FEBRUARY STONES

Semi-precious stones

strung together mindfully, bead by bead

chosen for their healing and calming properties,

wrapping my wrist in a smooth circle of comfort.

February 2^nd, 2013

Headed to town

the drive, never monotonous

in the distance Mt. Shasta

head veiled in fog

foot snug in a comforter of clouds

magical as always

shimmering on the horizon like a mirage

#2

I must fly, early yoga today

February 3^rd, 2013

The delicate shading of the Eastern sky as the sun leaves us,

luscious apricot blending into rose

then pearlescent lavender

finally settling at the foot of the Sierras

in a smudge of smokey blue

Breathtaking

February 4^th, 2013

There you are, Brave one,

daring winter

rising on slender stalk,

head held up high,

turning your shining face to the sun

February 5^th, 2013

Tackling old mounds of herbs with secateurs

finding under dead frizzy heads

new  hopeful growth.

as I cut, sweet scent of Oregano rises,

then a sharp citrus smell Melissa.

stepping back I bruise volunteer Garlic Chives

aromatic scents  easing the labor

catmint smell is a bit odd leaving me unmoved,

but not twitching cat noses nearby

they too feel first stirrings of the season to come

buds are swelling but it's early yet winter is not done with us

Patience!!

February 6^th, 2013

Years past, our orchard rang with the sound of chickens

contently clucking  announcing eggs freshly laid with pride

now they rest beneath the trees giving nourishment to those

who gifted them with shade on brutal summer days and provided

treasures found upon the ground...... fallen fruit

our destination  the local egg farmer where the feathered girls

are free-roaming  laying eggs with burnished golden yolks

not the same as gathering our own but it'll do 

soft-boiled with toast.

#2

Sunshine is beckoning, calling me out

away from savoring stones.

While their pull is strong ,

Sun and Garden win.

February 7^th 2013

It never ceases to amaze me

that while I am sitting here, sunshine spilling through the window

my fellow stoners are burning the midnight oil across the sea

I imagine them, sitting in dark rooms, blueish light

illuminating their faces, fingers moving swiftly

weaving words like spells in the dark

though it's light here, I feel like a nightowl,

hunting to find their nocturnal offerings.

Exit Stone

She dipped her hands deeply into the river of stones

bringing up a handful  pulling them above the surface

savored and admired them losing track of time

looking up and suddenly realizing

the day is nearly done where did it go

so much left undone time to run

February 8^th, 2013

Azure skies

last Hawthorne berries dangle

tempting birds.

February 9th, 2013

Cold sunny day tree frogs creak

February 10^th, 2013

Blue Jays, Lords of Chaos,

raiding bird feeders and nests

descending on the garden in flocks

like swaggering gang members.

Maddening screeches filling the air

until at times I too feel like screeching.

Chaos reins, little birds scatter to the seven winds.

Then one settles, turning a bright, inquisitive eye my way,

sunlight striking blue feathers, how can I not be charmed?

You're forgiven.............for now. 

   February 11^th, 2013

To celebrate the occasion of another birthday

my dear one gifted me,

not with diamonds,

but a rare stone I've

coveted for some time.

A deep, forest -green Moldavite.

Gift from the Gods that's what they say

I shall try my hand at wire-wrapping this

sky stone, said to have been created by meteor impact

along the banks of the River Moldau hence it's name

so instead of writing stones I shall attempt to wrap

this treasured stone to keep it close to my heart.

February 12^th, 2013

No shrinking violets here

From the debris of last year rises hope

brave faces yearning for spring.

February, 13^th, 2013

Rosy jet contrail scribblings on

evening sky

Crescent moon floating

February 14^th, 2013

Sunny morning

birds buffeted by wind

dipping and swirling between trees

February 15^th, 2013

First open buds

a flush of delicate pink

transforming wild Almonds

bursting into flowered song

under clear blue skies

bees celebrate and share the joy

humming songs of early spring

yet a cold Northwind exhales

Winter's breath..,. it's early yet

February 16^th, 2013

Two very personal offerings I wanted to place here today.

The first an Elfje, the second a 6 word stone.

