Rhododendron Surprises

On an overcast day at the end of September, I wandered into our back yard open to being drawn to something. The most dominant and obvious feature is a row of mature, large leafed rhododendrons. One large bush drew me to it and I put my face into it with leaves touching my cheeks. At first all I noticed were the green leaves and the fat buds for next springs flowers. They looked the same as every other day until a pattern on a twig caught my eye. Beautiful little half moons were etched into the twig, with sunlight catching the upper edges. These little half moons are what’s left after a leaf drops off the twig. Their symmetry, simplicity of design and the light catching their edges, delighted me. It is these unexpected moments when something ordinary becomes extraordinary Next I noticed a transparent dead leaf with its distinct and perfect veins standing out against its pale color. It was caught between a leaf and a flower bud providing a perfect backdrop to highlight this fat bud at the end of the twig. I lingered a few moments with this composition. It is these unexpected moments when something ordinary becomes extraordinary that I am standing on holy ground.

A movement out of the corner of my eye diverted my attention to a tiny ant. It moved up and down and all over the surface of a rhododendron leaf. Perhaps searching for a bit of food? Suddenly it hopped off that leaf onto a leaf below, wait - it hopped? The ant hopped? How funny is this. It continued the a same examination of this new leaf as it probed with its antennae, again searching back and forth and back and forth. I began to analyze why it was doing this, but realized that distracted me from my presence with this tiny being going about its business and leaving me amused. Soon it was time to leave and I silently thanked the rhododendron and the ant and went on my way softened and light-hearted from this encounter. This is the balm I need for this pandemic, politically charged time.