In This, I've Seen A Thousand Seasons

On this Election Day, I am so happy to see this beautiful piece on my (very sad) wall.

This small body of water, located across the way from my home in the woods, and painted by Danielle Madore, holds a thousand memories. My boys stomping through it, skating across it, my dogs rolling in it, taking deep gulps from it. I've taken a hundred photos of it. Cracked the back of my head on its frozen surface. Escorted my blind dog around it. I've even fished a partial deer leg from the deep end. It catches and holds the 4 seasons on its surface and the micro-seasons in between that you might only notice when you stop at its edges and startle at your reflection.

I've seen it dry up and the earth crack beneath it. But it always comes back.

So whatever happens today, I'll still have this vibrant painting to center the spinning. I'll still have stomping boys, thirsty dogs, a hundred more photos and reflections to stop me in my tracks. And maybe someday a more worthy wall. Until then, just breathe it in.