
Costa Rica aerial image from 2012 – View of Playas San Miguel, Bejuco, Corazalito and Islita.
“TO go into solitude, a man needs to retire as much from his chamber as from society. I am not solitary whilst I read and write, though nobody is with me. But if a man would be alone, let him look at the stars. The rays that come from those heavenly worlds, will separate between him and what he touches.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson – from Nature
Today a friend shared news of a New-Year’s Day airline commuter crash in Costa Rica. The Corazalito airstrip was near where I once lived, and there are many great memories of that unique little welcome center, complete with thatched-roof ‘reception shack’ with original art on its facade. I’ve experienced those turbulent winds that often announce the change of the seasons, winds that grasp a pilot’s attention as well as the passengers’ attentions. Although I did not know any of the 12 people who died this past week, the news makes me reflect on the shattered lives of the families and loved ones – while reminding us that we only have this moment.
That news put me in a deeper reflective mood than normal, one that prompted this poor attempt to explain what’s been percolating in my psyche over the past few months.
(You have the right to excuse yourself from this reading room; those who choose to hang with me, I hope that the following makes sense…)
..

Morning after the first rains….
Have you ever awakened with a vivid dream still swirling in your mind, yet when you try to recall the details, they slip just out of reach? There are mornings when I remember dreams of people and places I’ve never known, but they seem so very real. Then there are times when I can’t quite recall those details; I go into a deep silence in an attempt to reclaim those fleeting glimpses of the dream world – before merging with the outside world on a new day.

Christmas Day Monarch on Tropical Milkweed. (Asclepias curassavica)
That same concept is now occupying a lot of my wakeful state, yet this time it’s knowing there’s something incubating in my psyche – maybe it’s a new direction for art or for writing – I’m sure it has to do with nature and our planet and our own roles and duties. Maybe it’s searching for the right combination of words or actions that might help stop the desecration of the planet – or maybe it’s a way to be a stronger and more visible activist for what I believe in. I feel like a long-distance runner poised at the starting line. With an out-of-focused gaze toward the future yet with attention to the present, I’m attentive to that not-yet-heard signal that will propel me out of the starting blocks….
The timing of one particular trip while moving was one of the triggers. For fifteen or more minutes of part of the drive, the smoke from random fires of cleared ‘dry forest’ and agriculture land was so thick that I feared that my cough would return. With each kilometer I did not get angry – but it made me sad and slightly hopeless – and I felt a great desire to stop and say to our planet, ‘I am so sorry they are doing this to you.’
Every so often were carcasses of felled trees, cut and roughly stacked by the edge of the road. It was a new icon in the landscape of a countryside I adore, and I pondered, ‘Why is it stacked there?’ About twenty minutes later, as the rural farming areas merged with a little city, I soberly reached clarity: Brick-making ‘factories’ – very rural and primitive methods, which now – after the earthquake – are now in very high demand. The next trip through the area I counted – fourteen in about a half-mile stretch, all burning chunks of what was once the landscape so that my fellow man can rebuild. How can one deny others the right to building materials? Where are the answers? I try not to put those questions in my mind, but hold it all in that neutral embryonic chamber and hope that they incubate into solutions.

Another area, several hours from the community of ‘brick makers.’
Others are altering the landscape to make room for more agriculture, pastures for cattle, or plantations for teak or balsa. Some burn as the easiest solution for cleaning away the past harvest’s debris. Watching the changes, which seem to be accelerating, puts a kink in my gut, and I ponder, ‘Where are the answers/the solutions?’
These are the only times in my life when I have wished to have more money – lots more money – when the oh-so-delicate balance of natural forest is desecrated. I’d try to reclaim those scalped hillsides and replant them with wildlife-nurturing species. I’d buy other tracts to protect them from being destroyed; I’d welcome volunteers who wanted to help restore the balance. I’d bring in gifted teachers, naturalists, whose love for the land is infectious and share that knowledge with the communities. There are many people and organizations doing this, but we need more – lots more – to offset the damage.