Written while working through some bad news

~

Tutankhamon

our boy

so much love

shines from your eyes

Sorrow

~

Too soon

you will

be gone

Sun shines

mood lightens

woodland walk

February 17^th, 2013

How many seasons did you see

before one spring your sap rose no more

leaving you bereft of leaf

each winter storm brings down more

of once sturdy branches

leaving your great trunk standing

like a sentinel keeping watch

offering a resting place for the occasional hawk

who briefly shares your solitude

February 18^th, 2013

Burgundy

fat bud

today pink petal

slowly unfurling delicate wings

Plumblossom

~

Laying on my back

staring up into the intensely blue sky

not a cloud in sight, gentle breeze stirring

courting doves cooing, squabbling sparrows

fill the warm air with sound.

We all savor this sunny afternoon

knowing in our bones the next winter storm

is gathering strength off shore

they by instinct, myself by slight pressure in my skull

build in barometer, forecasting change

So we bask like turtles, soaking up reserves

to see us through gray, cold days yet to come. 

Tuesday, February 19^th, 2013

Hyacinth

colored clouds

feast for eyes

bringing with them change

Thunderstorm

~

February 20^th, 2013

Gray, downy layers

clouds heaped upon clouds

like a heavenly duvet

stretching to the horizon

as far as the eye can see

there in the distance a silvery veil descends,

far off rain, connecting earth and sky

~

Where did they come from, all of these words?

Had they been stored in the drawers of my mind all along?

Waiting to be released from the darkness

brought to light, stretching, spilling onto the page.

It startles me at times how suddenly I seem to see them everywhere

in the clouds, trees and all of nature

Which I've always seen and loved before

but now I see it all through different eyes, their eyes it seems.

They ask to be captured, then written upon my page.

Such joy as I gently place my feet into my father's footsteps

following the path he laid for me those many years ago

I would sit on his knee, gazing up spellbound, listening as he

too would capture words from thin air it seemed.

Now here I sit, weaving my own spells with words.

He would be pleased I think, knowing that those seeds

he planted long ago are finally starting to grow and bear fruit.

February 21^st, 2013

Lapis

blue jewels

one two three

flitting branch to branch

Bluebirds

February 22^nd, 2013

Shadow

silent flight

golden eyes glow

magic in the grove

Owl

~

Eckhart Tolle

Fellow country man

filled with wisdom

looking for all the world

like a wise Hobbit

who might reside beneath

the roots of an ancient, majestic oak,

home to an equally wise owl.

I like to envision Eckhart, meeting up

with the Dalai Lama to discuss world peace.

There by that oak, in a sun filled clearing,

surrounded by flowers and sunshine

bees humming, birds singing.

With both lighting up the world,

moving us along in our evolution toward a

perfect planet, filled with PEACE.

The sleeping owl opens her golden eyes briefly

approving the wise words overheard and blinks.

February 23^rd, 2013

Early morning tea

Fragrant steam rises

February 24^th, 2013

Dead coyote, tail lifts briefly in the wind

unseeing eyes staring at the sky

once running free and wild

covering miles in your travels

feasting on field mice, raising families.

But here you lay

victim of the guns of foolish men

who kill not for food, like you

but for bloody pleasure

claiming getting rid of vermin

is for the good of all.

But what about you and your life?

Have you no worth?

Was this not your land first?

Hot, helpless tears blur my vision.

As we pass...I mourn you and your kin. 

Sunday Evening

~

Golden

glowing eye

nearly full term

suspended in mid air

Luna

February 25^th, 2013

Illuminated by Luna's

silvery rays the garden sleeps

Tree branches like dark,inky fingers

reaching to the nightsky,

cradling the moon

Canyon, once dark and mysterious

tonight brightly lit

The land , known and loved

can now be walked easily, no flashlight needed

each nook and cranny awash in celestial light.

I listen to the night sounds.

The occasional bird talking in his sleep,

Frogs in vernal ponds noisily announcing they're looking for love

yearning for a little moonlight romance no doubt

I am sure the little fox will easily find his way to the

porch tonight, in search of a midnight snack.

Boldly walking the railing, bushy tailed, bright eyed,

pointed snout quickly emptying the bowl.

Then slipping away quickly, back into the silvery night.

February 26^th, 2013

Fierce north wind

blooming plum branches sway

bees join the dance

lured by sweet scents

they ruffle the skirts of dainty ballerinas

plundering sweet treasure

of nectar and pollen

Then again taking to the air

battling the wind

carrying golden bounty

back to the hive.

