We watched the Fourth of July fireworks on a hill near where one son and his wife live.  We walked to our spot with folding chairs, and sat with neighbors as fireworks erupted around us.  We shared a view, and when I looked at the photos, I saw galaxies and thought of the Big Bang happening around and in us.

That morning we had brunch with friends who have a ten year old.  For her tenth birthday, she was offered a trip anywhere, Hawaii, the Galapagos, whatever she wanted.  She chose a place of her own, a “she-shed” placed in a back corner of their yard. She allowed me into her world of enchantment, a lovely lavender abode with places to express, honor, and bring forth her creativity which is varied and unique. In her nature cupboard, she carefully opened a box to reveal the perfect, preserved skeleton of a mouse. In another, the discarded skin of a reptile lay treasured in display.

This morning I woke from a dream where I felt the abundance around and in me, the earth thriving beneath my feet, the sky filled with the flight of birds.  We live in an exciting and vibrant world.  My focus is there, on growth and change, and these words of Emily Dickinson.

To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else.