“Aren’t I worthy of this fine perch?” (White-necked Puffbird)

“What about us? We’re pretty special as well!” – Groove-billed Anis – photo included to give Julie a grand smile!
A painter told me that nobody could draw a tree without in some sort becoming a tree; or draw a child by studying the outlines of its form merely… but by watching for a time his motions and plays, the painter enters into his nature and can then draw him at every attitude. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
So with a deep concern for our planet, for the rapidly-vanishing species – some in my own back yard, I spend a lot of time as if on a sick-bed vigil for a loved one. I often take my pencil and paper with me, as well as a simple little sharpener, yet the live performances in front of me always capture my interest, and the paper remains untouched. I am sure, however, that these deep interactions with nature are going to produce some powerful work – perhaps from the field or perhaps from studio conditions. Time will tell!

The Guardian Ceibo – Acrylic detail
At other times I reach for my favorite books by Thoreau, Emerson, Wade Davis, Alexander Skutch – even technical information about the resident bird species – or I read sections of Journals by Audubon, Muir or other naturalists. I find myself in alignment as well as inspired and encouraged. After savoring their nuggets of wisdom, I allow my mind to go as silent as possible to allow this inner growth to resume.
The illustration below is the result of a previous period of incubation, inspired by Muir’s quote at the bottom.

(The Muir Tree – Acrylic) “Any fool can destroy trees. They cannot run away; and if they could, they would still be destroyed – chased and hunted down as long as fun or a dollar could be got out of their bark hides, branching horns, or magnificent bole backbones.” John Muir
I ponder writing something – anything – and then pull in my reins – ‘No. don’t get distracted with other things.’

Not far from the house, a Gray-backed Hawk always sees me before I see him/her. I round the curve with expectations, and am rewarded with its unmistakable squeals!
Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
So I spend time in nature; I note the changes as patches of deforestation alter the landscape; I search for the endangered Slaty Becard – and wow, last week spotted a becard tending her nest! The female Slaty looks very much like the female One-colored as well as the Cinnamon Becard.

The male Slaty Becard has subtle whitish touches along the edges of its wings. The best way for clarification is by voice/song, but the resident Chachalacas often overpower the songs of the others!
I laugh at the raucous Chachlacas when they sometimes chant for hours, and I also laugh at the kingfisher when it makes its aerial victory laps to announce that it captured a prize morsel.

Rufous-headed Chachalaca
And I incubate as more observations are branded in my soul until they arrange and align and prompt a birth of whatever it is that’s trying to find its voice.

Chrysalis
Is this how a caterpillar feels just before its metamorphosis, or how a migratory species suddenly knows that it’s time to move – not one day longer?
Stay tuned, as am I.
Z
(If you made it all the way to the end, thank you! And in case you’re wondering, yes, I’ve also been working on art!)

