tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36171961401487167962024-03-13T08:28:36.959-07:00Taking WalksGary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-39535926179781937752017-08-22T09:31:00.000-07:002017-08-22T09:31:48.207-07:00Be a dragonfly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWStg6iioSvfxWG3nq14vCbuO-Ume4kexe4M_cCcBAzVvQLKDAwtmD6yW0MBOgzIvp9-nJxEjsovO78a5XYhv-5AS6aB3tX18kFbe4Sv__-FReMUPiDCWOjGH8Q6WWLFT0sfp20m4TS0/s1600/IMG_5716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWStg6iioSvfxWG3nq14vCbuO-Ume4kexe4M_cCcBAzVvQLKDAwtmD6yW0MBOgzIvp9-nJxEjsovO78a5XYhv-5AS6aB3tX18kFbe4Sv__-FReMUPiDCWOjGH8Q6WWLFT0sfp20m4TS0/s320/IMG_5716.JPG" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
photo by Louisa Edgerton<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Be A Dragonfly<br />
<br />
shaggy bog moss<br />
we were looking for dragonflies<br />
shaggy bog moss<br />
we were listening to lichen<br />
we were learning<br />
to say goodbye as we<br />
disappear, into the sky<br />
violet dancer<br />
still water<br />
sunshine<br />
two hawks, flying together.<br />
<br />
gary lawlessGary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-72630885799114948502017-08-22T09:15:00.001-07:002017-08-22T09:15:16.878-07:00Irish lichen poemMap Lichen on Slievetooey<br />
<br />
Up on this bare summit<br />
where fierce weathers pare<br />
heather and peat down<br />
to its skeletal bone<br />
until the cairns groan<br />
like gods in labor<br />
I check my route and<br />
watch a hare white<br />
in its winter coat sit<br />
back in a gap of light<br />
scanning a stone whose<br />
lichen maps<br />
worlds<br />
unknown to me and<br />
cartography.<br />
<br />
Francis HarveyGary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-56610040613294439802017-08-22T05:53:00.001-07:002017-08-22T05:53:49.135-07:00lichen poem, lew welchSpringtime in the Rockies, lichen<br />
<br />
All these years I overlooked them in the<br />
racket of the rest, this<br />
symbiotic splash of plant and fungus feeding<br />
on rock, on sun, a little moisture, air -<br />
tiny acid-factories dissolving<br />
salt from living rocks and<br />
eating them.<br />
<br />
Here they are, blooming!<br />
Trail rock, talus and scree, all dusted with it:<br />
rust, ivory, brilliant yellow-green, and<br />
cliffs like murals!<br />
Huge panels streaked and patched, quietly<br />
with shooting-stars and lupine at the base.<br />
<br />
Closer, with a glass, a city of cups!<br />
Clumps of mushrooms and where do the<br />
plants begin? Why are they doing this?<br />
In this big sky and all around me peaks &<br />
the melting glaciers, why am I made to<br />
kneel and peer at Tiny?<br />
<br />
These are the stamps on the final envelope.<br />
<br />
How can the poisons reach them?<br />
In such thin air, how can they care for the<br />
loss of a million breaths?<br />
What, possibly, could make their ground more bare?<br />
<br />
Let it all die.<br />
The hushed globe will wait and wait for<br />
what is now so small and slow to<br />
open it again.<br />
<br />
As now, indeed, it opens again, this<br />
scentless velvet,<br />
crumbler-of-the-rocks,<br />
<br />
this Lichen!<br />
<br />
<br />
Lew WelchGary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-120375967603055232017-05-21T16:03:00.001-07:002017-05-21T16:04:47.344-07:00may walk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sOQSMdeIJkOdnAorVYLXYVB9yH9CU0rruhz8dmHv_t1vuz1UaGCB6Ok_emuAJESOK3ARXDKwWehXpJmlrfm9_IpXc_5xPNNwTMmMqMWN71sz0Jh_uQpHqbGYWMZV4rmFLx9VZOdPkZo/s1600/group+shot+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sOQSMdeIJkOdnAorVYLXYVB9yH9CU0rruhz8dmHv_t1vuz1UaGCB6Ok_emuAJESOK3ARXDKwWehXpJmlrfm9_IpXc_5xPNNwTMmMqMWN71sz0Jh_uQpHqbGYWMZV4rmFLx9VZOdPkZo/s320/group+shot+2.jpg" width="320" height="214" /></a></div>group photo, may 21 walk - Jim McCarthy<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6P9j5uL-V8puGLRDXggdOGZVH02kybKEFpXFowSSRro4HEGxCeabLQk3QVNKTTftg3NTJaQ5q3VLD_vHelrFLZskr2LtqWgjxLNS95QgFY7vLBnSmu3ROu2vGHZJSVAKZiyzg088_i6k/s1600/hellebore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6P9j5uL-V8puGLRDXggdOGZVH02kybKEFpXFowSSRro4HEGxCeabLQk3QVNKTTftg3NTJaQ5q3VLD_vHelrFLZskr2LtqWgjxLNS95QgFY7vLBnSmu3ROu2vGHZJSVAKZiyzg088_i6k/s320/hellebore.jpg" width="320" height="214" /></a></div>hellebore- Jim McCarthy<br />
<br />
We are continuing our naming project - giving new names to favorite places, trees, plants... in the Preserve. Here are some from today: blueberry point, porcupine ledge, phoebe falls, ice eddy falls, scout camp, wood frog way. Do you have personal names for places in the Preserve you would share with us?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
violets in the rock seam -<br />
is the light in the water<br />
is the light inside the stone<br />
is the light moving<br />
is that what I hear<br />
is there light inside me<br />
who is listening ?<br />
<br />
5/5/17<br />
This Preserve is a blessing<br />
Grounding me more<br />
with each step<br />
Nature speaks to me saying "Everything is as it should be."<br />
<br />
Thank you CREA<br />
Namaste<br />
Judy visiting from RI<br />
<br />
<br />
A live-wire yellow-rumped<br />
and black throated green warblers<br />
in spite of grey + cold, Rose<br />
breasted grosbeak sang for<br />
an hour - Black throated blue too!<br />
<br />
