"You have the smallest pupils of anyone I know," said my eye doctor yesterday. I told him that he says that every year. "Do I?" and without breaking stride, he added, "It's probably beneficial, sometimes." Really? Yes, it might make for a sharper, more distinct image in your eye. I found that surprising since I have worn eyeglasses since I was in the fifth grade. Focus is important to me. I have embarrassed family and friends at several theaters when the movie projector is out-of-focus and I just cannot ignore it. You'd think the audience would thank me. It's just so obvious to me. 

Some might call it a personality quirk. Nah, it's a gift from God. (I'm kidding)

The photo is from a roadside in Acadia National Park in Maine.

We have several azaleas still blooming. Yes, it's the variety that blooms so often and yes, we live in the South. But I thought it was the picture of courage as we will likely have a killing freeze Friday. But no worry, no concerns. Its nature is to bloom. Authentic, honest, true. No fear in what may come. Might be a good lesson for some of us, me especially.

Today is Reign of Christ Sunday. I've been wondering when Christ's reign will be made real. It's not about Jesus being in charge or that everyone professes to be a Christian. No, it occurs when people practice what Jesus taught: compassion toward others, welcoming the stranger, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, making love real.

I found awe in several places. As I sat in the waiting room for my PET scan, an older couple sat across from me. She was beginning to crochet something with red yarn. Her husband, I assume, was sitting next to her holding the ball of yarn. Although I doubt that yarn holding takes much skill, it was obvious he had done this before. He knew the routine. "How long has this been going on?" I wondered. Long-time love is rather amazing. There were probably hundreds, if not thousands, of times when one or other wondered about continuing. But they did. Apologize. Kiss and make up. You get another chance.

And while I was lying on the "sled" that goes in and out of the machine, and the nurse had started the contrast dye in my IV, she said' "You'll feel a little warm." I knew that. How many times have I done this? But this time I was absolutely amazed to realize how quickly my heart had pumped that dye from my arm to my buttocks. I told the tech I am awed by the human body's functions. 

And I share this photo I shot in downtown St. Louis several summers ago. Can kids have any more fun by getting wet on a hot day? And so much fun to watch! Probably why I love to do it too.

A change of pace with and a black and white image. Another moment of awe in my backyard with the Sango Maple tree and a ray of late afternoon sunshine. I'm filled with awe.

Yesterday, I referenced a study about the effect of awe as one walks, observing nature, good deeds, the interactions of others, listening to music, etc. Essentially, being ready to encounter or experience awe, which is different from fear or joy, changes your brain. One conclusion about the participants in the study was that as they looked for awe, they found more and more. Our patterns and expectations change. I have needed awe these past two weeks and anticipate I will need to bathe in it during all the coming days.

And the notion of taking a daily walk to put oneself in a place where awe can be experienced was fascinating to me. I can't leave my yard without awe.

Yesterday, I noticed the sun shining through this leaf of one of our dogwood trees. Different from just a week ago. 

I learned about "Awe" Walks this week. Scientists encouraged a group of people, 75 and over, to take weekly walks and notice wonder around them. The wonder could be nature, children, art, music, good deeds. The result is "the disappearance of self". Dacher Keltner, the author of "Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life" noted when experiencing awe, the "one region of the brain is deactivated--the default mode network. That is where all the self-representational take place: I'm thinking about myself, my time, my goals, my strivings, my checklist. That quiets down during awe." Researchers also found a decline in pain and distress in the walkers. More awe needed.

I noticed this yesterday along my fence, honeysuckle blooming. I am awed by these blooms, although this is out of season. Climate warming?  

There are some things nice about living in Tennessee. We have met wonderful people. Lots of BBQ but not enough catfish for Judy. We watched Maddy grow from kindergarten through high school. And then there are sunsets.