Part of an illustration for an ‘Adaptation’ project
WordPress Challenge – Growth.
Thank you for sharing these heart felt, cloistered feelings, hugs amiga, Mary
Thank you as well, my dear Mary! You’ve probably noticed a few changes in the landscape as well… Another way to approach the problem is to mentor the young ones – you and John definitely do more than most! Thanks for all that you do for so many people, including me!
A wonderful, thoughtful post Lisa – and some wonderful bird photography. I share your concern about our world and am impressed by your willingness to dive into doing something to help. Will watch for your thoughtful progress
Thank you, Tina; it goes down to ‘the power of one’ – we feel helpless against such huge problems, yet doing nothing doesn’t feel right either…You definitely illustrate your love and compassion for the natural world. Thanks!
Thanks for being so very special, with your very special pictures of God’s creation.
And thank you for your continued support!
Always!!!
Every year it makes me sad all the burned landscape. It is declared protected forest since 1972 by the Ecuatorian Government….. but nothing happens…..
Thank you so much for adding your feedback; yes, you’ve definitely witnessed the changes more than most… I thought of you often as I wrote this post.
This breaks my heart…and I understand your mixed feelings, too. Sometimes that kind of destruction is simply for the profit; other times necessity. It doesn’t make it any easier to bear. I’m sure this time of letting for feelings come to maturity will be beneficial in the end. Hugs to you, Lisa!
Thank you, Cindy, and yes, we’re in each other’s corner – supporting our times of incubation and reflections… and thru those times, we emerge stronger! I look forward to seeing how 2018 inspires and directs our paintings!
Magnificent photos Lisa. Happy New Year. These made me smile.
Thank you! Our world needs lots of smiles, and I’m glad that you’re spreading your own positive spirit wherever you go!
Thanks for the anis! I miss them so!
I understand perfectly. I would love to be extremely wealthy. I would donate to wildlife organizations and buy and restore vast tracts of rainforest. A suggestion, not so lavish perhaps but important nonetheless, maybe volunteer for Alejandro; that would be fun and rewarding.
Those anis seemed to pose as if they knew they’d form a nice portrait to share with you!
Someone told me today that Ale has returned to his studies – in New York – to get his master’s degree.
You’ve really given us some food for thought here at the start of the new year, Lisa. May it be a blessed one for you, and when you look back on it 360 days from now, may you have found the answers and direction you are looking for!
Thank you, my dear friends and supporters for so many years! And you keep sharing those lovely stories and images from your beautiful animal kingdom!!! Happy New Year – there’s no telling what will transpire between now and the next one!
I am new to your blog. You write beautifully and your illustration really captured my gaze. I had to go back for a second look. Like you I am an artist and am concerned about what is happening to the Earth. Like you I am searching for the way forward. Also like you I would love reforest a bit of Earth (I’m in Australia) but don’t have the funds.
I do have my talents though and can write, take photos and sometimes turn out a successful painting. I particularly like your Emerson quote about the artist painting a tree. I was painting trees yesterday and really felt like I had to become more like the tree to paint them properly.
Dear dear Suzanne! Thank you so much for your heart-felt comment. You definitely understand what it’s like, and yes Emerson’s quote captures what it’s like – we do become the tree or whatever it is that captures our focus. Sometimes it can be a bit spooky, as if we merge with that object…
It’s nice to know that you’re anchoring down your GPS point on the planet,as are many like-minded people. Together we can hope that our invisible cords intertwine and help mend the damage to our planet. All things positive have to help!
Thanks again!
Lisa
I like the idea that I’m anchoring a GPS point. I have a made a little Medicine Wheel in my backyard that I spend time in every day. Right now it’s summer so I’m going out there barefoot every morning and greeting the day. I think I will bring the idea of anchoring in tomorrow morning. Thanks for the inspiration.
A direct connection with Mother Earth is so important, and yes, visualizing anchoring and connecting with other ‘strong positive energies’ has to make a positive effect – not only for the earth but also for you! Thanks Suzanne, and it’s great to know you better!
Wow! It’s like traveling… and thinking… through your writing and photos…
What an original comment! Thank you so much, and thanks for lending your ear to my inward reflections. Sometimes it is nice to have a sounding board to help us see through a different perspective….
It’s a bewildering world we live in, Lisa. Too many issues for one small person. I love your concern and mindfulness. 🙂 🙂
