It's the Tiny Things - The Magical Oak Tree

An unexpected feast ✨

It was the night of the Pink Moon. The clouds had moved in and turned 90-degree days into a cool 68. Very welcome indeed after our heat wave. But as the day dimmed, I realized clouds were obscuring our view - pinkish clouds.

My daughter suggested we go on a walk around the neighborhood. She has recently discovered my old Canon camera. I used to carry a camera around with me everywhere until the iPhone took over. My parents gifted me a Canon camera for my high school graduation. Then I bought a digital version over a decade later. I suppose the camera never lost its magic because she has been using it daily since.

As we looked around for intriguing subject matter, I noticed my snail tree up ahead. There is a huge oak tree that harbors loads of snails in its bark. They appear to be hibernating there year-round. Did you know snails can lie dormant for up to three years in extreme weather conditions? Did you also know snails leave sparkly trails behind them? 🥰

We expected to snap moody photos of snail shells embedded in bark. We did not expect this. Sometimes, when you stop to look a little closer, you discover some magical scenes.

There were dozens of snails slowly making their way across the grass. They nibbled the tips off tiny greens. Their little necks craned, and their mouths smashed bit by bit. Have you ever watched a snail eat? Mesmerizing. There were tiny baby snails, big fat grandpa snails, and unique little patterns on their shells. It was a snail lover’s dream.

I could hear people walking by, and I could feel them staring at us. But I was too delighted to care. They probably wondered if we had taken magic mushrooms. But no, no - just snail enthusiasts.

As we walked away, I saw a guy come out of his home, walk to the tree, kneel down, and shine his phone light. I watched him sit and study the scene, smiling to myself.

We walked back home, walked up the drive, and there it appeared. A big hole in the clouds, with bursts of light fighting to get through. Our Pink Moon showed up.

I can’t really say if it was the snails or the moonlight, but I felt like a kid at a slumber party. Like when you would stay over and sneak out at night. You were filled with giggles, and you didn’t wear a warm enough coat. But there was no way you were going back inside. Because you didn’t want the night to end. You didn’t want to go back inside and do anything routine. You just wanted to find more of that magic. The kind you catch when you least expect it.

Until Next Time 🌙 ✨
Kim

P.S. I also invite you to leave your Tiny Things below! Spread delight to all of us who love to read them.