…we can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasure… ~Thornton Wilder, American playwright, novelist, and winner of three Pulitzer Prizes
Category Archives: Seasonal
Fall 2023 Wanes Beautifully
…I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house. So I have spent almost all the daylight hours in the open air. ~Nathaniel Hawthorne, American novelist and short story writer
How I relate to Mr. Hawthorne’s thoughts!
It seems like Autumn arrived late here, perhaps because everybody was eager for it to chase away the heat, humidity, and drought; but when it finally came (and despite fears to the contrary), it was simply glorious. (“Was” being the operative word — as I post this, we’ve passed “peak” color and are fast headed to Winter).
But I’ve compiled a little slide show (a dozen photos) so you can see some of our Fall trees. Please enjoy!
That’s a Big Pumpkin!
I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion. ~Henry David Thoreau (American poet, essayist, philosopher), “Economy,” Walden: Or, Life in the Woods, 1854
I chanced to see this big pumpkin sitting on its vine while Monkey and I were outside walking one day, and immediately there sprang to mind a story.
Back when my son Domer was a little boy, the preschool teachers taught his class a wonderful Halloween tale. The kids loved it, and Domer remembered it word for word, bringing it home to share with me.
In case you haven’t heard it, or perhaps have forgotten it, I’m happy to pass it along. Only takes about five minutes, but it feels appropriate for the season. Enjoy!
Walktober 2023
An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day. ~Henry David Thoreau,American naturalist, poet, philosopher
Once again, it’s time for the annual group walk known as Walktober. Hosted this year by Dawn, Walktober encourages us to get outside and experience nature by walking, biking, riding, boating, whatever; and to share that enjoyment with others through words and photos.
Monkey’s already done his walk — he prides himself on being an over-achiever, hmph — so this one’s just for me. I traveled to Charleston, IL, home of Eastern Illinois University and the Whiteside Garden.
Opened to the public in 2021, this five-acre tract was the home of the late Dr. Wesley Whiteside, a botany professor at the university, and features thousands of plants from around the world.
Walking with Monkey 2023
The difference between friends and pets is that friends we allow into our company, pets we allow into our solitude. ~Robert Brault,American writer
I Monkey here.
I think Mama was trying to hide the news of this year’s Walktober from me — she probably didn’t want to have to do two walks! Huh.
But I found out, and I’m raring to go. Fall day? Check. Leash and harness? Check. Link to the official Walktober post? Check.
Let’s do this!!
Flutter on By
The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough. ~Rabindranath Tagore, Indian poet, composer, and philosopher
Some
People
Believe that
Seeing a blue
Butterfly is a
Sign of good fortune and
Indicates that you’re about
To receive a reward for your
Noble and honorable efforts.
Wouldn’t it be lovely if that were true?
I’m not positive, but I think this is
A red-spotted purple admiral.
Seeing this one’s pretty blue wings
Brought me lots of happiness.
Blue butterflies are rare!
It’s my good fortune,
And I wanted
To share it
With you
Now.
Note: Poetry form is Double Etheree. If you’d like more information about this butterfly, please see the Butterfly Identification site. And for information about the symbolism of seeing a blue butterfly, please see Animals A-Z.
Blooming Nature
May your search through Nature lead you to yourself. ~Author unknown
Peony in bloom
I
Back-tracked
From my walk
With Monkey and
Found again what I
Was seeking — this gorgeous
White Peony all in bloom!
Best of all, I’m fairly certain
It’s the same flower I saw before.
Nature is bursting all over these days!
Note: Poetry form is Etheree.
Expecting Elegance
Whoever understands life loves flowers and their innocent caresses. ~Auguste Rodin, French sculptor
Pregnant with promise
Fragrant flower fully formed
Sublime scenery
Walking with Monkey in Spring
A fine spring is good for everybody. ~Russian proverb
I Monkey here.
Back-to-back posts from me within a week’s time? Yes, indeed. Count yourselves lucky, people, that Mama is busy with stuff and lets me use her computer!
Saturday dawned sunny and mild, so I Monkey badgered Mama until she agreed to take me for a nice stroll. Join us as we look at some of the Spring-stuff. Continue reading
Spring 2023
This is the sensory season. Trees are in leaf… It is a green world… Walk through an orchard and you can smell as well as feel the strength of grass underfoot, new grass reaching tall toward the sun. Boughs naked only a little while ago, then bright and heady with bloom, now rustle with leaf and tingle with the strength of fruition. Listen, and you can almost hear the pulse of sap and the mysterious workings of chlorophyll. The air vibrates with bird song… All the senses tingle, alive with the season as the world itself is alive. Nothing is impossible at such a time. ~Hal Borland, American writer, journalist, and naturalist
Happy Spring, my friends! I’m taking a few days off — see you after Easter!
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 