“Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don’t be afraid.” -Frederick Buechner

My lovely neighbor posted this on her Facebook page last night in reaction to the sudden turn her family’s journey has taken. And so, while she went in search of the beautiful this morning, and found it in a few surprising places, I did the same. Of course, the terrible also presented itself.

This one is for you, Binaca–and your amazing ability to always put a positive spin on life.

While muted colors reflected in the calm water,

a yellow warbler foraged on a nearby willow.

I trust he found plenty to eat because food seemed plentiful everywhere I turned, from teeny tiny to . . .

super-sized!

(I hope this is a predator species of stink bug and not a plant eater.)

Hairy coverings didn’t necessarily mean the aliens wouldn’t invade.

And despite not always seeing the muncher, I was amazed by the patterns created, including this rooster’s comb.

And then there were diminishing holes to admire and wonder about–reminiscent of skipping stones jumping across the water’s surface.

Some visitors were most welcome.

And because of them, I could see the future blowing in the breeze,

and pouring forth with seeds of hope.

New opportunities graced the tips of twigs.

And the beautiful was visible in buds and blossoms.

Stop your searching, Binaca, for you are the beautiful.