Good morning from Ecuador – I’m admiring that opening fireworks shot of yours and look forward to seeing what’s waiting in your Festive post.
Yes, it is a bewildering world, and thankfully we have many good people who spread their own doses of sunshine… you are one of those people. Thanks for all that you do!
That’s such a lovely thing for you to say, Lisa. I’m beaming from ear to ear. 🙂 🙂 Thank you!
A very thought provoking post dear Lisa. Our beautiful planet needs all the help we can give. I cannot see an end to the destruction that is being created all around us. But each of us in a small way can try to do what we can. I always love to see your photos of your world and the beautiful birds.. may the year ahead be a peaceful one for you
Hola dear Amiga
You and Jack definitely do your share of ‘first aid’ – and your kind and beautiful spirits have brought comfort to many. You are both so talented and share my love for the beauty of nature. It would be wonderful to bask in your presence in person, though cyberspace does a pretty good job of connecting us! Thank you!
That is a lovely comment Lisa I too would love to visit you in your part of paradise, but thank you for sharing it in cyberspace
wow that was nicely laid out with information and pictures that kept you involved. humans can be so destructive
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and for the feedback. ‘We’ sometimes forget that the other species have a right to live in their environment…..
No words, Lisa….but many, many heavy feelings.
Thank you, and I understand totally.. that’s how I felt when I wanted to stop the truck, get out and just touch the ground to say, ‘I’m so sorry.’
But there are also many wonderful people doing good things/ exceptional things… thank goodness for the good people of the world!
Yes…I see what you mean and what you feel. I have done that – stopped the car to say how much I hate what people are doing..
I send some money every year to organizations for reforesting – but I would have liked to do things more hands-on. My daughter volunteered in New Zealand, but they would not take in older people. If I were young today I would have worked hard for it. I so admire you, Liza, who get to do good things right in the middle of where it is needed. I try to do my bit – and when I was still teaching I never forgot to trigger my students’ engagements in nature.
I can visualize you doing that – stopping the car b/c of your kindness and sensitivities. Every little bit helps, though at times we feel it’s not enough. Thanks so much for all that you do, and thanks to your daughter as well!
My daughter’s goal is to go back to NZ for more nature work. Being a dentist she has another reason as well. ..the state of mouth/teeth health down there she says is appalling.
i wonder if sugar is a big part of their diet/eating habits.. in latin america, it’s very normal for the children to be given lots and lots and lots of sweets…. and sweetened juices – but many seem to have good genetics or something special in their diets that keeps their teeth quite white and lovely….
I have noticed that – must be the diet. Or less tooth brushing…
or even minerals in the water…. your daughter might have a good hypothesis.
These photographs are incredible Lisa and reflect nature so that we may appreciate it perhaps as you see it yourself, if that is possible. thank you for sharing them
Understanding the limits of human mortality is not an easy matter especially when it comes close to our heart. We are usually left in despair, lost, and lonely. If you can share the matter with others than it is good to do so. If not, than meditation helps.
Thank you for sharing your deepest feelings in this post. I, too, worry about what is happening to Mother Earth. I live in Southwest Florida in the winter and over the past few years I see the devastating toll that rampant construction and other activity takes on the beautiful wild landscape and its inhabitants. It breaks my heart and creates so many problems. There are people down here who have come together to buy up tracts of land for preservation. I just read about private citizens in Boca Grande doing this very thing. It gives me hope that more will get on board. Whether we contribute $5 million or just $5, giving according to our means can save more precious natural areas. Even though I can’t afford to give much myself I hope to find projects like this to support.
It’s wonderful when people combine their time and energies to help others – whether it’s human or the natural world. It’s heartwarming, and they are setting examples for others.
It’s always a bit troubling to know who to trust – which organization actually takes those donations and puts them to the best -or intended use. Someone told me this week of an organization out of Colorado, and I’ll be writing about them soon.
Thank you, Marcia, for your support and feedback!
This is just a test. My comments aren’t showing up on many blogs, and I’m trying to compile a list of places they aren’t appearing, for the WordPress elves… Back later.
