Caribou Crossing

Caribou Crossing, Collage, 10" x 14"

I'm not sure I ever shared this collage.  It seems like it's from another season, which it is.

It was entered into a collage scrap exchange (in March) - it made it to one of the top

 favorite images but was not the winner.  Well, it makes me pretty darn happy anyway. :)

"Having fun with creativity makes us a better artist,

and a better person."  -G. Fox

One year.

I had a light-hearted trip around Prairie Hill tonight, a nice walk with God.

My dad passed away one year ago.  The flowers were just like this. 

I'm reminded that his spirit is blooming elsewhere.

In praise of a flower...

How would I describe this flower?

Round. Giving. About to exit its prime.

Beautiful. Nourishing. 

White. Green.

One, yet many.

Magical.

Complex.

Worthy.

~ ~    ~    ~ ~

I recently came across this paragraph in a book and it hit me like a ton of bricks:

The essence of nature is not understood through thought. 

Truly appreciating nature does not come through the amount of information

 or  names you attach to different flowers, birds or animals.   

You are not going into nature to exercise your mind. 

 Instead, go into nature to give your mind a rest.   

Who cares about the name of the tree or the bird? 

 Instead, just look at the tree or bird without thought and sense

 its aliveness.  This is far more important than knowing a mere label.

- Patrick McKeown (The Buteyko Breathing Method and Mindfulness) 

I'm familiar with many of the common names of the wildflowers in my region.

As I walk Prairie Hill, I find myself labeling, labeling,,,, though I definitely appreciate 

every flower.  But I have to question myself, am I losing a sense of child-like wonder....?

So last night, I allowed myself to just enjoy the flowers, grasses 

and birds for being with me.  I'm becoming mindful of the harmony and grace 

 of living together in the sun and swaying in the wind. 

Hello from Prairie Hill….

I've read that Spring is nature's love letter….

well I'm getting a juicy letter here!

These days I'm able to do yoga in the backyard with 

hummingbirds and turkey vultures flying around

and Zody trying to stand on my stomache.  :)

Were having plenty of rain and sunshine

and the land is verdant and lush and

 God is smiling at me in every flower on the field.

Yay, even the cacti. :)

At every turn there is insane beauty smacking my eyes,,,

 One of my favorite things is visiting the field with 

Indian Paintbrushes.  I don't dare pluck one, 

as these flowers seem holy to me.  Also,

I can usually count on a Scissortail pair sitting

in a nearby tree.  

I love the gifts of spring.  

Keep Calm and Sail On ~

This weekend I made some boats with driftwood that

I collected from the shores of Lake Lawtonka.  

I'm counting down the days until Greg and I sail our

own little sailboat ~~~

Eternal Spring,,,

Today was divine - tonight was mystical,,,

An Altar,,,

The Greening,,,

This is called Poor Man's Pepper - I like to nibble on the round leaves when I'm out walking.
It's delicious!

Seeing God's divine light in a flower,,,

The Wild Hyacinths (Camassia scilloides) are extra large and stunning this year!
 They love the moisture on the prairie right now!

This is my favorite time of the year,,,  the wildflowers are out in full force -
what a feast for the eyes,,, for all the senses.  Prairie Hill is so beautiful right now -
though I know the dangers of snakes and chiggers in the mixed grass now. 

Yellow Indian Paintbrushes

I want eternal spring,,, yes I do.  I hope your spring is beautiful too.

Peace

No matter how many crazy events happening in the world 

or divisions and hate escalating in these times - 

I'm solid in my belief that I am following Jesus who is LOVE.  

This silly little sheep knows no kinder, wiser, compassionate Shepherd,

and so I feed in the greenest of pastures (with lots of flowers) 

and rest beside still waters.  

Happy Easter to all and I love you!

The violets in the mountains have broken the rocks.  

-Tennessee Williams