Janet Galle 5/12Gary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-28057598645567267612017-05-01T09:33:00.001-07:002017-05-01T09:33:59.559-07:00Easter walk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvCyyXLziFTORopCMb2lhh8Bhaf6IxMsZcr0KJAfbptKw3UP9IpNobODQmjXOVwMifAiU78S4uELvyEMGEOG__3LFqT2UknZSS0RKCw3NKHvIKVUbp0-L42JNfhlHo2rR9Xr0mN7YiuQ/s1600/ann+nelson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvCyyXLziFTORopCMb2lhh8Bhaf6IxMsZcr0KJAfbptKw3UP9IpNobODQmjXOVwMifAiU78S4uELvyEMGEOG__3LFqT2UknZSS0RKCw3NKHvIKVUbp0-L42JNfhlHo2rR9Xr0mN7YiuQ/s320/ann+nelson.jpg" width="240" height="320" /></a></div><br />
drawing by Ann Nelson<br />
<br />
<br />
from the CREA logbook:<br />
Roses are red<br />
violets are blue<br />
We're out in nature.<br />
Where are you?Gary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-43665256842824682872017-02-21T13:38:00.000-08:002017-02-21T13:58:52.038-08:00"The sun is hot."tree like a bow the<br />
weight of the snow<br />
arrows of light<br />
our hearts, in flight<br />
<br />
<br />
two eagles flying<br />
above the river<br />
flying directly<br />
into your heart<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiQ2WZZzusqr20hLJbR21GmDeqB2DHAdgPP-cidYKzBA-MC0S1sy9pmvJNvhXpErf2pNBXqY6YWUPTUUGOLFZUdj_LZ7d1wV0J8rhWEwxwYSblLz6Mu9BwRW_adTOgmWV1AzcH03K9_k/s1600/priscilla+ice+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiQ2WZZzusqr20hLJbR21GmDeqB2DHAdgPP-cidYKzBA-MC0S1sy9pmvJNvhXpErf2pNBXqY6YWUPTUUGOLFZUdj_LZ7d1wV0J8rhWEwxwYSblLz6Mu9BwRW_adTOgmWV1AzcH03K9_k/s320/priscilla+ice+3.jpg" width="240" height="320" /></a></div><br />
Priscilla Seimer photo<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSfjKAbZorgtJvV7-iAo5srgwpIqtNBWjN-9TnaB7XMKv2_YHv0Tvl6a7jEu-dmYjU3vD27ePD6B2-THVzQrOyvfdN_4oeSqyLCzcDFqlNdMa12ehKaVYpVgAYJ9SFs1xAFBCVano6K4/s1600/louisa+ice+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSfjKAbZorgtJvV7-iAo5srgwpIqtNBWjN-9TnaB7XMKv2_YHv0Tvl6a7jEu-dmYjU3vD27ePD6B2-THVzQrOyvfdN_4oeSqyLCzcDFqlNdMa12ehKaVYpVgAYJ9SFs1xAFBCVano6K4/s320/louisa+ice+1.jpg" width="320" height="249" /></a></div><br />
Louisa Edgerton photoGary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-50918719724751945842017-02-21T13:09:00.001-08:002017-02-21T13:34:55.301-08:00Into the New Yearwhose woods these are I think I know<br />
this place is about to bloooow<br />
up into spring we go<br />
<br />
Kayle (the vegetable) simpson<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhopVaQULggyKpNkitNtancugwyKzQDrWZ6FrGrJMgRh1zEH-CpzfMRZdUme13Xmvooql-fjVNkJfUc_XuhPAf_6VX6hVRF34I5OXhBYB7VOl6NBb2WCCe6yMA2eRyAAVVzKR3l0OkR0/s1600/priscilla+ice+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhopVaQULggyKpNkitNtancugwyKzQDrWZ6FrGrJMgRh1zEH-CpzfMRZdUme13Xmvooql-fjVNkJfUc_XuhPAf_6VX6hVRF34I5OXhBYB7VOl6NBb2WCCe6yMA2eRyAAVVzKR3l0OkR0/s320/priscilla+ice+1.jpg" width="320" height="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEF64aMnWjtpjbF2Gtq9HDZWaWSN5u-HQbGe3EcKtea5I0yvIYml7ouFQ6sb2kQo8LvfZT0tL26xwIYUli_fU1uKQeQHTah4G9ngAX2-kz1uNrREc7GfgcqH94cxhCksQ7edBsuKedcM/s1600/priscilla+ice+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEF64aMnWjtpjbF2Gtq9HDZWaWSN5u-HQbGe3EcKtea5I0yvIYml7ouFQ6sb2kQo8LvfZT0tL26xwIYUli_fU1uKQeQHTah4G9ngAX2-kz1uNrREc7GfgcqH94cxhCksQ7edBsuKedcM/s320/priscilla+ice+2.jpg" width="320" height="240" /></a></div><br />
photos from the Preserve by Priscilla Seimer<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIgnUZlJ2-XLRVpIuvT8RZ5utRQaZkTcUzvJNOUFfU1e1wQD2vinidE7OT81GAmAPLICdI_0yfnukQWckqMbDgpwuEPajLE-jUVmF_gX_SyHpO_n64bpWfQk126rk02NVhIgAUavecQE/s1600/crea+note+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIgnUZlJ2-XLRVpIuvT8RZ5utRQaZkTcUzvJNOUFfU1e1wQD2vinidE7OT81GAmAPLICdI_0yfnukQWckqMbDgpwuEPajLE-jUVmF_gX_SyHpO_n64bpWfQk126rk02NVhIgAUavecQE/s320/crea+note+1.jpg" width="240" height="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilk_6sbZfCAzh29rhVwOd79ChNId-8Diaj3MozYt0vKSdZMC7xXKOQZwAOcuVTl-A9hyphenhyphen3dXU30jt6K_Jpk7Rm4ugX0B5bOgponSQT262HaPlwLrZSW7xKrjjT8jbBWzDfCu9Gv-JDI1DQ/s1600/crea+note+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilk_6sbZfCAzh29rhVwOd79ChNId-8Diaj3MozYt0vKSdZMC7xXKOQZwAOcuVTl-A9hyphenhyphen3dXU30jt6K_Jpk7Rm4ugX0B5bOgponSQT262HaPlwLrZSW7xKrjjT8jbBWzDfCu9Gv-JDI1DQ/s320/crea+note+2.jpg" width="240" height="320" /></a></div>Gary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-19723183938611089832017-02-21T13:07:00.000-08:002017-02-21T13:07:46.715-08:00election bluesred dragonflies<br />
crunchy leaves<br />
whistling acorn caps<br />
<br />
these things begin<br />
my long journey of healing<br />
an election day<br />
broken heart<br />
<br />
ClayGary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-89445296363328622382016-11-20T14:56:00.001-08:002016-11-22T11:16:43.328-08:00We're here - where are you?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNahWT2xXUHLReFoN62bCd1WIWr_SvKzULgPZFmVnZfRJEcRUUca4EwTB7fVFg_krHDGdYCHv3EqIzd-5qTC3arfJKvhkoPptRN4NSgPqyvqG0sWBdJ2bZ_eiD2prylpqX_ywSh5Jwhv4/s1600/Gary+and+Jim+at+Cathance+preserve+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNahWT2xXUHLReFoN62bCd1WIWr_SvKzULgPZFmVnZfRJEcRUUca4EwTB7fVFg_krHDGdYCHv3EqIzd-5qTC3arfJKvhkoPptRN4NSgPqyvqG0sWBdJ2bZ_eiD2prylpqX_ywSh5Jwhv4/s320/Gary+and+Jim+at+Cathance+preserve+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="320" height="214" /></a></div><br />
photo by Valerie, known as Alice<br />
<br />
For the months of October and November, Gary and Jim have had one other person join them for each of the monthly walks.<br />
<br />
<br />
acorns and beech leaves,<br />
rushing water where<br />
last month,<br />
silent and dry,<br />
moss on every surface,<br />
water roar, hello -<br />
the river turns, turns<br />
and moves on.<br />
