The Giraffe Head Tree

Winter Wheat

2012-01-15T13:27:00.002-06:00

2009

Yesterday I received an e-mail from a nice lady who stumbled upon my meager blog. Googling "Winter Wheat" she'd found The Giraffe Head Tree.

2009

She was putting together a program for her church and wanted to use one of the images. Why, of course, I said.

2009

Please send me one for my portfolio, I asked, and she thought that funny. It is funny, really.

2010

This exchange whetted my appetite for those images again so I looked high and low, finally finding them on my stand-alone hard drive. Neatly archived away. Out of sight. Out of mind. Until this nice lady's e-mail.

2010

Why do I do that? Hide my images away? Visiting these images brought back some fabulous memories. More than that I really, really like them. This is the same wheat field, two years in a row.

2010

May 2009 I shot them in bright afternoon daylight, a coming storm looming on the horizon. Bright blue skies being gobbled up by bright white and grey clouds; golden wheat swaying in the wind. May 2010 I rose before dawn and drove to the field awaiting the sunrise. A gentle fog and rosy light made these my favorite images of all. What do you do with your favorite nature images, and what is your preferred method for a portfolio for your work? I'm really curious as clearly I'm horrid at both.

Photographic Experimentation

2012-01-02T09:26:00.003-06:00

I've been playing.

Water, oils, lighting, textures and various lenses.

They're not birds or bugs, sunrises or trees.

However, they are indeed created from elements from Mother Earth.

The joy of playing was so freeing, happy.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

2011-12-19T11:43:00.003-06:00

Historic Mooresville Church of Christ

My Christmas wish this year -

Peace on Earth.

Breathe

2011-12-13T09:46:00.000-06:00

This year has been one of great change. This winter I logged off for a bit following a year of looking inward and connecting more with what is truly important. Family, health, simplifying. As much as I enjoy blogging I found that what I truly needed was time to myself for awhile.

That, and I simply had nothing to say.

Instead of adventures with birds, road trips and hikes into the hinterlands my time of late has been spent studying, journaling and holding deep conversations about the past, the future and the present.

My past adventures were such fun and I promise new adventures to come. However, my outdoor adventures were vastly different from what I'm doing now - meditating, looking inward and working to make necessary changes. That has been my new adventure. A more quiet, reflective adventure. I confess it has been challenging but most rewarding.

I've relished the challenge. Sought the challenge. Invited the challenge.

So my blog has been quiet. I'm saving up. I'm absorbing, looking at things with new eyes, recharging my batteries. I'm living.

Merry Christmas to you all. I'll be back.

Gone - Back - Gone - Back....

2011-11-07T08:38:00.000-06:00

I WAS home, but then I left again. Two more trips. One to Raleigh, then to Kure Beach, North Carolina. The first was a family event, the second to recover from the family event - LOL!

We were only there a few days.

One morning I woke early to watch the sunrise.

Rather, I tried to.

The morning was blustery and cold. I know why lobsters have red claws as mine were pretty red and curled up by the time I meandered an hour or so waiting for some sun.

I did find some wonderful shells. The early bird definitely gets the best shells.

However, the clouds were so pretty and made gorgeous dancing wisps above the ocean. Lost of Maxfield Parrish clouds by the time the sun rose higher.

Simply lovey.

I know I promised a story about a ranch in Nevada and that will come later. In the meantime I've tons of Bat Mitzvah pics to process and upload, AND more beach pics, AND I'm getting to see my baby again soon! More baby pics, more pics ... pics and pics and pics!

By cracky I think I'm coming alive...

I'm back!

2011-10-22T09:04:00.000-05:00

Mt. Charleston, Nevada

I've been MIA! I know, I know! But for a good cause. You're gonna love this!!! Our daughter and son-in-law live in the outskirts of Las Vegas, Nevada. Please note that I emphasize "outskirts" because they live in a beautiful section of a normally brown desert land punctuated by the most outlandish "Disneyfication" of a city. (learned that word from NPR) Not a Vegas fan, me. BUT, I do love the surrounding areas. Mt. Charleston, above, is a favorite jaunt whenever we visit. There's a fabulous restaurant - old, never-changing, filled with character and good food - oh, and a great view - that is an easy 40 minute drive from their house. I adore Mt. Charleston. There's already snow at the highest peaks, but maybe it just never left. ?

The daughter has filled her backyard with all manner of desert-loving cultivars. She misses the seasons but has lots of flowers and even a small patch of grass for the dog. Of course, I gravitate to the dead, interesting pieces - ha!

This is a reserve a short distance from their house. A fascination place for a future blog. You're gonna love it. Well, I think you will. It's a interesting bit of history that I enjoyed learning about.

Daughter (my step-daughter) and son-in-law, dog and new baby! (and George, the dog) This is why I've been gone. My first actual swear-to-goodness grandchild!!! The experience shared with them was one of pure magic and deep bonding, filled up to here with love. Leaving made me misty eyed and I became one of THOSE grandmothers proudly showing everyone in the airport and on the plane his image.

Some of the flowers enjoyed during my stay. There were many I never photographed because I was BUSY with the new baby!

I do know this one, above. Bougainvillea.

Pink berries dangling from a neighbor's tree into their backyard.

The reason for my absence. I'm going to become the next Nancy Bond and post his pic everywhere. He is the love of my life right now, this sweet boy!!!

Meet Jude William.

Autumn

2011-10-04T08:43:00.000-05:00

"Life has been your art.

You have set yourself to music.

Your days are your sonnets."

Oscar Wilde

"Delicious autumn!

My very soul is wedded to it,

and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth

seeking the successive autumns.

George Eliot

"No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace,

as I have seen in one autumnal face."

John Donne

"Youth is like spring,

an over praised season more remarkable for biting winds than genial breezes.

Autumn is the mellower season,

and what we lose in flowers

we more than gain in fruits."

Samuel Butler

My zinnias have faded, the autumn sedum is in full bloom and I anxiously await the changing of the leaves here in North Alabama. Autumn is my favorite time of the year for it's a freshening of air, a clarity of breezes, and the leaves look like flowers. Happy Autumn!

Gardening Gone Wild Picture This Photo Contest Entry

2011-09-25T11:05:00.000-05:00

Small bumblebee pollinating the Autumn Sedum

Gardening Goes Wild hosts a monthly photo contest. I've entered once before but our moving sorta took away my fun time blogging and entering contests. However, I was inspired to enter their September Picture This Photo Contest with the above image.

