I am still spending 70% of my days outside, big hat and billowing gowns a plenty. I am painting a ton, planting hundreds of seeds, and even watching dozens of re-planted sunflowers sprout (the birds got them the first time around). All of this occurs, while the 40 year old giant rose bushes silently bloom, and pups lollygag in the pool...
But wait, I left out the most amazing part. There are a handful of hummingbirds living in my garden. Usually there are 3 - 4, but this year there are more.
And let me tell you, they are friendly as can be. (I think they might be babies)
All the photos I will share were taken with a regular lense, not a telefoto lense.
This is because, these little guys not only come up to me and flutter right in front of my face, but they let me walk up to them so close that I can ever so gently touch a feather, and thank them for visiting my garden...
This morning, one even came up to my screen door and chattered and chattered. I am floored at their behavior. Last year a tiny guy sat on my toe and I was floored. But, these little creatures this year, are actually following us around and chattering up a storm...
I will tell you this. 8 years ago I found a beautiful hummingbird that had lost its life, in a bed of green vines in the garden. So, I put it in a glass case and buried it. Then I painted little bird houses with hummingbirds on them, and nailed them to the tree in the sanctuary, and started a hummingbird cemetery.
Perhaps they know that we want them to be safe? And, they are drawn here. Possibly, maybe?
Mister Lovee makes them an all natural beverage for their feeder several times a week. And, when it gets low, they fly up to the window Mister sits at, and flutter in front of him...
If I see them, and Mister doesn't, I always say, "Oh Lovee, your little friends are looking for you..."
Oh and, they LOVE flying through my water hose when I am watering the pumpkin sprouts.
They think that is the funnest thing ever. They all come out and play...
I don't know, I find it completely enchanting. They just take my breath away, I love them...
When I am out in the garden planting seeds and checking on growing seeds, I always say to the pups (as they are always by my side watching me), "We have big dreams, big dreams..."
Our big dreams are that all the seeds that I planted, grow. Or at least some of them. I have created 8 little seed planted areas. And, I have planted hundreds and hundreds of seeds. From flowers to herbs to vegetables. Fingers crossed...
There is a lot of lovely natural vegetation that is already growing here, but I so love seeing sunflowers, and pumpkins, and beets, and radishes, and all sorts of extra things grow as well. In my opinion, there is nothing like watching your tender little seeds grow...
Baby's anti-inflammatory medication for her tumor (don't you loathe that word? makes my stomach flip inside out) seems to be helping. She is sneezing less, and has not had regular bloody noses. She is trying so hard to play, and run a little. Of course, we can't cure her, but we just want her to be as comfortable as possible. And perhaps a miracle might cure her. One can hope for a miracle...
We have found her sitting at the fence way out back, looking out onto the never ending green, quite pensively.
I have also found her in the sanctuary. Where the sight of her there, has left me quite speechless...
She is an amazing gal.
Sometimes, when she feels like she can't breathe, she gets scared and starts to gasp. So, I get on ground with her, and tell her, "I love you, everything is okay, breathe and feel calm, I am here, you will be okay..." while gently petting her. And it works. She instantly calms down.
I have been composing a song for her, for a couple of months, and I add more to it every day. Maybe I can share it soon...
I have a lot of peace in my soul these days. Baby shows me that I need to be strong for her. And, I know that I am learning great lessons for the future as well. For experiences to come with other loved ones...
When I am gardening, she always comes up to me, puts her paw on me, and nuzzles her head on to my lap. She would sit on top of me if she could. And, she shamelessly urges you to rub her belly. So I giggle, and do it. I always have. She knows she can find love right here, any time, day or night...
Part of the reason that I feel such peace is that, I realized that I have always loved her 100%. So I don't feel like I am grasping for time with her, I feel like I am enjoying time with her, as we always have.
Yet another lesson. To appreciate loved ones all the time. I personally don't like regrets, and try to live my life in a way where I won't say "I wish I had done this, or said that..."
Oh oh, we received a scrumptious care package this week from a wonderful, genuine fairy ;)
Baby looooved it, and she shared with little brother too...
Fancy puppy cookies (amongst oodles of other treats), yummmy! Matty chose his...
While Baby adored her yogurt treat...
Treats for Mister and I filled the box as well. Dear wonderful fairy (you know who you are), Mister ate "his" jelly sugar candies in one day. I snagged 3;) (needless to say, the entire family was delighted and thankful to the core)
As for creativity, I have been up to my neck in paint. I am having a wonderful time creating some fun pieces and finishing up my deadline...
And guess what? I have a secret that includes you. A secret fantastical world to share. It is almost ready for you to begin to enter...
And, I needn't even say the words about what I am speaking of, right?...
All I can tell you is that, in a few days, something wickedly wonderful, this way comes...
Oh yes....
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeee, I can't wait...
With a surprise too! Or should I say, A Fanciful, Twist....
Oh by the way, several folks have asked me if the name of my little art production, shop and blog is "Fanciful Twist" or "A Fanciful Twist." It is "A Fanciful Twist"
Without the "A" it isn't me ;)
Anyhow, there is soooooo much fun to come, dress-up and madness abound! I can't wait. I bet you thought I was only going to talk about nature from here on ;) (although, I am pretty nature obsessed, I can't lie)
Don't throw out your teal and fuchsia striped stockings just yet - we have so much more wacky work to do ;)
But, for now, I will leave you with Dave Matthews. (Am I the most random blog post writer or what? I even freak myself out, don't worry. Sometimes I go back and say, I wrote that? Oh my gooodnessss... tee heee...)
Anyhow, Dave Matthews has been over for tea everyday this week. Okay okay, he doesn't know he was here. But I can pretend really good you know ;)
The thing is, I found this beloved cd in my old player (I forgot it was in there), and was delighted. So, I have been listening to this album on repeat for days (including now). We love Dave.
Now, I must bribe myself into getting back to work...
♥,V
ps: Ages ago I made some fun banners for some dear friends (and graphics etc.), who have wonderful blogs to boot. I also recently made a few others, and have been hired to work on yet others in the near future. Take a peek ;)
- http://aforestfrolic.typepad.com/a-forest-frolic/ (Made Jamie's in Early Feb.)
- http://roostreehouse.typepad.com/ (I made Roo's in January)
- http://parisparfait.typepad.com/photography_adventures/ (Most Recent)
