THE REEFS OF COZUMEL

In honor of World Oceans Day, we wanted to share with you some photos from our dive in Cozumel’s reefs. Part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest coral reef system in the world, the Cozumel reef system is famous for its spectacular reefs. As one of the world's top dive destinations, Cozumel's reef system encompasses hundreds of dive sites at numerous individual reefs along the extensive Mesoamerican Reef System. The biodiversity of these beautiful reefs are unbelievable!

Our photographers and family: John & Kristen Gionfriddo. ©️2018 John Gionfriddo. All rights reserved.

PATTERNS IN THE SAND

Beautiful dendritic and ripple sand patterns created by the sea. Photographed on Martha's Vineyard.

TREES

Beneath the chameleon colors of this stiff but swaying body lies nature’s greatest gift. Within her breast, life is created, replicated, sheltered, sequestered and accrued. Built on an unwavering foundation of harmony which wraps herself wistfully through the cozy bedding of mother nature’s embrace.

As new light breathes new life into the world, the cold branches of this magnificent creation further extends her arms, warming herself in the glow of season’s change. With the sun’s caress, what’s seemingly dormant is gently coaxed awake, she begins to glow gratefully, silently blooming until buds burst forth bringing a new external vibrance to this wise but wintered wonder.

She stretches out towards her neighbors, and begins to sway along with nature’s rhythm, dancing with the celebratory winds.

And with this celebration comes other tales too. The breeze carries whispers from the wisest trees, singing a familiar but far away tune. Of the future, and the past, all the same. A circular story of reflection, growth, celebration and renewal, buried in the roots of all living things.

By Holly Rose

Holly Rose is a member of the Ethical Writers Coalition, a group of journalists, writers, and bloggers who seek to support and further ethical and sustainable living. Currently living in Paris, she is the creator of Leotie Lovely, a conscious lifestyle blog. She believes that each one of us needs to understand the circular story behind each and every object we purchase or use, and has dedicated herself to recounting that narrative.

NYBG WATER LILY POOLS

Outside The New York Botanical Garden's Enid A. Haupt Conservatory are two serene courtyard pools with lotus flowers, koi fish and water lilies, including the dramatic Amazon water lily (Victoria Amazonica).

Discovered in South America in 1830, and named for Queen Victoria, the Victoria Amazonica has huge leaves that can grow up to 8 feet. These seemingly dainty paper-like trays can actually hold the weight of a child. Each plant produces 40-50 leaves with spectacular flowers that last only for about 48 hours. White female flower buds appear in early evening, pollinate, then change overnight to male pink flowers before closing.

Photos taken in August and September. nybg.org

Above: Victoria Amazonica

NATURE'S WEAVERS

This elaborate weaving is from a hornet's nest and our inspiration for a future blanket and throw. Hornets, wasps and yellow jackets construct these beautiful paper homes by grinding down plant and wood fiber into pulp.