In a Dragon's Eye - Weekend Reflections

Have you ever seen an eye so green?  This is my Sister's wonderful kitty, MikaMia--who was watching me from her "mother's" arms--upside down.  This is probably the only time I'll ever see my reflection In a Dragon's Eye.

Clytie says Mika has dragon's eyes.    As you can see above--it's true.  MikaMia has Dragon's eyes.

For more wonderful reflections from around the world, be sure to visit James at Weekend Reflections.

Owl Looking at Me - Guest Heart Thursday

Sissy and I were walking in The Abandoned when we were startled by the flight of a Great Horned Owl.  He perched upon a tree just within sight--He watched as I took this amazing photo.  You are probably wondering where the hearts are?  They are in the tangle of branches -- can you find them?

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Thunder Heart - Guest Heart Thursday

This is the heart of a storm towering over the foothills of the Cascades.  Thunder Heart seemed the best name for this amazing photo.  If you look closely at this thunder cloud, you can see a man wearing  cap at the top, a bearded man on the left and a child's round cheeked profile on the right.  Can you see them, too?  It is almost as though a grandfather and son are dancing with their little boy!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Forest Angel

Sissy and I were heading back home after a wonderful walk through The Abandoned and the surrounding forests.  As we walked, I had the strangest feeling I should take some pictures just off the road--a place where we played as children.  We called it Leprechaun Valley.  There was a faery-like meadow filled with fern, Trilliums, May flowers and the perky little Johnny Jump ups.

I knew I'd caught a glimmer of something in the photograph I took of the meadow.  I showed the picture to Clytie, thinking it did look a little odd.  She agreed.

When I looked at this picture on my computer, to my astonishment I found my Forest Angel.  Can you see her there, dancing next to the moss covered snag?

Above you see a closeup--doesn't this look like a beautiful little angel with a halo?

Most unexpected!

Weasel Heart - Guest Heart Thursday

Well, she's not really a weasel, but Gypsy does come close!  She is a lovely little dog who adores food and friends.  There are several hearts in this photo--can you find them?

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Gorgeous Green

This Gorgeous Green lichen was growing on some flowering shrubs near a parking lot where we performed last weekend.  I was enamored with the unexpected beauty I found.  What loveliness -- A result of the torrential rains we've had this winter.  The day before I took this photo, there were record-breaking rains soaking the ground.

It goes to show--even when things are soggy and grey--one can often find unexpected beauty.

Pink Blossom Hangin' - Guest Heart Thursday

I had such a lovely time, walking through the grounds and buildings of The Abandoned this  past week.  We were upstairs taking pictures from the second story office area, when I clicked this lovely flower heart.  It was as I clicked the shutter I realized there was a heart there!

I always pray for Clytie Eyes when I am out and about with my camera.  She sees hearts.  Today's photo was a true answer to that prayer!  I saw these blooms with Sissy's eyes.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Eye of the Eagle

Yesterday morning, on my way to my parent's home, I drove through the protected wildlife area located just a mile from their home.  To my astonishment I noticed an eagle perched silently on a craggy old snag.   I pulled over and rolled down my car window to snap his picture.

He looked at me with his Eagle eye...

Then a moment later spread his wings and flew away.

The Eye of the Eagle is a fearsome thing to behold.  An unmistakable feeling of awe filled my heart.  Voicing that tremendous feeling, I gave a rousing cheer from my car window.  Silly, I suppose--but for me this was such an exciting moment.

Bridal Flowering - Pink Saturday

It is sunny today--the plum tree blossoms thickly cover the trees along our street.  Such lovely pink booms--they remind me of a bevy of brides, joyfully dancing along the sidewalk.

For more fabulous pink stuff, join Bev at How Sweet the Sound!

Kitty Face Heart - Guest Heart Thursday

Our darling seven-month old Main Coon Snooperz was sleeping on my husband's desk, in the inbox.  He was so cute I just HAD to take his picture.  What a good-natured kitty Snoopy is!  As you can see--there is an upside down heart which includes his nose and funny fat cheeks.

You can tell Snooperz is interested in what I'm doing--or perhaps it is the camera lens cover dangling in front of him.  And yes, that IS my husband as Johnny Bravo in the back ground.  One of my daughters made it as a joke. lol

 I'm afraid I tired him out with all my laughing and clicking the camera.  As you can see his mouth is HUGE!

