Orca Car!

I’ve been seeing this car around town recently, and finally encountered it at the Sunflower Grocery. Funny, but it looks just like a killer whale. I asked the owner if he got more dates with the car, but he just laughed. 

Meditation

The other day, I was reading a book on meditation. In one of the chapters, I found a suggested method to get in touch with your inner self. It involved imagining yourself lying in a grassy meadow, and looking up at the blue sky. As you were lying there, you were told to look around to see if you see a spirit animal, like a coyote, rabbit, bear, or wolf. The condition of the animal is supposed to be a reflection of how you really are at this point in life, and this was for you to ponder during your meditation. Well, I woke up in the middle of the night and had trouble going back to sleep. So I decided to give the meditation a try. I got as far as lying in the meadow, looking up at the blue sky, and then I fell asleep. Much to my surprise, I was still in the meadow and I was dreaming. I was delighted up to the point where I looked around me and found a very aggressive woods cow looking down at me with fierce eyes, and very long horns. I jumped up and started to run, and it chased me until my husband woke me up, saying I was wimpering and struggling in the bed next to him. He asked me what I was dreaming about. I told him I was being chased by a cow, and he laughed.

The next morning, I found myself wondering whether there was a message in my dream. I’ve studied a lot of religions in my life, but I never heard of anyone being chased by a cow, spiritually or physically. I suppose this is for me to ponder, and maybe somewhere down the line, I’ll get an answer, but for now, like Bob says – the answer my friend, is blowin’ in the wind. The answer is blowin’ in the wind. 


PS: While searching for the appropriate photo to go with this essay, I came upon the following two photos, and couldn't resist. Here they are!

                                                      This looks like someone I know.

 

Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

About six months ago, we got new neighbors. They are in their 30’s and like to sit outside, smoke, make a fire, and drink beer. We are old and go to bed early. Our bedroom is right across the lawn from their back door. They don’t use the front door of their house. As a matter of fact, we seldom use our front door except for UPS, and Jehovah Nitwits. Anyway, being old musicians, we are a bit more flexible than other people. The solution came me, and Bill and I put up a latticed fence in the problem area. Much to our delight, they thought it was a good idea too. Now neither one of us will have to encounter each other (unless we want to), and I won’t be looking at their garbage cans and Tiki Torches. Good fences make good neighbors. 

More Moments in Nature

This spring, with all the rain we've had, has proven to be a block buster year for flora. Ever since I realized that the camera on my phone was taking really good photos, I've discarded my old, heavy camera.  I'm sure this is a boon and a curse. Since I'm into the visual arts these days, it's been a delight to record what I see on my way through the day and around Raymond.

                    I came upon a flat of Marigolds and they were so vibrant and alive, I could hear them.

                                           These are two views of my back and side yard.

                                              The Sun Drops have been magnificent this year.

Picked these roses from a vacant lot .And no, I don't pick flowers out of other people's yard. At least, not yet.  Maybe when I'm in my eighties.

Got up the other morning and found these in the yard across the street. Well, yes, I know they're plastic, but couldn't resist.

Ah, this was a wonderful surprise. Last fall, we had to replace our water line and it went right through the middle of my Iris bed. I didn't expect there would be many blooms since I had to dig them up, put in the line, and plant them again. These are wild Iris - the best kind.

And this is the poor Pointsettia I received as a gift last Christmas. As you can see, it's still alive. I don't have the heart to throw it out, and yet I want to. Each year I go through this conflict. Would anyone out there like to have it? Is there a home for forgotten Poinsettias?

Unusual Grave Epitaphs

The other day was Mother’s Day, and since a friend told me about www.findagrave.com, I went there to view my mother and grandmother’s graves. Since the rest of my family moved out of the area, it was a way to acknowledge the day. While I was on the site, I noticed a section on unusual epitaphs.  I clicked, and this is what I found:

                                  This is the most common of unusual epitaphs to find in a cemetery

                                        Boy, I wonder what he did to get this kind of comment.

                                           I think some of us could identify with this sentiment.

                                                         I wonder if he watched the program.

                                       This one was rather amusing. I told my dentist about it.

                                     Perhaps this doctor could have used some of his own medicine.

                                                            This was rather poignant.

                                              And last but not least, Rodney's final comment.

Speckled King Snake

Yesterday afternonon, I was filling the bird feeders in the side yard, when I looked down and realized there was this beautiful Speckled King Snake underneath me. I almost stepped on him. He was about 5 feet in length and once he realized that I wasn’t going to hurt him, he took his time crossing the yard. During this encounter, the Chickadees were in the trees chattering quite loudly, and they all were saying the same thing. Now I know what the word for snake means in Chickadee language. Cool.

Ah Retirement. Here’s Your Gold Watch!

After 31 years of teaching at Hinds Community College, Bill, my husband, has decided to retire. He taught Computer Science and Electronics. Most of us don’t particularly love our jobs, but he did, and he did it well. There have been many students who have come back to tell him how much they appreciated his classes and his guidance. He often found jobs for them. Now how many other people get rewards like that?

Moments in Nature

The other day I was standing by my fern garden, when a tiny, but fully formed, little Chickadee flew down beside me and bounced onto the grass. I leaned over and gently picked him up. I was amazed how tiny the baby was. I could see one of his parents in a nearby tree, watching me. I told the parent not to worry. I found a small branch on the tree and set the baby up there.

                                         Ah, the Azaleas in Raymond were beautiful this year.

                                                   How intense in color is this Azalea hedge!

The next day, I went next door to visit Mr. Bearden, who is in his 90’s. We met in the drive-way, and after talking to him for a little while, I heard this frantic peeping outside his back door. I investigated and shortly after that, found a Brown Thrasher baby trapped in the garbage can.  He couldn’t quite fly well enough to escape. I reached down into the can and cupped my hands around the baby.  He squawked, and the next thing I knew, Mama was trying to peck me on the head, and flapping in my face. I quickly let go of the baby, and he hopped into the brush with his mother not far behind. Good save.

                  Mr. Charlie has magic in his hands. These are his pansies outside the Baptist church.

 Last year, I thought I dug up all the Sun Drops and Flox in the front yard.  I was wrong. There are two big stands of them, growing out of the grass.I had no idea just how prolific they are.With all the rain we've been getting, they sure took off. Guess I'll move them after they finish blooming.

      My neighbor, Elaine, planted a melee of Daffodil bulbs this year. This is one that was extra special.

                                                       We know that we are in the way,
                                                        But walk around us anyway.
                                                        Please enjoy our delicate bloom,
                                                        As you go around and give us room.

A few years ago, these Evening Primrose came up on the steps nearest the road. I couldn't pull them up, so I made up a sign instead. Each year they reward me with their delicate faces. 

 Last Saturday, Elaine and I went on the Raymond Pilgrimage. We saw three of the historic houses on the tour, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Lots of history, southern hospitality, and beautiful antiques. When we got to the Shelton House, there in the front yard was the largest Magnolia tree I have ever seen. It was magnificent. It turned me right back into a tree huger and I haven't felt that way since I left the Redwoods out in California. 
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