Just love this time of year. Everything is so GREEN! These photos show the West side of my mobile home where two of the mulberry trees grow. Yes, I know the one is waaaay too close. I'll have to remedy that situation pretty soon. But not this year! (I said that last year too. Yikes!)
Its just so pretty... and loaded with berries. I just love sitting at my kitchen table and gazing out at it. And when the berries get ripe, its an awesome bird watching spot. Just ask any of my cats!
Here is the view looking out. The sunlight coming through the leaves is a lovely sight to behold. Uplifting and soothing! Makes me feel downright JOYFUL! I hear all the time about "living green".... well, I'm surrounded by it right now. And loving every minute of it.
Then there is that maple tree in the back yard that obviously hasn't seen the memo about it being Spring! hahaha
Most of the maples have dropped all their Autumn colored leaves. (We don't get Fall colors from them until January or February) And the little "whirly gigs" are flying everywhere in the breeze. Love to watch them. The squirrels love to eat them! And that COLOR!
Then there is the issue of the Cherry Laurels. They're what I call "glorified weeds". Some just call them junk trees. Either way, they don't hold up under storms very well and can be a real hazard. But.... when they produce those little dark berries the birds go absolutely NUTS! That's why I didn't cut down all that were growing on my property. A big mistake in hindsight, but I've had a lot of enjoyment over the years watching flocks of robins and cedar waxwings going into feeding frenzies! hahaha
Unfortunately for me, my trees are getting ready to bloom now. Like any second! The pollen will billow out through the air and I'll have to run for cover! And take lots of antihistamines when I want to work outside in the yard. Sheesh!
Speaking of that... I was trying to tidy up the front a little and make room to plant some squash. Underneath all the leaves I found quite a bit of Virginia Creeper growing. Got all excited about changing my plans for the afternoon, but then I found out that I didn't have any basket frames ready for weaving. (I could have sworn I had one or two ready to go!?) So I grudgingly rolled the vines up for later. Will have to soak them when I want to use them. Sometimes that messes up the appearance of the outer "bark". Better to use them fresh. Oh well, that'll teach me to be more prepared! Will have to get some frames and ribs put together so they can dry up nice. Maybe I could teach my granddaughter a little basket making? That's something that everyone should try at least once in their life. A basket is a wondrous thing!
Got off work and just look at that sky! I'd better hurry! Haul the compost and some peat moss over to the corner lot and get to digging.
Here are the two loquats. Got that 'deformed' little redbud in too. Just in time. Started feeling rain drops right as I was finishing up.
Bella was trying to help. Must have found a really interesting smell.
Yep. THATS an interesting smell all right! Glad I didn't get a whiff! hahaha
Then the wind blew hard and the rain came down! And kept coming!!!! Those little trees got in at just the right time.
Well, you see how I get to type this evening! Fearless Fergus McAngus is sticking even closer to me than usual.... he fell out through a window yesterday and got stuck outside till after dark. And that "fearless" part really doesn't fit him. chuckle
Anyway, hopefully I'm able to post this. Been having a lot of problems with that for quite a few months. Seems someone has "attached on" somehow to my blog and is using it. I don't know how... or why! But its really aggravating and has created technical problems for both of my blogspots. Hopefully one of these days I will be able to get the problem resolved. And get rid of that horrid individual(s) that is causing all this difficulty.
So.... this Winter has made me even more thankful that I live in Florida!!! We've certainly had a few COLD spells! But they were of short duration. Here it is the 11th of February and the trees are starting to bud out all ready. The pollen count is ridiculous!! The big mulberry tree on the corner lot is loaded with little fuzzy green berries! How awesome is that?!
Speaking of the corner lot, I was out marking where to plant a couple of loquat trees. Also need to move the elm and that little redbud. Will need to get some peat moss and cow manure to add to the soil. I want to get them in the ground before the rain starts tomorrow. Seems there is another cold front heading our way! We have seen a lot of them this season. But I'll gladly accept the rain that they bring! hahaha
Today was also a great day for watching birds! It looks like the ospreys are going to try and rebuild their nest in that transmission tower at the end of the road. YEH!!! I've been observing the one gathering material all day long. It even flies in and tries to break off branches from the dead pine tree across the street. That bird actually sits in the neighboring tree and plans which piece it wants to try and retrieve. Wonderful to watch!! The blue jays and grackles have been going after every hawk that tries to hunt around here. They're not holding back either! I usually cheer on the "little guy", but I feel kind of sorry for the hawks. Here they are on their regular "rounds"..... just trying to find a meal and the next thing they know.... they're under attack by feathered kamikaze! Oh well, nature has its ways.
