Beware the Pure Spirit, Let the Flesh Instruct the Mind

Roger and Betsy daydream about attending the Prom

Hybridized cherry blossoms as a commentary on modernity: Beautiful to behold, but sterile and no fragrance 

Baby kale perched up high to prevent Woodchuck from eating his or her fill.

Possibilities and probabilities on my front porch.

My guest presenters this week were from the local Seventh Day Adventist congregation here in Johnson City. Pastor Paull Dixon and his guests shared their perspectives on the connections between spirituality and health.  Adventists are known for their emphasis on plant based diets and exercise in taking care of the "temple of god."  My class learned about this and their distinctive religious beliefs last night in class.

Sitting under my favorite type of tree today near the amphitheater on campus. It's a huge male specimen of Ginkgo, and it has been releasing vast quantities of pollen. I can attest as I had to begin my regimen of Allegra after being out today. I find these trees beautiful and magical. 

Wildflowers in bloom across the way. I don't know the name of this one. Can anyone help me in naming this?

Baby Jesus of the Cowrie Shells. I purchased this years ago. I think the artist may have had a Santeria - ish image in mind (cowrie shells). One of my favorite little art pieces.

The beauty that is the South Central Appalachians on Maunday Thursday 2014 

I'm Popeye the Sailor Man. 

Heavily filtered to accentuate the weathering and flora.

Kitty of the Apple Blossoms 

It's civility week on campus and the theme for this display was to "speak your peace." My favorite square on the Pedestrian Plaza is also a topic near and dear to my sensibilities.

Farmers Market is here today on ETSU's campus. I did succumb to temptation because there is nothing like one of these freshly made donuts. I also found some organic locally grown (Rogersville) Romaine lettuce. Guess what I will be having for dinner?

My guest speaker from last night's class. Here Taneem shows my class the various prostrations for their five daily prayers.

Small blue dot. I noticed this branch when coming back from lunch. It was a reminder of  worlds within worlds that exist all around us. That is, this tree branch is its own world where lichen and moss "live and move and have their being." All the hustle and bustle of ETSU and the administration parking lot going on and yet in the midst, there exist many, many other communities and systems. May all beings be happy, may all beings be well.

A beautiful specimen of the Monkey Puzzle Tree on campus. Checked it  out today - wanted to be sure it had made it through our rough winter.

I've been called worse. Maybe I should take it as a compliment. After all, they are beautiful.

Hello there baby Kale. Grow tall and fast so I can eat you! 

Temptation comes in many guises. This was mine today, homemade donuts being served up warm and dripping with sugar at ETSU's Farmers Market. Sadly, I must confess that I did not give into temptation today.

Part of my world. A favorite spot of mine is building 19

The Judas tree near Burgin Dossett is ready to bloom. Such a lovely tree.