and supported in life. With the right community and environment, we can grow and flourish at anything we set our minds on.
I admired the frozen lake which was littered with footprints in the ice from the geese who were quite vocal with each other while they walked the surface. Despite the unpleasantness from the ice on their feet, they persevered while in the company of each other. Even though I am looking forward to the Spring, there is a beauty to behold in Winter if only we slow down to notice.
Along my path, I encountered a tree with the most beautiful weathered bark. I thought of how this tree has solid roots and has withstood the elements. In spite of the forces that wreaked havoc on its bark, it continued to grow, shedding the layers that it no longer needed or had outgrown. I drew a card....
I drew the 5 of Swords from my deck. My eye was drawn to the two swords that ran alongside the bark of the tree in the imagery. They both seemed to support the tree at the base. The three that were laying on the ground were possibly moved away like the loose bark the tree on my walk had shed. What strengthens our roots and supports our growth?
Does anyone else enjoy looking up into the branches of a tree for birds and nests? I do. I saw the big nest cradled in the arms of this tree. I thought of how this nest was a home for a family of birds that went away for the Winter. I wondered if that same family would return or if a different one would move in.
I admired the variations of this bark. It was so beautiful. Trees are really something to admire. They are living and breathing. I wonder if they can communicate with each other by just the rustle of their outstretched arms, ever pointing upwards toward the Heavens. I bet they could speak stories of the years that have went by. All the while, they have remained planted in the very same spot.
I admired this portal at the Chinese Garden. As I remained still to take this picture, I saw the cutest squirrel eating something off the ground. I didn't want to disturb his supper and was about to turn around when someone walked past me, startling the squirrel who took refuge up in a tree. I couldn't help but wonder if she was in such a hurry to get past me on this trail that she didn't notice the little guy eating his supper. If you or I were a squirrel, we wouldn't want to be bothered during our supper time! However, I have a feeling it resumed its meal once myself and the lady were far away from its meal.
As the days get longer and sunnier, take more walks. Casually walk and see what you would have otherwise missed. Allow your thoughts to wander as you marvel at the beauty of the world around us.
See you on the next walk!
The Crow Lady