I sit at my window, looking at huge fluffy clouds and tree tops bobbing in the breeze.
The sun peeks in and out from behind the clouds.
Bright, then shadows, then bright again...
Windows behind petals create a different sort of atmosphere.
Poppy petals act like stained glass with the sun shining from behind them.
There is no other place for me in this world than in my garden, especially when there is chaos all around.
I watched baby cardinals being fed by mom and dad, as hummingbird moths came right up to me last night.
When my mind is full of thoughts, I find peace outside doing things like pruning trees, which is what I did last night.
I collect blossoms and watch the birds, sitting under the trees until I feel absolutely tuned into them before pruning.
I like the fronts canopying and the backs hanging lower, so as to create that perfect fairy tale hideaway.
I have learned that at first sight of me, mama cardinal starts calling her husband, as though I am haunting her.
She flies out of her nest and shouts and shouts to him, and of course, he swoops right in.
I collect my blossoms and tell her all is safe.
My garden has become such a winged creature haven, from butterflies and moths to endless birds.
As soon as the sun begins to go down, the quail jump over the fence and get all cozy in the trees, as well as in little dirt nests they make under the rose bushes.
It's really a whole world for them, and they are fairly safe.
I watch the javelinas and bobcats roaming around outside the fence, and if I am lucky the deer come by and nibble on the tops of my roses, which I don't mind at all.
It's these mindful moments that are so invaluable to me.
Being present, watching nature happen, taking the time to collect some flowers, put them in bottles.
When you can slow yourself down in that way, clarity follows.
Things make sense, your brain can relax and process in a more sound manner.
I have worked for many years to create coping skills for stress, worry, anxiety.
If you do the work, it is invaluable, and the work is very simple.
It's not as complicated as we can make it.
But most of all, it can change your life completely.
Slowing down to marvel at flower petals is one of my very favorites.
No matter how many times I look at them, I am always amazed at the beauty and intricacy of nature's creations.
How can something so beautiful even exist?
Or have we been given the gift to see beauty in nature in such a way?
Not to get philosophical or anything :-)
But I often think that a huge part of life's purpose is to absorb and enjoy all that is around us in nature.
Otherwise, why would it be there at all?
Mountains, and valleys, and rivers and fields of flowers.
There has to be something to the sheer delight we find in seeing mushrooms growing in the woods, watching the moon come over the mountains, and the first scent of rain on dry earth (petrichor) - to name a very few.
And what an incredible gift, to have all of this at our finger tips.
To feel a delicious cool breeze on a hot day, to close your eyes and feel the morning sun on your face.
The first cool snap of autumn, the scent of cooking cinnamon apples and caramel corn.
The delights of the senses, yes I suppose that is what this is all about.
And how lucky are we?
To watch the light filter through the delicate petals of a poppy.
To take the time to be still and appreciate these moments in the seasons.
Each season with its own kind of magic.
Just glorious, sigh.
And with that, I am off to prune a bit more, and it makes me so excited to even be headed out to do so.
I'm easily amused I suppose?
But the vast rain has made everything grow so much, that I am able to enjoy pruning and shaping trees and bushes.
I put on my music, slip on my gloves, grab my tools and head through the garden gate, to see what sort of enchantment will be there to delight.
And there is always something wonderful to see.
And with that, we have day three.
See you tomorrow my friends.
Love, V
