“When they go low, we go high” –Michelle Obama
“When things get big, I go small” –Susan Baumgaertel
Something special happens on my neighborhood walks in Seattle.
Yes, I sincerely enjoy looking at the mountains—the Cascades to the east and the Olympics to the west. I also love watching the clouds, the birds and the planes in the air. I take delight in spotting the cats, dogs, squirrels, bunnies, and the occasional raccoon (but not the coyotes). And I love all flowers and trees, especially this time of year when the fall colors are in full swing.
But the microcosm also calls to me, and sometimes it can be so enchanting.
One house I walk by has a number of birch trees on the corner and lots of open grass. Every year I spot a variety of mushrooms popping up randomly. A few years ago there was a cluster of dangerously beautiful amanita muscaria. This year the lawn is riddled with gentle brown mushrooms of different types.
Even more special is when it’s the “right” lighting—photographers, you know what I mean. I find that late evening just before sunset is the perfect lighting for taking pictures. My second favorite lighting is a bright, overcast cloudy day with diffuse brightness and soft shadows.
Creating these magical moments really centers me. I find it is essential to connect with nature’s intimate beauty when there is darkness and despair in the bigger world. It’s one of the ways by which I see a hopeful path forward.
What are your magical moments?
