![\"squirrel\"](\"http:\/\/oldnaturalist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/squirrel.jpg\")
<\/a>Photo by Old Naturalist<\/p><\/div>\n
What is Life?<\/strong> <\/p>\n An oak tree <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Photo by Mick Schulte<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n What is Life? <\/p>\n The tiny fingers of a \u00a0newborn grasping yours <\/p>\n <\/p>\n What is Life? Photo by Linda Hansen<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n What is Life? <\/p>\n “Stream stomping” with my two daughters Photo by Mike Farrell<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n What is Life?<\/strong> China Cove – photo by Old Naturalist<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 What is Life? It is the secrets of the forest,\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The sound of wind in the summer leaves<\/em> www.panoramio.com<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 What is Life?<\/strong> Big Bay – Photo by Dale Antonson<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n What is Life?<\/strong><\/p>\n It is the bent backs working steamy rice fields to feed families Photo by Jennifer Parker<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n What is Life? Photo by Old Naturalist<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Our readers ponder, the age old question, “What is Life?” Each person contributing a 3 line form that is unique and a blessing in its own way. Thanks to all the contributors (in order): Kathleen Kahlil, Dewey Hassig, Allison Platter, … Continue reading
\nThe aliveness in every cell
\nas the wind blows through
\nconnecting, caressing, informing.<\/p>\n
\nAn acorn
\nA squirrel
\nPerpetual motion.<\/p>\n<\/a>
\n<\/strong>Fresh air, movement, and nature
\nLove, family and companionship
\nGrowth, laughter and wisdom<\/p>\n
\nThe joy in her parents faces
\nThe wonder of all that is to come<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Breathing in and out of\u00a0fears and disappointments –\u00a0letting go, leaning in, living on Inhaling hope in the sparkle of snowfall, exhaling angst, hurt & hurry,
\nA late day sun blanket, a swish of air when nature breathes too.<\/p>\n<\/a>
\n<\/strong>Sweet, cool, red chunks of\u00a0watermelon quench my thirst
\nCrashing waves, salt air, hot sand\u00a0and creosote boardwalks
\nSmell of old magazines, 60 years ago, in grandma’s attic.<\/p>\n
\nAnd sitting on the shore eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
\nWatching dragonflies mate and lay their eggs on the duck weed right before our eyes<\/p>\n<\/a>
\nDamp fresh smell by the ocean that clears my lungs from city traffic and city streets.
\nHearing bird songs and thundering waves that clear my head from too much chatter in my mind.
\nFeeling my soul while walking in the woods surrounded by breathtaking grandeur.<\/p>\n<\/a>
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nburied below layers of pine needles\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The cold blue and white of winter<\/em>
\nThe babble of the brook teaming with life
\nThe sway of the top-heavy grasses in the marsh<\/p>\n<\/a>
\nThe Spark of the Creator\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Life is a gift from God\u00a0<\/em>
\nWithin the everlasting souls\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 A spiritual opportunity to learn<\/em>
\nOf all who dwell in the sacred space\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 How to give and receive divine love<\/em>
\nOf this Garden we all share<\/p>\n<\/a>
\nThe cacophony of colors reflecting the sunlight|
\nThe innovation born in remote corners of our world to adapt and thrive<\/p>\n<\/a>
\n<\/strong>The brilliance of fresh\u00a0newly fallen snow
\nCrisp air breathed in… warm breath breathed out
\nAnother day\u00a0…\u00a0alive with purpose and hope.<\/p>\n<\/a>