<br />
glGary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-61451940169220017522016-11-20T14:52:00.000-08:002016-11-22T11:13:39.383-08:00preserve companion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmRy9aeLd7pMrERNE8Bx3q3EpF-mbBDDeQyFO8X_VIazq9t3Qz_Dv_ISKO9xDtaG67OogM8Xrs0C_ox8BZEZZ_rttkFr7FCPjkTW4n4eAEpLZuD-i4XZPMcEU1bjN6nRaNd5BozONqeE/s1600/barred+owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmRy9aeLd7pMrERNE8Bx3q3EpF-mbBDDeQyFO8X_VIazq9t3Qz_Dv_ISKO9xDtaG67OogM8Xrs0C_ox8BZEZZ_rttkFr7FCPjkTW4n4eAEpLZuD-i4XZPMcEU1bjN6nRaNd5BozONqeE/s320/barred+owl.jpg" width="320" height="214" /></a></div>James McCarthy photo<br />
<br />
Rustle of Dry Leaves<br />
<br />
walking the path<br />
down to the river<br />
<br />
<br />
crash of pine branches<br />
startled<br />
a big bird flies off<br />
<br />
turkey or spruce grouse<br />
oh-wow-an owl<br />
eyes black as coal<br />
<br />
alights on pine<br />
<br />
large and stocky<br />
rounded head<br />
no ear tufts<br />
mottled brown wings<br />
white breast<br />
vertical brown bars<br />
<br />
ah, then, a barred owl<br />
<br />
swamp owl<br />
hoot owl<br />
eight hooter<br />
wood owl<br />
rain owl<br />
le chat-huant du Nord <br />
(hooting cat of the North)<br />
<br />
sit down<br />
watching <br />
waiting<br />
<br />
to see<br />
what<br />
comes next<br />
<br />
owl stares back<br />
as curious about me<br />
as I am about it<br />
<br />
head turns,<br />
looks behind<br />
slow turns back<br />
<br />
holding the gaze<br />
one minute,<br />
two, three<br />
<br />
time slows until<br />
a whisper of feathers<br />
owl flies off<br />
<br />
ghost flight<br />
<br />
into the woods<br />
<br />
rustle of dry leaves<br />
walking the path<br />
down to the river<br />
<br />
<br />
Jim McCarthy<br />
<br />
Gary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-14204354652144700902016-10-20T05:46:00.001-07:002016-10-20T05:46:25.567-07:00from a rock found...from a rock found in an abandoned quarry on the Cathance Road<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiUT0OfpnCMGRxmhPqmmxQN0pP2gvgfGZ1Ob1FLW0ib_GwTyc4Ee81Dx8mCD5hvS6AJezTOSrkj5OdRYHaA_7kdPcatPdZtx5RNEN5ILwj-8jjoY4fz6acBFIiUJIA9I9jLuqo5Mr5bo/s1600/mineral+forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiUT0OfpnCMGRxmhPqmmxQN0pP2gvgfGZ1Ob1FLW0ib_GwTyc4Ee81Dx8mCD5hvS6AJezTOSrkj5OdRYHaA_7kdPcatPdZtx5RNEN5ILwj-8jjoY4fz6acBFIiUJIA9I9jLuqo5Mr5bo/s320/mineral+forest.jpg" width="261" height="320" /></a></div><br />
Mineral Forest<br />
John HowardGary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-39535477134849585772016-10-20T05:42:00.002-07:002016-10-20T06:08:08.510-07:00looking for the mushroom homelandslooking for the mushroom homelands<br />
wondering where the birds have gone<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvERFNr451Vf08RD5GB2gWLLVoWP9VrIV_u3f3hqCv4R7Fey2ZfUmYVw93K9PHRp7H26e2atRR9cVnvZR3DkBdjYOw06nxnSxCzWelQHPWBulusQCOWBQJzt0wi94jcHxik005VxgoBjQ/s1600/mushrooms-53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvERFNr451Vf08RD5GB2gWLLVoWP9VrIV_u3f3hqCv4R7Fey2ZfUmYVw93K9PHRp7H26e2atRR9cVnvZR3DkBdjYOw06nxnSxCzWelQHPWBulusQCOWBQJzt0wi94jcHxik005VxgoBjQ/s320/mushrooms-53.jpg" width="214" height="320" /></a></div>James McCarthy photo<br />
<br />
**********************************************<br />
Anna Lin - age 7<br />
<br />
Morning comes<br />
the creatures awake<br />
each day after the next<br />
they begin to awake<br />
bears and bobcats<br />
lizards and toads<br />
they all arise<br />
Who knows what?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfmlkiyRknCsyHjkGKzyXLC-6VvVQPwOBptwar22RB2SFT7pz4gUhVR17v96nLck24xQpSj6PcnnK76EtiWmxgQ4H7aHX3X6QpaD9mIbBh3_iuhiJ97QDDTGVpzY8vUMJ3Whyig5iTpo/s1600/bobcat-168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfmlkiyRknCsyHjkGKzyXLC-6VvVQPwOBptwar22RB2SFT7pz4gUhVR17v96nLck24xQpSj6PcnnK76EtiWmxgQ4H7aHX3X6QpaD9mIbBh3_iuhiJ97QDDTGVpzY8vUMJ3Whyig5iTpo/s320/bobcat-168.jpg" width="320" height="214" /></a></div><br />
I saw a baby newt in a log<br />
I saw a nut-finch and two tadpoles<br />
The colors were beautiful.<br />
<br />
<br />
Kylee and Abby and me were pretending<br />
to be under attacked.<br />
My mom and dad<br />
were the monsters<br />
<br />
*********************************<br />
<br />
Burning leaves float<br />
on murky water shadows.<br />
I am grateful for<br />
each moment of peace.<br />
<br />
Clay<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_e4Dk4rGrKW7gNe1Ad_mXVQFqz99p7jVpwrRldpI7SMC61FnjSIJsqiaQvtoEcxWFzgdWAE72a5O4Pmy-Yss4lUMPiwkUyn1siq_f6z59L8xu3Xld_aupAfbfpdgX0GU-hfrtf7jqWqQ/s1600/low+water+in+fall-90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_e4Dk4rGrKW7gNe1Ad_mXVQFqz99p7jVpwrRldpI7SMC61FnjSIJsqiaQvtoEcxWFzgdWAE72a5O4Pmy-Yss4lUMPiwkUyn1siq_f6z59L8xu3Xld_aupAfbfpdgX0GU-hfrtf7jqWqQ/s320/low+water+in+fall-90.jpg" width="320" height="214" /></a></div><br />
photo by James McCarthy<br />
<br />
<br />
clouds and sun, what fun<br />
hiking with a friend<br />
along the river with many bends<br />
thank you for fall colors<br />
perfect weather for cultivating<br />
deeper friendships as<br />
new Mainers<br />
<br />
Betty B and Nancy SGary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-60927131455466592942016-09-18T17:35:00.004-07:002016-09-18T17:35:57.076-07:00sept. 18 - low water and lion's mane<br />
<br />
Here we quiet and listen<br />
to tree speak - birch's whisper<br />
river rush and red squirrel song<br />
<br />
Here we linger and learn<br />
dance of the dragonfly<br />
frolic of the tree frog<br />