your suspicions were correct; how dare ‘they’ place you in a cell with those pervert bloggers who leave such idiotic spam messages? yours was the only ‘real’ one there.. in ‘pending’ i found lots of surprises – one of my own blog problems they never worked out – i get no email notifications about comments in moderation for approval….
when you receive this let me know and i’ll put this thread either as pending or will trash them, whichever is best for you!
Got it! Why don’t you leave it as is, in spam, so I have somewhere to send WP to look at what’s happening. I ought to hear from them w/in a day. Then I can go ahead and send my “real comment.” Your post’s lovely, by the way.
i’ll put it back in spam, but would that ‘mark’ you as ‘reported’ spam by another blogger? or just tell them that i took it out of spam to reply/get you out of the spammer’s list, but put it back so they can inspect it….
Oh, that’s right. Mark it as “not spam” and see what happens. It should either post or go into moderation. Putting it back in spam would cause more problems. Thanks!
Oh– I just came to the page. Why don’t you just leave this as is, and then once they’ve looked, you can delete this thread. Gracias!
WP just helped me with a ‘Featured Image’ problem, and it was a painless and prompt remedy!
Ralph Waldo would agree 100% with you. I know I do.
Thank you, Don! Wouldn’t it be nice to bask in the presence and wisdom of RWE?!!!! I wonder what he’d be saying and writing if he popped in to check on the world’s progress….
I think he would cry at the terrible greed and stupidity that threatens to destroy our planet.
It’s very difficult to know what to do, and whatever one does never seems to be enough. But I would say that with your blog and your paintings, and your lifestyle, you create a great awareness about how much we need to care for our environment.
I am sure that you have a positive impact on your friends and neighbors – even when not-so-nice people leave nasty calling cards at the neighborhood mailboxes…
for some reason i’ll always remember that post – perhaps because people can be so insensitive? https://silkannthreades.wordpress.com/2014/01/19/life-is-full-of-surprises/
That was a very strange occurrence. Thankfully there’s been no more incidents like that.
Maybe those delinquents grew up and became responsible — and perhaps remorseful!
Possibly. 🙂 🙂
We walk an inner journey that will show itself in the work that we do. We belong to this earth, it is where we will rest. I believe in the “power of one” to change the world. Every act of kindness, of joy, of hope brings healing. Sending hugs.
The power of ‘your’ one definitely makes a positive difference.. Thank you, for all that you do!
Hugs back – and stay warm and well!
Lisa, great pics, especially the spider web. I am worried about the Monarchs. There is a noticeable decline in spotting them on their return to Mexico. Take care, Keith
I’m glad you enjoyed seeing that spider’s web. Sometimes we take photos and are later surprised to see how well they turned out.. that was one of them.
I see the monarchs throughout the year – or so I thought – I’m going to have to start noting if they appear just during certain times int he year!
I hope that the weather wasn’t too bad there.. Haven’t heard any reports from your neck of the woods… (where in the world did that saying come from- ‘neck of the woods’ – ?!!!)
Lisa, we had a week of very cold, but no precipitation. Neck of the woods must have come from settlers. I can imagine Daniel Boone or someone coining it. Keith
Glad all’s ok there… in Mississippi, February was always the month that brought the most ice storms… always great to see those spring flowers!
Reblogged this on Karen's Stone Soup… and commented:
This issue of Zebra Designs & Destination ‘s inspired me, and got me thinking. It’s a good post, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Karen at Stone Soup
Thanks again for sharing the post, and for your empathy for what’s wrong with our ailing planet.
I can relate so well to your writing Lisa. I too mourn for this planet, for what we are doing to this place we call home, sometimes out of ignorance, or the desperate need to take care of our families, but other times total lack of concern for what our actions mean for the future of our children and grandchildren. I have to believe that each of us has a role to play and we must find our place in this journey. Thank you for your introspective post.
You both do a LOT for our ailing planet, and you inspire so many others via your posts. Thank YOU for all that you do and taking the time to share with us on WP!
Thanks so much Lisa. We all must remember that this is the other home we have and we must keep it safe for future generations.
Beautiful and deeply reflective Lisa. I too feel your immense concern for the future of our planet. I too wish I could do more to help. Keep fighting.
Found this in spam… why in the world would they do that to someone as genuine and kind as you?
🙂
