=A View Through the Window=

doing the dance of joy

Ever have a day when you wake up and just know that today, there is an adventure out there waiting for you? The air is just the right temperature and is breezing in through the open window ... The curtains move in little waves. The flowers are beckoning to you from just beyond the billowing lace. Come outside and play you hear in whispers and shouts. A butterfly flitters past and you could swear you saw her wink. An invation for you to come out and join the party ...
It's spring! You cannot be inside!

Ready and packed in a split second for spring will not wait. You have your sketchbook in hand and watercolors clutched tight. Grab a bottle of water and you turn towards the door ... And there in your path are two huge brown eyes watching your every move. Was she not asleep in the chair but a moment ago?

You smile at the big brown eyes and say, Yes. But of course! It wouldn't be an adventure if anyone was left behind, your voice is almost singing as you turn the doorknob.

Then you do the ::DaNcE::Of::JoY:: down the road, watching a little dog bounce with glee at what unknowns are ahead, just happy to be right there in that very moment. And suddenly you realize she is right ... It's the journey.
The journey is the adventure.

I will be the gladdest thing
 Under the sun!
I will touch a hundred flowers
 And not pick one.

I will look at cliffs and clouds
 With quiet eyes,
Watch the wind bow down the grass,
 And the grass rise.

And when lights begin to show
 Up from the town,
I will mark which must be mine,
 And then start down!
--edna st. vincent millay

wishing you a glorious journey of moments.
=^..^= love, zU

Remember me when you are happy, Keep for me one little spot, In the depth of thine affection Plant a sweet forget-me-not.

.:: SECOND CHANCES ::.

.. :: click for the story :: ..

Dedicated to all the beautiful butterflies that have passed through this realm. They are missed more than could be imagined.

We are all in the gutter,but some of us are looking at the stars.--oscar wilde

Well, this is just getting to be a habit.
Me disapearing ::poof::gone::
Sadness dropping in unannounced.

With a suddenness of a flash flood ...
not a word to anyone because I couldn't.
And I am sorry.

My heart is having troubles wrapping itself around the things of late. In the past year much has happened. I thought my heart would stop beating more than once from sadness. First my beloved four-legged constant companion, then my best human friend passed away & only weeks after him, his corgi died too leaving a hole in my life the size of the moon to become the size of the universe. Three losses of such magnitude in six-weeks took a toll. Other things happening concurrently made me feel helpless to stop The sisters Fate from crushing me.

Then summer held for me happiness (I got my ::wish::), however unmeasurable sadness came along (that precious puppy died in my arms), then the greatest ::EVER:: of ::JOY:: (the fae saw fit to bestow to me another puppers) and I was lifted to cloud nine. I felt hope return. But there was so much more happening in my life. All in all it was a rollercoaster year and a half of emotion and it has pulled at my heart until it is unable to cope with more. I am raw.

Now yet again something unpleasant has occured and I am trying to gain my composure and stay in the glow of starlight ... fighting the urge to simply curl up under the trees and hide in the shadows.

Without going into details, of which you do not wish to hear (trust me) I am having to do something I suppose should be expected, but still it comes as an unpleasant shock to me as I truly wanted to believe the day would never come. Something I do not wish to be the one to do involving an elderly parent. It must be done. And worse yet, I may likely break a promise when doing so. It is tearing me up even though I am aware of no other better choice.

So as I gather the lose ends of my life and tie them together again, I beg of you to understand. The computer has sat quietly, screen dark waiting for my return. Packages have arrived (and I know they are filled to popping with magic) yet they sit on the table unopened. I look towards them but cannot bring myself to take the steps over and unwrap even one. Emails sent to me are in the gazillions, all unanswered less even opened yet. I am finding posting hard. I don't want to be negative. So I stay away not knowing what to say or how to say it. I want to be here but happy things seem far away sometimes. I am finding I need time to heal. I am in the shadows watching the light just beyond.

Soon I will be here with a smile at my fingertips & stories to share. I believe the shadows will be overtaken by light. I promise to reach for it. Oh I will tell you of my beautiful puppers. She can make a spirit soar with the most soulful eyes ever given to a corgi. It is nearly her birthday ... Perhaps a party? I know she will invite you each and every one. I will also tell you of my corgyn boy that now dances every day with faeries. Watch the sidebar for his story. Bring tissues.

For those I was in the midst of sending treasures & notes, they are not forgotten. Even though it has been seemingly forever and you must feel lost of hope ... It is bothering me too that things are not done. I just can't seem to find a way to keep myself in a gear moving forward faster than very s l o w if that. I feel like my feet are in deep mud and every movement is made with such great effort I am unsure if I can continue without rest. I get done so little as of late. I don't know how else to explain. I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders presently.

.:: how many robins can you spy? ::.

Spring is here bursting at the seams and calling to me. For those that have followed my blog along for a while, you know what that means for me. Pure bliss. I immerse myself in my gardens and the moments spent there become perfect moments. The timing could not be better. I need this now.