<br />
Here we practice just being<br />
<br />
Hannah Gosselin, with Leland and Caiden<br />
<br />
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<br />
<br />
I absorb the silence<br />
cocooned by the trees<br />
watch light dance from<br />
water to rock<br />
<br />
I balance on roots<br />
peek around bends and<br />
startle turtles into hiding<br />
<br />
Peeking through windows at<br />
ecology lessons sparking that<br />
part of myself. Inspired to<br />
remember the wood and the wild.<br />
My feet will pass this way again.<br />
<br />
****************************************************<br />
<br />
We don't usually respond to the writing found in the trail journal at the ecology center map kiosk,<br />
but this one asks for a response. Someone wrote:<br />
<br />
"I saw a bunch of cool rocks<br />
and I collected them"<br />
<br />
Please remember that the idea of the Preserve is yes to Preserve - if you see cool rocks, or any cool thing, please try to preserve them in your memory, maybe take a picture, draw or paint the image, write a poem or journal note about it but please leave it here, for others (and not just humans) to enjoy, to use, to remember. Thank you.<br />
<br />
Gary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-30483623739559834052016-08-29T17:02:00.002-07:002016-08-29T19:15:22.582-07:00Dragonfly walk with David Reed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4A97E5hwbS6eIoYS_HBqe8Auq-4fD2fJ44j9wbQzA2sskKZcKfpvZ_eqHpdY_OP3Bm4x1PBPOYcVEFWi9ZItzcYKykMGzQwBFuTEV0lqS5LD_DrxwwcBeBrhm5LvPVVSraTGuW-MU74/s1600/David+Reed+showing+dragonfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4A97E5hwbS6eIoYS_HBqe8Auq-4fD2fJ44j9wbQzA2sskKZcKfpvZ_eqHpdY_OP3Bm4x1PBPOYcVEFWi9ZItzcYKykMGzQwBFuTEV0lqS5LD_DrxwwcBeBrhm5LvPVVSraTGuW-MU74/s320/David+Reed+showing+dragonfly.jpg" width="320" height="214" /></a></div>(David Reed and Hunter looking at dragonflies)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibo5jTP7IUssPLPZgnAVGkeBwjPy0jh-fX9LA0rwZ4fQcDI_TEzUqg2qgeoWEDGwJ2cItTmTzuUmX7droD-TNVTt06btgL491SreTECUpE4-O_iz94JKmCi73QFmBd5oWIp_56D0pmtZc/s1600/red+dragonfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibo5jTP7IUssPLPZgnAVGkeBwjPy0jh-fX9LA0rwZ4fQcDI_TEzUqg2qgeoWEDGwJ2cItTmTzuUmX7droD-TNVTt06btgL491SreTECUpE4-O_iz94JKmCi73QFmBd5oWIp_56D0pmtZc/s320/red+dragonfly.jpg" width="320" height="214" /></a></div><br />
Two photos by James McCarthy<br />
<br />
***********************************************<br />
<br />
After the dragonflies<br />
<br />
Dragonflies were as common as sunlight<br />
hovering in their own days<br />
backward forward and sideways<br />
as if they were memory<br />
now there are grown-ups hurrying<br />
who never saw one<br />
and do not know what they<br />
are not seeing<br />
the veins in a dragonfly's wings<br />
were made of light<br />
the veins in the leaves knew them<br />
and the flowing rivers<br />
the dragonflies came out of the color of water<br />
knowing their own way<br />
when we appeared in their eyes<br />
we were strangers<br />
they took their light with them when they went<br />
there will be no one to remember us<br />
<br />
W S Merwin<br />
from "Garden Time"<br />
<br />
<br />
From the CREA logbook:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurACHVNyqjzZK0u72jIuXhoj5iepoccpw3RzBguZIqy0t_643GggLONMqgLSiXhOs7_lYOUAQK0EeqeP6f8gZnYPF4Ztw6FEztDLUrDwC8e4jHOYg0s_UKSnNNUtTRlx1keVviW_EjHg/s1600/toad+drawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurACHVNyqjzZK0u72jIuXhoj5iepoccpw3RzBguZIqy0t_643GggLONMqgLSiXhOs7_lYOUAQK0EeqeP6f8gZnYPF4Ztw6FEztDLUrDwC8e4jHOYg0s_UKSnNNUtTRlx1keVviW_EjHg/s320/toad+drawing.jpg" width="230" height="320" /></a></div><br />
pretty water we did see<br />
many crows we did hear<br />
we marveled at the huge tree<br />
the trails and sky were so clear<br />
a toad and squirrel did appear<br />
thank you God for your creation<br />
please be with our troubled nation<br />
<br />
********************************************<br />
and then there were two<br />
did you see what flew?<br />
our tea tastes like broth<br />
isn't that a beautiful moth?<br />
<br />
**************************************<br />
we listened to the bullfrogs<br />
sing their songs<br />
banging away <br />
like the strings on a guitar<br />
bang<br />
bank<br />
bong<br />
<br />
*********************************<br />
<br />
The Heath<br />
<br />
a visit with tranquility<br />
any time of year<br />
on a trail for all ability<br />
and natural so near<br />
to appreciate fresh air and breeze<br />
conversing with the trees<br />
and distant sounds close to town<br />
imposing on the peace<br />
that amplifies the silent space<br />
all around the Heath<br />
<br />
S R French<br />
<br />
*****************************************<br />
Birdsong delight<br />
<br />
on a summer day<br />
the birds have introduced themselves to me<br />
<br />
I stopped in my tracks to see<br />
what winged creature was looking my way<br />
chirping a greeting or wailing a warning<br />
birds of all voice have flown in my face<br />
eye to eye or out of sight<br />
they signalled their presence in broad daylight<br />
and made themselves known for whatever reason<br />
they have become<br />
a natural encounter where i am<br />
to brighten the day with a song<br />
<br />
S R French<br />