Bees are all over my Autumn Sedum. Bees of all kinds, as well as butterflies and skippers, weird flies and tiny bugs buzz in and around the pink flowers. Kinda like Saturday at the Mall, there is activity everywhere, all day, every day. I've had more fun chasing bumblebees and honeybees, all of which have been very patient with me. Although I have some images that are more striking of the bees themselves, this one caught my eye because of the focus. I used my Macro lens, F 2.8, 1/800 sec, ISO 400. Can't wait to see all the entries!

The Creative Heart

2011-09-24T10:59:00.000-05:00

Heart-shaped leaf in the birdbath

Long ago a friend told me that she could always tell when her daughters were about to go though a growth spurt. Their little bodies would began to visually thicken, expanding outward, building deep within before - whoosh! - growing several inches or more within a short amount of time. This "thickening" was a signal to her that new clothes would soon be needed as her precious daughters grew up.

What a wonderful analogy for Life itself. This long ago conversation came to me recently when trying to describe my current status. A Thickening. I'm in the midst of my own personal, creative thickening.

Everyone goes through this I'm sure, but I know this phenomena definitely occurs when it comes to artists and their work. Painters, musicians, photographers, everyone who dabbles in a creative hobby or business experiences a down time. This is a time to observe and meditate. A time to explore and dream. A time to open our hearts to different pathways. A time to rest and absorb.

I believe this thickening time important for the creative process. As frustrating as it has been for me lately, I finally figured out that this down time is necessary. Many friends have told me this but it seemed so that I was losing myself, my creative. As Bart Simpson would say "...Doh!" As my favorite season approaches and the dry drought heat of summer diminishes it is a relief to realize that I'm in the midst of a thickening. What a lovely time to be resting, absorbing, observing, meditating, dreaming and exploring! Welcome Autumn!

The Creative

2011-09-16T12:17:00.001-05:00

Man, I am so struggling. My Creative is in Stuck Mode. From time to time a burst of Creative will happen and then it's gone...like a thought. What the hell? I don't mean to whine. Really. I don't. Here's a burst of the Creative that happened last week:

There was this teeny tiny moth outside on the bubble glassed panel that runs the length of our front door. Our porch is dark, shaded, protected, and this little moth was resting there. Slipping outside I crept closer and closer shooting as stealthily as possible. I shouldn't have worried. She wasn't bothered by my presence.

Because the porch is dark and shaded this was the best shot I could get. I couldn't possibly bother to set up the tripod. When the Creative shows up it's best not to delay. It's the action that counts, and these images are okay. The simplicity. The little feathery antennae. Feeling a tad more blissful I came inside, turned around to close the door. I could still see the little moth from the inside.

The bubbly glass made the moth look like she's under water, and the light from within the house brightened up her colors. How pretty! It all depends on one's point of view, doesn't it?

Outside looking in or inside looking out. The moth is the same but the images are completely different. This wonderful hobby of photography has helped me truly "see" our world in many ways. That my Creative will return I've no doubt. You see, Autumn is coming and Autumn is my favorite time of the year. Crisp air, bright skies, changing light - ahhhhh, changing light! Gotta go chase it.

Meditations

2011-09-03T11:52:00.002-05:00

The earthy aroma of coffee mingled with the heady scent of books. A favorite activity, strolling the towering, colorful shelves of a bookstore, is a bliss like no other. New books, paperbacks, bargain shelves, children's corner, magazines and newspaper from around the globe lovingly caressed, thumbed through and appreciated by confirmed bookaholics.

The bargain shelf always beckons. Upon this shelf I see something of interest. "Meditations from A Course in Miracles: Inspirational quotes of universal wisdom." A smallish book, covered with silhouettes of trees in a misty forest, it stuck to my hand like honey. Flipping through the introduction I see a passage that gives me pause that goes as follows:

"Nothing real can be threatened

Nothing unreal exists

Herein lies the peace of God"

The book divides the course thematically into eight topics. My original intent was to read and meditate daily upon each page and write in my journal. However, another goal has come to the fore, which is to post a photo a day - or thereabouts. Sometimes my travels take me to places that do not allow for posting so I shall not beat myself up if I miss some days. However, I can combine the two into one project, and add more books as I wish. More quotes as I wish. A book, a quote, a photo.

Recently, I've challenged myself to go outside every day with my camera and shoot whatever I find that's of interest. Just in my yard. There is always some tiny miracle occurring; it's up to me to discover it and see how many ways I can capture it digitally. It's my daily meditation now along with reading and journaling.

The first section from my new Meditations book is on Adversity. Page 1 - not admitting (into your life) pain. "Nothing can hurt you unless you give it the power to do so." This is good for me today for I have been allowing a situation to cause me deep pain. The situation is unimportant, but what is important is my reaction to it. It's an old reaction - an embedded pattern that I am trying to break. Seeing it is the first step. Just like seeing the beauty of a leaf floating in water. I see, I see.

Inspirational People

2011-08-31T12:43:00.000-05:00

In this day of my awakening spirit I am finding myself inspired by a multitude of photographers.

Ansel Adams said, “You don’t just make pictures with a camera. You make pictures with books you’ve read, the music your’ve heard and with the people you have loved.”

This morning found me perusing the North American Nature Photography Association's website, of which I am a member. There, highlighted on the front page was a link to Nancy Rotenberg's website, "Natural Tapestries." I clicked. I was astonished. Her work is truly inspirational, her vision exceptional. It was within Nancy's website that I picked up the above quote by Ansel Adams, another photographer who has inspired me. Her work spoke so much to my spirit that I decided to blog about it and provide a link to her site so that you can enjoy her work as well.

Other photographers inspire as well not only by their photographic genius but by their mission. David DuChemin is one of those. The first book of his that I read (devoured) was "Visionmongers." Since then I've picked up many of his e-books, follow him on Twitter and we are "Friends" on Facebook. His personal vision is to "shoot advocacy and fundraising images for the international nongovernmental organization community." Marketing himself as a Travel and Humanitarian Photographer, following his passion, David has inspired me and countless others along the way.

There are other photographers who inspire me on a daily basis. Two I met via blogging here at the Giraffe Head Tree - Diane Schuller and Bo Mackison.

I found Diane first through another friend's blogroll. The name of her original blog drew me in - "Sand to Glass." From there Diane changed her blog title to Alberta Postcards and now has her own photography business, Diane Schuller Photography. Her sensitivity toward her subjects, her love of dogs and nature, her clean and beautiful style of writing and unique eye for detail always have me looking forward to her new works.

