"He stopped by the windmill to look up at the frosty winter stars and draw a long breath before he went inside. That kitchen with the shining windows was dear to him; but the sleeping fields and bright stars and the noble darkness were dearer still. "
-from "Neighbour Rosicky" by Willa Cather

pictures i took of the arboretum recently

this has always been a place of peace and rest for me these few years, especially during spring /summer. there are moments when i find it rather magical and inspiring too. at times, when i feel troubled, merely sitting next to the river and praying silently in my heart give me the peace and certainty that somehow, there will be an answer.

the weather was beautiful today.

a few of us went to earthen jar for some indian vegetarian food. after that, i cycled to the arboretum to take some pictures. i haven't taken any photos since my photography class ended last month. it was nice to be able to discover some new, interesting areas in the arb. when i first came to ann arbor few years back, i remembered always going to the arb whenever i felt down or depressed. it had definitely offered some kind of solace and comfort during certain dark moments.
therefore, i have always felt a kind of emotional connection to that place.

when i came back home, it was 4 pm. i couldn't get down to doing any work because i was distracted by the good weather. and so, i looked for a friend and we played tennis non-stop for 2 hours.

i was in the "garden" a couple of times and feeling that connection. I sometimes imagine that empty space before that garden came into existence. Many times i am allowed into this garden, but most of the time, i have to be taken out of it. I long to walk in it forever and i wonder when is the next time i could enter this secret place again. but honestly, life outside the garden ain't that bad. besides, i am rather used to the joy and pain of being taken into this place, and out of it again.

it's just that, i wish that the blissfulness derived from being inside the garden would last much longer.