Only Reflections

Looking at the stream in the sunlight
only seeing the water,
the ripples caused by the wind.
A brief moment.

A painting done in light and movement.
Impressionism.

In the Garden

Gradually I am redoing each garden bed.
Replanting with plants that are native to my area.
I am adding a water feature for the birds and nectar and host plants for the butterflies.

I am writing and planning and learning.
I am looking for resting chairs too.

On the deck

The sunflower seed that spilled from the bird feeding station sprouted.
The sunflowers bloomed and now are setting seeds.
The American Gold Finches feed on the sunflowers while I drink my tea.

Gardening with the birds is very easy.

Photos

I framed a picture of a Buckeye Butterfly for my husband.
I bought two of these frames and mats.
They are 16x14 walnut frames.
They hold a 8x10 very nicely.
I think I will do a Tiger Swallowtail for my office.

In the shadows

I have been sitting in the shadow of the front Maple tree.
I look at the French Lilac bed.
I think. I imagine. I write. I draw.
I am planning how to have four season interest here.

At the second hand shop I found an old bird bath.
It fit in with the French Lilacs and the miniature Crepe Myrtles.
Today I go in search of a vine for the bird bath and a herb.

Each growing spot will have a water feature, bird feeder and a herb.
Each will have shelter for the birds and something for the butterflies.
Each will have flowers in three seasons.

It is here I took out all the mums that died.
I think I will try Asters this time!

Seeing

In the rain the air is filled with dancing globes.

The Date Tree shimmers.

In the rain

My secret garden is in my mind.
.

It is where all the trees I have loved live.
I go there when it is raining.
I love rainy days.

Solstice

My daughter drew me a picture years ago.
She wrote in calligraphy one of my favorite sayings.
I framed her drawing.
It hangs in the guest bath in June.

This saying is how I felt about being a parent.
It is how I feel about my art filled life.
It is a process.
I am kind to my way.

I befriend me in my growth.

Fallen Petals

I leave the petals where they fall.


I like the look.

I do help the fallen petals.
On the coffee table I placed a crystal bowl under the vase of the Lilies.
I wanted the petals to fall into the bowl.
They did.
Instant potpourri.

When all the petals have fallen I will take the fallen petals and the spent stems out to the compost. Full use.

Out of the Ashes

Our son is moving.
He is beginning the next chapter in his life.
I celebrate this change for him.

I am changing too.
This is my story of how out of the ashes rises the Phoenix.
Hopefully it will not take me 500 years.

I embrace the Artful Life.
I live conscientiously.
I live respectfully.

I live the artful life.