The Lion and The Lamb

It seems that March is being ushered in under the guise of a lamb, but the weather forecast speaks to the fact that a lion will soon be taking the place of our lamb like temperatures by bringing us snow, and worse still, ice!

It's hard to believe that this time last week I was enjoying short sleeved weather while visiting Hilton Head, South Carolina.  I did my best to envision bringing that weather back with me, but alas it was not to be.

It's ok though, at least I was able to suspend my reality for a few days and remind myself that warm weather is just around the corner.  And I took plenty of pictures to keep me busy if we do get snowed in for a long time.

It had been nearly 30 years since I last visited Hilton Head, though I've been to other parts of SC since that time, and the last time I was there I spent most of my time on the beach or playing in tennis tournaments, so this visit was vastly different.

This time, far removed from my youth, I paid attention to things like architecture instead of cute guys on the beach.  I was already with my own cute guy after all, so I could focus on other matters this time around.

I love how architecture speaks to an area and its heritage, and I feel a close kinship to my southern roots through the beautiful architecture of the south.

Throw in a bit of spanish moss for good measure, and I'm in hog heaven.

I also love the way most people slow down when they are at the beach.  They seem to reconnect with a part of themselves they often put on the back burner in their everyday lives, and find solace in the simple pleasures like surf fishing...

Or watching the waves come and go, wondering if the sea foam will reveal tales of mermaids and sea creatures.

Old Oaks, draped in moss, could tell tales of storms and other hardships they and others have endured over the years.  Or maybe they would entertain us with fanciful yarns about young love and first kisses stolen under their arching branches.

That is the joy of venturing outside our own four walls, it opens us up to beautiful places, new people, and things we might not otherwise experience.  As in weather, life is full of lions and lambs, each meant to broaden our horizons and make us appreciate all that we have.

I hope you each have a lamb of a week or that the lion won't roar too loudly!

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

You know, I think we all question why we blog from time to time...is it worth the effort, do we really love still putting forth that effort, and does anyone really care about what we put out there?

Even though I decided a long time ago to put on my blog what I want, not what I think others want to see, and have given myself permission to only blog when I feel up to it, or I have something I think is worth putting out there for others to see, the hope is always that someone else will love it too.

It has been really freeing to accept those principles, and so when others respond to something I love, well it makes me really, really happy, but also very, very thankful!

Thankful that something I created caused a reaction in someone else, and grateful that I found this medium of photography that helps me to connect with friends, family, and even perfect strangers!

It pushes me to keep going, to push through pain, frustration, equipment limitations, and dreaded self doubt in order to make those connections and to hear your reactions...to see my art not only through my eyes, but also through yours!

Creating for the sake of creating is lovely, but creating and knowing you've touched someone, no matter what you create, well that my friends is the reward!  And I have to say that it squashes down all the other things that keep us all from being creative human beings who have the ability to make this world not only more beautiful, but so much more compassionate and connected.

So thank you, for visiting here, even when I don't post, even when I don't post house things like I once did, and walking this creative journey with me.  Thank you for inspiring me in ways you receive no credit for, in ways you aren't even aware you are motivating me, and for just looking, smiling, and hopefully going on to be more creative yourselves.

I appreciate each and every comment you left on my last post, I really never thought that a bunch of images of birds on a blog that had started out as one talking about home decor and decorating would inspire such wonderful, thoughtful, and heartwarming comments, but then I shouldn't be surprised should I?  I've been lucky to have always had wonderful readership, smart, insightful readers who give freely without expectations...but still, I am blown away, and wanted to let you know that I never take it for granted!

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

Let The River Run

It's Monday, and that means work of a different kind.  Things like grass mowing, picture taking, and plant shopping give way to "real" work, like writing stories.

Stuff that has to be done today, no ifs, ands, or buts about it.

When I write, I like it to be quiet.  I can't have the TV on or people chit chatting in the background.  Mr. Tide can attest to this fact and has been shushed more than once over the years for talking on the phone while I'm busy working on a story.  You see, he works from home several days a week, and his desk is right next to mine.

This means that he sometimes has important teleconferences while he's working from home, but I make him go into the living room if I'm busy writing.  Now, let me tell you about the double standard in my house.  When Mr. Tide is busy working hard on something, I talk as much as I like.  I yak away on the phone, play music...sometimes loudly, and am generally obnoxious like that!


 

Now, just in case you are thinking, well that doesn't seem fair!...you should know that Mr. Tide is one of those people who doesn't need quiet to write, think, or do most anything, so he really doesn't mind...honest, cross my heart and hope to die!

I envy this ability of his, because my brain, which goes a million miles per hour most of the time, needs total peace and quiet to gather my thoughts and write a story.  I can do almost anything else with lots of distractions going on, but writing simply isn't one of them.

Now that the weather is nice I can retreat outside to our dock and I can type away with little or no distractions.