Seems the whole earthy, naturally sounding titles always draw me in for that's how I made the acquaintance of Bo Mackison. Her blog's title, "Seeded Earth," caught my eye and her passion for photography kept me coming back. She and her "Sherpa" participate in art shows in many places. This year she spent several months in Tucson, Arizona and completely blew me away with her prose and photos. We have since become friends.

Closer to home, Alabama has a bevy of fabulous conservation photographers. One in particular, David Young, is a long time favorite. David Young Photography captures images of water, and other works of nature, in a truly unique way. He and a few others, calling themselves conservation photographers, have started a Conservation Photographers of Alabama page on Facebook that I wholeheartedly suggest you check out. When you have time. After checking out all the other links that I've provided.

Thank you, inspirational people! Thank you for helping me once again become excited about the world of photography, sharing your talents and creating such beauty!

Hackberry Emperors

2011-08-29T07:18:00.000-05:00

These two were cavorting on the side of our house.

From Butterflies & Moths of North America

Hackberry Butterflies fly in a fast and erratic manner, and rest upside down on tree trunks. Males perch on tall objects in sunny areas to watch for females. Eggs are laid in clusters, and the young caterpillars feed communally. Caterpillars overwinter in groups gathered inside dead rolled leaves.

Caterpillar hosts are various hackberries and sugarberry.

Adult food include sap, rotting fruit, dung, carrion. They will take moisture at wet spots along roads and streams.

The habitat of Hackberry Emperors is wide - along wooded streams, forest glades and river edges, wooded roadsides, towns.

They reside in most of the eastern United States, central Plains states, and the southwest mountains; northern Mexico.

Trouble

2011-08-27T09:21:00.002-05:00

I'm having trouble uploading photos to Blogger. The past couple of days the little circle thingie goes 'round and 'round but my photo never uploads. Anyone else having this problem? I'm wondering if it's Blogger OR my network. Thanks for the input.

UPDATE: There is a "New Editor." I didn't know that until I scoured the Help forums. Went to Settings, scrolled down and chose the new editor, hit Save and all is well. Just so ya'll know. Sheesh.

Tennessee Impressions

2011-08-25T06:50:00.012-05:00

Four herons with their nest high above the rapids.

Mosses and reeds and water.

Rocks.

Fish on rock.

Wavy rocks.

Water tumbling over and through rocks.

Seriously?

Moonshine in the making.

Jewelweed after the rain.

Wild native passion flower - taken with an iPhone at dusk.

Turtle etching on rock.

Tennessee

2011-08-23T08:34:00.006-05:00

Tennessee.
Rolling hills, rock walls.
The Smokey Mountains.
Dragonflies.

Clear, cold mountain streams
pour down mountainsides and
shoot through boulders
tumbling rapidly, smoothing rocks
into fascinating natural creations.

Escape to nature and restore your soul.
Get back in touch with your inner spirit.
Breathe in the fresh air,
soak your feet in the chilly waters,
and take delight in Life.

Gratitude

2011-08-16T07:22:00.005-05:00

Light and shadow

The sun rose bright red over the mountain this morning, ruby shades filtering through the dense tree canopy greeting me as the dogs snuffled around the backyard. Yawning and stretching sleepy stiff muscles, eyes closed, reaching for the light I was reminded of my many blessings. One blessing is the golden afternoon light that filters through plants on my front porch, casting shadows of mystery.

Peaking through my hanging ferns.

Silver edges glow, and more shadows.

If you are bothered by spiders you may want to stop here.

This cute little fella was dangling in a potted plant. Very tiny, around a quarter of an inch long, maybe a tad bit longer. He was content and obviously well fed.

A surprise visitor - a painted box turtle. I moved him out of the backyard into the the wilder area on the other side of the fence. He didn't need the complication of Baylee. The photo is awful, sorry. Forgetting completely about the high humidity I dashed out and snapped this through a foggy lens. Doh! What a nice surprise!

The Sleeping Bird

2011-08-15T06:49:00.004-05:00

Winds were gusty, trees swaying, branches clicking together, American flag whipping and snapping. This small understory tree, protected by its larger kin, was nodding so gently that this little bird fell asleep. She stayed there for quite some time - enough time for me to snap this picture. So sweet!

The Anniversary

2011-08-06T06:44:00.009-05:00

2:56pm August 6, 2010. The hub's fall from a ladder kicked off a series of events unlike anything I've, or he's, ever experienced. True, those first months were horrific and frightening. However, as he began to heal we slowly started to breathe normally, sleep came more readily and we both realized just how miraculous this event was. The universe was speaking to us. No, more like shouting. One year ago today - Ladder Day.

Today, on this auspicious anniversary I want to share a simple story. As he progressed from bed-bound to wheelchair to walker each milestone was reason to celebrate. After the walker he still needed support for several months. Enter my mom. One day she arrived with a cane. Not just any cane. This cane was her great grandfather's cane. Hand-crafted in California, this cane was created for a tall man. Both my great grandfather and my grandfather, mom's dad, were 6'4. This cane is uncomfortable for anyone under 6 feet tall, which is my husband's height.

She unwrapped and handed me this cane with reverence, for it is very special to her. It is a thing of great beauty and elegance and deep meaning. My great grandfather gave this cane to my grandfather, who had his own name engraved along the top. My grandfather is my spirit guide. Gently touching the handle brought memories of my youth at his house. Weekends he would walk my sister and me to the store for snow cones, Dr. Pepper and a moon pie. He always dressed to the nines and always used the cane. When I was little he carried me and it was like being cradled by a mountain.

Its handle is fluted sterling silver. Rubbed soft over years of use it contains the pits and dings of fully appreciated lives. My grandfather's name is beautifully engraved. The shaft is solid mahogany and still sports two swaths of white where he once banged his cane atop a car. My mother shared the story. My grandfather loved to walk the few blocks into town, and often his huge, massive (fat) cat, Midnight, would walk with him. One day a man stopped his car, leaned out to talk to my grandfather and unwisely laughed at his cat. My grandfather loved that cat, and apparently laughing at Midnight was unacceptable. BAM! went the cane on top of the car and the man stopped laughing. That's as much of the story that I know but it was clear that one didn't mess with my granddaddy's cat!

Mother's blessings assured, Bob used my grandfather's cane with great care. We both enjoyed the comments that always came when we went on our outings. Men, in particular, were quite taken by the elegance of this cane, for it is indeed a gentleman's cane.

