There are places so familiar to us that we take them for granted and stop noticing them. This pond view in my neighborhood is like that. I walk past it nearly every day— trying to get my time and steps in, planning the hours ahead, or just humming in my head. It's a busy spot usually filled with other walkers, people pushing strollers and walking dogs, runners and bicyclists. But this one autumn afternoon, I stopped there. I don't remember why, but I'm glad I did. It was quiet, vacant—but it was alive with sunlight turning the branches golden orange and the grass red and gold. The sun lit up the water and made it sparkle. It reminded me that nature is full of messages. This day it reminded me that time changes in so many ways —and I should pay attention and see the joy in the presence.

Available March 7 at the opening of Lost and Found, Dare Gallery, Charleston SC