In my studio, another refuge, I find myself staring up at the glittering silver stars which hang from the high ceiling. Along the ceiling edge I wrote a favorite Oscar Wilde quote that reminds that we are all in the same boat. We all have problems but some of us choose to look at the bright side; To be grateful for what we have & think positively. We can chose to not dwell on the negative and be happy with what we have now. We can choose to see the brightness of the universe.

"...some of us are looking at the stars."

Yep Yep Yep.
I will keep looking up at the stars!
All will be better soon. It will.

missing you.
=^..^= love, zU

old moon::new moon

The journey to the Polar Festival has begun.
From near and far under a snow moon
travelers from all points of the earth will gather to witness
the exchange of winter and the gifts to be shared ...

As the snowflakes dance on the 9th of February ... Follow.
They will bring you to an enchanted moment.
And I will tell the story ...
Of how a simple act, changed Bloglandia. Forever.

one of a circle of hearts ... nature is where the art is: Delila Jemaiel

The phenomenon that has the potential to quickly become known as the event of the season, has gotten off to a roaring start this year. Having more than doubled in size from last year, OneWorld-OneHeart has artists all over the world visiting each other to say hello. With more joining in every hour, seriously I'm having trouble keeping track.

The brain child of Lisa Oceandreamer [Heart of the Nest] was a little idea that caught on big. What if a few bloggers each gave away a little gift, just to entice and thank each other for visiting? Word was sent out by invitation and a master list was created of participants. And it grew and it grew. Like the Grinches heart, it got too big to be contained. Watching this idea bouncing about from blog to blog one can't help smiling at what has happened. A huge circle of new acquaintances are being made.

With so many incredible artists and their blogs out there to visit, one can easily become overwhelmed by gorgeous ... I personally haven't made it through the list of blogs to visit yet. Not even close! But I have already noted some incredible work out there. So I thought I would begin to share with you, ones I can not imagine having missed.

I'll start half way around the world from where I sit typing.

One of the most delightful blogs (and even more so is the blogs owner) is a little studio called, Sepia Art. Run by Delila Jemaiel, Sepia-Art Studio is a beautiful hidden gem of a nest in Finland. This blog features the works of an artist with a wonderfully unique vision. When you visit, you are immediately swept into her realm of faerytales and soft music, transparent colors and sheer magic. Her writing is precious and has the eloquence of a great piece of art.

Delila is as charming as the beautiful pieces of paper art she creates. Visit her in her tiny studio where she dreams of the woods and be taken into another time, somewhere between now and then. Where tea is an art and you can see the past peeking through the windows.

If you haven't yet stopped by Sepia-Art Studio, don't miss this one. Say hello.

Alas be prepared ... make tea.
You may find it difficult to leave.

=^..^= love, zU
.:: list of OWOH particapants to visit ::.

a heARTfelt offering ... no strings attached... except maybe Heartstrings.

You have discovered one of the magical pieces of the
. . . :: OneWorld-OneHeart event giveaway :: . . .

Oh dear ::^..^::
The faeries are running so behind with the stitching ...
Tiny little pieces, still undone. The sun setting far too soon.

But inside the studio awaits a surprise ... soon to be complete.
To be unveiled to all of you arriving at the doorstep to see.

Please, while you wait have some tea.
Cookie? Take two. I insist. The tiny star shaped ones were made just for you. They are wishes ... for luck. Sprinkled with real stardust & blessed by the moon.

The smallest of the enchanted ones are working on something special ::for YOU:: and would be so disapointed should you not return to peek ... Perhaps with one more sleep? Or two?

.::I HOPE YOU WILL RETURN TO SEE THE MAGIC::.

This is part of the OneWorld-OneHeart event giveaway ...
Our lovely event coordinator is:
. . :: Ms.Lisa Oceandreamer :: . .
The rules of the game are Ooh so simple. You need only to comment on this post if you would like to take part in the drawing. You need not have a blog to enter this drawing ... but must leave another way for me to contact you. (if you haven't a blog, please leave your email address).
Your name will be placed with the others into a vintage teacup, with one name to be drawn out by a hug of VERY excited baby bears on Thursday, February 14th at 8pm PST... The winners name will be posted that evening before midnight.

I will HaPpiLy mail toot sweet by sparrow post to anywhere you are ... worldwide.
Everyone is welcome to play! ... I hope you will.

and just for you:

.:: a complete list of the participating blogs to visit ::.

=^..^= love, zU

.:: MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW ::.

"no man is a failure who has friends"

Have you ever thought about it? The idea of what a single person contributes to the lives of others, and to the world in general, without even knowing.

Bernie wanted to help the animals.
We wanted to help Bernie. We wanted to help the animals.

Help Bernie help the animals became the cry.

Everyone pulled out all the stops to help one person, do the seemingly impossible:

Build a sorely needed shelter for animals in her care. To save lives. She needed to win a challenge, the prize being a grant of fifty-thousand dollars. All for A Place to Bark and Meow.

Was that particular challenge won? No. Only the top four received the grants. Bernie's rescue came in fifth place. Was this a failure? Nuh-uh. Not in my eyes, but you be the judge:

People rallied. The message was simple.