One day the physical therapist told Bob it was time to begin walking without the cane. It was a poignant moment for we both enjoyed being in its presence. Moreover, this cane brought to his experience a certain grace. He walked taller, arrived proudly, and felt more acceptable to society. Instead of feeling like a cripple he felt noble, distinguished and confident. It was as though my grandfather was there with us daily, channeling his strength and resolve through the handle of that cane up into my husband's spirit.

This is one of the few photos that I have of my grandfather and grandmother, my mom's parents. Thanks, grand daddy. For everything. I love you.

Rain

2011-07-30T15:56:00.007-05:00

Where the bees go during a soft rain...

The rain falls gently
Nature rests in dry shelter
I watch safe at my window

By Karen L.

Rain droplet suspended within a zinnia

It rained all the day
from morning to afternoon
then the sun came out

By ybonesy

Oil painting or photograph?

White flower
nods with sleep as summer raindrops
bend the lacy petals

By D. Bradford

Brand New Day

2011-07-29T10:35:00.011-05:00

Finally, a spark of creativity.

This experiment reminds me so much of my late mother-in-law's watercolor paintings.

The more I played the more the magic happened.

There are about thirty in the set, each special in its own way.

Finally, creativity. You can see more on my Facebook if you wish.
(click the link on my FB button, in the right column)

Spring Mill State Park - Details

2011-07-27T15:21:00.011-05:00

Iron half-moon arches completed arched doorways of the mill itself.

One of the original mill stones.

Oil lamps aged with soot sit within deep window recesses.

Looking through a doorway.

Closeup of Indiana limestone.

The blacksmith made sparks for me.

Sense of place

Ye Old Meeting House

Perhaps this setting would better inspire the current leaders of our country.

No air conditioning...
No comfy chairs...
Close quarters...
Just our leaders and their ideas, sharing and compromising for the good of the people.

I m a g i n e

Spring Mill State Park

2011-07-24T09:54:00.009-05:00

Spring Mill Inn

More photos from our delightful visit of Spring Mill State Park, Indiana. Above is Spring Mill Inn, a lodge built from hand-quarried Indiana Limestone. Here, we had a wonderful lunch in their rustic dining room. I HAD to try the persimmon pudding - it was outstanding!

After lunch we headed to the Pioneer Village, founded in 1814, to stroll down tree-lined walkways, cross ambling streams and weave our way among scores of historic buildings. Each building housed volunteers in period clothing working as weavers, blacksmiths and gardeners among others. We kept looking for the tavern ... !

The Granny White House

Here, a weaving demonstration on a huge loom - amazing

According to their website, Heritage Interpreters portray the year 1863 and demonstrate period crafts. I also noted on their website that Twin Caves at Spring Mill is closed to provide protection from White-nose syndrome, a fungus that is killing bats in large numbers in the Northeastern US, spreading westward. There are other privately-owned caves that are open but precautions are taken to manage the potential threat.

See the hornet's nest?

Before arriving at Spring Mill we'd stopped at a local produce shop to purchase locally-made preserves and other items. Hanging on the walls were massive hornet's nests, thankfully empty. They made quite an impression on me and I was stunned to find this one, above, hanging on the old mill at Spring Mill State Park! Not a fan of hornets, me, and this one was very active!

Spring Mill

This 1817 Grist Mill works. While the family went inside to listen to the historian give its history I meandered and took photos. I've visited other working mills in the south but have never seen one as massive and substantial as this one, which was also built with hand-quarried Indiana Limestone.

A water trough channels water from an uphill stream to the mill. The fast-moving water powers its formidable wheel.

There was so much to see at Spring Mill State Park but our time was very limited. Next post I'll show you more of the mill itself.

The Potter's Wheel

2011-06-25T06:00:00.007-05:00

How to start this but to simply start writing and let my thoughts flow like water. Life seems to be out of control right now. Clearly in my soul I feel the deep working of God or Spirit. The Greatest Potter Of All Time has thrown my clay on a wheel and begun shaping me anew.

Just one second is all it took. One second, one misstep, one fall, one table - one day. God had had enough of us - me and hubs - and I believe one day God decided two of Her creations needed a massive re-do.

Massive re-dos take a lot of time and energy. I'm exhausted. I do not see the Giraffe Head Tree anymore. The passion for photography went on the back burner. Clever words left my brain and the blog suffered, sputtered and nearly died.

The desire to hear music faded but seems to be coming back as I stumble along this process. Journaling with pen and paper has been almost manic, as has "nesting," the act of finding and placing loved objects too long not seen.

However tiny the start of my personal Spring, a blooming is beginning to occur. I think I'm going to be okay, but I'm already a changed person in a very good way. A recent trip to Indiana to visit family we visited Spring Mill State Park, had a wonderful lunch and enjoyed a lovely stroll through the primitive village, the source of these photos. This trip was the first time in months I've actually taken semi-creative photos. It felt good.

The beautiful park was filled with flowing water. Honest-to-goodness babbling brooks, quick running streams where children played, small rapids lifted leaves into the air like little boats. The water, mosses, trees, laughing children were all a balm to my soul. I'll be back blogging more regularly but right now I'm going through a growth spurt. Please talk among yourselves and I'll be back later.

Huntsville Botanical Garden

2011-05-25T09:11:00.022-05:00

Carroll and I recently met at Huntsville Botanical Garden for bonding and lunch. After lunch we strolled through the various gardens. Lordy, it was hot so we headed for the shade gardens which were filled with various trilliums and ferns, native azaleas and hydrangeas. And mosquitoes. Still, we persevered and got some good photos.

Some were fun to play with in black & white.

The above photo is what these beauties look like planted in mass. There were yellow ones and these rusty red ones and some ... white ones, I believe.

We have no idea what this red flower is but it was planted in abundance without any signage. A low shrub with red flowers poking through the foliage. That seemed to be common - no signage. Hence my lack of identification here on my blog. I'm no Harvey Cotton.

However beautiful the flowers were I fell in love with the Frog Buddha in their gift shop. Is he cute, or what? So Zen. Ommmm.........................

Nesting

2011-05-15T07:05:00.005-05:00

A pair of House Finches raised their four babies in my hanging fern. The babies have hatched and flown away but the sweet nest remains, albeit a little worse for wear. Mostly, we used the garage entrance while they were raising the family. Watering the ferns would panic them and they would fly to a nearby tree, nervously chattering among themselves. Over time they grew used to my presence. I miss listening to mom and dad and the peeping of the babies.

