Enduring Beauty

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  “Beauty is the quality which makes to endure. In a house that I know, I have noticed a block of spermaceti lying about closets and mantel-pieces, for twenty years together, simply because the tallow-man gave it the form of a rabbit; and, I suppose, it may continue to be lugged about unchanged for a century. Let an artist scrawl a few lines or figures on the back of a letter, and that scrap of paper is rescued from danger, is put in portfolio, is framed and glazed, and, in proportion to the beauty of the lines drawn, will be kept for centuries. Burns writes a copy of verses, and sends them to a newspaper, and the human race take charge of them that they shall not perish.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson. (1803–1882).   Essays and English Traits.

Exploration

I was in my third mile the other day, had just come around the curve heading back to the house when in the break of trees, saw this marvelous site. This beautiful cloud bank had been creeping up from behind and did not see it until I made the turn. The pic just doesn't do it justice. But its' still breath-taking.

















The reason things such like clouds fascinate me is rooted in the science (think of it: a million pounds of water floating over your head) and delight of exploration. I've learned to:

1. Always be looking
2. Consider everything alive
3. Look closer--everything is interesting
4. Alter my course often
5. Observe for long durations (and short ones)
6. Notice the stories going on as things change
7. Notice patterns, make connections
8. Document findings in a variety of ways (like pics)
9. Marvel at the unknown
10. Observe movement, change
11. "Talk to" the environment--especially the wildlife
12. Consider the origin of all things
13. Use all the senses while investigating
14. Be grateful

Do the same and watch the world unfold before your eyes. The world is a beautiful place. 

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