Taking a walk in the Washington Park Arboretum always reminds me of the incredibly intricate traceries, interconnectedness, and infinite creativity of Life. From a seed, a spark of energy, all of this is possible. It always gives me hope for the future. New patterns, new directions emerge all of the time. Toward light, toward nourishment, Life thrives...

All Photos © 2011 Linda Gayle Parker, All Rights Reserved

This is typical of the intricate beauty of a walk in The Arboretum...

A bridge near the entrance to the Azalea Way path. I love the old fashioned street lights and the moss...

Quiet path leading into the deep green...

Blossoms, blossoms, everywhere...

These leaves were so bright in the sunshine. After enduring a long, grey winter, this felt like color-therapy, a total rush...

Tulip Tree with lovely pink blossoms...

Blossom from a Tulip Tree. These are a particular favorite of mine...

A wonderful little meadow off the side of the path and down an embankment...

This reminded me of the lines of a musical score, with blossoms instead of notes...

Closeup of blossoms from the same tree...

I love finding these fertility shapes and symbols in Nature. They are everywhere. Gaia's Vulva.

New green, new blossoming, new traceries, new Life.