"Endurance is nobler than strength and patience than beauty." -- John Ruskin
Having lasted through the winter atop this rugged peak of the Grayson Highlands, this blueberry bush will grow fruit again come summer. Photo taken near Mt. Rogers in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia in May of 2007.
In fact, this image comes from the same adventure-laden day filled with rascally wild horses and eccentric married couples with dogs as described in an earlier blog entry.
Yet there's a different mood here. Of climbing. Of overcoming. Of getting near the top and still not quite seeing hoped-for results just yet, and of wondering. What exactly would the blueberry bush look like all decked out in its finery of leaf and fruit? What would the taste of these wild berries be? Would it be possible to take some back down to the more comfortable life of home, to make jam and pie? Has the climb been worth it, for a glimpse of bare branches? Do they in fact hold a beauty and message of their own?
And would there be any wild horses on the return trip hoping for a handout?
Does your life sometimes feel like this?
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8 comments:
What an insightful post! Yes, doctoral school has been more than a challenge and it has most definitely tried my patience at times. I've taken way too many hours this semester in an effort to finish before I am truly old and gray, can hardly wait for May 5 to arrive so I can relax!
Jane
Great image and thoughts. I think at that point I would be thinking "I wonder if that blueberry bush will take my weight, if I have to grab hold of it to get up the last few feet of this humongous mountain!"
I like your shot and the thought as well..Nature has its own beauty - whether it may be a bare branch or tree full of shade..Its worth going anywhere..I am crazy to explore new places and share with others..:)
Girl - that's a nice post. Thought provoking. Love your blog!
Interesting thoughts.
Life is one big climb, I think. The challenge and uncertainty is always there, but maybe that's what keeps us going. I'd definitely be hoping to see the blueberry bush with leaves and berries one day, and maybe the wild horses, too.
Jane: Well, you're in the home stretch now, the goal is in sight ... As my cross country coach would say, "Kick it in over the finish line! Finish big!"
Mary: * lol * Now that's a clever way to look at things, funny too!
Bhavesh Chhatbar: I admire your sense of appreciation. The world is full of natural wonders, and those who climb the top of the mountain to be treated to the ruggedness of bare branches can see the splendor of these bare branches that also climb skywards.
Montanagirl: Thank you for your kind words. Glad we're blog friends, your wildlife photos always keep me coming back for more!
Janie: Seeing where you are, striving for what you hope for. Onwards and upwards!
Great post--even if it did include a quote! Thanks for stopping by.
Endurance and patience...oh I so agree with this quote. Wonderful post and beautiful photo.
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