Very nice writing. And of course completely relatable, although I'd argue that modern life and culture tends to encourage that way of thinking. It's not deliberate; just a consequence of favoring the rational over the intuitive. It definitely takes a sustained effort not to stay there.
Thank you, Wes! Apparently even the botanists are not sure why these leaves fold at night. The idea that they fold for protection against cold doesn't seem to apply to mesquite, in particular, which leafs out only when the threat of frost is well past. Seems like a promising subject for more research?!
When I was in Costa Rica long ago, there was a plant, similar to Mimosa, that you could run your finger down the spine and it would close up. The nightly folding could be to minimize transpiration, says my brother the jungle ecologist/canopy scientist.
Absolutely beautiful Amy. You have the ability to verbalise emotions and sadly, current reality in a way is like a release for the rest of us. It's a moment of "Yes, that's what I'm trying to say! That's what I'm feeling!" and it is so healing. I'm so grateful for your gift and sensitivity.
Very nice writing. And of course completely relatable, although I'd argue that modern life and culture tends to encourage that way of thinking. It's not deliberate; just a consequence of favoring the rational over the intuitive. It definitely takes a sustained effort not to stay there.
Thank you, James! Yes, modern life and culture are certainly antithetical to finding a safe resting place for the mind and heart!
Just lovely Amy. I wonder why they fold at night. It must conserve something, but what?
Thank you, Wes! Apparently even the botanists are not sure why these leaves fold at night. The idea that they fold for protection against cold doesn't seem to apply to mesquite, in particular, which leafs out only when the threat of frost is well past. Seems like a promising subject for more research?!
When I was in Costa Rica long ago, there was a plant, similar to Mimosa, that you could run your finger down the spine and it would close up. The nightly folding could be to minimize transpiration, says my brother the jungle ecologist/canopy scientist.
Now that would make more sense! It's true for other desert-dwelling members of the legume family too, so it must be effective for its purpose.
Absolutely beautiful Amy. You have the ability to verbalise emotions and sadly, current reality in a way is like a release for the rest of us. It's a moment of "Yes, that's what I'm trying to say! That's what I'm feeling!" and it is so healing. I'm so grateful for your gift and sensitivity.