I am finding this area houses a great many songbirds due to the dense tree cover and the drainage creek that flows behind the house. A Yellow Breasted Chat - which I've never seen before and was only vaguely familiar with - collided with my sliding glass door last week. I hear many warblers and sparrow varieties, along with thrasher and thrush and others. The Eastern Towhee family are constant companions. Cedar Waxwings trill non-stop, and there are many bird songs I have yet to identify. It's a constant source of amazement, the music that plays outside day and night.

Down the road in a drainage creek lives a rather large snapping turtle. Rabbits, chipmunks and squirrels keep me entertained. Smaller hawks surprise me from time to time. I've heard owls but not seen them, seen bats but not heard them. The presence of so much wildlife is comforting to me.

Spring Flowers

2011-05-13T12:54:00.002-05:00

Flowers for you, Bo. Not as pretty as your image, but when I spied these precious little pink and white flowers at the base of a sycamore tree I couldn't help but capture their happy expressions. Now I wish I'd gotten more of the tree as well!

Historic Fort Fisher

2011-05-11T06:56:00.010-05:00

The scent of musket fire remains in the air, and if you listen hard you can hear cannon fire, screams of soldiers, orders being barked, horses neighing. Fort Fisher is a National Historic Civil War Landmark found on a slim finger of land below Wilmington, North Carolina.

A boardwalk takes you through the wetlands. A relatively short walk, the boardwalk takes you around the earthen bunkers, through the salt marsh and beneath towering live oaks.

It is very quiet.

Ocean-going vessels can be seen traveling to the Atlantic where once a great battle raged.

Besides our talking the only sounds were of wind and birds.

A great place for reflection.

Wind-swept live oaks.

My favorite trees.

Fort Fisher has a marvelous website. For more information go here.

Dimming of the Day

2011-05-09T15:27:00.008-05:00

With a nod to Richard and Linda Thompson who penned "Dimming of the Day," as well as to Bonnie Raitt who sings my favorite version, I always think of that song during sunset.

Stormy days on the beach lend themselves to twilight of a different palette. Steely blue grays make the ocean foam pop bright white, almost luminescent.

The fading sunset cloaked by clouds.

The pier can barely be seen off in the distance, lights weak in the gloom.

A cold misty parenthesis of haze wraps both ends of the beach.

Words are wasted on such things.

Steve walks and ponders...

...while I take photos and let the foam caress my toes...

...an Bob and Kym reconnect.

Vacation

2011-05-06T15:52:00.003-05:00

The week before all hell broke loose in the Southland we were vacationing on the beach.

I love beaches of all sorts but my favorites tend to be those along the Atlantic. Shells in abundance, driftwood, fossils, sea glass, shark's teeth and all manner of treasures come ashore, best found at low tide when the waters are far, far away.

Walking the shell line is my beach-time passion. Not one for hot sun you'll find me walking the lines early mornings and late afternoons "assuming the position," cup or bucket in hand, leaning over in hopes of finding another olive shell, cockle shell, calico scallop, angel wing, baby's ear, whelk and other beauties. I have even found seahorses lodged amid tangles of kelp, sadly no longer living. Once I found a fossilized sea biscuit which are millions of years old. Egg casings of various creatures wash ashore alongside the odd jellyfish. Each finding piques my interest in the ocean, stoking the embers of my curiosity.

Skimming the crest of waves were the ubiquitous brown pelicans and gulls but also a few surprises - cormorants and swallows. Various long-legged shorebirds skimmed wet sands for tasty meals, comically avoiding waves at the last second.

The weather wasn't sunny-beach-perfect, thank goodness. I am so odd that way but I prefer beaches with clouds and wind with waves crashing high and hard. The ocean changes color depending upon the skies, which I adore. The deep grayed blue green of a stormy ocean is one of my favorite colors. And yes, it reminds me of my lake albeit a "bit" more dramatic.

Walking to the beach that first day I could smell the ocean before I saw it. I threw my arms open wide and gulped in the salty taste, laughed at the sky, ran to the water and put let the salty waves crash upon my toes. Life is GOOD.

More to come.....

Safe

2011-05-03T12:38:00.004-05:00

Our family and friends are all safe after the devastating tornadoes that swept through our area last week. We'd just returned from a vacation (....we did NOT have Internet, BTW...) and came home to tornadoes. Sometimes it doesn't pay to leave town!

After checking on family in town we left for the lake to stay with my mom and step father, who had recently had surgery. There was power there ... but no cable or Internet. A charged phone is a GOOD THING, even though service was spotty at best. Power was only recently restored to our area. We are finally home as of an hour or so ago.

Of course, we did not get out into the damaged areas - that only hampers emergency workers - but know that utility companies, cable companies, phone companies, doctors and nurses, emergency workers, law enforcement, National Guard, churches, companies and non-profits, elected officials - so many volunteers and companies came from all over the country to help get North Alabama up and running as quickly as possible. Such blessings, such blessings. Some areas are still without power but most should be restored by week's end.

I thank each and every worker and volunteer. My prayers to the hundreds who lost their lives, and to their loved ones who are mourning today. Prayers as well for those still missing and their families who continue their search.

Life is short. Forgive. Tell people every day that you love them. Hug your children. Be safe.

Debi

English Dogwood

2011-04-15T06:24:00.016-05:00

Bordering the back property line of our flat, long-neglected, wildflower and mushroom filled backyard runs an old, misshapen, fairly ugly chain link fence. Growing in, through and among the fencing are volunteer trees and brambles and rambling plants. The hubs began whacking back the growth last winter but gave out and gave up way before spring. Thankfully. Because two rambling plants turned out to be English Dogwood.

Regular readers may recall this discovery last year as well as a shout-out asking to help identify these flowers. Since we'd recently moved all my gardening books were packed up and I'd no way to ID these beauties. My "Twinnie," Carroll shot me an e-mail, telling me that these grew in her grandmother's house in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Her grandmother Bess called them English Dogwoods, and by cracky that's exactly what I have growing in my backyard.

These two English Dogwoods of ours are blooming this week like crazy. Each one is at least 10-12 feet high, cascading overhead, dancing on the wind and covered in white blooms. They are so beautiful and captivating. I've fallen in love with them and have given them names - Hattie and Bess, after Carroll's grandmother Bess in Hattiesburg.

The blossoms carry very little to no scent. There are no thorns. When the blooms fade the towering greenery provides a soft green background.

Wednesday morning Carroll sent me an e-mail. "FYI. Today is the anniversary of my grandmother, Mom Bess's death in 1968. Tell Bess and Hattie I am thinking about them today."