But today, while Mr. Tide is at his office in the city, and my son is at college, I will type away, drenched in solitude with nary a sound, except for the occasional barking of dogs or the screech of an osprey.  So I should be good to go right?!

Well I would be, except I have this *&*# song stuck in my head, and it has been all weekend!!!  I actually like this song, but I just can't get it shoved out of my head for some reason.  So my hope is that by putting it out there for all of you, it will finally leave my head and let me work in peace!

So I'm sending this out to y'all, and if it now becomes stuck in your head, well I apologize in advance!  Oh and if the video makes you feel old or reminds you of those HUGE shoulder pads we used to wear and the big hair, like it did me, well I apologize for that too!  My hair was never that big, but some of my friends, well you know who you are!  But back to the song, love ya Carly, but get out of my head! ;-)

Have a great week everyone!

Busy, Cranky, and A Winner

Thanks so much everyone for your wonderful comments about my new slipcovered chair.  No matter how much we love how something turns out, it's always nice to have others give you a thumbs up to let you know you made a good choice!

Today was a hectic day, lots of running around doing errands and getting caught up on things that needed to be done. 

I also took a little "me" time and ran into a few of my favorite stores, and even picked up a new bracelet for the fall.  It has browns, rusts, and tans, and I really don't have any bracelets to wear with my fall colored sweaters so I was happy to find it.

Then it was off to the place where I buy pumpkins each year, which is always a treat.  It is a local Mennonite farm, and I go there often to buy flowers, fruits, and veggies, but my favorite time of year to go is the fall. 

They have rows, stacks, and bins filled to the brim with all sorts of gourds and pumpkins, and even if you aren't in the mood for autumn you will be by the time you leave!  My parents used to take me there when I was younger, and I've continued the tradition with my own children.  Today I was by myself though, and I took my time looking at everything and eventually settled on a white pumpkin, a gnarled orange pumpkin, and some miniature white pumpkins which I'll show you in an upcoming post.

I also received a lovely pot of violas or johnny jump ups as my mother always called them this afternoon.  They were a thank you from my friend Doug, and I'll be showing those to you in another post in the near future.

Now you may be thinking...hmm why not show them to us now?  Well now we get to the whole cranky part I mentioned in my title.

You see this evening I came home from being gone all day, and I unloaded all of the goodies from my car and grabbed the camera to snap of few shots of my pumpkin and pretty flowers.

Then Mr. Tide and I wandered over to the neighbors to see their new kittens and I took a few more shots of some downed trees along the beach and the pretty sunset.  But when I got home and started to look at my pictures I noticed that they all looked really grainy. 

Then it dawned on me, we had a beautiful night sky last night...filled with stars and perfectly clear.  Mr. Tide had taken the camera and tripod out to capture the stars and had bumped the ISO up to 1600 to try and capture the gorgeous night sky from last night.


When I saw my pictures I was cranky, and thought why didn't he reset the ISO?!  But then I thought, really is it worth getting upset about, they're just pictures after all, it wasn't like I shot a wedding, or the birth of a child!  I simply took pictures of things that will still be around to photograph tomorrow.

And the truth is that Mr. Tide is just as tired tonight, if not more tired than I am.  When I got home today he had been to the dump, done several loads of laundry, and even vacuumed the whole house.  Plus he put the roast in that I took out yesterday to thaw, and would go perfectly with the fresh corn and potatoes I picked up today.  How could I even begin to be upset with him?!

So instead of being cranky, I'm posting these less than perfect pictures, because we are all a little less than perfect if we really want to be honest with ourselves.  And I don't think they turned out all that badly after all, sometimes perfection is highly overrated!

Thanks also to everyone who entered my latest Giveaway and tweeted, posted, and facebooked about it, I truly appreciate it!  And check back soon, because I'll be having another giveaway, and I'm thinking it will have a bit of a holiday theme.

But the winner of the CSN Stores $65 Gift Certificate is #33, ChRis!  Congratulations ChRis, I'll be emailing you the code to redeem your prize!

I hope each of you has a relaxing end to your weekend, and a happy start to the new week ahead!

End of Summer Giveaway

Summer is drawing to a close for many of us.  And this holiday weekend the roads will be packed with people trying to squeeze those last sweet moments out of the season.

Just like the birds, we'll flock to the shore or the mountains, and savor each moment spent there with family and friends .

I'm a beach girl through and through, and although I don't bask in the sun the way I once did, I do love the carefree lifestyle that goes hand in hand with summertime.

Like shadows cast on the sand, I will move forward into autumn and the holidays with the knowledge that another year has passed.  And I think the fleeting nature of summer is what makes me love it all the more and look forward to it each year!

In honor of this last weekend of summer fun (for those of us in this hemisphere anyway), I thought I would host a little summer giveaway!

