It's a beautiful world we live in, a sweet romantic place

It’s a beautiful world we live in, a sweet romantic place

I was outside just now working in the garden, chopping and pulling weeds. I can't begrudge them their vigorous use of the rains we've had daily for the last week -- how can the rain be a blessing for my crops, and not for them as well? They will become mulch in their own time, their growth and death adding to the overall vigor of the garden.

It has been an absolutely beautiful New Mexico evening -- warm with light breezes, mosquitos not too bad despite the rain, greenery lush about. The trees surrounding the fields are in full shiny leaf; the fallow crops in the field are approaching shoulder-high. The sky was literally breathtaking; I several times gasped aloud as I paused in my labors to discover new combinations of pinks and reds in the varied clouds, all set against several shades of blue. An amazing painting on a fabulous canvas, changing from moment to moment.

The cat came around to supervise and sniff at the new-turned earth; the dog came about to help and for sunflower seeds. He likes the salt, and often polices up the shells I have spit out, so sometimes I pour a few out into my hand for him to munch directly.

The teenage coyotes over on the bosque suddenly set up an excited yapfest, probably signaling the demise of some unfortunate creature they came upon. I was pleased to see the cat head closer to the house, at the sound. He should respect them; he wouldn't make even a good snack for each of them.

A crow flew over. Two hummingbirds each decided that half the sky was not a big enough realm, and began noisily swordfighting for dominion.

A beautiful night. Life is good.

I don't know who made this existence of which I share a slice -- God, Nature, chance, or a shared illusion of some group mind. But ultimately I don't care; I am simply grateful that it is, that I am part of it and can appreciate it with awe. I strive every day to approach this universe in wonder and humility -- yes, true humbleness, for the universe is so much grander than I that any arrogance is not only inappropriate but actually laughable.

Thank you for being, world. I sing your praises.