FIREFLIES!

Over the years when leading hikes, I would often get many of the same questions about nature.  Two of the most common came after explaining some aspect of ecology; how this plant needs that bug for pollination or how wetlands are needed to sustain a multitude of species. Suddenly a light bulb would come on about this web-of-life concept and someone would blurt out, "Well then, what good are mosquitoes?" This, usually after too long swiping them from their face. Or someone else would ask, "So, what is the point of poison ivy?"  I actually loved it when these questions would come up, even if some folks thought they were being clever. It gave me the opportunity to continue to expand of the interconnectedness of things...things they could relate to.

So, I would explain the importance of mosquitoes at the low end of the food chain for aquatic life, bats, birds, etc. The poison ivy question was a good stepping off point into the area of how anthropocentric we can be...something can't be good if it is not good for humans. But poison ivy berries are delicacies for some birds (not to be too anthropomorphic about it :), and one of the first foods birds consume in late summer. I would always recommend that if people had poison ivy on their property, and it wasn't in a place where others could get in to it, they should leave it for the birds. Not many takers on that one, though.  

I've also led a few night hikes, mostly full moon hikes or took kids out to hear owls, spark Lifesavers in our mouths in complete darkness and watch fireflies. I don't think I've ever had anyone ask, "What good is a firefly?"  But it is a really good question.

The larvae of fireflies, sometimes called "glow worms," do feed on worms and snails...but adults merely feed on each other...or maybe nothing at all.  Scientists are not quite sure.  And adults, like the Monarch butterfly, have an unpleasant taste they produce if attacked, which comes from drops of blood.  Consequently, they have few predators, and are not really part of the food chain, per se.  

As a someone who dwells in both the worlds of science and faith, I love it when every now and then something is unexplainable, except that it is a gift of sheer beauty and wonder.  If someone were to ask me what fireflies are good for, I would have to say I don't know. I just know that when I see the first ones in summer I am thrilled - transported back to some of the fondest memories of my childhood.  And in the middle of summer, standing on the deck at Prairie Pond Woods, looking out over the prairie, I am dazzled. Someday, an entomologist may discover their ecological purpose, but until then I am content to leave the question unanswered...and just watch. 

I hope you will take a minute or two this long weekend to look for "lightening bugs" in your backyard or at a park. They are fascinating and complex creatures...and becoming harder and harder to find. To learn more click here.

SUMMER RETREAT

ECOntemplation
July 20-21, 2012

Creative and spiritual discoveries in journal writing, collaging, art and
contemplation in the new re-purposed shed, Kavanah, or on the Prayer Path

"What is going on in your innermost being

is worthy of your whole love"
 

-Ranier Maria Rilke    

As many of you know through the Facebook naming contest, we recently re-purposed an old shed on the property of Prairie Pond Woods. The new
name, Kavanah , means "the focus, intent and direction of the heart."  Our
hope is that as you sit in quietness, listening to the birds and
watching the butterflies on milkweed, your heart might be stilled enough
to pay attention to your innermost being and hear the voice of the
Spirit speak to you personally.  Perhaps God might even "re-purpose" your life there.


During this Summer Retreat, there will be plenty of time to experience solitude at Kavanah...or the swing in the Pine Sanctuary...or the Adirondacks in the Woodland Cathedral.  Participants are encouraged to bring a journal
for writing down thoughts, prayers or drawings from prompts that will
be given. We'll spend a few hours doing collage...a great way to have
fun, relax and perhaps discover something new within your soul.  An
easel will also be set up in Kavanah for some fun group artistic expression!

So, gather some of your dearest friends and take a
road trip this summer to southern Ohio.  As it is written in the guest
book over and over..."I never knew how much I needed this until I got here."     

Note
that there are two options for this retreat - a One-day and an Overnight.
Friday evening will be a casual time to unwind with fellowship under the
stars, a creative activity and simple snacks. We may even venture out for a
night hike...

Contact cindy@heartbynature.com for more info or to register
as an individual or group.

One-day - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm -$45.00 pp (5 max)
Overnight- Friday 7pm - Saturday 4/5pm-$75.00 pp (5 max)
Registration limited to 10
Deposit Deadline:July 4th (easy to remember!)

GRAY PETALTAIL DRAGONFLY

As I was approaching a nest box that I knew had chickadee eggs in it, this large dragonfly flew past my face and landed right underneath the box. I had been trying to photograph the juvenile phoebe that had JUST fledged, so fortunately I had my camera with me.  

