Water on Leaves

"When you see a diamond in a drop of water you realize that being rich is a matter of perspective."

-V. Sorensen

Today on my walk I thought I saw a leaf with something sparkling on it, but I kept walking and thought it must have been a leaf with water on it.  And then I passed another similar leaf and had the thought, "I should stop and take a picture," ...but I continued on my way.  Until finally I saw a leaf that truly made me stop in my tracks.  The whole leaf looked like it had diamonds laying on it and was so brilliantly lit by the setting sun that I had to kneel down to make sure what it was.  And to my amazement it was simply water on leaves!

After I photographed the first leaf I took a few more steps and there was another one.  And then another and another!  They were all around me shimmering in the setting sun.  I must have looked like a crazy girl running from one to the next, kneeling down and admiring them up close.  And when I looked closely at the water on the leaves I could see that each one was like a miniature magnifying glass revealing beautifully intricate leaf patterns.

I have walked this same route around my neighborhood hundreds of times and never seen such a thing.  Each leaf was truly a delight to behold.  Some were brilliant and showy...

while some were subtle and muted. 

When I finally arrived home and looked at the photos I felt such gratitude for the experience.  What greater joy in life can there be than to see a diamond in a drop of water... to find the extraordinary in the ordinary?