February 27^th, 2013

Black

cover opens

life returns again

colors spill on face

iPad

~

Glistening

vibrantly alive

shimmering on rock

graceful curves rainbowed droplets

Mermaid

February 28^th, 2013

The gift of another day

some good, some not so good

yet we carry on

savor each moment

relieved at each pill swallowed

each bite eaten.

Enjoying the silly smile

and wagging tail, the occasional

burst of energy,

out the door to the fence

to survey his kingdom, tail held high

Long live the King!!

Mindful Writing Challenge 2013~Week 4

January 22nd, 2013

~

King Tut, once a roly-poly pup

now an elderly statesman

But wait!!

The Mambo King returns

gyrating madly with joy,

channeling his inner pup

January 23^rd, 2013

String of Karma Flags

 dancing in the breeze

prayers lifting from their colored flanks

carrying peace and blessings on the wind.

~
Thursday, January 24^th, 2013

~

Fat cat on tabletop, staring defiantly.

I ask “Why are you there,

you know it's forbidden, right?”

Henry

~

No matter that I've told him thrice “Don't do that!”

There he is again, the fat cat on the mat.

Staring ,slightly irritated, deep into my mug

I address him rather sharply and he barely looks up.

Then to really let me know he doesn't care a bit,

he lifts his paw up languidly and gives a casual lick.

~

He arrived here many years ago, a slim and rangy stray

But now he rules our house with ease, growing larger each day.

He's taken over everything, our table and our bed,

we're lucky if he leaves a space for us to lay our head.

He sleeps all day and stomps all night, throughout the quiet house

The other cats are then asleep and he's Lord of the House.

That said, we do love him, that damned, rebellious cat. 

~
3^rd stone of the day

Angry words created churning waves and dark currents,

May kindness and patience smooth all.

Allowing clearing waters to once again reflect goodness,

taking us back to our path of being mindful and true

January 25th, 2013

~

The delicate taste and fragrant wisps, which arise from my cup,

bring back memories of a day spend at the foot of Mt. Shasta

Majestic, magic mountain, towering over the small town which lies just below it's snowy flanks.

New Age shops, Crystal Emporiums & Bookstores crowd the small Main Street.

There, the tea shop at last, a treasure drove of fragrant brews.

Each time we discover anew the joys of real tea.

Not from a cardboard box filled with dangly bags, but row upon row of large tins

full of mysterious leaved treasures, which brew to rich perfection in our pot.

This time Citrus Sunrise, with a fragrance so rich, a taste so bright

it nudges aside the gloomy, cold day which blankets the valley.

A sip and serenity settles on my shoulders like a comforting shawl. 
~

January 26^th, 2013

~

Foggy, damp morning birds are waiting

~

Gilded ruffles kissed by setting sun

Shrill bird chatter... sparrows roost

January 27^th, 2013

~

Moonlight Walk

~

Walking the property

Magic, dark velvet night

Full moon hangs in the sky

rainbow aura around it

first suspended in a bare oak

then in the arms of a pine,

suddenly swallowed whole by clouds

then appearing once again~ serene and mesmerizing.

Just before the land falls gently, I can hear the creek tumbling over the rocks

and there, can you hear them?

First peepers of the year, singing along the banks,

echoing throughout the canyon.

Is this magic? Am I this blessed to be inhabiting a bit of heaven?

January 28th, 2013
~
Winter bare branches, bird nests revealed

Vacant homes, occupants gone south

Waiting for seasons to turn

January 29^th, 2013

~

Einstein...............what genius, yet so human

His warm soul right there in his eyes,

Like a wistful dandelion.

January 30th, 2013

~

There you were,

no longer wanted or attractive,

laying in the bargain basket of spent plants.

Now perched on my windowsill,

quietly announcing your pleasure

at having been saved from certain death

by putting forth, dainty, delicate new life.

Sweet tendrils, tiny new leaves, reaching,

savoring the morning sun and this

new chance to thrive.

If only everything in life were that simple.

January 31^st. 2013

~

Winter sun

Rosemary is blooming

Pale, blue blossoms buzzing with delighted bees

Mindful Writing Challenge 2013~ Week 3

January 15th, 2013

As the sky slowly darkens, the first stars appear.

Little did we know those many years ago, upon our move to the deepest country, that the Milky Way would be our constant, celestial lightsource on clear nights.

~

January 16th, 2013

~

Crescent Moon,

afloat in a milky puddle of light.

Against the deep night sky,

I can see your dark side.

