Cycles of Bloom

Backyard Garden

Just as the garden has, we each have our own cycles of bloom. Sometimes we experience an abundance of energy, creativity, and inspiration. Other times we feel like hibernating, taking a break, or need to recover from an illness or injury.

The images below represent appreciation for creativity, learning, laughter, and the opportunity to share bounty with others.

These first three images are from the Ruth Asawa retrospective exhibit at San Francisco MOMA. Asawa was a prolific artist, community activist, and mother. Her work and creativity are inspiring.

I’m reminded of the third episode of the recent Netflix documentary, “Katrina: Come Hell And High Water” where several of the people interviewed expressed how important it is for the future of New Orleans for people to love themselves, each other, and especially the children. The speakers entreat us to shower the children with love and care. To ensure they have an excellent education so that they and the community may thrive.

The tag next to this Asawa watercolor reads, “She always had an idea,” remembers Asawa’s granddaughter Lilli Lanier, who grew up nearby. ‘“Come over tomorrow. We’re going to draw eggplants. And then we’re going to eat them.’ We’d draw food…and then [it would turn] into a cooking lesson--how you make Japanese noodles with cilantro and the eggplants you’ve just drawn."

Asawa is an example of someone who embodied love and teaching in her work and deeds, not only in her family but also in the community.

These are a sampling of the many intricate woven sculptures that Asawa made in all shapes, sizes, and materials. I love the way they cast shadows on the wall.

Bounty from our garden. Along with the displays of vegetables, fruit, and flowers, the garden attracts, bees, butterflies, dragonflies, hummingbirds and birds. The latter are enjoying our apples as much as we are.

It is a pleasure to share tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and herbs with our neighbors and friends.

The colorful image placed at the top of our refrigerator reads, “Put love center stage.”

When love is center stage, then what follows is caring, compassion, respect, courage, and the desire to be of help and service to all beings and the environment.

Bandaloop vertical dance company performed in downtown Oakland last month. In this photo the aerial artists demonstrate agility, grace, and fearlessness as they dance from the top of the Rotunda Building and down its side to the ground.

I hope this collection of photos provides you with a small measure of pleasure and encouragement to express your creativity and share your gifts.