During my recent adventures I picked up a few things I thought some of you might enjoy.

Like this little sea urchin votive holder.

Or this embroidered starfish linen guest towel.

Of course who wouldn't love a cute little starfish spreader to use at your next beach themed party? (I bought one of these for myself!!)

And for one last taste of summer, a lemonade drink mix to enjoy!

I will be spending the weekend kayaking, visiting with my family, and savoring those last few days of summer bliss!  I also hope to find some time to return emails and respond to your wonderful comments!  And THANK YOU to those of you who follow me and have taken me to the 500 follower mark...I never thought I'd reach 100 much less 500, so you all continue to amaze and astound me!!!

To enter the Giveaway which is open to Everyone:

1.  Leave a comment telling me your favorite season and why.

2.  Leave a second comment letting me know you follow...whether you decide to become a new follower or have been hanging out here for awhile.

3.  For a third chance you can blog, tweet, or facebook the Giveaway and come back and leave a 3rd comment letting me know!  Thanks in advance to all who do this!

The Giveaway will be open until next Friday, September 10th at Midnight PST.  

Good luck, and I hope you have a happy and safe weekend!

Be sure to pop over to AtticMag for their Friday Giveaway Link Party!

 

The Ocean

"My soul is full of longing
For the secret of the sea,
And the heart of the great ocean
Sends a thrilling pulse through me."
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach--waiting for a gift from the sea."
- Anne Morrow Lindbergh

"For whatever we lose (like a you or a me)
it's always ourselves we find in the sea."
- e.e. cummings

 

 

 

 

 

"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever."
- Jacques Cousteau

 

 

 

 

 

 "I could never stay long enough on the shore; the tang of the untainted, fresh, and free sea air was like a cool, quieting thought."
- Helen Keller

 

 

 

 

 

“The three great elemental sounds in nature are the sound of rain, the sound of wind in a primeval wood, and the sound of outer ocean on a beach”
- Henry Beston

 

 

 

 

 

"At the beach, life is different. Time doesn't move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides, and follow the sun."
- Anonymous

 

 

 

"When anxious, uneasy and bad thoughts come, I go to the sea, and the sea drowns them out with its great wide sounds, cleanses me with its noise, and imposes a rhythm upon everything in me that is bewildered and confused."
- Rainer Maria Rilke

I hope that no matter where you live, these photos of the ocean and quotes about the sea will bring each of you a little bit of joy the way that each of your comments does for me every day!

 

Just Around The River Bend

Hey, want to head out in the kayaks tonight?  It's a beautiful night, and we'll be able to catch the sunset!

Look at those trees barely clinging to the banks of the creek...pretty cool eh?

Look, there is our favorite bald eagle heading back home for the evening.  I told you we should have brought the telephoto lens!

Turn around and look back towards the house, isn't the sun pretty!

And check out the heron flying low along the water.  Dang, next time, I'm bringing that telephoto lens!

See these marsh grasses?  The herons love to fish alongside the tufts of grass!

Keep paddling, we're coming up on the long bridges that connect the creek to the river!

Look, the tide is coming in.

It's pretty windy, the little fish windsock says so!

And watch out for the crab pot lines hanging down from the bridge!  Wonder how many crabs are in there?

I love these old tree roots, don't you?!

Last bridge before the river!  How are you doing...getting tired yet?

Mr. Osprey is not happy that we're so close to his nest!

Wow, we've already gone over a mile, but just wait until you see the river!

Shhh, look up ahead, see the heron silhouetted up in that tree?  If we're quiet, we might be able to sneak up before she flies away!  Oh, and did I mention that we should have brought the telephoto lens?!

Nope, there she goes.  Heron's are so skittish aren't they?!

Hey cool, look...I got the osprey, the moon, and that tiny speck (just to the left and a little up from the moon) which is an airliner...all in the same shot!  

Ok, we're finally here.  There's the river straight ahead!

There we go, out in the river!  See Virginia off in the distance...it's about 5 miles away...think we can make it before the sun sets?!

Yeah, you're probably right...not one of my best ideas...we'll stay on this side tonight!

There's just enough wind to create a little wave action...isn't the rocking motion soothing?!

Such a pretty sunset isn't it?!  Look at how it reflects off of the water!

And check out that cloud back towards the creek!

Ok, the sun is getting pretty low, we better start heading for home, we have a few miles to go and we don't want to lose the light.

The waves make it so much easier to paddle back in don't they?!

Hey, don't paddle too fast or we'll get in trouble with the Natural Resources Police!

I don't know which I like best, going out or coming back in.

The creek is always so calm this time of night.

Wouldn't it be nice to just sit on this bench every evening and watch the sunset?!

And here we are back home again.  Did you have fun?  I know I sure did, we should do this again sometime soon!

Thank you everyone for your well wishes for Mr. Tide, he's feeling much better today!!