Granted, it's easier to find mushrooms than blooming roses during a rainy North Carolina September, but the colors of this particular specimen would give any flower a run for its money. I came across this lovely mushroom while walking across Duke's campus this morning and could resist taking a moment to marvel over its color and form. What use is being a biologist, after all, if I can't indulge in a bit of wonder and curiosity at the natural world?
I've talked with a couple of folks lately about how a mindset accustomed to biological research intersects with the rest of the world. I know quite a few biologists who are also artists, either through photography, painting, or music. My chosen medium is fiber (like wool yarn to felt or knit), and my research constantly catalyzes new projects and offshoots of creativity.
While on retreat last week, I was also reminded of another common interest of biologists--history. I took the picture to the right in the main gathering hall at the biological station where we met. The botanical and owl wood carvings were fantastic, but the piano(-ish) instrument in the middle was just as interesting. More specifically, the 50 year old music books on the stand were quite compelling. I was not the only one to take note of these objects. Upon further contemplation, it comes as no surprise that evolutionary biologists would be interested in historical stories and artifacts...after all, both areas of study require an appreciation of time.
