Monday, March 17, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Saturday, March 15, 2008
A SENSE OF WONDER
A few days ago, on a walk up the hill, I came across an odd work of nature. It seemed to be only in one area and very few in number: A blade of grass, less than a foot high, with an oak leaf speared on it. At first I thought that heavy wind or some strange downward force of nature produced this oddity, but when I showed the pictures to my husband, he said that it was more likely that the blade of grass grew up through the oak leaf already on the ground.As much as I wanted it to be some strange phenomenon of nature and wind, I had to agree that his idea made more sense. The prospector has always kept me grounded. I do love him for that.
I still think it's strange and I marvel at the strength of nature. That a delicate, fragile blade of grass can have such power leaves me with a sense of wonder that never ends. I offer these photos for your observation and comment.
I still think it's strange and I marvel at the strength of nature. That a delicate, fragile blade of grass can have such power leaves me with a sense of wonder that never ends. I offer these photos for your observation and comment.
Friday, March 14, 2008
EDITOR'S 'REQUEST
"No birds in spring", he says
And thousands descend
Into the yard
As if in protest:
Flooding my page
With word droppings
And feathered song.
"No birds in spring,", he says.
What would the ears hear?
Old crows take offense.
And thousands descend
Into the yard
As if in protest:
Flooding my page
With word droppings
And feathered song.
"No birds in spring,", he says.
What would the ears hear?
Old crows take offense.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Squeaky; the confused bantam
I'm not sure what's wrong with Squeaky, our bantam hen. She,s confused, poor thing. She has this obsession: She has to sit on all of the eggs that are laid inside the chicken house. Everyday, when we go out to get the eggs, there's Squeaky, sitting on as many as she can get underneath her. We know they're not her eggs because they are big brown or blue ones.
She's kind of a loner hen. She doesn't even hang with the other two bantams. She spends most of her time inside the chicken coop and is more friendly with us than the other hens. We call her Squeaky because she doesn't cluck; she squeaks. If she isn't sitting on eggs, she tries to follow us around. I think she could be a "house" hen if it weren't for the dogs.
Anyway, this afternoon I went to get the eggs and there she was, in the box, looking at me like she knew what was going to happen. She ruffled her tail feathers and squeaked at me. I reached down underneath her and retrieved three warm (BIG), beautiful eggs. She pecked at me and told me in no uncertain terms that I was violating her chicken rights.... and then, to add insult to injury,I had the audacity to take her picture too. As I left the coop I think I heard her use a derogatory squeak. It had a different tone. I'm sure it was intended for me.
She's kind of a loner hen. She doesn't even hang with the other two bantams. She spends most of her time inside the chicken coop and is more friendly with us than the other hens. We call her Squeaky because she doesn't cluck; she squeaks. If she isn't sitting on eggs, she tries to follow us around. I think she could be a "house" hen if it weren't for the dogs.
Anyway, this afternoon I went to get the eggs and there she was, in the box, looking at me like she knew what was going to happen. She ruffled her tail feathers and squeaked at me. I reached down underneath her and retrieved three warm (BIG), beautiful eggs. She pecked at me and told me in no uncertain terms that I was violating her chicken rights.... and then, to add insult to injury,I had the audacity to take her picture too. As I left the coop I think I heard her use a derogatory squeak. It had a different tone. I'm sure it was intended for me.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
PUSSY WILLOWS AND FRIENDSHIP
You would have thought it was my birthday last week. On Thursday I met my friend Karen for lunch and she brought me a big bag of books and a belated birthday gift. My birthday was in December, but we hadn't seen each other for almost a year. Life sometimes gets in the way. It was a good reunion.
Friday, Judy, another good friend, and I drove to Murphy's (above Angels Camp) for the day and when she picked me up she brought us Pussy Willows from her garden ( which is a gardener"s dream ).
Friends that come bearing gifts...., books that they have read and want to share; gifts that were made or grown; or that have special meaning...., make my heart glad. The friendships, by themselves, are gifts. I find, as I get older, that these women that I've known the longest are the most prized. We make an effort to understand each other. We know our faults and try to overlook them. It's a comfortable place to be....., so: to Donna in Montana: to Carol in Sacramento and to Judy and Karen close by....thank you for being my friends. You are my "icing on the cake".
And then after I had this overwhelming couple of days, feeling so grateful for pussy willows and friendship,, I receive a package from my sister. She sent me a book,published in England, called A DOG BOOK. It's filled with stories, poetry, wonderful vintage drawings and lots more; and a sweet card that says "Do what you love and love what you do." Inside she writes that she loves my blog and it makes her feel like she is with me a little each day. Thanks, Sis ! I love you so much.
The moon must be in it's seventh house and Jupiter aligned with Mars ( that's for those of us who remember the 60's ). It was a great week!!!
Friday, Judy, another good friend, and I drove to Murphy's (above Angels Camp) for the day and when she picked me up she brought us Pussy Willows from her garden ( which is a gardener"s dream ).
