In the dark of night, a metamorphosis occurs. Without warning or fanfare, nature begins to dress for winter.

​Seasons change like acts in a play, each with its own cast of characters, conflicts and resolutions. Scene one: introduction of characters.

On a crisp, late fall morning, nature wakes, icebound.

​Overnight, Winter descends upon my bucolic pond. A stunning cloak of glistening crystals forms in the dead of night, weaving its way across the freshly frozen surface. The falling leaves and migrating birds all have been silenced by the introduction of this frosty character. Feeling like an intruder, Winter makes his presence known in an oh so chilly manner.

What is Winter's intention? Is it to slow me down, allowing me to rest, and to restore? Or, are his intentions a bit more sinister?

​For today, Winter has simply brought a frozen silence...

Live in color,
Abby

What lens do you look through?

Last year I had the opportunity to attend a Native American Council Wheel workshop in New Mexico. The Wheel rose out of the Mayan culture as a sort of crisis management tool that can add discernment to any situation. In a nutshell, the Wheel is divided into eight sections, or lenses, each corresponding to the eight compass directions. The belief is that there is a unique perspective, or insight, that comes from each direction. The Wheel aids in conflict resolution by helping to understanding an issue, by examining it from many angles.

During these turbulent times it is essential to allow ourselves to look at our current issues through a multitude of lenses. That is where wisdom lines.

When did we become a country where it's my way or the highway? Where has dialogue gone? Where has compromise gone? Where has compassion gone?

Politicians on both sides have not done us any favors. They have pitted family member against family member, friend against friend. We are better than that, we are smarter than that.

​Whatever side you are on, I ask you to look at any concern from several perspectives. Allow the astute thinking of the Native American Indian to take hold, and guide you to become more tolerant and open to the differences amongst us.

I am fortunate to have a range of lenses safety tucked away in my camera bag. These lenses allow me to view my world differently with just the twist of my wrist. When I do see the world through a macro, or wide angle lens, Wow! My whole perspective changes.

This has nothing to do with changing my mind, or winning someone to my side, this has everything to do with opening myself up to compassion and understanding toward my fellow human.

How many lenses are you willing to look through?

​Live in color,
Abby