Recognizing Beauty

When was the first time you recognized beauty? The definition of beauty is not the topic it is when you became aware of it; in a person, art, nature, math, whatever. When were you first hit with the, "Wow, that is really something." feeling. The deep stirring of appreciation of something bigger than yourself. When did that first happen? I can remember sunsets in So.CA as a child. I remember the intricacies and patterns of my mom's cactus garden. But the first time I can recall thinking of beauty; of contrast and boldness, of simplicity and visual impact, the deep wow that seared the image in my mind was in Connecticut as a child, a young child. We lived on Beebee (sp) St in Naugatuck right next to my Grandma's house and in between the two houses was a large lawn, it seemed to go on forever. In the back center of the lawn was a tall tree. I don't remember it ever having leaves but I do recall the emotions stirring inside as I stood at its base and peered up at its naked branches silhouetted against a cloudy sky. The image will forever be in my mind, the dark scraggly branches fanning out against the white winter clouds. Simple and beautiful. I think I was four. My boys are starting to appreciate beauty in nature especially sunrises and sunsets. They will point them out without prompting now-a-days. It is great to be a part of the "I think it is beautiful, what do you think" game with them as they discover beauty. Tony