We need to move a mountain. Fast.

A connecting chain was created around the globe nearly instantly and gained momentum causing a ripple effect.

Old friends gathered.
New friends were made.
And the impossible happened.

People donated what they could. The Zoline Foundation doubled some of the dollars. Money was sent from all over the world. Ten dollars here, five there, fifty, one hundred ... and it adds up, you know?

Nearly $80,000 to be exact.
That shelter will be built.
And all because of .::one person::. refusing to believe it couldn't be done. Someone believing we could make it happen.

Perhaps YOU were that person. And then the next person believed ... and then the next. Hundreds of believers.

Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?
-- Clarence (the guardian angel in Capra's, It's a Wonderful Life, 1946)

What if, that ::someone:: hadn't been there? One less believer.
What if, each of the lives Bernie saves, left an awful hole because ::someone:: wasn't there to help them? How many other lives would be affected? Can we even count?

I for one am so very glad that Bernie is around. I honestly try not to imagine all she goes through everyday. The things we don't see, I thank her for. She shelters more than puppers. I am one of those that cannot deal with the reality of animal cruelty. Not up close & personal for any period of time. I do what I can but need the Bernie's out there when I have to look away. And truthfully, no one can do it all alone. Not even an angel. So she needs our support ten fold.

A world without Bernie in it?
What a horrible thought.

Wag your tail if you agree.

=^..^= love, zU

looking at the glass half full

Bernie.
No matter how badly things are going, Bernie is always looking for and finding something to be happy about.

She spends her days (and nights) caring for those that cannot change their circumstances without her. She does it all for love.

The velvet touch of a puppies tongue is all that she needs.

One soft sloppy puppy kiss of thanks and if given a bonus, a wagging tail. Payment in full.

Bernie's animals need our help. They want more than anything to give her everything she deserves. And all Bernie wants is to give them all that they deserve. Beginning with a second chance. A place where they are forgiven the fate of being born into an already too crowded world.

Bernie needs the glass to be all the way full this time.
Sloppy puppy kisses and purring kitten hugs help but they aren't enough. We need to help a dream come true.

Bernie's A Place to Bark and Meow needs a physical shelter built. And the reality is that requires a lot of money. More than Bernie can come up with alone ... It's save a life or build a shelter. Building a shelter will save more. Hard choice?

If you haven't heard about the magic (goodness, where have you been?) let me tell you breifly. Six Degrees dot org has paired with Parade creating, America's Giving Challenge. Badges to collect donations for charity were created and the word sent out: The TOP FOUR BADGES, those bringing in the largest number of unique people to donate by 3pm east coast time, the 31st of JANUARY will receive FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS for their cause! Yep! Your $10 becomes $50,000. Can't beat that deal, can you?

(If you haven't yet sent your $10 ... go click the DONATE on the badge at right). We'll wait for you.
(While we wait, watch this darling little flick by Claudine!)

Already sent your $10 ... FABULOUS!
Thank You and a million puppy slurps to you!
Kitten purrs & nose kisses.

Ummmm ... guess what? That deal where your $10 becomes $50,000?
It gets WAY better! How would you like to see $10 turn into $120,000?
Sound too good to be true?
Read on ....

The Zoline Foundation wanted into the fun and has offered to meet each of the donations given...Every one of your $10 DOUBLED dollar for dollar up to $25,000 ... ON TOP OF THE OTHER CHALLENGE!
The offer was: If you can get twenty-five thousand, we will make it fifty! Just do it by June of this year. HA!

Did you look at the numbers on Bernie's badge? Yeppers!
YOU'VE ALREADY DONE IT for Bernie's Puppers!

The first $25,000 donated by YOU has become ...

FIFTY. THOUSAND. DOLLARS.

Well, that took The Zoline Foundation right off their chairs.

Good folk and they saw ... People care! So what did they do? Three days ago they made a second offer.

If Bernie can get the donations to $35,000 ... (Ten thousand more in less than a week)

...THEY WILL MEET IT DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR on top of the first twenty-five!

That's right. The offer is at $70,000!!!
All we need is to get to thirty-five thousand on the donation badge by noon PST January 31st. Plus don't forget, the top four badges will get $50,000 on top of this!

As Bernie says: It's Win-Win!

Expect to find good in the world and you will find it.
Things just get better and better.

If you haven't donated $10 .... PLEASE PLEASE if you can, send ten dollars. It's super easy and you will be walked through a safe and secure process. You will be allowed to use PayPal if you wish.

EVERY UNIQUE PERSON SENDING $10 COUNTS.

A PLACE TO BARK needs to stay in the TOP FOUR BADGES to win. And believe-you-me another Fifty-Thousand for the Rescue is everything!

And ... If you can send even more EVERY DOLLAR now COUNTS to be matched!
If you can only send $5 ... do it!

If you can send twelve, fifteen or twenty ::HOORAY:: because THE CLOCK IS TICKING! With LESS THAN 48 HOURS TO GO ... We need to hit $35,000 for Bernie and the puppers! We are SOoooo close! Lookie at the numbers!

