October 14th-20th, 2013

October 14th, 2013

~

MM

~

Gilded ink drawing

exquisite farewell

October 15th, 2013
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Last wild wine leaves glow in the clearing
dappled sunlight kisses their colored cheeks
but they are not alone~something is moving
a touch of white~a slight  rhythmic movement 
who watches and waits~ready to pounce?

October 16th, 2013

~

Technology~such an amazing thing really

especially for those of us of older vintage

as I scrolled through my offerings on FB 

last night I found a link~followed it's trail

lovers of all things owl that I am 

and there it was~live cam~ moving cars

headlights bright~light winds ruffling the tree tops

and then a nest~a bit hard to see in the dark

but empty~then suddenly there she was

Great Horned Owl in all of her glory

first just the back looking like a cat with those large ears

then the side until in quick turn of her head

her large golden eyes looked into mine

unblinking just staring as if she could sense me looking

at her,~peering into her nightlife ~perched on that nest

I was mesmerized~ stayed up late to keep the watch

and in a moment of brilliance remembered a program

that would allow me to capture that amazing moment

for all time~snipping tool captured my screen shot

when once more she gazed my way~golden eyes glowing

now she's mine for all time~saved in My Pictures

the wonders of technology~while seemingly cold and uncaring

at times, what amazing things we can accomplish baffles my mind

this morning the nest is empty, no doubt she sleeps in trees nearby

waiting for darkness to descend once again

returning to her perch~surveying her domain~and those who watch

***
October 17th, 2013
~
Last night ~as we made our way home
Luna spilled her silver light across the hills
pastures glowed beneath her gentle gaze
like a sea of silver~ rolling on and on 
broken only by occasional stands of  giant valley oak
~
Here and there newly deposited cubes of hay laid
awaiting the return of cattle from the summer range
back to the valley floor for winter ~they'll come
not driven by cowherds on foot or even cowboys
but loud, rattling cattle trucks filled with uneasy cargo
~
How different I remember the driving down of the cattle
from the Alm~proud cowherds parading down the street
cows with large bells~some with flowered wreaths leisurely ambling along
bells clanging~their return a cause for celebration and good cheer
how much kinder and festive it all seemed~I guess I am romantic at heart

October 18th, 2013
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Once again the trees along our small creek
cast their reflections on still clear water
a few hours of rain weeks ago replenished the flow
transforming a gray landscape of stagnant puddles
filled with struggling fish and froglets trying to survive
into a liquid life sustaining place for them to thrive and grow 
we walk along the banks ~ mindful of Mother Nature's generosity

Hunter's Moon
~
Golden
she ascents
her shimmering reflection
trembles on rippled water
Moon

