Life can be overwhelming at times – aging parents, sick children, losing a treasured pet. Even joy can flood the heart, so much beauty, so much love, so complex. That's where our friends come in. They walk with us even when we are apart and help us to make sense of our mortal…

  Does a pelican in the water ever doubt that he can raise his sails and take to the air? In three powerful strokes, this huge bird is airborne and glides away.    

  When I lived in Provincetown at the tip of Cape Cod, and was ready to launch my little daysailer for the very first time, (not pictured here) I went to the Harbor Master thinking that I might have to pay a ramp fee. I asked him if I needed anything to launch and he answered,…

    A great blue heron can often be seen fishing on this beach. There is a marsh just over the dune in front of her that would seem to provide an easy feast for a heron, but there she is, hunting in the ocean, getting bumped around by the waves on her spindly legs.…

    "Hey, you forgot to put the seed out. I can see you in there. You forgot to put the seed out. Can I come in? I bet I could find it and save you the trouble of carrying it outside. I can see you – is that a cat in there? Is that…

    Back and forth he goes with endless energy! This boy is so stoked with his skimboard and the newly formed tidal pool, that he doesn't notice the drama unfolding over the ocean right beside him – the outer edges of Hurricane Irene, illuminated by the setting sun.   I think to show him,…

  Delicate clinging vines – this is a time when clinging is good. Good for the vine and the wall benefits too, aesthetically. Is clinging ever good for us? We humans? Holding on to that good or bad feeling – joy or anger? Being in the moment is preferred, but if you have to cling,…

For the next two weeks or so, Laine's Blog, Thinking Out Loud will be re-posting some of Laine's favorite posts from the begining of the blog. I hope that you enjoy them!   xo Laine

To my e-mail subscribers – Sorry for the Glitch this morning. I am not sure why multiple posts were sent…Love you guys!!! Laine

  Hibiscus, the state flower of Hawaii was once commonly called good night at noon because it blossoms for only a short time! I like that, "good night at noon!"   Some days are like that.     From the book Garden Flower Folklore by Laura C. Martin