Jen's Nature Lens

 "Let the beauty of what you love be what you do." ~Rumi  Throughout the world, water lilies are symbolic of purity, innocence, love, hope, peace truth, goodness, beauty, enlightenment, good fortune, rebirth, life, resurrection, and more. Various cultures honor and respect the presence and beauty of water lilies.  There is a Native American legend that says water lilies were once a star that fell to the earth and upon striking the water, transformed into a blossoming flower.  Enjoy  How the Water Lily Came to Be  an Ojibwa Story Retold by Linda Skinner, Illustrated by Ramona Mason, Calligraphy by Susan Scheet. Water lily quotes from around the world: "I have shaken loose. Like the lily, I rest on the deep water's surface. Not knowing the journey's end, I rest in nature's embrace." ~Patricia Robin Woodruff "If beautiful lilies bloom in ugly waters, you too can blossom in ugly situations." ~Matshona Dhliwayo "Every child should have mud pies...

 "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." ~John Muir On more than one occasion, my beloved Dad has shared this insightful quote by John Muir, the eloquent Scottish born American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, and advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the United States. And every time I walk with nature this quote comes to remembrance due to its emphasis on the profound connection between humanity and nature.  Today, I experienced this first hand while driving back roads to avoid heavy highway traffic. Much to my delight, I drove past this lovely nature space called Patuxent Ponds Park located in Odenton, Maryland. The reflection of trees in the pond water beckoned me to come and spend some time with nature. I quickly made a mental note to stop on my way back. Upon arrival, while stepping out of my car, my first thought was, Wow! this place is an absolute gem!  Since I didn't have my journal with me, I made sure to take in a...