Ever see a flock of geese flying by and wonder about their mysterious "V" formation? I do, all the time!

Did you know that by flying in this formation, the whole flock can increase the reach of their flight by over 70 percent (compared with only one goose flying alone). This got me thinking...

By collaborating, the entire group sharing the same direction arrives to their destination much faster. If only people behaved more like that! When a single goose breaks formation, it feels the air's resistance and has much more difficulty flying on its own. So come on people! Stay in formation and work with those around you to create harmony. Pull your own weight in the formation and help everyone get to where they need to go.

Each of us has our own journey. It starts with the guidance of someone else, and then, at some point, we are left to guide ourselves, making decisons or choices on our own.

I saw this grassy pathway in the park leading to a fork at the end. It made me wonder: How does one know which way to go? Left, following the sun, allowing it to light our way? Right, where the path has less light and seems just as uncertain? Or, does one go over the obstacle, in the form of a hill, in the distance?

How do you decide the path you take?

While walking in the park, I came upon this lone tree, segregated from the rest of the tree population. At first glance, it looked weak, frail, reminding me of the one I had seen from "A Charlie Brown Christmas." I wondered, Poor little banished tree! Surely you won't survive on your own.
And then my revelation came, Why not? Why can't it overcome the odds? Grow big and strong, fight the elements, become the tree it was meant to be?
Maybe the tree is making its own stand. Not going with the crowd. Waging its own silent protest against the other trees.
I love this tree. I am rooting for this tree. This tree reminds me of me.

Below is the URL to my published podcast at podbean.com:

http://slj09187.podbean.com/



The name of my piece is titled, Across the Road.
I hope you enjoy it.

When I created this blog, I also created the self-imposed challenge to find significance in the things that we see every day but don't always give our full undivided attention. This endeavor is my way of shining a light where often, there is only darkness.

Last week, nearing sunset, I came upon this amazing scene in a park close to where I live. It's a place where I often walk, bike, or sit in quiet repose in order to center myself and feed my creativity.

Seeing the trees' exact likenesses perfectly mirrored in the water of the facing pond made me smile. For even in nature, there is an opportunity to "take a look and see oneself." I pondered this thought for a while, wishing I had always taken time to look at my own reflection.

In the past, I have made hasty and wreckless judgments of others or have been quick to point fingers in the wrong direction without taking the time to assess my own shortcomings. This was done, not with mal-intent, but because I was too young, too stubborn, or too scared. Looking at my own reflection and paying close attention to how I contribute to my success or failure is how I continue to grow as an individual. I appreciate the view at the pond, not just for its beauty, but for reminding me about this invaluable lesson.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been seven years since our country sustained the worst terrorist attack it has ever seen. My precious children were babies then, just two and four years of age. As a mother, it was the first time I ever questioned my decision to bring them into the world. I wondered in those desperate moments, What have I done? What kind of future are they going to have? How can I protect them?

Whenever I see a cloud formation, I am whisked back to a time when my older brother Michael and I would spend our entire day playing outside.