Gary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-48864674235309437092016-06-20T16:03:00.001-07:002016-06-20T16:15:33.262-07:00walking to Head of the Tide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIzluPlRVseVqMJuvOQiclmOEW_ZJkjkWp0K7jC107ZElEOrQE5EeWXHPLJKrHw_zqpxk4ZXc1f2JWAj_YlXuBopoOA7CXkkdwC-R9Arn90d8aKcwqXcn4Fob-swDRqrGq8LQgBkzeF4/s1600/%2521cid_1BEC420D-832C-43F4-947C-31F92642A7F7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIzluPlRVseVqMJuvOQiclmOEW_ZJkjkWp0K7jC107ZElEOrQE5EeWXHPLJKrHw_zqpxk4ZXc1f2JWAj_YlXuBopoOA7CXkkdwC-R9Arn90d8aKcwqXcn4Fob-swDRqrGq8LQgBkzeF4/s320/%2521cid_1BEC420D-832C-43F4-947C-31F92642A7F7.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Head of Tide Park<br />
<br />
Heron at the river's mouth<br />
falling water, follow the water<br />
bracken fern on the way to the water<br />
feldspar roads, on the way to the water<br />
sunlight and wind<br />
on the way to the water<br />
<br />
gl<br />
<br />
*********************************************<br />
<br />
How curious, to explore, to discover, to<br />
feel so new... and yet, to be at home?<br />
...Don't you think?<br />
******************************************************************************<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CXsZS1y9ROY8_y6_LDegByP28ZKt7_aZK7SEW1fIwxLI03x0FNnVSlx20JGx0mppS1vZRhHPPCTnKNBMVhweDJUggsWPbrALbUqjnSu9BRpLmgI5A4BgDuHJAEl9ZVmkTsl09VYpNqs/s1600/%2521cid_16CD0C75-10D0-410D-A329-E5CDDACCBB2E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CXsZS1y9ROY8_y6_LDegByP28ZKt7_aZK7SEW1fIwxLI03x0FNnVSlx20JGx0mppS1vZRhHPPCTnKNBMVhweDJUggsWPbrALbUqjnSu9BRpLmgI5A4BgDuHJAEl9ZVmkTsl09VYpNqs/s320/%2521cid_16CD0C75-10D0-410D-A329-E5CDDACCBB2E.jpg" /></a></div>Fotographicus McCarthyosus<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XqBTFgbkmtACdcU8yu3uTaZjXB8OPgLiKDCXldd2sWVn2qbLhmE2Q9wKCh2YyYGTFNJk5XlArcALbRhYysVhBEj70U5Py_FCk3U7OKLrHO-5MYlCoNKP96tX2fLOxieaVO2JuzG_N8k/s1600/%2521cid_86F7BA45-2026-425C-B202-21020A905564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XqBTFgbkmtACdcU8yu3uTaZjXB8OPgLiKDCXldd2sWVn2qbLhmE2Q9wKCh2YyYGTFNJk5XlArcALbRhYysVhBEj70U5Py_FCk3U7OKLrHO-5MYlCoNKP96tX2fLOxieaVO2JuzG_N8k/s320/%2521cid_86F7BA45-2026-425C-B202-21020A905564.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsK5peacWa6TVubjc7uIE3OFwKMeeJY9KZi08nUvlIjslYpHCbafCxGPKzn8GBbbMb1VhL33mUJ5lxIo5Yj9eTGhxuTUjY-QjRVv1So8_3VP6hac3fK5XqUOeIBax8dz0CwYo-bA1AB4/s1600/%2521cid_0995C47E-7E38-4FB3-9F96-76BE36CAEE48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsK5peacWa6TVubjc7uIE3OFwKMeeJY9KZi08nUvlIjslYpHCbafCxGPKzn8GBbbMb1VhL33mUJ5lxIo5Yj9eTGhxuTUjY-QjRVv1So8_3VP6hac3fK5XqUOeIBax8dz0CwYo-bA1AB4/s320/%2521cid_0995C47E-7E38-4FB3-9F96-76BE36CAEE48.jpg" /></a></div>A God of the Cathance<br />
<br />
<br />
Photographs by Neil Gallagher<br />
Gary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-83041832365660131742016-05-24T10:53:00.001-07:002016-05-24T11:05:22.029-07:00May Sounds<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FF_g9wV_30uLTXkqk6KE1b67pR82IPG58kTaVF4UZvRtnKpL0VzGJVmktAZyqGgldV8dhxcZYFW3RzQ1qTWMnjZ1pL6VaCARytgLN_Hy3obZwIVt0FoxAJKw2sE5ao5sK5dbpSJ1zTk/s1600/fiddleheads+on+riverbank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FF_g9wV_30uLTXkqk6KE1b67pR82IPG58kTaVF4UZvRtnKpL0VzGJVmktAZyqGgldV8dhxcZYFW3RzQ1qTWMnjZ1pL6VaCARytgLN_Hy3obZwIVt0FoxAJKw2sE5ao5sK5dbpSJ1zTk/s320/fiddleheads+on+riverbank.jpg" /></a></div>Jim McCarthy photo<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Owl, low and silver over the Heath trail then<br />
explosion of crows, mobbing, cawing, screaming insults - 30 minutes<br />
the owl, barred I think, moved on<br />
and the crows followed -<br />
all the while, a basking painted turtle<br />
did not blink an eye.<br />
<br />
Back again -<br />
Barnes Leap - white tailed deer<br />
Beaver trail - hermit thrush with a twig in its beak<br />
cool, but good birding - my favorite<br />
chestnut-sided warbler by the ecology center<br />
If you are quick enough<br />
and walk in near silence<br />
the turkey will find you near the pond -<br />
<br />
Janet Galle<br />
*****************************************************<br />
<br />
I feel as if I am a rock<br />
set aside, kicked around<br />
not given a second glance<br />
<br />
nobody knows me<br />
why I'm here, where i came from<br />
or what my purpose is<br />
<br />
but maybe someday<br />
someone will come along and notice<br />
that i am different from all the rest<br />
<br />
Jada Alley<br />
*********************************<br />
<br />
without the light, there are no shadows -<br />
****************************************************<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSHZJ6UaGA06VTl4hKtu9BdRq7ZHGtaZD746H0ypNhzXbDa-Omgfy9CaBDsfhGqmqVWMDexJpwhGJL6-DS5KexuUsEGO33d8ZNesBOviMSQ_svjo0IruPwe6dQtpoaNK9bMcKT5DnzQk/s1600/rabbit+drawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSHZJ6UaGA06VTl4hKtu9BdRq7ZHGtaZD746H0ypNhzXbDa-Omgfy9CaBDsfhGqmqVWMDexJpwhGJL6-DS5KexuUsEGO33d8ZNesBOviMSQ_svjo0IruPwe6dQtpoaNK9bMcKT5DnzQk/s320/rabbit+drawing.jpg" /></a></div><br />
*******************************************<br />
<br />
Bodies lay across the lawn<br />
like puddles on a rainy day -<br />
<br />
<br />
The ground is wet<br />
the sky is gray<br />
trees speaking softly<br />
in the middle of May<br />
<br />
**************************************<br />
I feel as though I am an interloper<br />
an intruder walking among thin<br />
birch as I huff and puff as <br />
I sweat<br />
and yet<br />
they are silent like me, willing companions<br />
as they sway in the sun alongside me<br />
<br />
******************************<br />
crab spider -<br />
did you know they can change color<br />
depending on the flower they sit on?<br />
