Tag / backyard

by Janet

Tree Party

When the zephyr appears,

We flutter and sway,

A waltz in the wind,

An impassioned ballet.

If the squalls should arrive,

We’ll shake, and we’ll sing,

Let loose of the branch,

Square dance in a ring.

The birds will take part,

Building homes for the new,

Whistling with joy,

Loving chirps, or a coo.

It’s a party, my friend,

Nature offers with glee,

Come join, all are welcome,

Better yet… it is free!

The image is another recycled photo; our Ginkgo. That tree is huge, and it just keeps growing, and growing…

Anyway, I was working on it last night and this afternoon, and was tickled when I saw the Word of the Day Challenge: Zephyr. How fitting!

Not to bring up the elephant in the room, but my walking came to a halt—just for this week. In case anyone is curious. It’s been pretty hot, like in the high 90’s, so I took a little break. We put up a little pool in the backyard, to soak our feet in, and watching the birds play inspired the poem.

That’s about all for now. Peace & Love!
—Janet

Bird in the Tree
by Janet

Sunshiny Day

A quick gratitude stop this evening

I decided that earbuds are no longer an option on my walks. For one thing, the last time I put them on I stopped to talk with my neighbor (from 6 feet away, no doubt) and when I pulled the dang cord out of my ear—the little rubber earpiece stayed stuck inside of my ear. That was scary.

So… today I went without them. Not only was I free and clear to stop and chat again, but there were birds everywhere and their singing was music to my ears. The streets may have been deserted, but they were definitely alive—full of chirping, whistling, gliding and a hopping. The wonderful, happy creatures had no idea what’s going on right now; not a worry, nor a care.

I knew right then that this long awaited sunshine… and the sweet birds of spring… were what I was grateful for today.

Little darling, the smile’s returning to their faces.
Little darling, it seems like years since it’s been here…
Here comes the sun…
Here comes the sun…
And I say… it’s all right.

—George Harrison

I took the featured image a couple of days ago when I was sitting out in the yard. It was hard to get a clear shot, but I love the way the little bird hides behind tiny little leaves and the bokeh light from the sun’s rays.

Black and White Blossoms
by Janet

Fluidity

Before I dig into any New Lifestyle, New Me updates, I thought I’d share some thoughts I’ve had on this COVID-19 dilemma, social distancing, and how it’s helping me come up with some new ideas.

Staying away from crowds, as I’ve mentioned, hasn’t been difficult. Dealing with the recent rains, on the other hand, was pretty tough! Especially when I finally had my step counter on, and had nowhere to go—but around, in circles—inside our (not so large) house.

Now… however, the sky is blue and I’ve never been so happy to get outside, breath in some fresh air, and feel the warm sun hit my face. All I can think of is that Cinderella song… Don’t know what you got (Til it’s gone).

I don’t know how to phrase it exactly, a wake-up call maybe? Like stop your complaining about silly little things because things could always be worse… much, much worse, in fact. It seems like we’re being called to reevaluate priorities, and revisit our gratitude lists. Well, it feels that way to me.

That being said, I thought I’d add something new to the mix. For every day that I’m here at home—under the social distancing rule—besides working on my Lifestyle Changes, I’m going to add a new gratitude post.

I don’t think there could be a better time for expressing a little thankfulness.

Thanks for reading and I hope you’ll stay tuned!

The featured photograph was taken in my backyard. I’ve been taking my camera out there a lot. I sit in a chair in the sun and look around, waiting for things to catch my eye (many more to come). They are actually blooms on my son’s ornamental cabbage that has bolted. I love the way everything grows and flows so freely, nature is so fluid.