 #2
~
Slowly
dipping into
the shimmering pool
slipping beneath the water
Moon

October 19th, 2013
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SWS
~
Gorgeous riot of color~celebration time
~~~
As I look out into the garden~bathed in honeyed autumn light
trees and shrubs aflame in riotous colors
so deep and rich~I could weep at the glorious sight
dying foliage glows everywhere~how can we fear aging
how can we see this as the season of death and dying
when nature tells us~yes change is near~but it's not the end
no longer will I look into the mirror~ grumbling ~noting the changes
which show that my seasons too are turning~because despite it all 
I live~still growing and glowing~still learning~expanding my small world
So celebrate~drape yourself in color~savor each and every day
because even as winter is approaching ~with shorter days ahead
is it not the season of rest and renewal with rebirth coming once again?
Soak up the joy and color of the season~CELEBRATE!!

October 20th, 2013
~
Divided and replanted
Cupid's Arrow blooms again
bright note of thanks

October 7th-13th, 2013

October 7th, 2013

~

MM

~

Peace illuminates from within

October 8th, 2013

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River's silvery song in harmony

with papery cottonwood leaves

rustling in the breeze

birds add their jubilant voices

nature's concert~sublime
***
October 9th, 2013
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My inner Universe~mostly a quiet restful place
yet now and then  a cosmic storm blows through
swirling ~unsettling~leaving me restless~on edge
I close my eyes~imagining a star shining bright
at the edge of the external universe we all share
bringing it back to me~basking in the calming light
restoring order~realigning my inner planets
allowing me once again to view my world
with hope and peace despite the turmoil 
of the times we live in each and every day
knowing I must maintain peace within 
thus allowing the beauty of our world to find it's 
way to my inner space~bringing with it joy

October 10th, 2013
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Black and Blue Salvia
~
Opening in the warm October sun
they reach out craning their necks
blossoms open like brilliant blue flamingo
yet from another angle how different they appear
heads modestly nodding ~sporting delicate beaks
their bodies made of feather like translucent petals
one almost expects them to become animated
take flight ~soaring high into the blue sky above
yet here they stay~ earthbound~delighting our eyes

***

October 11th, 2013
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Had Rapunzel been a Scottish Lass
letting down her thick red hair
what would her name have been?
Fanciful thoughts I know about a vine
but for some reason when the sun
illuminated those thick strands
spilling down~this came to mind
it was written once in my report card
Evi has a most vivid imagination!!!
Well what do you expect from a child
raised on wondrous fairy tales but strange
flights of fancy over the most ordinary things

October 12th, 2013
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SWS
~
Changing leaves
glowing brightly
Baroque tapestry

October 13th, 2013
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Way up there~glowing in the autumn sun
Eucalyptus opens first flowers
trees from down under flaunt
upside down sea anemones
coral cups unfurl delicate tentacles
reaching out in a bright blue sea of sky
filled with thick sweet nectar
ready to slake hummingbird's hunger
so welcome in this cooler season
when the rest of nature goes to sleep

October 1st-6th, 2013

October 1st, 2013

~

Tousled heads

next year's promise

ready to launch

***
October 2nd, 2013
~
Quiet day~ home alone~peaceful
golden October rays
spill like honey across the yard

October 3rd, 2013
~
The horror of it all~how could you?
And now to shame me in this way
I shall not look you in the eye
for if I don't they will not see me~will they?
When you least expect it~I shall dive
deep into the dark sacred dog space
under the table and tear this monster off!!
***
October 4th, 2013
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Gossamer webs~caught in the branches of the Hawthorne
baby spiders taking to the air ~testing their skills
berries slowly turning from bright orange to deepest red
Old Crone's summer is upon us bringing warm days and cool nights
silvered threads everywhere~glittering in the warm sun
we savor each day of this golden fruitful season
soaking up the blessed heat taking it into our hearts and soul
storing it carefully~ mindful of the beauty of the season
soon winter will come with howling storms and driving rain
but not yet~the weeks ahead will nourish us~prepare us
and see us through the dark season of rest and renewal

October 5th, 2013
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SWS
~
Sensing change
first ferns
unfurl bravely

***
October 6th, 2013
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We rarely make our way to town at night
but last night we decided to head out for a bite
What a different place our valley is at twilight
lovely shades of mauve, lavender and gilded apricot
gently smudged as if a celestial finger blended it just so
muted colors settling on the mountain ranges at that time of day
the endless cattle ranges along the way take on a new look
bright tawny pastures gentled by the failing light 
inky outlines of trees~ etched against the evening sky
as is  Great Horned Owl~sitting on a line~ peering down
ready for the night's hunt~such a thrill to see her there
even the power lines ~stretching as far as the eye can see
take on a more artistic look~black pieces of sculpture
dot the landscape~arranged as if by giant's hands
~
We have our evening meal at our favorite Mexican place
the interior brightly lit ~filled with cheerful patrons enjoying their night 
laughter and voices echo through the space~along with clattering dishes
tempting smells drift past ~ we make our choice and place our order
Camarones ~lovely shrimp dishes~one spicy~one creamy~both delicious
