Bunny Mama

In the roots of the tall alder tree in our yard, we found a bunny nest hidden by the surrounding grass.  Deep inside were five precious little creatures with their eyes closed but no mother rabbit.  Fearing that they had been orphaned by any number of local predators, we did a bit of research and learned the mother doesn't come around during the day so as not to attract said predators, but instead comes at night to nurse them.

One week later their eyes were open and they were still cuddled together in their warm nest.  They were mostly eyes and ears at that point.  No sign of mom.

Yesterday (five days later) they were scurrying about their hole under the tree roots but not about to come out.  Still no mother was in sight.

Early this morning, the Bunny Mama hopped out of the salal bushes and over to the nest.  She stood at the edge of the hole and peered in.  Apparently she was giving her kids either a last minute safety lecture or a "you can do it" inspirational speech.  Then she hopped away from the nest yet stayed close by eating clover.

Within minutes, the baby bunnies came bolting out of the nest straight into the brush, a blur of fur and ears.  After they made their escape out into the world, Bunny Mama hopped away too.  Nicely done, my lady, nicely done!

If You Want to Celebrate America...

...listen to the voice of the Earth.

Sister Sally's Happy Place

Laying in the soft sand, the warm sun and gentle breezes nurture her.  The waves gently lap upon the beach and echo softly in her ears.  Off in the distance she hears the sounds of her children laughing and playing.  She smiles to herself.  Surrounded by her loved ones, yet alone with her thoughts, she relishes this perfect moment on Earth.

And as she give thanks for this moment, we give thanks for her.

Take that, Miss CrankyMcGrumpyPants!

I was having a bad day, it's true.  So much weighing on my mind and I didn't want to deal with any of it.  Taking the fun out of anything and everything around me, was the only thing that brought me a drop of pleasure.  Strangely, sad pleasure.

So I took myself out for a short, urban nature walk and stumbled upon this guy.

Even though he's a weed coming out of a crack in a rock wall, he still has stars in his fur.  Reaching for the sun without complaining, he sways along in the breeze. 

I smiled in spite of myself and started looking for the stars in my fur.

Frequent Flyer

Here's the deal...I am not a fan of flying.  It's the long lines, chaotic airports, being "wanded," torturous seats, and generally, flying through the air at 38,000 feet in a small, steel tube.  It is a requirement of the work I do.  So I shut up, buckle up and go up in the air for hours at a time making the best of it.

If I were a bald eagle, my flying experience would be drastically different.  Easy take offs with only a minimum of squawking by the seagulls in Air Traffic Control, no security checkpoints, an abundance of room for my wing span and the ability to stop mid-flight for a fresh seafood snack.  

I wonder if he has free wi-fi?

 

It's All in the Details

Dear Mother Nature, 

Your attention to detail on even the tiniest green strawberry is impeccable.  I stopped making jam and simply explored this little work of art that came out of the dewy fields this morning.  Each seed was perfectly placed as if by hand, your hand.

Just last night, I marveled about the intricacies of the heavens as I gazed at the huge starlit sky overhead.  The constellations aligning as the Moon chased the Sun around the Earth. How grateful I am to live in an entire universe filled with such beauty and symmetry--no matter how big or how small.  You are really quite talented.

I would like to be just like you when I grow up.  People tell me I am detail-oriented and a quick study so I would be interested in taking a class or a webinar from you.  Perhaps a summer internship? 

Humbly Yours,

Nancy J. Zavada

 

Easy Like Sunday Morning

Sunday morning on Netarts Bay.  That's how we locals roll (literally).