Thursday, June 04, 2009

I Thank Nature

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If you’ve been following me here, you know my lazy summer days have turned into a race against the clock because of a thing called a job, but that's life. Arriving at my crazy, busy desk at 7am and leaving it at 6pm calls for some skilled time management to publish a post in the evening and damn, I’m tired. My posts might be lacking something, like coherent talk and sound ideas, but this is all I have! I’m wanting desperately to have time to visit you, too.

Race home, whirl around the house, and scan the frig for dinner ideas with an enormous basket of laundry on the hip. I’ve been appreciating reheats and microwave ovens. It’s a priority to play hula-hoop and ball in the backyard with the girls and to change hummingbird nectar, etc. while water boils on the stove for a side of pasta or something fast and easy. Quickly, it’s all done. No one is hungry and the tighty whities and loosey silkies are drying in the dryer. There will be clean underwear and towels! Amen.

I question, take camera outdoors or not? Is it worth the trouble? That’s a difficult decision to make after days like these.

In the middle of the yard, I wait. Evening shadows are long and the darn day is almost done already! Limbs tired, mind numb. Camera “off”, hanging around my neck, just in case. Big sigh…hoping something nice happens before dark.

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Dove lovers, whispering sweet nothings… I smiled.

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Brown Thrasher family at dinner... another smile.

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Father House Finch is concerned about his second brood up there in the corner of the porch roof. I peek at him through the blinds from inside the dining room.

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He’s a great Dad. I smiled again.

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There are sexy surprises to be found in the valley of a Magnolia blossom. Not only is the fragrance intoxicating…

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Oh, my.

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Bug porn is fascinating. I smiled widely this time.

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Red-winged Blackbird speaks strongly and clearly. I always wonder what's up with him.


When I need a lift, I can count on a visit with nature to help me forget all about my miserable, whining self. :o)

32 comments:

Bill said...

Beautiful as usual, Mary.

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

Nature takes us out of ourselves.
I hope your long hours end soon.

Susan Gets Native said...

Amen. Amen. Amen.

PJ said...

on a melancoly day for me...YOU gave me a chuckle!!! bug porn..hahahaha ! Your right when we are down and tired..nature just keeps being busy!!!! Just need to stand still and be quiet.

TR Ryan said...

Look how much beauty you come home to Mary. They seem to wait for you - holding the last light of day for a quick picture. So beautiful the photos. So cooperative your friends. Always take the camera - creating art from the bounty of nature is so grounding and certain to get you through to the next day. What a beautiful post!

Jayne said...

Indeed...we walk outside, and are greeted with all things beautiful. :c)

RuthieJ said...

Whew, I don't know how you manage that schedule Mary! Take care of yourself. I'm glad you have your backyard for nature's mental health restoration (that always works for me too)

Susan Ellis said...

Before and after busy busy days, just sitting still and watching nature work centres me. Stunning photos!

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you decided to wander outside with your camera. Beautiful pictures as always. Glad you're smiling again. Thanks for sharing.

possumlady said...

Love the red winged blackbirds. I only get to see a couple fly through every now and then. When I hear that familiar rusty gate voice I go running outside to find them.

I can't tell you how often I just lie across my bed, up on my elbows and head in hands watching the nature world go by out my window. It is necessary therapy.

Anonymous said...

So glad you decided to take the camera with you outside, even more glad that you found some peace and restoration in nature.

Your photos are always great, but that top one is really special. Wow!

Anonymous said...

To me, It's amazing that you can create a drawing so wonderful in so small a space.

As for the book, I vote for jungle bodice-ripper. What's more natural than rescuing the man of your dreams from the perils of the jungle? I'm sure he won't mind the little tear in his bodice. :)

jason said...

Beautiful images, Mary! Nature rejuvenates and invigorates just by being there. It's the best show in town.

jalynn01 said...

Hi Mary,
All your pictures are gorgeous, but my favorite was the Brown Thrasher with his little fledgling.. How cute that was. Sometimes seeing nature can revive...keep up the good work and try to get some rest. I don't know how you do it girl!!

Anonymous said...

Perhaps the doves had been watching the bugs, too, and were making plans of their own....

Cheryl said...

Mary.....nature gives so much and you always manage to capture it beautifully.....

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Mary, your post has me smiling despite my being able to see that you are tired and need a shorter work day. Keep on smilin.

Q said...

Dear Mary,
I just have to get outside some every day. I know a few minutes with the camera and Mother Nature and I am happy. Your have lots of birds....
Have a nice relaxing weekend. You have a crazy work schedule.
Smell the lavender and hug the girls.
Sherry

NatureWoman said...

Ohhh, bug porn, it's the best! And of course your birdies. Yes, nature is the answer to busy life!

The Quacks of Life said...

you can hardly call the house finch understated can you!!

Diane AZ said...

I hadn't seen magnolia blossoms for many years, and forgot how fascinating they are. Great shot of those "sweet nothings" doves, I love it! You managed a wonderful post despite those long hours at your desk.

Carol Michel said...

It's good to know someone else is living the way I do. Entirely too much time at 'work' and too little time outside doing what I want to do!

Sherri said...

Great post,Mary. Many relate, I am sure.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Mary, It is SO true that when we get all involved with life and need a break, it's just great to go out in NATURE. Nothing is better than that!!!

Your photos are great. Do you have alot of hummingbirds this year? I have NONE as of yet.. This is the first year I haven't had any. SO SAD!!!!

Love the smell of Magnolia!!!!!

Have a great Sunday.
Hugs,
Betsy

Naturegirl said...

Mary: There never seems to be enough time in our daily lives but finding time for nature is always good for the heart ..your photos of quiet gifts of nature are beautiful!
As always I smile at your humor.
:) NG

sonia a. mascaro said...

Gorgeous photos as always, Mary! It's a real pleasure seeing your stunning shots!

mon@rch said...

Mary, we all need our nature! I agree with you 100%

A New England Life said...

The Thrashers, Finches, and Blackbirds are beautiful! How I love the call of the Doves first thing in the morning.

But bug porn? Now I know you've lost it Mary! LOL!!!!

Sharon

Iris said...

I've given my blog a rest while I work like the dickens, so I feel your pain. At least I get to toil away at home with the dogs and hens. If only I could find a way to upload the stuff I see straight to my blog. I need a visual cortex with Bluetooth!

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

I am beside myself with joy just looking at your blog...I LOVE it!
Mona

Vickie said...

What a perfect way to enjoy the last light and energy of the day. Nature is such a solace!

widi said...

Beautiful nature. Beautiful photos.