MIXED MEDIA

Sunday, January 20, 2013.  How long had this escaped my attention?  29 years?  This tree, and some unknown Parks worker, started this piece many years and the tree has engulfed the stranger that came to be pressed against its mighty and growing trunk.  Now I see this all along my walk and I recognize the shape and I recognize the tree and its unyielding need to grow.  Life will always find a way.

I STAND ALONE

Sunday, December 2, 2012.  A spot of color in a somber background, this leaf hangs on, refusing to drop from its perch, braving wind, rain and passersby.  The edges have burned to a crisp brown, but the red is still rich and ripe with the potential to reflect the sun, if it peeks out.  I like the tenacity of any living thing that goes its own way.

SUMAC COLORS

Saturday, October 27, 2012.  My own fall color tour through Central Park, along the Reservoir.  I could see them in the distance, the brilliant red, the golden yellow, orange, the soft salmon and the green not willing to go quite yet.  It was just a patch, just a spot, that wanted to focus the attention of anyone passing by, only for a second - just long enough to marvel at the perfect melding of hues.  It will now be gone in the rush of the hurricane, but I beheld it just that once.

PEAS IN A POD

Sunday, July 22, 2012.  Shiny green pods hanging on a tree along the path I walk have caught my attention.  It could be the abundance of them.  It could be the construction - each side of the triangular shape segmented and rippled to reflect sunlight.  Little puffs, which then burst to reveal the seeds inside - one mystery after another.

MAW

April 14, 2012.  Of the many trees that were felled in the last storm to blow through Central Park, these without centers are most interesting to me.  The serrated edges surrounding the gaping maw are visually compelling, leaving the impression that they are the jagged teeth of some monster worm.  It waits and tempts you to place your hand into its middle - just empty space - but you cannot bring yourself to do it.