A Nature Photo and Kaleidoscopic Designs

Those of you who followed me on my previous blogs some years ago may recall that sometimes I enjoy taking a nature photo to create a variety of abstract kaleidoscopic designs. So is the case in this post. I am presenting the original nature photo first with seven designs following.

 

I might mentioned that fungus and moss have fascinated me 

since I was a child. At one time I even thought about

studying to become a biologist. Obviously, life ultimately

led elsewhere; but I have never lost my love of nature.

Reflections

 

I'm not sure that I have written about the health situation of my parents in this blog before. But it feels appropriate at this time to share of mine and my parents' current journey through life right now. My mom who is in the recliner has had Alzheimers for many years. We believe she is currently in the advanced stages of the disease and hasn't been able to hold a conversation for a long time now. She needs complete care and all of us as a family takes turns helping my dad and my sister who lives there to care for Mom.  Mom is also unable to walk without the assistance of two other people. Increasingly, she tires easily and we use a wheelchair more when she needs to move from one location to another.

My dad also has significant health issues. A little over a year ago, my dad had an operation to remove cancerous tissue from his nose and behind one of his eyes. One eye needed to be removed in the process. This was followed by radiation treatments. And his prognosis seemed good. But this past December a check up revealed that the cancer was back and that it had already reached lungs as well as affecting other areas in his head. They told dad that it was treatable but not curable. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy to keep his quality of life as good as possible as long as possible. Dad is frequently tired now but is keeping a good attitude. And the fact that Mom needs lots of care I think gives him the motivation he needs to keep fighting on. But it is not easy.

The photo above comes from one the times, my wife and I went to assist with caring for Mom. While we are there, we'll frequently also play table games with dad. Table games are something we enjoyed playing from little on up into adulthood as a family. And I think dad still enjoys even now when he is not too tired. None of us knows what the future holds other than that life doesn't go on forever. But any prayers will be appreciated.

Brief Reflection on Valentines Weekend

Yesterday, four years ago, my wife and I became formally engaged. A little over six months later we became married folks. For this Valentine's Day, we celebrated by attending a weekend marriage enrichment conference entitled "The Art of Marriage." One of the main themes of that conference was "Be quick to listen, but slow to speak."  Another central theme emphasized daily recognizing and accepting your spouse as God's good and perfect gift which was also a central theme in our wedding three and a half years ago.

Sweetheart, when you read this, I want to affirm you again as God's good and perfect gift to me. Thanks for your daily walking through life with me. Thanks for standing with me through good times and bad. Thanks for loving me no matter the circumstances. Sweetheart, you are the best!!!

Ice and Birds

Back on February 2 we had quite an ice storm. I had to go to work that day. But while I was at work, my wife was at home and had an amazing opportunity to take some bird photos from a third floor window. Below are some of those shots.

Three days later, my wife took some more bird pictures from the same third floor window. She made me proud of her and her photography.