Finally he decided enough already and headed for his food dish!  As you can see, he is the most wonderful cat.  I am thinking he will be huge when he is full grown!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Random Challenge - Flowers!

We've decided to take a walk each day for our health's sake, whenever possible.  This morning was lovely with rare sunshine glinting through the tulip tree blossoms.

The dew was still fresh on the daffodils smiling from the edge of the sidewalk.

I have not seen this blue of a sky in what feels like forever!  Even we Oregonians, during this record-breaking rainy month of March, have grown tired of our gray skies.  This blue just fills my eyes.

Then more daffodils starring the gardens along the sidewalk--what a lovely sight to see!

Join us in the flower challenge at Random Challenges!

Blossom Tea

My darling Friend Lynn introduced me to Blossom Tea last week.  It starts out as a dry, tightly pressed ball about the size of a large marble.  When boiling water is added it begins to bloom--as you can see above.

Then suddenly a string of blossoms pops up from the larger bloom.  It was the prettiest thing I've seen in a long time, and the tea was delicious.

This is a closeup shot of the lower bloom.  I thought the bubbles gathering on the petals of the tea blossom were lovely.

All Keyed Up

Yesterday I was giving my four-year old niece a little piano lesson.  Perched beside us was Snooperz the Cat.  He watched a long time with great interest, then with a tentative paw he touched one key--then two.

To our utter delight, Snooperz the Cat decided to "play" along with us.  He seemed fascinated by the sounds, as well as small glimpses of the hammers plunking on the strings as he made his way along the piano keys.

After a long morning of "playing" piano, Snooperz decided to take a well-deserved nap.

What a dear little fellow he is!  I have missed the sounds of music booming throughout the house since the kids left home--now we hear, er, music in the house again.   When I told Clytie about our piano-playing feline, my brilliant sister suggested the perfect title to this blog entry--All Keyed Up. 

The Sea Captain

For years my husband told Sea Captain stories to our children.  The Sea Captain and his little friends had all kinds of adventures.

Only once did we think we might have caught a glimpse of the Sea Captain.  He came visiting one evening.  But we were not there.  The Sea Captain left a big pot of fragrant hot chowder on the stove along with some crunchy brown garlic bread.  His note said he was sorry he'd missed us, but had been called back to his boat because of an emergency.   (wink, wink, wink)

I've always had a picture in my mind of what the Sea Captain might look like.

Last weekend my husband and I traveled to the Oregon Coast.  We had a lovely adventure, including staying with Captain Grady and his lady Sandy.  You've probably already guessed, but Captain Grady is exactly as I have always imagined the Sea Captain might look.

The Captain and his deck hands fish for crab off the Oregon Coast.  We actually had the privilege of hopping aboard his boat, the Aquarius.  Learning how a real Captain and crew ply their trade was fascinating.

As are all Sea Captains, he is a wonderful storyteller. His stories about close encounters with modern pirates curl one's toes with fear!  There is an atmosphere, a mystique about the sea and those who seek her treasures.  It is a whole different world with its own wonderful rhythm.

What a charming couple are the Captain and his Lady.  I know we will be back for a hearty hug and a warm hello.

Beauty in a Mud Puddle - Weekend Reflections

It has been raining so much here in Oregon, that even for those of us who consider ourselves as having "webbed feet," are tired of it.  This has been the wettest March on record!

Setting that aside, it is amazing the beauty one can find reflected in a mud puddle.

For more wonderful reflections from around the world, be sure to visit James at Weekend Reflections.

Daffy Down Dilly Springtime - Weekend Reflections

Spring has arrived early this time around.  A few weeks ago, I took this picture when we were threatened with some light snow and freezing temperatures.  The snow did sprinkle the ground and the dew froze.  Here you see our garden's Springtime Daffy Down Dillies resplendent in gorgeous frozen dewdrop earrings.  It didn't hurt these miniature daffodils one bit--they're in full bloom now.  What a spot of bright color they make on this gray, gray day.

For more wonderful reflections from around the world, be sure to visit James at Weekend Reflections.

Heart of Bramble - Guest Heart Thursday

Walking in the woods of our childhood late last summer, Sissy and I happened upon this broken bramble--one of the leaves had browned and curled into this perfectly shaped heart.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.