Friends that come bearing gifts...., books that they have read and want to share; gifts that were made or grown; or that have special meaning...., make my heart glad. The friendships, by themselves, are gifts. I find, as I get older, that these women that I've known the longest are the most prized. We make an effort to understand each other. We know our faults and try to overlook them. It's a comfortable place to be....., so: to Donna in Montana: to Carol in Sacramento and to Judy and Karen close by....thank you for being my friends. You are my "icing on the cake".
And then after I had this overwhelming couple of days, feeling so grateful for pussy willows and friendship,, I receive a package from my sister. She sent me a book,published in England, called A DOG BOOK. It's filled with stories, poetry, wonderful vintage drawings and lots more; and a sweet card that says "Do what you love and love what you do." Inside she writes that she loves my blog and it makes her feel like she is with me a little each day. Thanks, Sis ! I love you so much.
The moon must be in it's seventh house and Jupiter aligned with Mars ( that's for those of us who remember the 60's ). It was a great week!!!
Monday, March 10, 2008
SKY SONG
<<<^>>>
I use to dream
That I could fly.
The sky would lift
Myself so high.
The blue air, white cloud,
Sky would ask
If I were bird, or cloud
Or leaf...
And I would laugh.
Brightness, blinding
Sight from seeing;
I would lift my winged arm
And catch some passing cloud.
The sun would play her
Scattered light
Upon the edges
Of my eyes...
And I would laugh.
Color prismed passing, air to air,
Would move reflecting fragments through the air.
Sun God, star cloud, blue white sky;
Why did I dream that I could fly?
<<<^>>>
I use to dream
That I could fly.
The sky would lift
Myself so high.
The blue air, white cloud,
Sky would ask
If I were bird, or cloud
Or leaf...
And I would laugh.
Brightness, blinding
Sight from seeing;
I would lift my winged arm
And catch some passing cloud.
The sun would play her
Scattered light
Upon the edges
Of my eyes...
And I would laugh.
Color prismed passing, air to air,
Would move reflecting fragments through the air.
Sun God, star cloud, blue white sky;
Why did I dream that I could fly?
<<<^>>>
Sunday, March 9, 2008
TO MY DAD: on his birthday
I KNEW THIS MAN WHEN
I remember you!
The young man
That lifted me so high above his head
That I had to catch my breath and breathe.
Didn't you read me Sunday morning comics on your lap?,
Tuck me in bed at night
And rub my back when I was sick?
You were the man who
Taught me how to make a bed,
Wash the family car and
Ride a bike.
You were young, handsome and tan.
(Mom said it was the "Indian in you.)
You were the first man
I ever fell in love with.
Was it so long ago, when you taught me
How to drive a car and waited, not so patiently,
For me to come home from a date?
Was it you who held my small hand
When I crossed the street?....
Then gave my hand, in marriage,
On my wedding day.
Do you remember
When you brought my old teddy bear
To the hospital
After my cancer operation?
Bravely joking with me;
Telling me everything would be OK.
Where did you go?
Could this old man be you?
Lying so still, so quiet, breathless
And beyond the boundaries of life,
Where I cannot follow.
Where are you now?
Do you know that we're here?
I loved you young man.
I loved you...old man.
But you knew that, didn't you?
So it's Ok.
I'm sad, but it's Ok.
My father would be 94 years old today. He died last year and didn't really know who he was anymore because of Alzheimer's disease. He was not an easy man to live with but my mother always loved him. He worked hard and took good care of his family. I miss the man he was.
******
I remember you!
The young man
That lifted me so high above his head
That I had to catch my breath and breathe.
Didn't you read me Sunday morning comics on your lap?,
Tuck me in bed at night
And rub my back when I was sick?
You were the man who
Taught me how to make a bed,
Wash the family car and
Ride a bike.
You were young, handsome and tan.
(Mom said it was the "Indian in you.)
You were the first man
I ever fell in love with.
Was it so long ago, when you taught me
How to drive a car and waited, not so patiently,
For me to come home from a date?
Was it you who held my small hand
When I crossed the street?....
Then gave my hand, in marriage,
On my wedding day.
Do you remember
When you brought my old teddy bear
To the hospital
After my cancer operation?
Bravely joking with me;
Telling me everything would be OK.
Where did you go?
Could this old man be you?
Lying so still, so quiet, breathless
And beyond the boundaries of life,
Where I cannot follow.
Where are you now?
Do you know that we're here?
I loved you young man.
I loved you...old man.
But you knew that, didn't you?
So it's Ok.
I'm sad, but it's Ok.
My father would be 94 years old today. He died last year and didn't really know who he was anymore because of Alzheimer's disease. He was not an easy man to live with but my mother always loved him. He worked hard and took good care of his family. I miss the man he was.
******
Saturday, March 8, 2008
MY FIRST AWARD
Wow!! I received an award from Jan Ely at Little Pink Houses for dedication, creativity, care and ART. This is such a great thing. I work hard to write or post photos everyday and having someone give me a "high five" for this is so gratifying. So, I thank you ,Jan, with all my heart.
