why this pattern? why crown vetch? why repeated and not alone? why so much negative space? i have analyzed these questions pitilessly, and come to a deeply reasoned conclusion: because pretty.

crown vetch

saint paul, minnesota

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if there’s an answer, it has something to do with recognizing the little bit of you that is always a part of me. and the little bit of me that is always a part of you. this is true of everyone in the world. peace be with you all, without exception.

two red oak leaves

saint paul, minnesota

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how much do these goats beard buds look like fingers pinching little hidden gifts that they are about to release. i guess that’s exactly what they are doing.

goatsbeard

vadnais lake, saint paul, minnesota

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i don’t like the image of the tortured artist. it’s never made sense to me. i’ve always felt that art was usually best created from the perspective of sanity and a certain stability. on the other hand, i do feel that artists and creatives are well served by an enhanced, almost painful sensitivity. look at how much more vulnerable these rose petals are where the outer petal has been torn away. the veins look more prominent. the surface more velvety and vulnerable. more easily torn or damaged. that is how i feel sometimes. the world can be too noisy, too abrasive, too coercive. i feel i need to be the lower half of these petals in order to be myself, but i also need to create and defend a place that doesn’t require me to grow calluses in order to defend myself from the intrusiveness of my surroundings.

rose

i’ve decided this unusual, triple-bladed maple seed samara means good luck. i haven’t decided what form my good luck will take yet. maybe it’s just the symbol of all the good luck i’ve already had over the last year, and i should just shut up and be grateful. on the other hand, our 11-year-old car really does need to be replaced…

unusual maple seed with three samaras

saint paul, minnesota

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