I did just that, and took these photos to share. Because I always photograph these beauties this time I tried to channel Georgia O'Keefe as much as possible.

My usual MO is to take closeups of the blossoms but I want to try to give you an idea of their overall beauty. Above is Bess, whose shape is really the best because the hubs never got far down the fence line with his whacking. If you look closely you can see Baylee meandering to the left.

A garden bench would be perfect beneath either or both. Delicate limbs support a gazillion white flowers overhead, texturing the ground beneath with dimpling, dancing sunlight. A perfect place for reading, journaling or pondering.

I found a delightful article about English Dogwoods on Al.com by Debbie M. Lord. If you have time and are interested in knowing more about these plants she offers terrific background on them and shares their wonderful history. "Whatever Happened to English Dogwoods?"

On this day the breeze was cool and blustery, and during the rare times of stilled wind the sun was warm on my face. Because this was Grandmother Bess's birthday and these plants are named in her honor the time spent with them felt sacred and special. I thought of Carroll, knowing how she would have loved to have been with me, sharing stories of Bess and her family, her childhood.

However, knowing Hattie and Bess are just outside, in the backyard, visible from my windows, lends a connection to my friend in joyous fashion. One simply cannot be wistful when Hattie and Bess are blooming their hearts out. I'm reminded instead of glorious walks in gardens, adventurous road trips and heartfelt conversations for hours.

Friendships are such gifts. I feel blessed to have found such wonderful women all over the county, the world, who teach me so much. Sharing plants, sharing stories connect women. There are the occasional man who enjoys the practice as well, so I should not generalize. However, my experience has been that women trading plants connect them on a cosmic, organic level.

English Dogwood is reported to be easy to grow in the South, and by the looks of these thick, green, wildly-blossoming examples I would say that's true. These look like they were planted and forgotten. Indeed, pruning is not necessary and I dare say would spoil the natural beauty of its dancing branches. I can personally attest to this plant growing in extremely poor soil, in mostly shady conditions, forgotten completely by whomever planted them. Likely, you could plant one and then just stand back, grab a glass of wine and watch it grow.

English Dogwood. My new favorite plant.

Wildflowers

2011-04-12T08:00:00.009-05:00

Searching for the proper plants for the proper spot is fun. Nurseries are some of my favorite places. There, I could spend hours just looking, touching, smelling and dreaming. Being surrounded by rich, vibrant life of green, growing things gives me a boost. The air is so clean and fragrant, so moist and alive. Colors pop, and there are surprises around every corner.

While not strolling through nurseries I am strolling through the yard. Looking, dreaming, wondering, planning. Spring has brought a plethora of wildflowers dappled everywhere in the backyard. Mostly wild garlic and these pretty little white and pink flowers. I'm thinking with the poor soil some of the native wildflowers, like these, should just be allowed to stay. They are so pretty.

They are also quite small and do not bloom all summer, but beds could be created and other wildflowers introduced that DO bloom all summer, or at various times. Why not let these little flowers live where they are obviously so happy?

Do you know what these wildflowers are?

Wild garlic is normally the bane of every yard master. But I'm not a yard master. They have their place. Don't they? Certainly, they have their place here in my blog.

More of the little white and pink wildflowers. So now I'm thinking wildflowers and perennials. Oh! I saw the most amazing native azaleas down the road and I MUST go talk to the owners of an incredible yard! I think I've found my muse!

There is such beauty in the small things. Hattie and Bess are beginning to bloom now and the Chinese Fringe tree is gorgeous! There's one pink azalea in the front yard that is stunning and clearly needs some friends. AND, I found a little surprise in my Boston Fern! Must show you that next! Stop and smell the flowers, however small!

Gardeners Sustainable Living Project

2011-04-04T08:40:00.003-05:00

Hattie's pollen

There's a new garden to plan. Instead of windswept banks on the shores of a wild river the new garden will be a still, Zen garden in the shade. There are a myriad of songbirds that flit along the creek that ambles behind the house. Our lot is flat with lots of trees. The earth is compacted with poor soil quality.

Current plans involve azaleas and ferns, hydrangeas and ferns and hostas, sweet woodruff and ferns. Oh, and did I mention ferns? I'm crazy about ferns. As well, a signature understory tree for the front yard like a Japanese red maple is in the mix.

The gardening goal here is the same as the gardening goal was for the river - plant natives, plant to attract birds and bees and butterflies, plant to enrich both earth and soul.

My blogging goals will be changing for now. Instead of chasing elusive pelicans and eagles I'll be concentrating on smaller, more simple miracles as new gardens are created. I'll need a lot of help and good advice. I do know that I want to garden responsibly. Thankfully, I've a plethora of gardening friends who are fantastic about sharing their expertise and other stuff. Case in point...

My blogger buddy, Jan, at Thanks for Today is having a fantastic Giveaway. The 2nd Annual Gardeners' Sustainable Living Project is underway. No special writing or photography skills needed; just share the links and share in the joy! My apologies to Jan for completely forgetting to write a post about it - call it a Senior Moment. They seem to be coming more often. You are invited to check it out by linking directly to her blog - just click the photo below OR here.

Keeping Alabama Forever Wild

2011-03-30T06:25:00.010-05:00

Sunrise over Wheeler Lake

This spring Al.com is publishing a project called Keeping Alabama Forever Wild. Alabamians were invited to send in essays and photographs to share about their special place in Alabama - places that contain deep meaning for them. Selected submissions for this project are running now and ends on Earth Day, April 22, 2011. A new essay is published daily. This project is done in cooperation with The Nature Conservancy of Alabama and Conservation Alabama Foundation.

American White Pelicans at Wheeler Dam

The Forever Wild Program was established in 1992 by constitutional amendment to provide for the purchase of public recreational lands. Since its inception Forever Wild has acquired eighty six (86) tracts totaling 222,771 acres located throughout the state. (source: Outdoor Alabama)

Morning mist rises above Wheeler Lake

My submission is one of the chosen and will be published this Friday, April 1st. Regular readers can guess the area I've written about. The title - "I Am This Flowing Water."

Great Blue Heron and the fish that got away - Wheeler Dam

An excerpt: " It is here, walking along the winter banks at low pool that evidence of Alabama's past can be found lying about, untouched - rock, flint and clay. I observe and enjoy its sandy shores and driftwood, soft water, spongy bottom, shorelines littered with mussel shells and rocks, and breathe in the river's perfume. Wide sky stretches from here to there, a canvas for unusual cloud formations, sunrises and sunsets, storms, lightning in nighttime clouds, mists rising from the lake, rainbows, a gazillion stars at night."