We need to get those number totals up!

I know Bernie believes in you. And I know she always looks at the bright side. Bernie believes there are people that care. The glass is always at least half full in her eyes.

Show Bernie you believe in her. That the precious lives she is devoted to are worth saving.

It's time to make that glass overflow.
Lets show her a river.

=^..^= i believe!

on making a difference:

... sometimes i dream.

We make a difference by being present for others and by using our lives to make an example. We need to make this a place where all peoples of all different faiths, nationalities and races and gender orientations are valued by their hearts and merits and not by their social strata or their checkbook.

sometimes i dream.
=^..^zU

If One Dream Can Change the World

. :: begin where you are :: .
.::..::.

One voice, one simple word

Hearts know what to say.

One Dream can change the world

::Wishing for::
..peace on earth this Christmas.. =^..^=love, zU

One Voice - Billy Gilman, at age 11

Some kids have and some kids don't
And some of us are wondering why.
And Mom won't watch the news at night
There's too much stuff (that's) making her cry.
We need some help
Down here on earth
A thousand prayers, a million words
But one voice was heard.

A house, a yard, a neighborhood
Where you can ride your new bike to school.
A kind of world where mom and dad
Still believe the golden rule
Life's not that simple
Down here on earth.
A thousand prayers, a million words
But one voice was heard.

One voice, one simple word
Hearts know what to say.
One Dream can change the world
Keep believing 'till you find your way.

Yesterday while walking home
I saw some kid on Newbury Road
He pulled a pistol from his bag
and tossed it in the river below

Thanks for the help
down here on earth
a thousand prayers a million words
but one voice was heard
one voice was heard
one voice was heard

=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=

.::seeds::.

-- faerie by . :: rella :: .

Random acts of kindness.
An act of goodness. No strings. No planned purpose.

I'm sure you have heard of this before.
Have you ever participated?

One morning not so long ago I opened my mailbox to find a delicious kindness inside.
A kindred spirit ... just knew that I would need an extra special something to travel with me that day. And so it was carefully wrapped with golden ribbon tied around ... just a few words written to say something perfect ... wings added ... and off it flew to find me.

Into my heart it landed to brighten my entire day.

Later in the week, my post box held three wonderful packages inside. I knew each was heading my way ... They were expected, yet I never dreamt how each one would turn out to be so very special. Each person that had packed them, very meticulously thought about it ... and about what they believed I would like. Boxes of gorgeous artwork and moo card treats ... Tea and a handwritten letter ... Chocolate Faeries surrounded in vintage papers ... A documentary of my well-beloved Beatrix placed into carefully copied prints of her artwork ... Another with pictures from one of my favorite places on earth bound in funny Christmas papers.

Do you ever wonder what could possibly top things like this? You know, those things that make you find yourself smiling and thinking the world is looking up? Sometimes the universe can surprise you when you least expect. What would make you believe in the goodness of people again?

Several days later another act of kindness arrived on my doorstep via mail ... Something that took me so by surprise that I still am in awe. Someone knew something about me and for no other reason than she wanted to and could ... she did. Suddenly I wasn't alone. Maybe I was okay after all. (I know it makes little sense here, because I cannot offer you more detail ... But I dare say I wish for each and every one of you this kind of friendship in your life.)

The sun came out.

What could possibly top things like this?
Nothing, that's what.

That variety of sunshine only gets brighter and brighter because those rays can't help but touch more than the first person it aims for. A single ray of sun can reach the entire world given half a chance.

Isn't kindness wonderful? One kind word, one funny picture, a door held open, a smile. One little thing can change the direction of everything. It can make the world seem good or bad, happy or sad, ugly or beautiful.

Never forget ... A moment of your time can impact a life forever and change it. Plant kindness.

=^*^= just a thought, xo zU

::wishing:: you a sweet Easter!

Don't forget to watch:
The Wind in the Willows ... tonight on PBS =^..^=

Here today, up and off somewhere else tomorrow!
Travel, change, interest, excitement!

-- mr. toad

Have a beautiful Sunday!
=^..^= love, zU

not an ordinary tuesday unless you want it to be

click the picture.
(give it time to load & turn on the sound)

.:: i dare you not to smile ::.

-- totally snitched this link from kathy.
go here if you want to see more of Shebang the wonder dog.

=^..^= ::giggle:: love, zU

a story of hope

.::surrogate mama LuLu & baby Umande::. pronounced (oo-MAHN-day)

photo by dave legget

Sitting about the cottage trying to recover from last Wednesday in a dentist chair (Oh! I don't want to talk about it as it did not go well re: No fun) And now I am less one tooth -- one with a fractured root which turned out to be the problem ... and in doing so ... oh never mind. Trust me that you don't want to hear. Nothing the fault of my guardian angel, Dr. M but of my genetics I suppose. I will just say, I did not feel well for a while. Still recuperating. I am taking my medicine and staying quiet ... trying my best to be a good patient, but ::Grumble::Grumble:: I am not a happy camper when I am sick.

