Life’s Curve Balls
They often sneak up or crash in on us,
and they can try to trick us up.
but if we know how to respond,
and if we ready ourselves for them…
they can result in home runs!
Embrace life’s curve balls.
Father’s Day makes me think of the curve balls life can throw us,
but it also reminds me of how special life can be
if we take that swing – in a leap of faith – and give it our all.
Happy Father’s Day Dad – What a Difference You’ve Made in My Life! ❤
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Maple Tree, Mars, PA
Truths from the Tree
Stand tall and proud,
and reach for the sunlight.
Grow deep roots where you are planted,
and you will be braced and secure from threatening winds.
When those winds do blow,
bend and be flexible, and you will survive.
Stretch out your arms far and wide,
and welcome those that rest in your shade.
Delight in sharing with nature’s creatures
with nests and burrows and nourishment.
When your life is over,
give back to what gave life to you.
This is in follow-up to yesterday’s post – Reflections from the River – and a continuation in Lessons from Nature.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Curious the Purple Finch, Mars, PA
I have to admit I have officially become a “bird nerd!”
After sharing Happy, My Blue Bird of Happiness yesterday (well officially an Indigo Bunting, but I like to give most everyone a name), and sharing what a stand out he is among the crowd, I thought I’d share some more of my feathered friends with you today from our little backyard sanctuary.
From hummingbirds that are only about an inch and a half long…
Hummer the Hummingbird, Mars, PA
to Woody, the Pileated Woodpecker who is about a foot and a half long…
Woody the Pileated Woodpecker, Mars, PA
our backyard is just chirping with charming chatterboxes.
Here is where we all hang out. I took a few pictures very early yesterday morning, while the dew was still dancing and the sun was just summoning its presence for the day.
Our back deck is southern facing, so it is warmed up quickly when the sun rises and is shaded by late afternoon when the sun is hottest.
I am still patiently waiting for the birds to discover they can bathe in the bird bath.
And when the sun gets too hot, we can round the bend to the side of the house for shade…
where it is undercover, and we can sit in cushioned comfort.
Even Charlie likes a break from the sunshine sometimes.
The birds come out rain…
Male Cardinal, Rainy Day, Mars, PA
or shine.
Female Cardinal, Sunny Morning, Mars, PA
Mr Rose-Breasted Grosbeak always dresses for breakfast and dinner in his finest formal wear…
Male Grosbeak, Mars, PA
and carefully watches over the little Mrs.
Female Grosbreak, Mars, PA
There are many more – the sparrows and cowbirds, the bluejays and the goldfinches, the warblers and the nuthatches. There is a wide variety of woodpeckers and a huge extended family of mourning doves. An occasional blackbird stops by, the robins romp about, and we are always excited to see a Baltimore Oriole hang out for a while.
We sure love our winged wanderers and welcome them with wonderment.
I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse before you fly away to go about your day.
Cherish the moments!
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
PS – If you too flock to the flight of fledglings, check out my blogging friend, Kathy’s site: Backyard Bird Nerd. Kathy regularly posts photos of the birds that are lucky enough to call her backyard home.
Blue Bird, Mars, PA June, 2016
One lovely, bright blue bird
has chosen to make our backyard his home.
Oh how happy he makes me
with every appearance.
Amidst your brown and white and black and red and yellow-feathered friends,
you truly are the blue bird of happiness.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Pink Peony bud ready to bloom, Mars, PA – June 2016
That moment….
right before
you open up
and come out of your shell…
It is when you reveal
your true colors,
your full potential,
your ultimate possibilities,
your complete self.
It is a defining moment,
when you reveal your vulnerability,
and step out of your comfort zone.
There is such beauty
in that moment….
right before.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
What makes you stand out
amidst those that all
seem exactly the same?
You stand tall
You stand proud
You proudly proclaim
You are beautiful
Life is beautiful
You are more than just one in the crowd.
This is your life
Make the most of it.
Don’t be just one in the crowd.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
lilac love watercolor painting arches 300 lb cold press 10 x 14 diaxozine violet
The purple lilacs around here are done for the season,
but the white lilac tree in my yard is crazy full of tiny white flowers
that are filling the entire yard with such an amazing fragrance!
While my poor son is sneezing like crazy from all the pollen in the air right now,
I don’t dare pick and bring a bouquet into the house as much as I’d love to….
But I was inspired to paint some lilacs (purple is more fun!)
with that sensational scent wafting through my brain down to my fingertips
as I dripped and dropped and splashed and splattered Dioxazine Violet.
Can you almost smell them?
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
I’m joining my friend Charlie with these sweet smelling flowers for his #NatureDoodlewash challenge.
Jim’s Poppies, May 2016, Mars, PA
A flower
does not compete
with the flowers next to it,
It just BLOOMS.
Today,
think about each beautiful, unique, individual flower,
and be your own beautiful, unique, individual You.
Just bloom.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Rainy Spring Sunday Rhododendron Blossom – 5/22/16
Rainy days
cancelled plans
messy beds
messier hair
muddy paws
dampened feathers
thunder cracking
steaming coffee
comfy jammies
old movies
new books
paint splashing
afternoon naps
nourishing the plants
feeding the streams
brightening the green
slowing us down
refueling our engines
washing the world clean
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
First Purple Iris – May 2016 – Mars, PA
You showed up
in your regal purple cloak
and delicate golden tassels
on the other side of the house.
I almost missed you.
Your hours were numbered
until you gracefully retreated
and made room for the others.
Thank you for the reminder
that beauty is everywhere
and often fleeting
and often in places we rarely look.
Thank you for the reminder
that we must open our eyes
and open our hearts
and take the time to simply look.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
the creative life in between 