I have been asked to name 4 bloggers who I feel have enriched my life by reading their blogs, which is difficult because I read many more than four blogs every day.
These are:
Apifera Farm; for her writing, art and those sweet donkeys, @ apiferafarm.blogspot.com
Tongue in Cheek; for beautiful photos and writing, @ willows95988.typepad.com/tongue-cheek/
Ornamental; for her art, photos and thoughtful writing, @ ornamental.typepad.com
Summing up; for her amazing poetry, @ meritam.blogspot.com
The rules for this award are to post the award in your own blog, post who gave it to you, indicate it's origin and a link to it's site.
Congratulations ladies!!
I have been asked to name 4 bloggers who I feel have enriched my life by reading their blogs, which is difficult because I read many more than four blogs every day.
These are:
Apifera Farm; for her writing, art and those sweet donkeys, @ apiferafarm.blogspot.com
Tongue in Cheek; for beautiful photos and writing, @ willows95988.typepad.com/tongue-cheek/
Ornamental; for her art, photos and thoughtful writing, @ ornamental.typepad.com
Summing up; for her amazing poetry, @ meritam.blogspot.com
The rules for this award are to post the award in your own blog, post who gave it to you, indicate it's origin and a link to it's site.
Congratulations ladies!!
Friday, March 7, 2008
OLD HAIKU
Death is a dogs paw
The small beetle crawls quicklyAcross the hot road.
Fragrance blooms below
My window ledge. The rose is
Making love again.
Cat has gone away
No footprint marks his leave and
Sorrow mews at night.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Chocolate chip cookies with walnuts
The prospector has been building a retaining wall and our neighbor came over to help yesterday. Since I didn't have to be outside helping, I did something I haven't done for a while. I baked some cookies.
Moke came into the kitchen and sat down like something big was going to happen. Of course, he always does this if we go into the kitchen for longer than five minutes. We laugh at this behavior because he,s so serious about it and we think that he thinks "food" won't happen without his vigil. We call him the "helper dog".
So I baked cookies. I don't use a recipe because this is the cookie I've been making since (as my boys use to say) "...the stone ages." It's a very basic dough and I just add different ingredients to it. That's usually whatever happens to be in the freezer, "fridge" or cupboard at the time. I just bought chocolate chips and walnuts at Costco(the best price around), so that's what went into the batter. Sometimes I add pecans and dried cranberries; or almonds and raisins . You can add anything, (well almost): Left over fish wouldn't work. ( but you knew that, right?) Any ingredient that would make a good cookie is fine. Peanut butter, spices, coconut, yogurt, sour cream, breakfast cereal, etc. Just adjust the liquid: Use less if you put any wet stuff in. If you use oatmeal add two tablespoons of milk. A good basic recipe is always on the back of a bag of chocolate chips..... and beg, borrow, or call me for fresh, free range eggs. They make cookie batter fluffier and you can eat the dough. Then, if you have any dough left you can bake cookies. Enjoy!
P.S. Dogs like to taste test after the cookies are baked. Just no chocolate ones, please.
Moke came into the kitchen and sat down like something big was going to happen. Of course, he always does this if we go into the kitchen for longer than five minutes. We laugh at this behavior because he,s so serious about it and we think that he thinks "food" won't happen without his vigil. We call him the "helper dog".
So I baked cookies. I don't use a recipe because this is the cookie I've been making since (as my boys use to say) "...the stone ages." It's a very basic dough and I just add different ingredients to it. That's usually whatever happens to be in the freezer, "fridge" or cupboard at the time. I just bought chocolate chips and walnuts at Costco(the best price around), so that's what went into the batter. Sometimes I add pecans and dried cranberries; or almonds and raisins . You can add anything, (well almost): Left over fish wouldn't work. ( but you knew that, right?) Any ingredient that would make a good cookie is fine. Peanut butter, spices, coconut, yogurt, sour cream, breakfast cereal, etc. Just adjust the liquid: Use less if you put any wet stuff in. If you use oatmeal add two tablespoons of milk. A good basic recipe is always on the back of a bag of chocolate chips..... and beg, borrow, or call me for fresh, free range eggs. They make cookie batter fluffier and you can eat the dough. Then, if you have any dough left you can bake cookies. Enjoy!
P.S. Dogs like to taste test after the cookies are baked. Just no chocolate ones, please.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
PEAR TREE
Life reveals itself
In flowering elegance
Springing forth
In popcorn blossom
Days of blue sun,
Where languid earth responds
And seeing warms my heart.
*****
***
In flowering elegance
Springing forth
In popcorn blossom
Days of blue sun,
Where languid earth responds
And seeing warms my heart.
*****
***
Monday, March 3, 2008
Haiku
Give me bark skin and
Limbs reflecting sunlight, now.
The crow flies quickly.
*****
more photos of the old oak tree and it's scars
Limbs reflecting sunlight, now.
The crow flies quickly.
*****
more photos of the old oak tree and it's scars
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)