“Sometimes our nervous system just needs: a hug, someone who understands, a moment in nature, a deep soul-nourishing breath, a little space, to take in the glimmers, a giggle iwth a friend, a good book, a long soak in a warm bath, some gentle words of encouragement, a pause.” - Helen Marie
Hello friends! I know some of my friends have been through some very stressful times, with fire evacuations and hurricane flooding. I’m sure many others are facing challenges large and small. I hope these peaceful moments can send the energy of a hug to everyone:
Sunrise, August 10, 2024
Sunrise, July 30, 2024 - the weeds grow tall this time of year when we are not in a drought!
Just after dawn on August 8, 2024. The most peaceful time of the morning.
The beautiful yellow that hides in the flicker feathers!
I haven’t seen nearly enough swallowtails this year! This one was quietly hiding in the leaves.
The butterfly pulled one little spike out of the button bush “flower”. I’m so curious about this! Was it an accident? Or does it make it easier to get all the pollen?
Yellow butterflies ooze with the energy of happiness.
Yellow flowers with red centers give off those happy vibes too! (Golden tickseed aka coreopsis)
Since I seem to be thinking of all things yellow, I have to include a goldfinch! I always seem to crave the color yellow this time of year.
Two weeks ago I wrote about resilience and mentioned that 8 of the 9 poppy mallow plants I planted had been eaten by the bunnies but had sprouted new leaves. Well guess what? This is #9! The one I was sure wouldn’t make it back, it was eaten down to the roots! Yet here it is, with tiny new leaves coming up.
While we’re at it, here’s how the rest of the poppy mallow plants are looking now! My neighbor introduced me to some stinky oil spray that was keeping the same bunnies away from her flowers and it seems to be working.
Fields of chicory are so lovely. How could anyone not love these “weeds”?
I haven’t seen the common merganser again, but she’s so beautiful I wanted to add another photo from that morning.
Barn swallow in golden light.
I’ve barely seen the tree swallows at all since the day I saw all the babies in mid-June. Where did they go? They usually migrate through here in the fall so I’m sure I’m not done seeing them yet.
Shadow, light, water, and the glint of the newly rising sun. Life is beautiful.
Sending everyone extra hugs and wishes for deep rest.
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And I once again forgot to schedule and just sent it. Oops! At least it was on 12 hours early this time.
Looks like the butterfly has a wee parasol in hand...
Always beautiful.