Rock and leaves - Wheeler Lake

It was tough sticking to 600 words or less but I think the essay reflects fairly accurately my love for my lake. Reading these submissions has brought back fond memories of my life here in this beautiful state. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I have.

Privet

2011-03-10T06:28:00.004-06:00

Horrified upon originally learning of privet in my backyard, I'm pleased to report that this variety does not appear to be the highly invasive and life-choking Chinese/European species. I am not sure at all just which variety of privet this is and would love any input. During these days of rest and reflection and backyard photo ops I've immortalized the blooms that are beginning to form.

This particular privet's blooms are tiny, and run all along the whip-like branches reminding me of a weigela. In full bloom it looks like a cloud.

My Southern Living Garden Book does not describe the blooms of each privet variety but research on the web indicates this is not the invasive form. Regardless, I think its blooms are very delicate and beautiful making for a nice photo study.

Acceptance

2011-03-05T08:03:00.010-06:00

Acceptance

"A true man never frets about his place in the world, but just slides into it by the gravitation of his nature, and swings there as easily as a star."

Edwin Hubbel Chapin

"But there isn't any second half of myself waiting to plug in and make me whole. It's there. I'm already whole."

Sally Field

"Some people confuse acceptance with apathy, but there's all the difference in the world. Apathy fails to distinguish between what can and what cannot be helped; acceptance makes that distinction. Apathy paralyzes the will-to-action; acceptance frees it by relieving it of impossible burdens."

Arthur Gordon

"Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections."

Unknown

It is time to begin again, anew. The alien that has been living in my chest seems to have moved on. Grieving is giving way to acceptance. Journaling has been my best friend. Living simply and removing excess stress from my day-to-day is allowing my soul to heal. Suddenly, this week, I feel hopeful and am thinking forward. It's taken a lot of time and meditation to get to this point. My blog has suffered as has my writing and photography. However, internalizing and honest reflection has been good for me. Thank you all for visiting regardless in hopes that I'll share something useful. I'm coming back and I'm glad. I've missed me!

Enjoy these flowers - the poor, misshapen viburnum in our sad, boggy backyard is struggling to bloom and become beautiful this spring. I know how it feels therefore I celebrate it.

Primary Colors

2011-02-28T06:28:00.004-06:00

Felder Rushing and his bottle tree

After Bo's comment I decided bottle trees needed to be shown. Felder's is small, above. They can be huge.

Google Bottle tree images and you'll be amazed!

Primary Colors

My mom has a bottle tree in her front yard. Beautiful, as it catches the light and turns it into rainbows when the sun is "just right." Dangerous, when the winds come off the lake like a tornado. Wintery and stormy times she carefully removes each bottle and lines them up on the porch in their safe place. I love her bottle tree as much as the neighbors detest it. She's a free spirit and simply laughs. We are both considering the use of bottles as edging for our landscape beds. Felder Rushing does it. I also just read an article in Alabama Gardener magazine about it. According to the article, this method of edging was used on southern plantations long ago. Therefore, we're simply keeping this charming southern custom alive.

This is another random, big yawn blog. Fair warning.

Oh, and speaking of blogging I found a magazine devoted to blogging called Artful Blogging while the Hubs and I were sipping coffee at Barnes & Noble yesterday. Flipping through I delighted in the creativity of the bloggers out there. Wish I had an ounce of their creativity. Artists of all kinds, gardeners, chefs, etc. I would have purchased the magazine for grins but it was $15! Holy schmoly! I carefully placed it back on the rack and backed away.

The current Project Du Jour at the GHT household is Simplification. You know those boxes one carts from place to place, year after year? Dust covers each surface and the bottom is saggy from moisture? Brittle packing tape wrapped and re-wrapped, breaking away at the seams? Seems we have a whole bunch of these boxes. Inside are old crinkled newspaper pages wrapped around various "treasures." Some things are indeed treasures thought lost, and some were various levels of trash. Each box is a project all its own. The dust has been so thick and filled with Lord knows what that the project made me sick the first day until realizing I needed to wear a mask. I never want this kind of project again.

Another project is journaling. Staying OFF the computer and physically writing down various assignments from my therapist. Handwriting is hard. I can type on the computer as fast as I think. Besides, handwriting is just tedious. However, I've been convinced that it is necessary because my brain works differently when I put pen to paper.

Yesterday I bought walking poles and vow to begin walking again. I've been told these help take the shock off knees and hips with the added benefit of increasing your cardiac workout and whatever by 45%. That's what the box says anyway. Well, except for the word "whatever."

That's enough for today. Enjoy the bottle pic from my mom's sunny beach porch. Just wanted to come back and post something - keep this blog alive until I can find out who I am again!

Bald Eagles

2011-02-21T07:21:00.005-06:00

The nest through my 400mm zoom

I'd been itching to travel a road never taken and decided yesterday was Road Trip Day. Also, it would be good to take the hubs along as well for it's nice to have a companion when taking adventures. Driving along heading elsewhere a snap decision was made - check out the eagle's nest "just in case" before heading down the road.

Turns out a whole hoard of birders from the North Alabama Birdwatching Society had the same idea. The eagles were out and the chicks, or at least one chick, would occasionally pop their heads up. Originally, there were two eggs in the nest but no one knows if both chicks survived. Or no one in our group did on this day.

Mom - using the 2X converter

I've never seen the like of cameras on tripods, cameras draped from necks, cameras cradled in arms as I've seen this day. While I recognized some of the birders I nestled in next to Bala, whose 500mm lens I covet. (We all do - it's not just me.) Bala had already taken some amazing shots which he proudly showed to me and Bob. Amazing. Simply amazing.

A little fluffing and calling going on here - putting on a show for the photographers

I apologize for the fuzziness of these shots. These were the best ones. The converter doesn't allow auto focus to work so I'm holding my breath, focusing as best I can while steadying on Bob's shoulder. They won't win any prizes nor can these shots hold a candle to Bala's but they're mine

Mom and chick

Eventually, we said our goodbyes to Bala, the eagles and the birders, turned the Yaris around and began our road trip. The road trip was interesting but the eagles were definitely the highlight of the day.

Friends

2011-02-20T07:45:00.008-06:00

Skyring, Bob and Dave

Clearly, I've been MIA for a bit. Over the past couple of weeks we have moved from the lake house, been through closing (I didn't go) and have been schlepping all manner of junk hither and yon. If ever a case for Minimalism can be made it would be in ours. Holy moly. We don't need a bigger house - we need less Stuff. We've made the vow so let's see how well we can adapt to it.