Judging from the snoring, I'd better get Fergus snuggled into an actual cat bed! Hope everyone has a wonderful night.
* Full moon coming!!!!!!
I found Sibyl sitting on the sun drenched steps yesterday. When I inquired about what she was gazing at, her reply was simply "2013".
So I sat down next to her and tried to coax out a little more information. Finally got her to share her thoughts. (And yes, I named her Sibyl for a reason, so I pay close attention to her actions and communications.)
" I'm watching this year as it walks slowly towards the West. It will fade away into the sunset and ne'er be seen again. Just as every day does. An ending and a beginning.... meeting at that magickal point on the horizon. Its an infinitely continuous process. Since the creation of this planet each night leads into a new day. And then the cycle continues.
Only humans, with your calendars and clocks, make a huge fuss over this particular day! How unnatural! And now you're hinting around, hoping for a prophecy about your coming "year".
Live simply and joyfully, show respect to all living things...and yes, that includes this blessed Earth that we live upon, be kind, do good deeds.... even when you aren't asked to do them, let the love in your heart shine brightly. Do those things and this next year will be more wonderful than you ever imagined! That is my prophecy to all humans."
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| Sacred Spiral. |
Well, 2013 is almost over. Its been an interesting year.... lots of reflection, some pretty rough spots, changes in all areas of my life. Hmm, come to think of it... its been like every other year that has passed! chuckle Seriously though, it has been a bit more intense. And I'm having to look at myself differently. Realize there are things that my body can't do very well anymore and things that my Spirit doesn't want to do.
Now the spiritual part of my life has always been very important to me! But with everyday life being as it is that spiritual side tends to get overlooked..... a lot! But I find myself coming back to the realization that it isn't just a "part" of my life... it IS my life. When did I lose that very important bit of knowledge? What was it that got in front of me and made me lose sight of the Light. Its true you know, we are spiritual beings having a physical experience.
Now I'm at a spot in that experience where I want to step back away from this so called "everyday existence" and live with more joy and peace. Actually I NEED to do this! Return to my artwork, reconnect to Nature. Establish a more natural flow to my life. I feel that its a necessity if I'm to maintain balance for the rest of my days.
This next year certainly ought to be an interesting one! As for this evening, you'll have to excuse me I've got to go sit with my dogs and cats .... the fireworks on New Years Eve makes them SO afraid. Hope everyone has a happy and safe celebration!!!
Wow, this has certainly been a hectic year. And here it is almost over!!! I keep shaking my head and muttering "What the heck happened?" Oh well, didn't get much of anything done... at least not what I planned and wanted to do. And that's ok. I've learned that being flexible is absurdly important in living life well. Thats MENTAL and EMOTIONAL flexibility!!!! hahaha
Though physical flexibility is absolutely awesome as well! Hmmm, wonder what happened to my good intentions of starting to practice yoga again? chuckle (Next year perhaps!) And I did purchase those two belly dancing belts! Wow! What high aspirations I had for myself this year! Hey, a gal can hope and dream. That's VERY important in life! And then if it doesn't come to pass.... do NOT beat yourself up for it! We are so hard on ourselves! I don't understand why. Things happen. Sometimes life "gets in the way" and either slows us down or derails us completely. For a lot of us, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes we need to stop and look more closely at things. Weigh our options before we proceed. Perhaps use a little more caution or decide to change direction entirely. There are times you need to stop and reassess what you are doing. Is it for your greater good? Does it match up to your true desires and aspirations? Does it feel "right"? Or do you feel like you're bashing your head against a huge boulder? All pain and no gain is a bad thing!!!!
Anyway, you get my drift.... be happy, be healthy, be good and spread some joy whenever you can! This world offers limitless possibilities.... if we are open to them and remain flexible about how we let them manifest in our lives. That old saying is true, we don't always get what we want, but we do get what we need. (Yes, that was a saying long before that Rolling Stone song came along.)
So, I'll keep plugging along here, doing the best that I can. I have some more photos to post (even butterflies as they quiescent!), little stories to share and a whole lot of blessings to wish everyone! Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to go jingle around the house in one of those belly dancing belts! Have a wonderful weekend!!!!!