Sated we head home~ once again crossing the open prairie
now looking different yet~our headlights carving a wide river of light
the truck leaning into the curves~carrying us homeward
we navigate along fences~highlighted briefly as we pass
and above the endless deep velvet sky~awash in stars 
the Milky Way a wide meandering river of light spills across
back home again we wander for a bit~still looking up
then headed in~chilled by the autumn air~ready to curl up
Sinking into bed~book in hand~ reading myself to sleep

September 23rd-30th, 2013

September 23rd, 2013

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Falling leaves

Tempus Fugit

September 24th, 2013
~
Petey is home~feeling poorly and sore
we sigh with relief~the lump is no more
the wound is a large one~he's hanging his head
no playing-no swimming~confined to his bed
today he is tired and ready to sleep
but what of tomorrow and the rest of the week
he'll be ready to rumble and run all about
how will we contain him~ surely he'll pout
he is wearing a t-shirt~biding his time
once stitches come out ~all will be fine

September 25th, 2013
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Lone traveler slowly drifts by
swirls on current wings held high
shadow mimics the dance

September 26th, 2013
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Grandfather Pine
~
Your majestic crown rose over many years
gracing the hillside~ shading all below
welcoming wildlife into your generous arms
Yet this year you could stand no more
one hot summer day~the sap boiling
in your old heart proved too much
slowly you swayed, twisting, straining
mighty trunk moaning and groaning
then at last you laid down on the hill
with a mighty crash you came to rest
shuddering~settling into small trees
then quiet at last~sinking into repose
~
Your trunk arched~ you rested silently
your needles still green for some time
we hoped that despite the damage
you would live~not standing~but still alive
gracefully bowed~crown now a green cave
but your branches curled~ reaching into the sky
dead~all life gone from you~needles brown
Yet even in death you bring blessings
your body providing warmth to our hearth
we harvest your branches~stacking them high
small ones piled into shelters for the covey of quail
who call your hill their home they benefit as well
As we leave~truck loaded with wood~we look up
noting the empty place where you once stood
tall and proud~Grandfather Pine

September 27th, 2013
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Happy cows munch
gleaning harvested fields
yet happy to pose

September 28th, 2013
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SWS
~
Nature inhales deeply
autumn storm gathers

September 29th, 2013
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Blasts of autumn wind send
wind chimes dancing madly
trees toss their heads swaying
seemingly dancing to the chimes
~
Clouds tear along~ a blue hole appears
fat dark cloud quickly patches it
skies are boiling seething with stormy life
no rain~yet suddenly a rainbow appears
~
I sit~sipping tea ~hands around my mug
looking out ~watching nature's mad whirling 
waiting for the promised rain to streak the sky
leaves spiral and whirl~quickstepping on the wind
~
Oaks heavily loaded with fat acorns
spill down their generous harvest
acorns hit metal roofs cracking like gunshots
Autumn arrives~gathers her skirts in wild celebration

September 30th, 2013
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MM
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Reaching out

September 16th-22nd,2013

September 16th, 2013

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Due to unforeseen circumstances

we will not be able to ship your order today

sorry for the inconvenience

September 17th, 2013
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Morning sun illuminates
floral hearts
glow with passionate color

September 18th, 2013
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Season's wheel turns slowly
cool mornings and first changing
leaves tell the story

September 19th, 2013
~
Bamboo adorns Harvest moon
she rises~ a precious pearl
ascending lush velvet skies
cicada sing last summer songs
***
September 20th, 2013
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What do you do when you wake without words
when the fingers move reluctantly~brain
spitting words out slowly and awkwardly
You forge ahead, let them come as they will
Not every day can be a day of splendor
and inspiration~some just need to be days
of contemplation~recharging our batteries
refueling our minds with the writings of others
because these days too have their own worth
no need to frantically search~just relax
let the tide ebb~before long high tide will return
for now I savor the tide pools left behind
they contain treasures only found at low tide

September 21st, 2013
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SWS Trio
~
Black clouds~ promise much~deliver nothing
~
Windchimes sing~announcing change~nothing yet
~
Cool breeze~carries scent~faraway rain

***
I hang the wash out
my clever way of summoning the rain
first icy fingers reach across
previously brilliant blue skies
behind them large clouds hover
waiting for the last pin to be placed
no doubt snickering~already anticipating
the joy of watching me racing madly
as first fat drops fall and panic strikes
~
Little do they know they have been tricked
no panic will accompany the spilling of their bounty
just deep relief~ the long drought broken at last!!
Or so I hope as I watch them secretly
peering at them from the corner of my eyes
will they see through my transparent ploy
and flounce away triumphantly out of sheer spite?
Time will tell!

September 22nd, 2013
~
Autumn Equinox~came to us not silently
but with a wild burst of energy ushering in the new season
First autumn storm surprised us~we relished every drop
thunder rolled~winds howled~garden sparkled
Nature put on a show~gifted us with bountiful rain
as an encore she rolled out a vivid rainbow at sunset