photo by Sheila Smart

So these past days I found myself restless and wishing I could do pretty much anything but sit and do nothing. The garden looks atrocious & needs attention after the winds and ice, I can only go and crack ice from birdbaths and fill feeders. Everything else must wait. Inside I have not been able to sew as my shoulder is giving me great problems -- why I do not know but maybe stress? (I have projects half done and promised to friends & new ideas I want to start on. OH! I wish I could sew ::sigh:: oh well, maybe soon) ...But I have had time to watch several movies which is a treat for me, as I rarely allow myself to go into blockbusters -- but did three times this past 2-weeks. As for all the other hours in the day ... it has left me with the opportunity to read whatever I want ... Blog hop 'til I drop ::HaPpY::hApPy::DaNcE::oF::jOy:: & devour books books and more books ::YuMMeRs:: and reflect on a lot of interesting subjects.

Which brings me to the point.
You were wondering where I was going, right?

Have you read, Ishmael by Daniel Quinn?

By far one of the best books ever written. My copy is tattered ... I have read and reread it over and over.

The book opens with a deceptively ordinary personals ad:
"Teacher seeks pupil. Must have an earnest desire to save the world."

Seeking a direction for his life, a young man answers the ad and is startled to find that the teacher is a lowland gorilla named Ishmael, a creature uniquely placed to vision anew the human story.

Quinn says Ishmael is a story about hope. "I think we have a much finer and more exciting destiny than conquering and ruling the world," he says. "This book shows that we can learn about what that destiny is from the life around us -- and in Ishmael it just happens that life speaks with the voice of a lowland gorilla."

Run out to find a copy of this treasure ...
and be prepared to meet your favorite teacher.

You might just decide you wish to help save the world.

=^..^= xo zU

.:: Salome & newborn ::.

love is blind

A dear friend reminded me recently how wonderful inter-specie relationships can be when she sent to me the story of a hunting dog that adopted a baby squirrel, caring for & nursing it alongside her litter as one of her own pups. Not that this was surprising at all ... Those that are like myself take this in stride exclaiming,
OF COURSE! Why wouldn't she?

.:: when we were very young ::.

--a.a. milne

My friend, Margarita (chichi's godmommy) introduced me to the work of a woman that captures the pure innocence of unconditional love. The odd friendships, the bonds that form between species humans are conditioned to expect as unlikely relationships, are everyday sightings to this artist.

Her life's work is to show that it is not unusual at all, these relationships. Stopping time with a shutter & lens, to share the beauty of the moment she has witnessed with us, the world. Providing proof that perhaps ...

Walt Disney was right.

I invite you to watch in wonderment through the eyes of a gifted German photographer by the name of, Tanja Askani ...

how accepting and trusting unconditional love can be.
How innocent their intentions, how wondrous nature is ...
Never looking for a hidden motive. Completely unawares.

Let Tanja's photographs remind us that we are not alone,
but share this planet with other sentient beings.

Perhaps, the only difference is equality.
We are not their equals. Perhaps they have evolved beyond us. In keeping their childlike innocence they play with delight at the mere fact the sun has risen.

They rest, when necessary and want for only what they need. They do not take from another just to take. And they see through eyes that are blind to the differences of race between them. They see only that it does not matter.

They see the world as their oyster. It might suggest that our goals be to grow more like the babes and turn backward the time when we did not see the differences in one another, but reach back to the time when we looked inside one another to find only a potential friend. And to live fully in the moments given us.

With childlike hearts ... In pure joy.

=^..^= love zU

Chichi goes to college

As it seems ...
Miss. Art Tea Life was correct when she teased me about not seeing a certain someone enough that, by the time she did he would be on his way to college.

Well ... Guess what?

Chichi is moving away from home. To boarding school. Somewhat like squirrel college-prep school. Not that he is going all that far (just to his own little mansion off the back porch of a very safe garden) but it is time for one little boy -- that I fear isn't sure what species he is half the time -- to begin the process of learning to be a squirrel. Chichi is moving into the dorms.

Now no one panic. Firstly, Chichi LOVES the idea. And secondly, he is having a blast in his new digs and is even decorating his room to suit himself.

All teenage boys love having their own space. Chichi is no exception. And not having mom around all the time to pester him about whatever, but still paying the bills (and sending care packages to him) is a young mans fantasy. That and hopefully come spring, meeting a sweet little girl squirrel that takes him home to show off her nesting skills.

I know. That makes me sound like a super-cool progressive mom here. Truth-be-told I would prefer he stay home in this garden to raise a family. Come home for dinner every Sunday. Not just visit on holidays. But ... In the squirrel world of boy meets girl ... The girl-squirrel builds a nest and then goes outside of her territory to find her choice of boy to take home. He moves in with her and leaves his home behind. Girls often stay close to where they were born, boys wander to distant lands. All for the sake of .::ahhhh::. ... Love.

So everyone out there think good thoughts about Mister Chichi's new adventure. I had the easy part ... All of those hourly feedings & praying he was comfortable, warm enough, and happy until now. Getting him from teensy pinkie to full-fur-checkout the gorgeous amazing squirrel he is so far ... was nothing. Nothing that is compared to what he has to do now. Chichi has the hard part ahead of him. He has to go out and learn to make a living and get along with others in a crowded world of mass competition.

