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After 55 years,
he was still bringing
wildflowers to his wife.
He would stop along
the side of the road
on the way home.
Always with a
hand pruner
in the car.
This time,
in late June,
it was Sweet Peas;
an endearing name
she sometimes
used for him.
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She arranged them
in an antique vase
and sweetly said:
"Thank you Sweet Pea!"
© 2026 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. 2. 3. 4. Ada Township - Kent County - Michigan
5. Home - Cannonsburg, Michigan
I have so much space
out here in the quiet country.
Over ten acres of our own woods
to walk, to explore, to learn.
Sometimes during my walks,
I just stop and contemplate
the blessings of this experience.
Each season provides a reason
to get outside and love this place.
I'm learning to listen better.
Not just to our loyal birds,
that I truly love,
but also listening to the quiet.
A privileged pleasure
that I always treasure.
I promise to take care of this space
and to share what I learn with grace,
until I can no longer roam,
and I'm brought back home;
returned to my starting place.
© 2025 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. & 7. All photographed in our Home Woods.
Have you ever tried to map
the vast territory of your heart?
Examined its varied geography?
Searched its peaks and valleys?
Recalled how your journey began?
Reflected on the turns you've taken?
Did you follow the directions
you were given?
Have you reached your
desired destination?
Enjoyed the measured miles
along the long route?
Are you still planning new trips?
Do you remember the way home?
© 2023 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Canyon de Chelly National Monument - Chinle, Arizona
2. Zion National Park - Utah
3. Dallas, Colorado
4. Cottonwood Pass - Colorado
5. Garden of the Gods - Colorado Springs, Colorado
6. Steamboat Springs, Colorado
7. Home Road - Cannonsburg, Michigan
I love to drive these backroads.
These empty, gravel, backroads,
especially coming back from town
to do too many mundane errands.
The closer I get to home,
the slower I drive;
trying to notice something new
after twenty-five years here.
Time slowing down.
Time irrelevant.
I drive until I arrive.
Gratitude never stops.
© 2022 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Ada Township - Kent County - Michigan
2. Home Road - Kent County - Michigan
We have no curtains, no blinds
on our windows to block the view.
We are 700 feet from a gravel road
that is seldom travelled.
When the leaves are on the trees,
we cannot see the road.
From the road,
our house cannot be seen.
We are surrounded by woods;
with tall Red Oaks, some Hickory,
Black Cherry, a few Sugar Maples,
and an occasional American Beech.
I spend a lot of time
looking out our windows,
stepping out on the front porch,
and sitting on the back deck.
I value private.
I cherish quiet.
© 2022 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations: Home - Cannonsburg, Michigan
I've lived this life I'm in
through a series of decisions
and multiple revisions.
There have been thousands
of interesting interactions
and some savory satisfactions.
It's grace that's travelled
with me as I roam,
and grace will lead me home.
© 2022 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
1. Centennial, Wyoming
2. Home - Cannonsburg, Michigan