shining above the house~signing her marvelous creation 
leaving us breathless and blessed

September 9th-15th, 2013

September 9th, 2013

~

MM

~

Celestial bodies

illuminate heavens

****

Fire changes our view~the light subdued
sun casting orange rays across the yard
our country air~now heavy with smoke
eyes burn~ we look anxiously to the North
we are safe here~but what of all those
caught up in the fury of the firestorm?
Evacuating, not knowing what they'll find
will their home still stand~will their lives resume
it's normal peaceful rhythm or will they have to start anew
Every summer we face this fear as we head away from home
will our beloved animals be safe? Will we get home in time
should the need arise? How many are frantically making
their way to their neighborhood, seeing the dreaded cloud hover?

September 10th, 2013
~
Sedum Autumn Joy is blooming
bringing joy to me and the bee

***

September 11th, 2013
~
My husband called frantically
"Turn on the TV!!"
I did and what I saw
stunned me~ rocked me to my core
Was this real? Could it be?
Were there really  planes
crashing into the Twin Towers?
As the news unfolded so did the horror
So many trapped and dying
And then the first tower came down
I'll never forget that moment
knowing all was lost for so many
America's innocence with it
never having known such horror
striking at it's very heart
So many lost so quickly
How could we ever forget?
~
Yet we forgot our collective unity
created that day as a nation
The unity that made us strong
and helped the nation heal
torn asunder not by that dreadful day
but by the years that followed
when hate speech slowly, insidiously
eroded that glorious coming together
when all of us mourning ~reminding us we are one
was replaced by factions and spreaders of hate
tearing the very fabric of our common lives
creating a chasm so deep
we can barely see each other across the divide
Why do we rally in grief yet not in joy?
While those who wished us harm were stunned
by our brave resolve to carry on after their foul deed
are they not now gloating over the divide
caused not by them~but by the enemies within???
We mourn for those lost that day and their shattered families
but also for the lost promise of a nation standing together
cherishing and nourishing each other every day
thus creating a more perfect union state by state.
Will we ever learn?

September 12th, 2013
~
High in the tree Autumn Clematis
shyly opens first blossoms
delicate~dancing in the breeze
adorned with jeweled spider's thread
her delicious fragrance wafts through the canyon
a bit of autumn magic~fairies surely rejoice
at finding this seasonal treat

September 13th, 2013
~
You know how people are scared of Friday the 13th?
As a rule I am not until the day progressed
Because let's face it~ what do you do when your
dogs bring home a pig???
Well you panic, that's what!!!
Because while it's a piglet at this point
why in my yard, Friday the 13th????
So here I sit~pig-sitting~waiting for a call
from the Farm Sanctuary where our old friend
Blossom lives her life of leisure.
No answer there~oh dear!!
Next Animal Control is called ~they do promise
to send out help~sometime today
but with the weekend near~what if they don't???
I now have part of the dog lawn rooted up
and a mud hole created~never a dull moment around here!!!
Yet as dreadful and inconvenient this truth is
what a cute piglet~I do worry about his fate
may this be his lucky day!!!

September 14th, 2013
~
SWS
~
Luna pauses briefly
savoring pine's embrace

***

September 15th, 2013
~
Early morning silence~darkness still sits heavily
suddenly the deep bark of the neighbor's dogs
tear me from my sleep~I stumble out to find nothing
no doubt the enemy announced is morning fox or raccoon
making it's way home after a night of foraging
I toss and turn for hours then rise ~having given up
on finding my way back into dreams and rest
no doubt the dogs will sleep all day exhausted
from their night time labors guarding against
shadows and creatures wandering the night

September 1st-8th, 2013

September 1st, 2013

~

Long ago it turned

spinning in the wind

pumping precious water

now silent~a lookout for Kestrel

alert~scanning with bright eyes

watching for scurrying below

in hopes of dinner

September 2nd, 2013

~

MM

~

Wild Turkeys

Afternoon Delight

September 3rd, 2013

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Morning walk~different today

all my special boys together

breathing the cool morning air

exploring~ revisiting the favorite

haunts remembered from last time's visit

the dogs proudly stepping out

relishing the addition to their pack

September 4th, 2013

~

There appears to be a delightful bug

floating in Chico Creek

savoring this moment

because like time~ ladybugs soon fly
***

September 5th, 2013

~

They have gone~their company a joy

yet now tranquility settles once again

we sit quietly~ dusk gently descends

sweetened with soothing cricket song

when did we start to crave our quiet so?

Has peace become our drug of choice?

September 6th, 2013

~

Sea of burnished gold

floods the western sky

Sunset Bliss


***

September 7th, 2014

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Six Word Saturday Trio

~

Autumn settles quietly

first claiming nights

~

Here and there

first colored leaves

~

Harvested fields

crows flock

gleaning seed
***

September 8th, 2013

~

Autumn~ season of so many joys

cooler days~crisp nights~ripe fruit

yet in this season of bliss and golden splendor

the forest rings with shots~first dove~ then deer

the killing horde~ sporting camo gear stalks

seeking to slake it's thirst for blood and trophy

denying the wolves their right to harvest and feed

slaying the predator that belongs in the forest

claiming first right~upsetting nature's balance

The hunt alone is bad enough~but each year

camp fires~carelessly left~ savage the forests

destroying habitat and anything in it's wake

marring this glorious season with sorrow

tarnishing it's beauty with blood and fire.