My first guess after looking at a field guide was a gray petaltail (Tachopteryx thoreyi) but I had some doubts due to the patterning.  After posting it on Facebook, Adams Co. naturalist, John Howard confirmed the best guess.  My confusion about the patterning is due to this being a teneral dragonfly, meaning it had recently emerged from its shell or exuvia.  This is a first species for me at Prairie Pond Woods!

Gray Petaltails are rather uncommon, found in only 18 out of 88 Ohio counties, as their preferred habitats are seeps found in woodlands.  No more than 50 feet from where it landed is a spring source, or seep, at the edge of both the woods and the prairie. Perfect habitat, I'd say.  And there is plenty of mud and leaf litter there for the larvae, which  don't require total submersion in water like most larvae. I just planted some swamp milkweed, iris versicolor, marsh marigold and lobelia down there, so I'll be keeping my eye on the area.  I hope to see this beautiful dragonfly in its mature coloration soon.



 

SORA

The sora made such a fool of itself

Flapping up from the cattails and

Staggering in front of me, like a drunk,

Across the boardwalk.



In an instant, it sliced through tall reeds,

vanishing in the swallow of the marsh,

a wake of bright green confetti

closing up behind it.  



First amused, then caught in the curiosity

like an adolescent boy- wanting just to look -

I yearn, yet feel only the alienation.



In the mystery of this ancient exchange,

to hear the pitch of unfamiliar calls,

smell air’s perfume, touch earth’s moist skin,

we offer our willing senses.



All that ever shouts or whispers back, is fear.



Cindy Steffen 

THOUGHT-FUL-NESS

This past Saturday I received two Mother's Day sentiments...one in a card and one via a Facebook message.  Now, I don't have children, never had children, never will have children, so both of these came as quite a surprise, and I was quite touched by them.  

I don't think what my husband and I have done over the years is that remarkable...reaching out to or taking in a friend's child on a short-term basis isn't really all that difficult...but hanging in there day after day is.  For us it was a privilege to be of help, and always a thrill when the child responded positively to us two old folks.

What I do find remarkable is the thoughtfulness of these two women. As mothers, they could have been in a receiving mindset around May 13 and who could blame them.  But instead they were in a giving mindset and set out to be an encouragement to me (and probably others) on a day reserved to honor them.  What is even more remarkable is that I have never really "mothered" any of their children...so this was not a "thank you" gesture.  This was a "I-have-noticed-something-and-I-would-like-to-acknowledge-it" gesture.  And even more remarkable is neither of them live in my town and one doesn't even live in my state, so I should literally be an out-of-sight, out-of-mindset.

This is humbling to me because of all the wonderful mothers I know not one of them received a card from me, not even the ones I know are struggling right now. But I am also motivated by these two women and their reminder to do what Phillipians 2:4 encourages us to do:

 "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, 

but also to the interests of others"

So, thank you.  If this is how you "pay attention" and "acknowledge others," what wonderful Moms you must be! 

Phase ll - Naming the Re-Purpose Shed!

Friday morning, before the Bird Watching as a Meditation retreat began in the evening, I picked one name from all the submissions that I felt best communicated the purpose (or should I say re-purpose) of the shed as a place for prayer, meditation and hearing the still, small voice of God in our lives. It was a fun process and some of the submissions were very creative, but unfortunately only one could be chosen.

And that GRAND WINNER is....KAVANAH.  Now I know it isn't as clever as some others sent my way, or as silly, like "bovine cow tow now," (?) but it has a meaning that is spot on for Heart by Nature Retreats.  Kavanah is a Hebrew word meaning the focus, intent and direction of the heart. It is most associated with prayer, but can apply to the larger context of life, as well. I not only loved the definition but the sound and spelling of the word, as well.  

When finished, the sign will hang to the left of the door above the chair

So, during the time when some of the women at the retreat decorated bluebird boxes...I painted the sign...or at least the first part of the sign.  There is still some outlining and images to add...but like Kavanah...more embellishing will come with Phase lll!  And I'm still trying to decide if it should be Kavanah Place, Shed, Niche, etc.  To Be Determined later, as they say :)

Three of the Bird Watching as a Meditation participants, Linda,
Carmella and Julie holding the sign

and searching for the elusive
Yellow-breasted Chat!

By the way, the winning name was submitted by Marty Davids from the Chicago, IL area. Thanks, Marty...the book will arrive soon!  And thanks to all of you who took time out to use your brain power and send me ideas!