Ah, the little things.
We gather up all the little things, hold them, smell them, savor them, watch them.
I think sometimes we lose our heads and spend too much time wishing for the big things.
Because really...
Aren't we all so lucky for the little things?
Morning time is so nice.
Especially with the cooler days.
I pulled the comforter over my sheets early this morning.
I was cold.
I had not used anything but a sheet to cover me for about 4 months.
Dare I say though, I feel like Goldilocks of the weather.
I want it to be not too cold, and not too hot :)
Anyhow, where was I?
Ah yes, mornings...
Spending some time with Genevieve while she searches for a loving home.
Warm sips.
Tails wagging.
A long morning hug from Lovee.
Standing in the kitchen, as he hands me my every morning treat which he squeezes up fresh.
Without fail.
Orange juice.
It kicks out any extra yucky stagnant sleepiness.
Then toast, and maybe some lemon-ginger tea?
A sweet if in the mood.
Cuddles from Matty Miles.
Magazines.
Book pages.
Inspirations.
Sugar cubes.
Love them.
Plus sugar holders.
Love them too.
Little.
Things.
Then it's time for sandals and a big hat.
And tending.
But first I check paint - make sure varnish is dry.
Look around the studio, see what I want to tackle when I return from the garden.
Then I head out.
These days, the little things are extra wonderful.
Soooooooooooo many butterflies.
So many.
I took lots of photos.
I couldn't choose, so I am sharing lots.
Hope you don't mind.
I get up close.
I think they know I am safe.
Then they swirl into the blue sky, and twirl, falling through the air with 10 other butterflies, until they catch themselves and swoop away.
I try to photograph the butterfly sky dance.
No luck.
But up close...
We see details and colors.
Little precious things.
They looove the flowers.
They spend lots of time on zinnias, marigolds and the butterfly bush flowers below.
I study them.
Nature invented polka dots.
Brilliant!
Flutters and spider webs, oh my!
Yumm yumm flower nectar!
Isn't it wonderful how nature made the wings look like eyes and faces to protect the butters?
That nature, I tell ya.
Corridors of flowers.
Hummingbirdlings...
And, when stress creeps up.
The one thing I love to do.
Soak up some vitamin D.
I am crazy mad delighted about the climbing rose vine explosion.
Imagine in spring?
All the white roses?
I dream.
I peek around.
Tea rose centers...
Lavender rose petals.
So pretty.
Blue petals climbing up.
And dinner plate dahlias.
Not so little.
But they did come from a little dry root (tuber), so that should count, right?
So big, so fluffy.
So fireworky.
Then they fall over with weight.
All the time actually.
I stake them up, and there they go again :)
Then I tie them.
Others plop over too.
It's a dance between us all you see.
Giantest marigold I ever spied.
And then...
The most magical thing.
Ever.
Maybe.
The butterflies might show you, just might, where they lay their eggs.
And where they live.
And where they hide.
And where you can find their family.
In a safe spot where their caterpillar babies have eaten every last leaf on the beautiful passion fruit vines.
No matter.
I don't care at all.
They're worth it.
It's better than them gobbling up the citrus trees, I say.
And so, they show you that...
Right by the madonna statue.
Underneath the marigolds and gourd vines...
Tucked safe in there.
Leaving trails of visions that will turn into dreams...
They tuck in, and place their eggs on leaves.
When the long day is over.
As...
The garden is growing whilst sleeping.
And your heart is full.
(lots of ands)
Teeth brushed.
Glass of water in hand.
Ready for bed.
You find someone warming your spot for you.
And you are ever so thankful, for all the little things.
The things that really count.
The things that are little, but huge.
Love, Vanessa
What are a couple of your favorite little things?
See you sooooon!