<br />
************************************************<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pCTLc30rGL2QBvQ-bTqJZZ9GN2Ruz7NACf_xSxMhENsmfLhxifPTtr0Q_vcEOaJ8arXhbn5B8sRQXTGYXaGZhlex493TnDWen85y_DVcwxN7yQyyXH3uB2V9Etd88DBPQyEaO6kjJBY/s1600/fiddlehead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pCTLc30rGL2QBvQ-bTqJZZ9GN2Ruz7NACf_xSxMhENsmfLhxifPTtr0Q_vcEOaJ8arXhbn5B8sRQXTGYXaGZhlex493TnDWen85y_DVcwxN7yQyyXH3uB2V9Etd88DBPQyEaO6kjJBY/s320/fiddlehead.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Jim McCarthy photo<br />
Gary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-55244396732710216012016-04-26T11:31:00.001-07:002016-04-26T11:31:11.938-07:00May Walk - soundscapesFor our May walk (Sunday, may 15) I want to propose a theme of "soundscapes". Our April walk found a much friendlier forest (for me) because it was filled with the voices of birds. I would like to take a walk where we spend our time listening, taking note of the sounds of the Preserve, taking note of where and when we hear various things. Here is a quote from a recent article on conserving sound:" we need a nuanced sense of the terrain - the park hidden inside the park - land conservation must include the conservation of soundscapes." At the CREA Preserve the soundscape is constantly changing - so I would like to try and start making record of that, to concentrate on hearing for a little while, rather than seeing.<br />
John Muir said that he could identify every tree species in the Sierra Nevada by listening to its "wind-music". What do you hear?<br />
Some things we have already talked about - the road sounds, the river sounds, the bird song, the frogs, echoes, the music of trees (dry leaf rattle, wind in needles, branch against branch...) squirrel, chipmunk, water tributaries flowing, ice sounds, wind on water, footsteps, thunder, your own breath and heart, voices in the distance, that dragonfly whizzing by... What do you hear?<br />
Here's a little poem by Wang Wei:<br />
<br />
Empty mountains:<br />
no one to be seen.<br />
Yet - hear-<br />
human sounds and echoes.<br />
Returning sunlight<br />
enters the dark woods;<br />
Again shining<br />
on green moss, above.<br />
<br />
(Wang Wei)<br />
<br />
What do you hear?<br />
<br />
Gary LawlessGary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-55760740054304289932016-04-17T12:03:00.002-07:002016-04-17T19:51:04.630-07:00"Vernal life is upon us!"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXm4r2lCP39rBef2ndEojXBYoiM8iQgPFXT5sTISij5aY1WBsdJOIsNKudfrgE0sZKwRUg8qAeQ6R2WQiXc39XK2EgARJnj-zy2tJgNT_sEtxZCWueT6cU5emCYLykyupIVIR9wL9oMGY/s1600/oak+leaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXm4r2lCP39rBef2ndEojXBYoiM8iQgPFXT5sTISij5aY1WBsdJOIsNKudfrgE0sZKwRUg8qAeQ6R2WQiXc39XK2EgARJnj-zy2tJgNT_sEtxZCWueT6cU5emCYLykyupIVIR9wL9oMGY/s320/oak+leaf.jpg" /></a></div>photo by James McCarthy<br />
<br />
Basking<br />
(for Janet Galle)<br />
<br />
basking<br />
turtles basking<br />
basking in the sunlight<br />
(every stump<br />
basking in moss, lichen, light)<br />
basking in birdsong, riversound<br />
quiet, basking in quiet<br />
<br />
Gary Lawless<br />
<br />
******************************************<br />
<br />
A riverbank<br />
to sit beside<br />
in tranquil contemplation<br />
of turbulence and roil<br />
defying explanation<br />
but always flowing freely<br />
without reservation<br />
like the family bond between<br />
the mountain and the ocean<br />
we drink the same pure water<br />
in timeless resignation<br />
to receive the very blessing<br />
of the river in submission<br />
<br />
S R French<br />
<br />
***********************************************<br />
<br />
A mini-collaboration inside of a collaboration<br />
<br />
we stumble down like leaves<br />
called to the river's edge<br />
the water calls to me<br />
and echoes from the trees<br />
It is the earth I feel<br />
sending power up my knees<br />
Driving me onward into the Beauty<br />
the Great Architect has created.<br />
<br />
Abby, Bonner & Faith<br />
<br />
*********************************************<br />
For a blog posting on how "Studying Moss is like making a poem":<br />
<a href="http://www.poeticabotanica.wordpress.com/2016/04/17/ways-in-which-studying-moss-is-like-making-a-poem">here</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGiim4JTB962tAQSywfO0mRSnKmPnThjtH11x3t8uR1zN1OofBW8wq7dVeFBCEWCbqvVpmtLXPaXI5hCU3oh8GTSU7Wo65Hc46OJEwlqLuwOUbpn7zonGR8L1ojp9hTLYvkrMAyYC5HE/s1600/partridge+berry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGiim4JTB962tAQSywfO0mRSnKmPnThjtH11x3t8uR1zN1OofBW8wq7dVeFBCEWCbqvVpmtLXPaXI5hCU3oh8GTSU7Wo65Hc46OJEwlqLuwOUbpn7zonGR8L1ojp9hTLYvkrMAyYC5HE/s320/partridge+berry.jpg" /></a></div><br />
partridge berry photo by James McCarthy<br />
<br />
Gary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-80876877824835749042016-03-21T13:15:00.002-07:002016-03-21T14:43:38.121-07:00from the trail logNot here, but near, a dark exploration.Headlamp beam makes breath luminous, so I hold my exhalation when I wish to see. Rain plinks and shimmers from each branch.<br />
I scan the path for motion, or gleaming eyes. A weary wood frog stands like a miniature statue, regal and inevitable and vulnerable. A flash of movement, a glowing, glittering speck in the wet woods - a water spider, looking malevolent on her ordinary rounds.<br />
As the pool ripples spread and overlap from the constant splash of droplets, each seeming to leap from the water rather than otherwise. No sounds of frogs yet, though they are spread-eagled lazily in the top inch of water, clinging to some fragile twig.<br />
