I have never been able to just simply 'see' the world around me in its natural state, like a tree or flower. Although I can appreciate and honor it for what it is, my mind often dwells in the layers, the seasons, and the memories it evokes. Yesterday, during my much-needed morning hike, I fell in love with how bright and green the algae was on top of the water, contrasting against the blue water and the darkness of the tree line. I feel a bit dorky and poetic when I write things like this, but it's true. And where did my mind go? To the artist Mark Rothko, known for his color field paintings, but also for the pain and suffering behind them. He once said that if you only see the colors, you're missing the point. Maybe that's why he has always been a favorite of mine.