Sunday, February 28, 2010

Little Friend

I was walking along the river last week when this small brown bird began to whistle his distinctive springtime call. I answered the little fellow in kind, so he kept getting closer and closer--close enough for me to take his picture.

Suddenly he seemed to realize I was not a bird and whistled a sound scolding before flitting away. But a few minutes later, he was back--I guess he liked the idea of talking to a human. We had the most interesting conversation.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Phoenix

Two years ago, on our 25th anniversary, my husband and I spent the weekend at Pacific City along the Oregon Coast. We climbed a huge sand dune, to sit on the edge of a cliff where we were treated to this unexpectedly beautiful sunset.

It was so lovely we did not want to leave. As the sun crept toward the sea the air grew so chilly, I was shivering in my thin wrap. But suddenly, a bubble of warm air, scented with the fragrant aroma of cedar whisked itself around us. And it stayed. It was the most astounding thing. I think it might have been a puff of warm air from the bonfires people had built on the beach below. It was a truly magical evening.

This is an untouched photo of what we saw.

If you look closely, you can see the legendary Phoenix winging her way across the skies.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Coil


This is tree bark which has curled away from the trunk of the tree. I think it looks like a mummy--or maybe a length of intestine.
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Sissy and I find the most interesting things when we go a'walking!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Backside

Yesterday Clytie and I went for a long walk in our beloved forest. We had the privilege of watching the flight of a great owl--something clutched in his claws and a beautiful eagle--white head and tail gleaming in the late afternoon sunshine. Then down by the creek I found the skeleton of a coyote . . . Such a delicate, lovely skull with very sharp teeth.

Sissy and I had a great time together--I can't tell you how much I'd been looking forward to spending time with her. Sissy's imagination matches my own--so we had a wonderful adventure.
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But imagine our surprise to catch this tree, er, from the back. Hmmm . . . I thought of offering this lovely Dryad my coat, but instead we crept away. One must have privacy, you know--even if one is a Dryad.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Sand Dance

Caught mid-step, sand slowly gurgles down the dunes, awaiting ocean waves to begin again its lanquid dance.

I see a kindly face with a big nose just right of the center of this photo...what do you see?

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Springtime Herald

The sun came out yesterday bringing forth the flowers and me with my camera. What better herald of spring than this miniature daffodil smiling shyly through the morning dewdrops! I think she has a boyfriend--notice she coyly hugs the stem of the budding flower next to her.

There will be more of them soon--we are to have three days of sunshine in the mid-60's. Amazing. But enjoyable...though I would have loved to have seen a little winter snow before the cold season ends.

Have a marvelous week!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Face Me

Though I see them quite often, I am still amazed at the faces I find in the clouds. What's really spooky is when the face recognition option in my camera recognizes the same faces I do! How grateful I am for this camera--for the instant capture of amazing things.

Can you see the handsome fellow with the statuesque nose?

Ah, what fun to watch the skies!

Monday, February 15, 2010

The Gathering

On our way home from the Mt. Angel Wurst Fest there was a wonderful gathering of clouds over the hills. I was able to catch a few pictures before the downpour. Fingers of dark clouds spiraled toward the ground, then were gone just as quickly.

If you look closely--you can see "eyes" toward the bottom of this photograph. lol Yep, I know--I have a GREAT imagination.

These clouds crouching over the hills were awe-inspiring.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Surprise in the Woodstove

Nope, no fire faeries this time! This afternoon I was adding wood to the fire when I noticed a miniature forest of mushrooms on the end of this log! These tiny mushrooms were smaller than a pencil eraser!
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I was enchanted. Aren't they delightful?
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DADDY UPDATE: Dad went to the neurosurgeon for his checkup. Though the bones in his neck have made progress healing, he must wait for a CAT scan and those results before the surgeon will allow Dad to take the brace off. He's allowed to have it off three-four times per week to eat and rest. Please continue to pray for Dad's fractured neck bones to heal. Dad is frustrated and unhappy--please pray that God will give him distracting spots of joy throughout each day.
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Thank you so much for all your prayers, love and concern.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Hummer

About 15 minutes ago, I ran outside with my camera to catch some wonderfully shaped clouds floating across the skies.

Then I heard quite a racket. My tiny hummer friend was chatting up a storm--he flew within a few feet of me--then out over the fenceline into the sunlight. What lovely flashes of green! I chattered and chirped back at him, whereapon he flew to the feeder and actually sat to eat with his wings folded.

After slurping his fill, he buzzed in front of my nose, then took his seat on a nearby branch, where I was able to click this picture of him. As you can see, he's quite the chatterbox. What a dear little fellow he is!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Heart of Violets

I was astonished to find violets in January. I have never seen them bloom so early before.

Then a few days ago I decided to work a bit in my garden--what a lovely thing to see--a heart-shaped clump of busily blooming violets. Perfect for February with it's Valentine's Day Celebrations!

Have a wonderful week.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Awkward

Every now and then I was able to get the best of Snowbunny the cat. This was one of those funny rare moments. She was REALLY upset I took her photo whilst er, bathing.

The only word to describe this picture is Awkward--and her expression made me laugh. Eventually she forgave me. (grin) I miss her, but at least I get to visit her every now and then.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Face in Flames

A few nights ago, I was watching the fire playing around the end of a log in in the woodstove. Something looked rather strange, so of course I grabbed my camera and started clicking.

Later, I was going through the photos and I was astounded to see a faint face to one side of the flames. Can you see her? She doesn't too look happy, does she?

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Country Skies

I caught this amazing formation over the back fence in my garden. I think it looks like a maiden holding something her hands. What do you think?

Sometimes there are moments which are so memorable one can hardly speak of them for the beauty wrought in one's soul. In late spring Alan and I were outside working on some sets--when this amazing color began to gather in the clouds.

It was the kind of sunset that thrills the soul. I've only seen one other as glorious as this. The colors seemed to hang in the skies forever...

Then there are the clouds I often find hovering over the fields near the old farm building--my favorites are those which seem to form a porthole to another realm in time or space.

I love the beauty of our Country Skies.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Forest Dryad

In some ancient stories, the Dryad is an old fellow with pointy ears. Hmmmm...Sounds like Spock of Star Trek, doesn't it? Anyhow, there are other old legends which describe the lives of those who live within the trees. These are also called Dryads and Nymphs.

If you look closely at this photo--you can see the form of a woman, reaching upward. I'm sure she must be one of the forest folk I just happened to catch mid-flight.

I know, I know--I have a GREAT imagination!

Monday, February 1, 2010

Bare Bones of Winter

Last week we drove through the Baskett Slough Bird Sanctuary near here. There is a little known road which runs down the center of the water in the sanctuary. We stopped to watch the skies. The air was alive with layers of birds lying upon the air, landing, taking off, shifting and swooping. I did not catch any photos which did justice to the majesty of that sight.

I enjoyed the Red Wing Black Birds, who's call I've learned to imitate. They seemed fascinated when I would answer them--they couldn't figure out what kind of bird I might be. Though they flitted near, I could not get close enough to take pictures of their lovely flash of red feather.

And then there were the Three Stooges you see above. These geese were hilarious to watch. I laughed and laughed at their antics.
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It was hard to leave, as the sun set behind the soft rolling hills clad with ancient oak trees.