Cheri B.<br />
<br />
<br />
Cathance Haiku<br />
<br />
red squirrel I see you<br />
flitting across ice and branch<br />
rapid water rush<br />
JBLD<br />
<br />
the bee gathers nectar<br />
DGJ<br />
<br />
<br />
hummingbird, little hummingbird<br />
collect food<br />
QJ<br />
<br />
Emerald green moss covers the granite ledge,<br />
a joy to gaze upon<br />
KJC<br />
<br />
<br />
Ian and Abby saw a turtle.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qIX2jN4v-BVjOocVbV35BVwGzK1DxiiBUOaMN-Cx53SqCIXxBazr5qCsXqXZd9-wtK1u9QOJAR_lH1XythKy4CplfXeoCj-UQOu8kSxUw2t4ryNHLhdv69h3x9dyysVYzJP3gGgkEmU/s1600/Ian+and+Abby+saw+a+turtle0085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qIX2jN4v-BVjOocVbV35BVwGzK1DxiiBUOaMN-Cx53SqCIXxBazr5qCsXqXZd9-wtK1u9QOJAR_lH1XythKy4CplfXeoCj-UQOu8kSxUw2t4ryNHLhdv69h3x9dyysVYzJP3gGgkEmU/s320/Ian+and+Abby+saw+a+turtle0085.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Just a bit past Imbolc (Celtic) and the sap will run soon. 3rd Sunday CREA guided walk with a group of 13 with Gary (poet) and Jim (photographer) The sun was with us - Hooray!<br />
Linda<br />
<br />
<br />
Clear skies, cool breeze. The rush of the river. The kids found the perfect walking stick for our trek. A lovely waters walk.Gary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-1369476642401971152016-03-12T11:16:00.000-08:002016-03-12T11:16:02.986-08:00Called to the stone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqIRQ4gJBt_miqEDlOcT4rPYQhrWCnBdt-n1UTF6KPTlPa-bWTSnzsBTj6s9XRNIP5VhOJoJ3uIlsJpjXcitkqAgetyd85Htda-J9U9CMG8OpDesvZqZcQuLQjhVp0-ryOVUTWe0C0TM/s1600/tree+and+rocks+panorama1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqIRQ4gJBt_miqEDlOcT4rPYQhrWCnBdt-n1UTF6KPTlPa-bWTSnzsBTj6s9XRNIP5VhOJoJ3uIlsJpjXcitkqAgetyd85Htda-J9U9CMG8OpDesvZqZcQuLQjhVp0-ryOVUTWe0C0TM/s320/tree+and+rocks+panorama1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
(for Geri Vistein)<br />
<br />
called to the rocks he<br />
called to the rocks talked<br />
with the birds he<br />
walked with the<br />
wolves we<br />
walk with the wolves -<br />
called, to walk, to<br />
talk, called<br />
to the rocks, the stone<br />
called by moss to<br />
the rock below.<br />
<br />
<br />
Cathance River<br />
poem by Gary Lawless<br />
photo by Jim McCarthy<br />
Gary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-54496990893481565532016-02-23T09:05:00.001-08:002016-02-23T09:08:38.240-08:00Cathance River<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBtGoEawQVBaCJ0z4F22O-_H4xrWzFvw3Yn4jEPB7mDz5AACs2ZdiAVHDw92BIZ8ZzEishARjaH6vHa2IjT2keyD-sz1ItA1gZETl5bBJnYsKCJoTsi_zmT5pFBLLAEKnYGmZ_BNhCTXo/s1600/IMG_3647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBtGoEawQVBaCJ0z4F22O-_H4xrWzFvw3Yn4jEPB7mDz5AACs2ZdiAVHDw92BIZ8ZzEishARjaH6vHa2IjT2keyD-sz1ItA1gZETl5bBJnYsKCJoTsi_zmT5pFBLLAEKnYGmZ_BNhCTXo/s320/IMG_3647.JPG" /></a></div>Cathance island - Ann Nelson<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQav-JF4mu0oO3lkLck43qzcMy1tz2xixW9Ot2GYs3M4hRT2Ir7fY-nmTmeTZuDr-mC9hmtwKF10fJsKaqkA9eGb-_Qmv6b1gN4J4yScTYnPOqdkLdH-ZNE3PBETig6VPTP_QDFgm7TP8/s1600/%2521cid_D3CFC716-DEA4-40D3-9945-09B0871BB381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQav-JF4mu0oO3lkLck43qzcMy1tz2xixW9Ot2GYs3M4hRT2Ir7fY-nmTmeTZuDr-mC9hmtwKF10fJsKaqkA9eGb-_Qmv6b1gN4J4yScTYnPOqdkLdH-ZNE3PBETig6VPTP_QDFgm7TP8/s320/%2521cid_D3CFC716-DEA4-40D3-9945-09B0871BB381.jpg" /></a></div>Louisa Edgerton<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PjtzeHrJxVyBOImltu85wKsmPIOa5OY85Gjru3mwiSWI2eo5tWCQW5UAIe2r8gnZEkSfpiwvUmiBevb_CAvwqRlgcZRvzL60BmiJyRiMcqGCeojc-HEO7qJO8Wq7cYsfMsdIIGkHie4/s1600/%2521cid_376C06E1-8A49-4F11-A12B-BA3189C9FEF6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PjtzeHrJxVyBOImltu85wKsmPIOa5OY85Gjru3mwiSWI2eo5tWCQW5UAIe2r8gnZEkSfpiwvUmiBevb_CAvwqRlgcZRvzL60BmiJyRiMcqGCeojc-HEO7qJO8Wq7cYsfMsdIIGkHie4/s320/%2521cid_376C06E1-8A49-4F11-A12B-BA3189C9FEF6.jpg" /></a></div>Louisa Edgerton<br />
Gary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-65232980058059593532016-02-23T09:00:00.000-08:002016-03-01T06:34:28.748-08:00Imbolc - Cathance RiverImbolc is the Celtic celebration of the midpoint between winter solstice and spring equinox. The rings beneath the trees symbolize the return of the light, and of warmth, the new life of spring, the turning point as winter turns toward spring.(for more by Jim McCarthy on Imbolc see his photo-essay <a href="http://www.mccarthyphotojournal.com">here</a>!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ww8wHrhykzabvjtM8WI6LSLwmWDI6UWQyEoP5jHK-ZS7DGNMI6p35pih5pz8B76kV-SybuLjolPZabzp1FOfzNoOr60DwY_znQbl8uSZ1AcLX7cjAGm1xlsAuTVvP8F5hADqafbb1zY/s1600/imbolc_0035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ww8wHrhykzabvjtM8WI6LSLwmWDI6UWQyEoP5jHK-ZS7DGNMI6p35pih5pz8B76kV-SybuLjolPZabzp1FOfzNoOr60DwY_znQbl8uSZ1AcLX7cjAGm1xlsAuTVvP8F5hADqafbb1zY/s320/imbolc_0035.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZSQ2c_p5D9ouf6aM2-zRywLQljH6XjERb22Omnw7hYJPSeYz6v28ESi1E0chmgfU_JIiFfWrOw4m1uew3Nv7x5cK3kQCI8fzt-6x7Gqq7SXzVuKEn5zEplbWK6V8wFkc47IevOR8W80/s1600/imbolc_0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZSQ2c_p5D9ouf6aM2-zRywLQljH6XjERb22Omnw7hYJPSeYz6v28ESi1E0chmgfU_JIiFfWrOw4m1uew3Nv7x5cK3kQCI8fzt-6x7Gqq7SXzVuKEn5zEplbWK6V8wFkc47IevOR8W80/s320/imbolc_0021.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGk7l7cIFCX0MRDxkkYJYThumwPzzacijzpsZXqWlc_LcrwApWYzkA93gRfl6dOs8BiSQqJApiSbTCzUr1TYcEUQ5wBOJ9oHag_GTL2U5eSo_t5bFY5oxktfp9VzC5D_nm-tqYwHQIag/s1600/moss-girdled+trunks_0053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGk7l7cIFCX0MRDxkkYJYThumwPzzacijzpsZXqWlc_LcrwApWYzkA93gRfl6dOs8BiSQqJApiSbTCzUr1TYcEUQ5wBOJ9oHag_GTL2U5eSo_t5bFY5oxktfp9VzC5D_nm-tqYwHQIag/s320/moss-girdled+trunks_0053.jpg" /></a></div><br />
