Do you have favorite trees?

I do and one of them is the crepe myrtle nearest Rose Hall in the middle of Metzger Lawn on Biola's campus. I can't quite put my finger on the attraction, but it has something to do with color, texture, and shape. Every time I pass it, I am a bit happier than before.

How about you?

I wrote about another favorite tree on Becoming what the blesser sees.

Some walks are better than others

This morning I went on my first mountain walk of the weekend. The air was crispy, patches of ground were slippery, and the lake was still.

Between the beauty of the visuals and the workload of the altitude, it was just a better walk the back in the flatlands.

As I strolled along the nearly two miles, I had to remind myself that walking is so much more than counting steps.

Gardener, some things are just too tempting

As I went on my morning walk, I passed a mom and two kids. As they looked at the leaves scattered on the sycamore lawn, the mom said, "Wouldn't it be fun if the leaves were piled up so we could jump in them?"

If they had come by in the afternoon, I fear the Biola gardeners would have had some extra work: some things are just too tempting.

Ducks in November? At Biola?

My memory for such things is not stellar, but I do not recall seeing ducks at Biola in November.

Still, on this morning's back way walk to campus, there they were, padding about in the creek.

I sure hope they're not developing the bad habits of the Arrowhead ducks.

Talbot East Getting Closer Every Day

I love watching construction--any construction. It reminds me of our cooperation with God in creation. But when out is a structure I have prayed for and look forward to seeing used, the excitement is all the more intense.

Soon. Very soon.

Do gulls experience joy?

This morning, while waiting for the bus, I watched the gulls take flight, out of the feeding grounds and into the storm winds. They soared like eagles, catching lift under their wings. They did not seem to be looking for anything. They simply danced in the air and flew off.

Traveling in the dark

I like standard time, I really do.The only down side is waiting for the bus in the dark. I am always a bit nervous, wondering whether I will be seen.

Now the bus has only missed me once in the dark and there was no street lamp. But the fear remains.

What's up with that?

Fall is upon us, in all it's subtlety

Hot, cold, wet, dry: all signs of fall in southern California. I know others have more clarity in the change of seasons.

Transplants often mention it when they move here. It's a bit tiresome really. Our seasons just have subtle edges and require a more discerning eye.

The shrouded morning

I like fog. Even with the inherent dangers for pedestrians, the shrouded dawn is comforting. Somehow the world is quieter and calmer. There is a damp stillness of mystery that nurtures reflection.

So, while wisdom demands the caution of a don't-hit-me flash light, my soul still likes fog.