Getting Unstuck

Whenever I have found myself stuck in the ways I relate to things, 

I return to nature. 

It is my principal teacher, 

and I try to open my whole being to what it has to say.  

--Wynn Bullock 

April Foolin'

Looking down on the warm sand during my morning stroll, my eyes catch the tropical colors of the water. Transparent waves kiss the shore and I can almost hear the trade winds gently blow through the palm trees.

My mind would like me to believe I am on a South Pacific Island, but my three layers of clothes to ward off the bitingly cold wind remind me this is Netarts Bay.

Hey, a girl can dream, can't she?

Nature's Symmetry

Beautiful, elegant, fascinating, complex and delicate.

Local Artist

A robin made this beautiful work of art, right in my backyard.  

The structural design, use of materials and intricate weave of this nest are astonishing.  

Especially if you consider, this mother bird doesn't even have hands!

A Face You Can't Resist

Grumbling through my early morning walk, this little face made me break into a full grin. 
I stepped a little lighter after that.

Joyful Planet

People from a planet without flowers would think 

we must be mad with joy the whole time

to have such things about us.

--Iris Murdoch

Child's Play

I would like to thank the small children and angels 

who put this childhood game 

on the path of my morning walk.  

It was good to play again!

At Last!

There is something infinitely healing in

the assurance that dawn comes after night

and spring after winter.

--Rachel Carson

Celebrating Green

Go ahead and drink green beer.  

This is the green I am celebrating today!

Humble Beginnings

Earth teach me humility

as blossoms are humble with beginning.

- Ute Prayer

Beginnings

But we have only begun

To love the Earth.

We have only begun

To imagine the fullness of life.

How could we tire of hope?

--so much is in bud...

We have only begun to know

The power that is in us if we would join

Our solitudes in the communion of struggle.

So much is unfolding that must

Complete its gesture,

So much is in bud.

--Denise Levertov

Work

After toiling in the garden all spring, summer brings forth fresh blooms and I pause to remember these wise words...

"Work is love made visible."

--Kahlil Gibran

Reflecting Beauty

Beauty is life when life unveils her holy face.

But you are life and you are the veil.

Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror.

But you are eternity and you are the mirror.

--Kahlil Gibran

Decorations by Mother Nature

Salal blossoms or soft pink Chinese lanterns?  Native plants on the coast create their own enchanted world.

Poppy Make Believe

This poppy believes she is a beautiful ballerina complete with dewdrop sequins on her tutu. Perhaps she is.

TA...DA...!!!

Like a child in her first recital, showing off for Mom and Dad, this artichoke revealed itself today!

The plant I nearly "nurtured" to death and then finally left alone in utter frustration, is bearing fruit. 

I couldn't be more proud if it strapped on ballet shoes and danced around the garden.

Fairy Bonnets

Do you suppose this tree is producing intricate, pink and white hats for the fairies in our yard?

Looking For His Shadow...or Food

Spring has finally arrived at the Oregon Coast and the squirrels who make their home in the Rockaway Wayside boulders have reappeared.  It was a cold, wet winter and they seemed pleased to be finally  basking in the sun.  We counted a total of eight rascals that warm afternoon.

While happy to pose for pictures, they required a treat for doing so, as if to say, "OK, people, let's remember the rules now.  All this cute will cost you!"

As If By Magic, Spring Arrives

Winter's moss drips from the trees over the Wilson River.  Spring buds are ready to explode as the days grow longer.  The Oregon Coast Range wakes up from a long winter's nap. 

I Remember You

The tulips turn their colorful blooms to face the sun.  Each of us do the same hoping this brief sunshine is a sign of longer love affair.  A love affair with the sun who we miss so much.