“Out beyond ideas
of wrongdoing and right doing,
there is a field.
I’ll meet you there.”-Rumi, 13th Century
I took a walk this past weekend.
Not the usual path…
Not the usual road.
I took a walk in the woods
behind the house
where I rarely go.
It made me wonder
why I don’t spend more time there
out beyond the daily routine.
Beyond right,
beyond wrong.
I’ll meet you there.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Oranges and Yellows…
Citrusy shades of tangerine and lemon,
Sunrises and sunsets,
Joy and warmth.
The colors of summer…
Sweet summertime.
Happy Summer Sunday!
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Kiskiminetas River, Pittsburgh, PA
Reflections from the River
Still water grows stagnant…
keep moving.
Enjoy the journey…
it’s not always about the destination.
A single rock thrown…
can cause a ripple effect far beyond its initial target.
Sometimes what is reflected back from us…
is bigger and better than we are – so shine on.
It is hard work to traverse against the current…
but it is possible, and it is often worth it.
Hubby and I took a little boat ride Friday evening down the Kiskiminetas River – a peaceful little body of water that flows into the Allegheny River near Pittsburgh, PA. With the sweet scent of honeysuckle still in my nose, I’ve been reflecting on the many lessons we can learn from the river. Nature has so much to teach us if only we take the time to listen.
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
blue heron with purple feathers – original watercolor- 9×12 arches – 300 lb cold press
Why be simply an “ordinary” Blue Heron
when you could have Purple Feathers too?
It’s #DrawABirdDay! Why not?
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
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
the creative life in between 