And as he prepares to enter the rat race this spring ... Like all moms out there (bear with me here), I can only hope that I have taught him that it's okay not to have everything the Jones's have and that if someone needs a hand (errrr paw?), give them what you can & don't fight about it if they take it without asking. Above all else, it's just not necessary to be one of the rats to succeed in life.

"No amount of ability is of the slightest avail without honor."
--thomas carlyle

But how do you teach that to a squirrel?
You trust the universe to help.
... To somehow let him know, that it really isn't a race at all.

Chichi seems (so far at least) to "get it" ... Going about his days working only enough to survive, storing what he needs for an emergency that he doesn't seem all that worried about ever happening, but thinking ahead enough to be safe. And the rest of the time he plays hard & sleeps hard. He is curious about everything and accepts everyone as a friend unless they prove otherwise, and then he is the one to back off & easily forgets that his feelings were hurt. It's not important enough to waste time over, so off he goes headlong into his next adventure.

Maybe we should all listen more closely to unseen things. Slow down. Be in the moment. Share. Play. Enjoy everything around us. Take long naps. Don't let worrying about what might not even happen, ruin the day.

It could be the universe has been trying to get a message to us. And it was through Chichi the message has been sent.

"Every man is my superior in that I may learn from him."
-- thomas carlyle

So, here's to one very smart tiny squirrel that has taught me more than I can ever repay him for. Lucky for me his idea of commerce involves tree bark & hazelnuts.

I'll keep you posted.

=^..^= zU

In the heart of this child

the infamous beatrix potter :: 1866-1943

... and shall live on in the hearts of children forever

"I remember I used to half believe and wholly play with fairies when I was a child. What heaven can be more real than to retain the spirit-world of childhood, tempered and balanced by knowledge and common-sense."
--beatrix potter's journal , 17 november 1896 (national trust)

Obsession in it's purest form. Unmitigated.
I admit ... I am compelled to know more. To see more. And I am so taken with this person. With the stories she wrote, of her life. Her art. Her passion for nature.

from the Drawing Book (age 8,) 1875

I once traveled across country to view a collective of her works. I cut school (I was studying botany at the university) & off I went. Twenty dollars to live on for six days. With it, I bought a catalogue of the show & a photo postcard of her smiling for the camera rather than food (I had brought along only several oranges & a partial box of tea besides that twenty dollar bill.) I thought surely I would starve before I reached home. But I had to see this collection ... Her paintings, drawings, letters, her art ... at any cost.
Something drew me to her. Pulling me to know more.

Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria)

And I was not disappointed. It was mind blowing for me.
I discovered what drew me into her world.
I was like her.

(moveable card, gift made for a child c. 1891)

I could have been happy for the rest of my days just being so near I could almost see Peter scamper across the nursery floor with his blue ribbon. Seeing the pieces of her life touched my life in a way I still cannot explain (Should there have not been guards, I might have traced my finger over her writing as it was so tempting to do so.) I spent the days staring at everything. Reading. Soaking it all in.

(c. 1895)

This was long before I saw the PBS/BBC Masterpiece Theater Biography of her life one fateful Christmas. Once I saw that movie, once I saw someone portraying her ... it made her even more real in my minds eye. I was reminded that Beatrix Potter and I were more than a lot alike. I loved the very thought. If she could do it, I could too.

beatrix with benjamin in the garden

I was once given the ultimate complement: "You remind me of Beatrix Potter" said a friend I had only just met.
That single remark struck me like lightning ... It has stayed with me for years.

Because I had always admired Miss Potter ...
and they had no way to know (at the time) how much that single remark meant to me.

I am captivated with pure delight at the similarities I share with this woman.

Because if I could adopt a life ... any life, I might just like hers.



from the tale of mrs. tittlemouse 1910

Squirrels on Derwent Water :: from The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin

Even knowing what I have learned about the misery she endured ... The love she lost, the walls she came up against & hit head on (she never gave up trying.)
Look what she withstood ... and look where she landed.

Beatrix Potter found herself right where she always wanted to be ... and with those she loved most. Doing what she wanted to do ... to the very last.

beatrix & william marry, october 1913

I mean ... really ...

Helen Beatrix Potter Heelis, 1943

Who would not wish to be this happy in the end?
=^..^= zU

Free Hugs

Something purely magical found at Violette's today
... she never ceases to amaze me.

= click below for the magical ride =

= Free Hugs Campaign =

Watch.

Smile.

Cry.

Laugh.

Go on ... Hug someone!

Pass it on.
=^..^=zU

Sublime Sunday

=The end of childhood
is when things cease to astonish us.

================================

I've been tagged by ART TEA LIFE
... scroll down for the rules ::giggle::

=five weird things about me=

(Really ... I am to list 5 weird things about myself or my pets.)
Sheesh. So many choices.
Okee Dokee ... here it goes:

=one=
I have two pet dust bunnies in my studio.
Their names are:

Who did it and ran? & King Tut Tut shame shame.