In the middle of the move and closing we were visited by our Wisconsin friends, Dave and Skyring. "Skyring" is a family name - it was her grandfather's name. This visit had been planned for months. We'd all been looking forward to it with pleasure. There was no way we were going to miss this opportunity. Therefore, we worked like mad the week and weekend prior to their visit and only had to go back one more time for the "dregs" and cleaning. In between, while they were here, we played. And rested. And caught up.

Overlook at Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge

Dave and Sky had been fascinated by my posts on Lake Guntersville's Eagle Awareness program so we'd planned to go spend the day looking for eagles. The migrating eagles are about gone so we did not see them in abundance as Carroll and I did in January. Still, we saw one way up high and think we saw another but weren't sure. Actually, the best part of the day (besides lunch) was right here. Sitting in the sunshine overlooking Lake Guntersville talking and lounging. Often, we would grow quiet, lay our heads back and just soak in the sunshine and sounds and the peace. For it was indeed peaceful and perfect.

Me, Bob and Dave

Such a relaxing day with good friends. We tried a little hiking but Bob isn't quite there yet. He did really well however and I can tell he's getting stronger. Instead, we drove the loop and saw all the deer, enjoyed a fabulous lunch at the restaurant and walked around the Lodge. It's all good ya know.

We hated for it to end. I didn't bring the tripod and was just too dadgum lazy to ask someone to take a photo of the 4 of us together. Sometimes, those details are just not that important. One detail that is important is that Skyring drove us to the Lodge in their new Subaru Outback so that I could soak up the luxury. I LOVE Subarus! Thanks, Sky!

Bob and Dave

Bob and Dave were best friends in high school and have kept up with each other through the years. Skyring and I have become friends as well and have so much in common. You may remember our trip to Wisconsin to see them a couple of years ago. If not, you are welcome to go here and read about our visit to that lovely part of the world - sans snow. It's our turn to visit them next. They live close to a lake so we are looking forward to driving up and resting and sunning beside a different sort of lake. What fun, what fun.

Happy Sunday, ya'll. (...a little Southernism for grins...)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-09T11:14:00.013-06:00

Mooned by a Towhee...

Wordless Wednesday
(almost, as Jodi sez...)

Gratitude

2011-02-09T07:01:00.004-06:00

My thanks to Cheryl Ann at Deep Canyon for giving me an award! It's a humbling experience, receiving an award from a fellow blogger. Cheryl Ann's blog brings me such pleasure. Immersing myself in the beautiful blue skies and landscape of the southwest feeds that part of my soul that loves deserts and huge, craggy mountains, cactus and that richly textured quilt of land that blankets the earth as far as the eye can see.

According to the rules I'm supposed to share seven things about me. Whew. Oky doky. Hate to bore you all but rules are rules...

1) I'm in the middle of a personal journey to reinvent myself. At my age it's a little intimidating and I've not chosen a direction. Lots of journaling, beginning meditation, starting Yoga, etc. The teenager left for college, the husband is healing and something inside me has changed so it's time. It's time for ME.

2) New music cannot come into my world fast enough. I'm not particularly nostalgic so by the time I've worn out a CD or a musician then it's time to move on. More, more, more, more, more....

3) My mother is my very best friend. I treasure each and every moment with her.

4) Horses are a passion, but I'm deeply afraid of them. They are the most beautiful animal, to me, on earth.

5) Ten years in ballet straightened my spine but I was never good enough for toe.

6) Besides music traveling is my drug. Road trips, day trips, getting lost and finding my way back home, anything fresh, new. Experiencing new foods, cultures, smells, sights - even just down the road.

7) The lake house has official sold. We close the 17th. The Giraffe Head Tree will no longer be mine. Should I rename my blog?

Hope I didn't bore you too badly!

More rules - now I'm supposed to share with 5 people but I'm going to break that rule and share with only one because I've been in a blogging funk and just haven't been getting around much except to the few people who have already gotten this award! Except for one...

SO, I'm sharing Cheryl Ann's lovely award with my friend Eve at Sunny Side Up. Eve keeps me positive with her sunny disposition, her laughing nature, her love for all things outdoors and her amazing ability to ID birds! She rides a Harley Davidson motorcycle and I love her fierce independence and feisty ways. She's become a good friend since moving to Alabama. (Ya know, it's about time for a visit, Evis.)

Red Oak Leaves

2011-02-06T07:43:00.005-06:00

Oak leaves

Wheeler Lake

Taken long ago, this photo of red oak leaves dangling before the winds took them away still captivates. The sun shining through makes them catch on fire.

As a child, I would lie in the grass in our backyard and place my hands between me and the sun, marveling at the red that traveled my fingers.

Closing my eyes on the beach the inside of my eyelids are red.

Red. Deep, jeweled red.

Merlot, claret, burgundy wines with their smokey flavors glowing captivatingly in clear stemmed glasses. Red.

Red embers of a bonfire; the red tip of a burning stick writing names in the darkness.

Deep red, oil paint red, garnet red, the red of berries shouting in a white landscape.

My favorite color.

For more captivating images around the world please visit Scenic Sunday

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-02T07:39:00.002-06:00

Virginia Creeper in autumnal dress

Wordless Wednesday .... shhhhh...

Scenic Sunday

2011-01-30T08:39:00.004-06:00

For our Earth.

For more beautiful images of our planet please visit Scenic Sunday.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-26T07:09:00.004-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

Mushrooms

2011-01-25T07:56:00.010-06:00

My friend Cathy called to tell me aliens had landed in her backyard. The saucer had just dropped them off, leaving them to explore and possibly absorb us and take over the world.

These wee, tiny mop-tops sat atop hairy stems.

While we saw no evidence of eyes we had no doubt they were following our every move.

They appear oh so innocent, but we noticed some were gathered together as if whispering.

Wasn't this one just over there beside the sycamore?

How silly. Mushrooms do not move about, have flying saucers, think or take over the world. However, they've been known to take over my own backyard...but that's my own fault.

I have no clue what kind of mushrooms these are but the textures and colors are fascinating. I love mushrooms. Particularly, I love mushrooms sauteed in a little EVOO and sliced, fresh garlic, dappled with freshly ground pepper and simmered in sweet vermouth for a few hours. Any good mushroom recipes out there? And, anyone have a clue what kind of mushrooms these are?