art & play

guided by a whisper

the other day we were having dinner with another family, relaxing out in the cool summer air. The question came up about the next day's plans and I mentioned that I wanted to go get cherries from the farmer's market. As I spoke these words a little whisper came from my heart that I would see my good friend there (a friend that I haven't seen for over a year). This idea made me excited, I wanted to go even more.

The next morning rolled around and K came into our bed oh, so, early (okay, it was only 7:30 but still...). I didn't feel like heading out to the market any more. We rested for a few more minutes and then it hit me again—I was going to see my friend — I needed to get a move on in a gentle way. 

Korbs and I rounded up our things and made our way out. The morning was still peaceful and heading downtown at this hour is one of my favorite journeys. We grabbed some coffee first and then off to his oatmeal, stopping to talk to the salmon fishermen, to peek at all the flowers, and to taste blueberries. 

We found a little patch of grass to stop and snack. I still knew I wanted to see my friend, but there was so much more to enjoy as well. I let the whole idea of running into her escape me. I didn't want to spend the whole morning looking for her and forget to look at all that was right there in front of me.

Music was playing, kids were running around, so many people had come out to enjoy the sun and fresh food. K and I plotted our strategy to find our last few purchases and then make our way back home to papa. As I looked up to see which stalls were around us, I glimpsed my friend. Ha! Perfect! 

frosty white mornings

There was frost all over the ground today, in fact, all over everything. It was so beautifully quiet this morning and frosty white it made me wish for snow days. I also got really excited about spring, wondering when the last day of a hard frost would be and when I could get those beans in the ground. I want to taste fresh peas again!

This was the first year I have taken the time to write on my calendar anything about the frost or cold. I have usually left these things up to my friends to keep track of. I have to admit these past few years of gardening have been a bit of experimentation, wonderful experimentation, with lots of tasty treats. And isn’t that what it is all about — start slow, learn a bit as I go, and keep going.

However, there are quite a few days before those bean sprouts can take root in our garden, so I will let those thoughts go and concentrate on moments like these hanging right outside my window… 

walks around the block

walking around the neighborhood these past years has given me a chance to become acquainted with the flowers and trees around me. In the past I have never lived in a place long enough to watch so many seasons pass. And as I have become more familiar with the plant's changing cycles, I have learned to mark time by the blooms or lack there of. Just as I am saying good-bye to one, another amazing transformation is happening right in the next garden.

Today a giant rain shower opened up and pored fourth from the sky. I haven't seen the rain come down so hard in a long time, well, at least since March or so... And so it goes, a subtle, wet reminder that the rain is coming and the blooms of summer are about to come to a close. Autumn is right around the corner, time to get cozy with lots of knitting. 

These are one of my favorite blooms, a late summer arrival. Just as about everything is withered from a long dry bout of heat these beautiful lovelies raise their long necks and dance in the sun, with a fragrance that can knock you off your feet!

swooping through the evening sky

on this evening we went to watch an amazing event that happens here every fall, the return of the swifts.

There is a chimney in a local school that has become a stopping point on the migration trail of these birds around september to early october. People come out with a few blankets and snacks to watch them play in the sky right around sunset. For moments it looks like there are no birds around at all, and then in an instant they swirl in and ride the currents high and low. 

As I watched them I wondered how they would all fit into this little space—there are thousands of them. And my virgo mind wondered how they figured out the organization of getting in there one by one, and who decides it is time to enter in for the evening.