=two=
I have an extreem dislike for (absolutely cannot stand) telephones.

Mine rings out, but not in. How anyone can stand carrying about a cellphone is beyond me. It's like being on a leash.
::YUCK::
I was obviously born in the wrong era.

=three=
I generally am reading 5 books concurrently.

I tend to wander through the house/studio/garden and set them down. I start with one & read a while, set it down to go do what needs doing ... I then pick up the book I wander nearest & start where I left off in it. Going about my day, when I spy another book I sit with that one for a while. It's rather wonderful to be visiting so many worlds all at once. I can never seem to choose to read only one single book from start to finish. No matter how often I try ... at some point before it is finished, I have started another book.

I got this "tendency" (as my mother would call it) from my father. He also stacked books everywhere. Although I don't recall any of his ever making it outdoors into the garden...

=four=
I have an iPod named, iBob.

I simply ADORE iBob.
Cannot handle the idea of him not being here to dance with.
Hummm. Having an iPod seems to conflict with my statement above in number two. Weird?

=five=
I worry that my dolls & stuffed toys are uncomfortable.

I tend to position them in cute poses that seem comfy.
I give them a book to read or a friend to sit with & hold hands with. I let them see out the studio windows.
I will get up & walk across the room just to adjust a bear if I notice they look uncomfortable or have been sitting the same way for too long.

More than one of my bears has their own wardrobe. If it seems [to me] to be chilly, I put a vintage sweater on them. Maybe an old pair of baby shoes if they are going out to sit in the garden chair. (You know, in case I turn my back & they wish to go over and wiggle their paws in the pond their little tootsies will not get a chill.) Good mama bears watch that their cublings do not catch colds.

2.75-inches

Rules of the game:

=List 5 weird things about yourself or your pets.
Tag 5 friends and list them.
Then, those people need to write on their blogs about 5 weird things,
and state the rules, and tag 5 more people.
Don't forget to let the people you tag know by posting a comment on their blog!

Part two:

1. Which famous person would you most like to learn that you re descended from ?

2. Which famous person would you hate to learn that you are descended from ?

3. If you could be an ancestor to any living famous person, who would it be and why ?

4. If you could go back in time and meet any known ancestor(s) of yours, who would it be ?

= I'm still working on part two ...
but ... Let start the fun ...

Time to play TAG!

• Miss DewDrop
You're it!

To have joyone must share it.

Today is a simple incredible fall day (how apropos) as tonight at 9:03 pm begins the official mark on the calendar. The first day of fall. The wind is blowing the leaves ... Leaves which are beginning to turn to glorious golden shades with just enough orange-red here & there for good measure. The ground is lightly being covered with the evidence of the change of season. Even the persimmon tree has prepared & is laden with globes of turning fruits to delight once the first frost arrives & sweetens them.

Hummingbirds are diving at the feeders & the baby squirrels (forever 'my babies' as many are raised from hand and never choose to leave the gardens) are bouncing about the lawns stuffing their mouths with dry grasses to pad beds high in the trees. All prepare for what is coming. Busy. Busy.

As I walk about this morning to fill feeders, pour fresh water, pick stray leaves from the ponds & bird baths, reaching up to the fence I strategically tuck bundles of fluff I have saved & twigs to be easily found (yes, not just in spring are nesting materials in demand) ... I pick a few apples and set them on the far garden table as a snack for the skunk family tonight and sit myself down for a moment in one of the chairs. On second thought, I reach over to grab back an apple from where they sit. As I bite into its sharp crunchy sweetness I watch the goings on & realize that I have a smile on my face.

Mother nature is sharing with me her joy.
I get up & wash my fingertips in the pond & I grab a rake, then sit back down to reflect for a moment longer.

I am happy.

I love the fall. I love all of it. I enjoy the cleanup & putting to bed of the plants, the quick rush to glaze the windows on the cottage for the coming months of wet weather. The mad slap of paintbrushes on the garden furniture to be sure each piece will be ready for the changes that they will need to endure. It is all ritual now. I would miss it if it did not need to be done.

I get up from the chair and duck under the ivy arch & wander over to check the tomatoes. The winds have blown some of them over. It happens every year. I grab more stakes and the large rock which sits near by (for just this purpose) and I hammer the first stake into the ground. Then another & I am done. Instinctively I reach into the plant before me and pull out a tomato with each hand & tuck them into my apron pockets. I think of lunch. I grab three more & turn to leave but stop to gather fresh basil. I cut extra so I can take some to Mrs. Whosit down the way with tomatoes & a loaf of the bread that is rising in the kitchen nearly ready to be set into the oven -- she loves fresh garden goodies as much as I do. I find two more tomatoes almost ready & pick them to put up on the kitchen windowsill. I find a few green peppers & squash.
My pockets will hold no more.

Life is good.

This morning in my inbox was a little something from my bestest friend, my sister Dew (that thinks so alike me that I must wonder if we are not actually blood sisters & surely we must be twins) ... She has just the right way of knowing the perfect thing to say or send, with timing of pure perfection. Today was no exception.
Her email read only this:

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."
--albert camus

Yes Yes YES!
And one must share it.

