Favorite Things

Favorite Things
            Every week, one photo stands out among many I took at some scenic place, inspiring my weekly Insights post. A theme to write about always comes to mind after I let the image sit in my head for a bit. But not this week.
            This week I chose a photo from a recent visit to the Fuchsia Dell in Golden Gate Park.
            For a day and a half, I sat with this image and all I could think of is, Fuchsia are one of my favorite flowers.
            Beyond that, I drew a blank.
            Turns out that the day I’m writing this post is the first anniversary of my beloved father’s death. Maybe my brain was blanking so I don’t dwell on that painful loss.
            Dad was a Renaissance man. He taught me and my brothers about music, science and technology, art, books, and movies. He could fix a car as well as electrical and plumbing problems. He taught us how to skate, ski, swim, paddle a canoe, ride a bike, chop wood, build a fire, and put a spin on a football. He instilled a love of the outdoors in us. His booming laugh was infectious. 
            I found a simple theme for this week: Favorite things.
            Fuchsia are one of my favorite flowers.
            My dad was one of my favorite people.
            I miss him terribly.
            Tell the special people in your life that you love them. Stop to enjoy your favorite flower. Each day is a gift to treasure.
            This week’s Hike Notes from the archives is Fuchsia Dell-Golden Gate Park. The Fuchsia Dell is a quiet area in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park featuring several varieties of fuchsia along tree-shaded paths.
 
This week’s Hike Notes from the Archives:
(Original Hike Notes 134): Fuchsia Dell-Golden Gate Park
 
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