A photographer once told me that sometimes, the very best photos are the ones right in front of you.

I’m learning that this is true; we are so familiar with many things that we can’t see their beauty; they are too close.

This morning, I brought one of my favorite Zinnia’s into the house and put her in a small vase. She is dying, but I thought she might hang on in a small vase for a while.

Maria said it was a good thing to honor her. I’m finding it difficult to say.

I also have a lot of flowers that are just beginning to bloom; as always, the spiritual question is whether I focus on what I have rather than what I am losing or lost. I’ve learned not to mourn dogs who die too much; I’d rather have new ones to love.

That’s one of the best things about dogs. As hard as it sounds, they can be replaced.

If I go ahead with my idea of scheduled paid advice, how to deal with grieving over pets would be high on the list. How odd I am going through this process with flowers.

They make for lovely photos, alive or dying or dead. We all suffer pain, but suffering is a choice.

Like dogs, there will be more flowers, and I won’t spend too much time mourning the dying ones this autumn.

I like the idea of honoring them, though, just as I do with dogs.

I’m lucky to have these things in my life.