=^..^= zU

Wabi-Sabi Perfect

photos today by andrea scher

This afternoon I wandered over to see my friend, Miss Robyn ...
I was curious to see what she might be up to and was greeted at the door with a lovely little new collage she has made. Inspired by other artists to try something new, she was having a grand time with a new idea.

I've noted her taking leaps in new directions as of late ... Trying new things on for size, growing tall and enjoying the ride! Her post today got me to thinking, about how we seem to be afraid to move forward without worrying over every step. Worry that we will make an error, do something wrong or perhaps ruin something we can't fix. Often to the point of standing still and doing nothing at all. When did we become afraid to try? Maybe it's that we are afraid to embarrass ourselves.

I was reminded by another friend in an email this morning that as children we moved forward without haste. If we made a mistake we treated it as the lesson it was, and moved on. Taking from it what we needed & leaving any negative thoughts behind. Then we tried again. Over and over until we got it right. As we get older it seems so often that we grow away from this innate thing of childhood. We grow into somehow thinking all we do must be perfect the first time. All of the time. Heaven forbid we goof up in private OR die if it happens in public. ::Sheesh:: have we convinced ourselves that we will be flogged to the death?

How sad. As an artist I know just how much ... Up close and personal. Hey, I'm working on it. Hi. I'm zUzU. I am a perfectionist to the death. Make a mistake? I'd rather die. I'd rather leave the paper all pretty and white than make a big ole booboo on it for all the world (read: Me) to know about. And die I might without making art. And so I had to change.

As for perfection and art? The point seems best made when things aren't perfect anyway...a little bit of unfinishedness (is there such a word?) is what makes art, art. It's what gives it a voice. It is the very thing which hands to each person that sees it ... a different view. The ability to see what they need to find within it.

I once took a watercolor class that opened my eyes to letting go with my tight ::ahem:: rear-end way about art from that moment forward. Ann (Pierce), the instructor had us all take a full sheet of watercolor paper (not cheap stuff & scary for a student budget) and instructed us to cover it using EVERY technique we had learned so far that semester on the one sheet. We were to move quickly and not think about what came next. Wash it! Ink it! Tear up other paintings and paste them to it, take it outside and rub it in the dirt ... Drip candle wax over it! Anything goes! She promised that if we did as she instructed, we would all get an A (no grade worries) and once they were presented to the class, we would be allowed to hide our finished work forever should we wish. Just do the assignment.

I sat for two days in horror. Blank page of white before me. Terrified I would make a mistake.

The idea was to get us to let go. Try new things without fear. And it worked. I (and the others) finally began to play. And it was wonderfully freeing. She knew it would be a turning point for many of us (Ann had been teaching for many years.) Smart lady. The best work all year came after that project. I think every one of us in that class moved forward with a great leap. Our work changed forever.

I still have that painting. It reminds me to follow my heart. To play with childlike abandon. To not worry about what someone else might think. It reminds me that the path I have chosen might not be like everyone else's but that's the idea. I'm NOT like everyone else.

I guess my point is that you need not ask if something is right or wrong. There simply is no right or wrong. Try it! Give it a chance. Make mistakes and then make some more! Just move forward.

Sandy (ART TEA LIFE) wrote to me just this morning about taking tiny steps. About how important it is to just get where we are headed -- Even if we don't know where it is yet. Oh how true! And you KNOW how I stand on taking risks ::giggle:: We may not understand it all at this precise moment in time ... But trust that you are right where you are supposed to be, doing exactly what you are meant to be doing, at every moment. Trust in the interconnectedness of it all!

Isn't destiny a special thing? It's like Dan Eldon said about art & life: The journey IS the destination!

He was living proof. There is no time to waste worrying.

So to all of you out there that are teaching all of us not to be afraid, to try new things with open eyes & hearts, thank you! And to all of the Jill's out there, teaching the little voices of tomorrow? The little people that haven't yet become afraid to try all things new ... That rejoice in the idea of flying head-on & straight into morning?

Rock on!

The Time is Now

When was the last time you ...
...had a conversation
with the moon?
or made a WISH
on a falling star?
held HOPE from a string ...
of delicate things?

When was the last time you ...
got lost ...
in an Enchanted Wood?
or were kissed by a Prince
who turned into a frog?
consulted a catapillar?
or kidnapped a MYTH?
had a visit
from your faery godmother ...
who turned pumpkins ...
into coaches ...
and WISHES
into wings

When was the last time you ...
cried Lost tears
into the lake of longing?
or sipped inspiration
from the pool of WONDER?
or rose, victorious,
like a phoenix ...
from the ashes?

When did you last ...
lay your head in the LAP of AWE
and listen to a song ...
from a DISTANT shore ...
... called HOME

photo by michele miller

THE TIME IS NOW.

leap
soar
explore

remember your dreams
and UNSEEN things
Sing with RAPTURE
and dance ...
dance ...
dance like a DERVISH
and when imagination knocks ...

Open the Duir.