 January 17th, 2013

~

Nights, some spend curled neatly beneath warm covers, blissfully resting, at peace.

All worries and cares seem buried beneath a deep layer of comforting sleep.

Yet others, constant tossing and turning, wild dreams and thoughts churning,

Unable to find respite, unable to find that place of peace. Waking spend ,as if having fought a night long battle.

~

January 18^th, 2013

Mid-morning already! Seems like only moments since I rose,

reluctantly sliding out from under warm, cozy covers.

Frosty grass and frozen birdbaths greeted me.

But now, the winter sun is gently melting all, tiny wisps of steam rising.

Old cats savoring the warming rays, melting in pools of sunshine.

~

January 19th, 2013

Early morning, darkness still cloaks the garden.
Sitting here, hands wrapped around a mug of hot morning tea.
Savoring small stones, placed while I slept, on the other side of the world.
Our night being someone elses creative, bright day. 
But here we meet, in the middle, sharing small stones.

~

January 20^th, 2013

Stray thoughts and words, flitting through my mind,

will they ever settle long enough
 to capture?

January 21^st, 2013

Zen Room, oasis of tranquility

Wooden owl, crystal eyed, gently swinging in sunlit window

Searching the sage-green walls with rainbow eyes

Mindful Writing Challenge 2013~Week 2

Tuesday, January 8th, 2013

Tule Fog~hiding the familiar landscape with drifting shrouds,

Now and then cattle are revealed, some calmy grazing, 

some gazing into the fog, as if searching the milky depths.

Trees appear, like ghosts,

Sun hanging in the fog like a full moon, eerily captivating.

Wednesday, January 9th, 2013

Delectable, moist, fruitfilled Christmas Stollen,

unearthed from Mom's Treasure Chest, newly arrived from Germany.

Washed down with hot Assam brought back by a friend from Britain. 

Is this International Heaven?

Thursday, January 10th, 2013

~

Yoga, how I love the slow stretching of tight muscles,

balancing both body and mind. How did I do so long without it?

I never thought that at my time in life I would regain a flexibility that was barely mine as a young woman.

Though build like an athelete, sports was never my thing.

Then chronic illness brought me to Tai Chi and from there to yoga.

How I love the slow waking of the tight, cold muscles.

The moves to stretch and balance.

Then Savasana, the slow settling back in and turning inward.

Sometimes the mind keeps dancing, others I slip into a quiet place.

The final bells bring me back from the edge, back to reality.

I feel taller, stronger, ready to take on the world. 

~

Friday, January 11th, 2013

~

Birdfeeder~alive with fluttering and twittering hordes,

like JFK during commuter rush hour, Departures and Arrivals coming and going in a steady stream.

Filling the “terminal”, circling above, sitting patiently...or not

Awaiting their call to board?

~

Saturday, January 12th, 2013

Cold California day, enduring an Alaskan coldfront.

Early morning ice coats the birdbath. 

Bare trees are heavy with feathered fruit, impatiently waiting for their morning feed. 

We sit inside, huddled by the heater after going out briefly braving the cold , in answer to their plea.

~

January 13^th, 2013

~

Turkey vultures, drawing last lazy spirals in the sky,

their backdrop gilded clouds .

Finally heading for their roosting trees to brave the coming cold night.

Such homely souls, but how they soar. Awkward bodies on ground, transformed in flight.

~

Monday, January 14^th, 2013

~

Morning woodland walk, young dogs strain at leashes,

old boy ambles off leash, sniffing, stopping, finding wild pig rootings.

Eagerly he explores his morning delight.

Mindful Writing Challenge January 2013~Small Stones

Yesterday I bravely posted my first small stone on the FB page "Mindful Writing Challenge 2013."  I shall copy my posts here as well, in order to be able to go back through this blog to reread my daily thoughts.


January 1st, 2013

This morning the canyon behind our house was alive with Robins. Singing joyfully while harvesting the Toyon berries. Each winter they come through in large flocks. An auspicious start to the New Year?!


January 2nd, 2013

Outside, early morning sunrays falling on diamonds of frost everywhere. Inside small whisps of steam rise from our cups of Chai. Hot Scottish oats, topped with homemade Quince-Orange Compote and a drizzle of amber Maple syrup warm our stomachs and hearts as the sun warms the earth outside. Blessed!!

