Today was a strange day. It really, really was. Rainy, windy, storm is a brewin’ type of weather. Even so, I still did some of my favorite things. It seems as though, a few times a week, I have Ilana all to myself. We go for walks, look for birds and flowers, collect pine-cones and other foliage debris. It’s fun. Sometimes she holds my hand, and spots things before I do. Other times, shes running around and I just watch her. I enjoy being around her, and I snap photos of her, hopefully while she’s not noticing.
The ponds are full of nutrients right now, lots of pollen and algal blooms. And all sorts of contemplative reflections, including my little Ilana’s. 
There is new life everywhere. It seems it’s all just beginning – close to tree branches, and close to the soil.
It is not obvious, who our children will grow to become. Relationships can easily be taken for granted. I am amazed by my young daughter, who is thoughtful, curious, contemplative, appreciative, and strong. She keeps my eyes wide open, and I love to hang back and watch her just be.
IOA photohouse 