I never used to believe writing teachers who said things about the importance of observation--it seemed too, well, obvious. Look at things. Right? But now, I Get It. Certainly a big part of this is attributable to the book this bookclub is about, but the writing angle of it was brought into focus to me through an audio experience. I have been listening to author Rick Bragg read his book My Southern Journey and as I headed back to my car after the walk I'm about to show you and started anticipating re-starting the audio book, it jolted it my head that one of the reasons I like his writing so much is that he is telling me what he sees--I can imagine the cars, the people, the food, the places he describes. Observation. Description. Ah, the rare and satisfying feeling of ideas clicking together in my head and Making Sense for a change instead of thoughts just bouncing around my head.
So today I treated myself to a walk in Palo Alto's Gamble Garden. I was eager to see what was blooming but by the end of my walk I was more enraptured with green leaves and stems than blossoms. Of course, you must pay attention when a rhododendron greets you so gloriously.
I loitered happily in the rose garden and couldn't believe the number of buds on the rosebushes. And suddenly I thought that I didn't mind the roses were in bud form--to look at the shape of the buds and how they fan out or stand like upsidedown chandeliers was very pleasing.
I used to race through gardens focusing on just the plumage, the blossoms, the bright colors. But today I started paying attention to the shades and shapes of green. Think about the word green--if I say "green" to you, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Is it green grass? Is it a wall painted green? What is your go to green?
Here is some geometric green. What is even happening with these lines and shapes and shadows???
What about green leaves that have a touch of red in them that is reflected in the flower buds?
Is this the most delicious flavor of green if you are a hungry caterpillar?
Why do I find hydrangeas so comforting? Is it because of the immediately recognizable form, or because the flowers always like a sugar confection? Is it the soft green of the leaves that is so flattering to the petals?
I'm going to dig around in my art supply stash and paint/draw a colorwheel of green! I invite you to go find green and show/tell me about it! What are all the words for green you know? How do you say green in another language you know?
I leave you with a final image--it nicely sums up my evolving skill in using observation to see more of the beauty in this world.
