Afternoon Hike

Sadly, I have not gone hiking nearly as much as I like, but this afternoon, I had to put away all excuses and go back into nature to collect my senses. It's something I never regret. The plants, flowers, and medicines bring me back to my spirit. 

Wild mint flower.

Wild mint.

Wild mint. 

Stinging nettle.

There was a patch of teasel that was literally crawling with grasshoppers. It was the strangest thing...

...and a little bit creepy. 

Praying Mantis

Such small things interrupt the monotony of my daily routine.

This morning I went outside and found a tiny praying mantis. I'm surprised I saw it at all as it measured less than one centimeter. I brought him along in the car, just to look at him a while longer. In fact, I have to admit that I found myself quite mesmerized, that is until the little guy went away. I'm curious, has anyone heard any cultural stories about praying mantises?

Ladybugs

2009Feb16-007, originally uploaded by sulustumoses.

2009Feb16-006, originally uploaded by sulustumoses.

2009Feb16-009, originally uploaded by sulustumoses.

In my search for spring, I found a small mound of dirt exposed by the melting snow under a juniper tree. There I saw hundreds of ladybugs tending the firstborn blades of grass. They still had not taken flight, so I watched and thanked them for announcing the change of seasons.