James McCarthyGary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-70084683000131932252016-01-31T06:54:00.001-08:002016-02-01T19:28:42.122-08:00walks schedule<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDH04hKjaRioZVYILMlWZNyUtJJK_IWPNEuHF4YM1lh2zINf_Q4ot23FSSCAhFErZgrWKLdyXpHjDC32WNL-37-R4q_7othvlm55D0oNEsnnD1byPgD0D0e9IZTOZXsJfhPfhn273tE8/s1600/DSC_0163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDH04hKjaRioZVYILMlWZNyUtJJK_IWPNEuHF4YM1lh2zINf_Q4ot23FSSCAhFErZgrWKLdyXpHjDC32WNL-37-R4q_7othvlm55D0oNEsnnD1byPgD0D0e9IZTOZXsJfhPfhn273tE8/s320/DSC_0163.jpg" /></a></div>Photo by Jim McCarthy<br />
<br />
<br />
Our future CREAtive walks, with artists in residence Jim McCarthy and Gary Lawless, will be on the following sundays:<br />
Feb. 21<br />
March 20<br />
April 17<br />
May 15<br />
Please gather at 9 AM at the Ecology Center.<br />
<br />
"We continue to evolve and transform who we are in relationship to where we are."<br />
Terry Tempest Williams<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRh_MQHX6Fp1ogixpmmfoDZzoTXnJay_mOKZt0xpyEs7_hNjndiOpKysEr3il2g0ZgHUlh9_GZFbGWoBSdtV4vA1zgxACd99bUAVXIanXHWBkVJI0Vg8IQI2mNy2dOIs8GfoLParv3C8/s1600/DSC_0150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRh_MQHX6Fp1ogixpmmfoDZzoTXnJay_mOKZt0xpyEs7_hNjndiOpKysEr3il2g0ZgHUlh9_GZFbGWoBSdtV4vA1zgxACd99bUAVXIanXHWBkVJI0Vg8IQI2mNy2dOIs8GfoLParv3C8/s320/DSC_0150.jpg" /></a></div>Photo by Jim McCarthyGary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-70272454949873012182016-01-17T10:16:00.001-08:002016-02-01T19:31:17.152-08:00january and snow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgi5psvl3Q4k0Bwf1tm1oeKcvuwyO64f2wHpSn2J71SNDfVcfNtRoL4uqBDxcBSgWoZ1Oe1c_Z6pW5PK6CwVNXPozJfjCrwnnIBpLVsMztp9gwlAsgiQItYpLFP37ZqMpFPHgYsG_Cmk/s1600/DSC_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgi5psvl3Q4k0Bwf1tm1oeKcvuwyO64f2wHpSn2J71SNDfVcfNtRoL4uqBDxcBSgWoZ1Oe1c_Z6pW5PK6CwVNXPozJfjCrwnnIBpLVsMztp9gwlAsgiQItYpLFP37ZqMpFPHgYsG_Cmk/s320/DSC_0007.jpg" /></a></div>Photo by Jim McCarthy<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
CREA is our "winter church". The light and shadows on the snow,<br />
the animal tracks, bird sounds, ice sculptures,<br />
all magical and awe-inspiring<br />
Tina<br />
<br />
*************************************<br />
<br />
River<br />
frolicking, laughing, sparkling<br />
powerful, dancing, beautiful<br />
everflowing<br />
whitewater<br />
<br />
<br />
***********************************<br />
<br />
still-white clumps of cottongrass sprinkling<br />
the heath<br />
batches of needle ice thrusting up out of the<br />
earth along the path<br />
flakes of yesterday's brief snow shower<br />
hiding among the mosses<br />
<br />
CR<br />
<br />
******************************************<br />
<br />
nomenclature<br />
heath? no, a heath is dry -<br />
it's not a bog either - a bog has no<br />
outlet -<br />
a fen - that's what it is - a mixed<br />
tall sedge fen<br />
<br />
CR<br />
<br />
********************************************<br />
Gear to get out - what a spot<br />
fresh air and the one you love <br />
always, we'll be back<br />
<br />
A&K<br />
<br />
********************************************<br />
<br />
a raven's rattle<br />
loudly vies with traffic noise<br />
but his call is the winner<br />
<br />
A Nelson<br />
<br />
****************************************************<br />
<br />
so beautiful out here today - feeling<br />
grateful i am able to get out hiking<br />
this time of year - might not get another<br />
chance until Spring if we<br />
end up getting snow - Happy!<br />
<br />
LL<br />
<br />
*********************************************<br />
<br />
let me sleep in a blanket of riversound<br />
<br />
*****************************<br />
deer, hare,<br />
porcupine, vole -<br />
where are the tracks<br />
of the birds in the sky?Gary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617196140148716796.post-36069155963662553072015-12-29T07:02:00.003-08:002016-01-19T16:52:46.741-08:00feldspar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZz0ul8XwZSWFRTGcG1fi08Fpq8aTTvMSGDhRPAWYgEXzEMd3uhuQRvt2ODEd1nauTO7YY_J7iz3yUXeusb8yKyeBa3k1vsgc1gKrphBTuvrN7Cuk2EfEN57urhvCRRpI159agmr8u3eE/s1600/feldspar+topsham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZz0ul8XwZSWFRTGcG1fi08Fpq8aTTvMSGDhRPAWYgEXzEMd3uhuQRvt2ODEd1nauTO7YY_J7iz3yUXeusb8yKyeBa3k1vsgc1gKrphBTuvrN7Cuk2EfEN57urhvCRRpI159agmr8u3eE/s320/feldspar+topsham.jpg" /></a></div>image from the Pejepscot Historical Society, Brunswick, Maine<br />
citation credit Fred Koerber<br />
Feldspar Quarry Topsham, L A Lee, 1892<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Human Cost of Stone<br />
<br />
where the stone came out of the ground<br />
where the holes are found<br />
Italian tent city the<br />
dust in their lungs -<br />
the feldspar, reduced to particles,<br />
travels,<br />
in Brunswick the Klan marches<br />
down the street -<br />
what were their names -<br />
the workers, the marchers, the stones all<br />
down the river,<br />
down the river and<br />
gone, dust to dust,<br />
the human cost of stone.<br />
<br />
Gary LawlessGary Lawless and Beth Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070973798758171723noreply@blogger.com0