January 3rd, 2013

Country Roads......how lucky we are to travel them on our trips to town. Just two lanes weaving up and down, turning just enough to change our view. On both sides amazing views of the mountain ranges, covered in snow nearly down to the valley floor. Newly greening pastures, dotted with cattle. Perfect lead up to yoga!!

January 4th, 2013

One by one they leave us, endearing kittenhood long past. Tottering along on at times unsteady legs. Remembering days of speed and prowess in their elderly cat dreams, paws and tails twitching. Yet still savoring sunny days and gentle strokes, rewarded with rumbling purrs. For seventeen years they've graced our lives. But now quietly they slip away, one by one. Gone, but never forgotten.

January 5th, 2013

Interstate 5, heading for home. We slow for our exit and my eyes skim lazily down the bank of Coyote Creek, just before our turn. Winterbare trees reach toward the gray sky with long, thin fingers. And then, as my eyes turn upward, two large silhouettes in a tree. Suddenly the heads turn, revealing in the diffused afternoon light, white majesty. A pair of Bald Eagles. Our day felt blessed in that short moment and my small stone was born.

January 6th, 2013

Vees of Canadian Geese, flying North? South?
No, just rising briefly from a pond, circling and then landing once again
on the glistening surface below.
Before re-entry, the mirror-like eye reflected their reaching feet and the sky above.
Now ripples cross the pond, curling up gently on the shoreline.

January 7th, 2013

Early morning, the house yet dark and cold.
I light a candle to bring instant warmth to the table,
while sipping my morning tea, looking inward.

Siegfried

This is our lovely boy Siegfried, the Silver Tabby. He'll be 17 this coming year. When I took the picture he had just "helped" me make the bed. He's the last in his litter. Along with his siblings, he was born on our property the year after we bought it to a small, gray feral cat. We lost Green Eyes, his mother this year. Not sure how old she was, adult when we moved here. He had a black brother, named Mikesh, I've shared his image here on the blog before. And one other sibling, a sister named Woody. She had the biggest, golden owl eyes. We've managed this group of semi-ferals for 16 going on 17 years now. 6 left out of the original 18. Sigh.........it's been a long haul. We got everyone spayed and neutered of course, but still the care of that many has been tough at times. Siegfried still seems in robust health, but 2 more of his siblings are struggling with illness. They have added much to our lives and each and everyone will be missed when they're gone. But for now, we'll enjoy the time we have left with the remaining gang.

Fiery August Skies

I know I am way behind in posting more of my May trip to Europe. Lately we've had some really bad fires all around us. So I've been taking quite a few pictures of  the fiery skies . I wanted to post a few of the images I've taken lately that captures the beauty of something so devastating.


This first image was taken on the back of our propery. Elder Creek has nearly dried for the first time in the nearly 20 years we've lived here. The sun was just rising through the heavy smoke to the East from the Ponderosa fire in the Manton Area.

 This is the smoky sunset sky toward the West of us, caused by the Pass Fires near Covelo.

 Just before the sun set completely the colors got so intense and amazing.

 This was taken the following night with just a light haze of gray smoke in the air toward the West.

And last but not least, after the sunset I was able to get a shot of the crescent moon as it was setting, making it's way through the heavy smoke. It was totally dark out, but the crescent just hung in the sky, glowing an eerie reddish orange.

Frederick the Great

Here are two portraits of "Old Fritz".  One done many years ago of course, when he was still alive. And then just before we exited the castle, there it was, on the wall a portrait of him done by Andy Warhol. Talk about culture shock.

My pictures aren't the best of course, but I wanted to capture them regardless. Behind me a relentless group of other viewers of the palace were pushing me along as I tried to madly click away. And remember when you view these pics, if you click on the picture itself, you will get a larger version of the image. 

I loved this room!!

These images were taken in one of my favorite rooms. It was lavishly decorated with natural art work. The scenes were two-dimensional. Wonderful stuff. The creatures and plants looked as if they could jump right off the wall.

It was like nature was captured right there, on the wall and ceilings all around us. It was enchanting!!

Some interior shots of Sans Souci

Obviously life has been getting in the way of my spending time and posting the promised follow-up on Sans Souci. Where does the time go?
Alright, let's go inside.

The details were amazing. These are just a few of the images I took while touring the interior. Too many to share in one post. These are just some of the wonderful, gilded pieces. The chandeliers were wonderful as was all the intricate artwork. As Sans Souci is fairly small when it comes to palaces, the 10 rooms we were able to view more then made up for it.