On Small Wonders

Taking Note of the World Around Me

On Friday I went up the street to check the mail. Two townhouses from my own, I looked down and saw an iridescent creature motoring along on several tiny legs. It glowed so spectacularly that I had to run back home and get my phone. I retraced my footsteps, hoping the insect would still be in sight. Luckily, it was. I took multiple pictures and a video.

I came inside so excited, telling Julian, “Look at this.” I asked him, “Do you know what it is?” He said, “No.” I got on my insect finder app and learned that it is a Georgia Flatback Millipede. I marveled at God’s creations.

On FaceTime with my daughter Celeste, I sent her a picture of my new find. She showed it to Quinn, my youngest granddaughter, age three. She said without missing a beat, “Millipede.” I was undone.

Celeste said, “The girl knows her insects.” This flashed me back to when her mom and Auntie were about that age. Amber also had a fascination with nature. We still call Amber when we find spiders and other bugs in the house. She has a no-kill policy — she gingerly escorts them out and releases them back to nature. I guess the love of creatures runs in the family.

I was so excited about my Georgia Flatback Millipede discovery that I mistakenly showed it to my sister and her husband while visiting our mother’s house. Velinda’s response: “Don’t you get the creepy crawlies?” I said no. I am fully fascinated. I am a geek.

I have always lived in nature and in my imagination. It set me apart from my family members, but I suppose that is a trait of a poet. I then showed her the Common Buckeye Butterfly I’d spotted that same week. She loved it — she oohed and aahed. We spent time noting the patterns and colors. That was the reaction I was hoping for, but I love both creatures equally.

It was a very intense week. Our mother had a heart catheterization and a stent placed. Though bleary from 4 AM wake-up calls and caretaking, these small windows of beauty gave me hope and filled my heart with wonder.

I came home from spending the night at the hospital and my grandson Julian said, “Gaga, do you want to play basketball?” I was spent, but I looked into his eager eyes and there was no way I was going to say no.

He beat me in a game of Horse.

We noticed the mourning dove watching us from the rooftop. It is thought to be a spiritual messenger of peace, comfort, and love. I’ll take it. Our whole family needs that right about now. I didn’t have my camera, but Julian and I stopped to look at it as it looked back at us.

We walked around the block bouncing the basketball. We stopped and took Julian’s picture in front of this Magnolia tree. We have been taking this picture every year since Julian was 2 years old. I get teary every time when I note his growth.

Then, leaving my mother’s house on Saturday, a Mockingbird sang to my sister and me from the carport. We took note. Se e it sitting on the mailbox.

They say the presence of this bird is a signal to trust and love someone wholeheartedly. I liked that message. I am always working on ways of opening my heart and becoming more compassionate. I get it when God speaks to me through the birds.

Also, I am grateful to be curious about whatever nature sends––noting Small Wonders is my way of Blooming Anyhow!