Humans have upset the natural balance in the world. The simple fact is that our dear planet is overcrowded today. Not just that, but we are very wasteful too! Too many use too much and too few have too little. Balance is way off. Perhaps someday, somehow it will correct itself, but as it looks now, some are starving while others are overweight.
Thanks, as always for your wise feedback; I especially appreciated, ‘as it looks now, some are starving while others are overweight.’ — the balance is so distorted at time, and that is a good example.
Thank you for the encouragement you give to so many people.. You definitely have a positive impact on others!
Yes, I think that worldwide, there are many concerned people who understand that if something doesn’t happen soon, it appears we’re on a runaway train… It takes courage to step on the tracks or even leap across in an effort to save even the tiniest ant… it’s like waiting for that shoe to drop, and many are discouraged… the best is to be positive and proactive, and yes, find comfort w/others…. or thru meditation – not medications!
These are food for thoughts, Lisa. As you might know, I am big on recycling because I was taught that way and not because it is fashionable. We all need to do our part for the earth.
Thank you for playing your part in respecting our planet… every little bit helps and also inspires others!
Absolutely. Create a great weekend.
It’s hard, isn’t it, to make judgement when people need to rebuild their lives. But at the same time we need to take care of Mother Nature. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, lots of food for thoughts.
You are right, Otto, and the use of building materials presents a very difficult dilemma as our alternatives seem to be few. the ‘desnuding’ of the hillsides also leads to erosion and landslides… it’s a domino effect, and where does it end?
It must feel much harder for you, surrounded by a very different culture and so many people in need, than it feels up here, where there is ample wealth and respect for the environment is a given. Of course there are exceptions, here, I read every day about people who are concerned about the environment and working on some project, etc. Seeing the deforestation but knowing people need to build quickly and have few resources other than the trees nearby, that’s different. But your art does save the day, not just for you, but for others as well. You know that. Take care, Lisa, and I love the pupating butterfly and your description of your in-between state of mind. Transitions are where the energy is!
Your feedback is always treasured, and this time it here with your empathy as well.
Just like that butterfly – one day at a time! Thank you so much!
The questions are endless and enormous. Pondering answers makes me feel hopeless. And sometimes I also dream of hitting the jackpot so that I could fix a few of the many things that are wrong. Alas. I do not play the lottery so that will never happen. Hang in there, my friend.
Yes, it would be good if those with what seems to be unlimited funds, would toss some to those who could put some of it to good use! if that should happen, i’ll get them to help w;your passport and ticket for ecuador! for sure you can pull your own weight in helping to replant or to watch the endangered ones or whatever’s needed for each day!
You’ve got it! I’d love a work holiday in Ecuador. Rolling up my sleeves…,
It sounds like you are definitely in a period of transformation, and reflection, of course, goes along with that. I wonder where this will take you!! What’s interesting is I see how we are destroying so many amazing places with development. I keep having to travel further south along the cost of Riviera Maya to find the less developed areas. Towns that were once small fishing villages now have huge malls in them (which of course make me not want to go, and also don’t ever benefit the little man.) I see my cute, quaint neighborhood in Denver following the other neighborhoods and tearing down sweet, old, single family homes in order to construct 16-unit apartment buildings on their tiny lots. I see this cycle from nature-to-small town-to big city, and I wonder where this will all end? Also in the news, 75% of the board members who sit on the National Parks Service have just resigned… what will that leave us here in the US? I sure hope that doesn’t mean these protected lands will someday no longer be protected. When does it end, and where do we balance progress/greed/innovation/conservation? I’m with you, sister.
Thank you for such a thought-provoking comment, one that puts the spotlight on other areas and the changes…. it’s also good to receive news reports, as my options are few now that i’m not online often. The positive side of not being online is that nature surrounds me, the air is pure, there’s an abundance of good clear spring water, etc… such a contrast to what’s happening round the world.
Beautiful, and sad, but mostly beautiful, because you care. I am utterly in awe of those illustrations. Wow.
thank you so much, and for all of those who are destroying parts of our planet one tree at a time, there are others tenderly tending to her needs.. thanks for all that you do!