Today I am thankful for...

Sunshine

While walking these days, I'm aware of the warmth of sunshine on my shoulders.  I feel it sinking into my body, warming my bones.  Thankful am I.

I have been blessed to see the sun rise in the desert...

...the sun set over the ocean...

...the sun filter through the sheltering trees of the woods and forests.

Oh yes, I am ever so thankful.

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow." - Helen Keller

The End of Summer

Our summer has been very strange this year -- sort of a 'water, water, everywhere' thing going on.  But while some of us have felt stunted by not being able to be out and about in the sunshine, our flowering plants have not disappointed.

This is probably my favorite of all of the plants - the Carolina Lily.  What a beauty.  It seems to bloom on its own, standing there alone.  How delicate it is, how intricate is its design.

The Cardinal Flower blooms every year and its deep, rich red makes a great contrast against all the green that surrounds us.

Last, but certainly not least is this small, but mighty  Evening Primrose.  Its lovely yellow flower makes me smile.  It seems so 'plain' but also so happy.  A beautiful tribute to summer, no matter how grey and rainy it has been.

"Hear blessings dropping their blossoms around you". ~Rumi

 

{Just a short note to say that I think I've conquered the 'green word' thing. I will just stick here at my home of four years as long as there are no more problems.  Thanks for your input and patience.}



 

 

 



Heaven!

This morning I walked into my studio to this sight.  The sun coming in through the trees, casting shadows upon my play area and the needlework waiting for me.  What better way to start the day.

 

 

I'm currently working this bird design.  Although its pretty laborious because of the small spots on his body, its working up well and I'm having so much fun plying my needle in and out. 

Because of the design I realized almost as soon as I began, that it would look much better as a 'reverse' punchneedle design.  The loops on the other side would not show the delineation of the design at all -- but the flat reverse punchneedle works quite well.

Stitchery and creativity bring me such peace and joy - and I'm especially thankful for this little spot in the world where I'm allowed to spend my days.

"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song." - Lou Holtz

Here comes the sun...

 

The other day I looked down at my feet to see sunshine, yes actual sunshine covering part of the wood floor beneath me.

I looked at my studio window to see the sun coming in, lighting my way.

I walked down to our small pond and found sun on the water...

...and sun shining on the base of a tall, old tree.

Spring has come and with it the sunshine I've craved for months.

Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun, and I say
It's all right

Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun, and I say
It's all right

Little darling, the smiles returning to the 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

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes

(thank you to the Beatles)

Almost Spring!!!

Its almost spring.  I know this has been a milder than usual winter for many of us -- but for some reason it seems like I've been waiting with bated breath for this winter to be over. 

So let's celebrate!  Here's a 'welcome spring' giveaway -- a petite pocket paired up with a bag filled with lavendar.  I'll announce the winner on Thursday the 22nd.

Meanwhile I'm sending you all wishes for sunny days ahead.

"Hello, sun in my face.  Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields...Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness." - Mary Oliver

The Shortest Day

Andy Goldsworthy

I am a child of light!  The light of day awakens me, the darkness means sleep.  I am most alive when the sun is shining, when a shaft of sunlight crosses the floor or hits my face as I step out the door.

Andy Goldsworthy

I welcome the Winter Solstice -- because I know that the shortest day will soon be past and I can look forward to each day getting a little longer, second by second, minute by minute until light is over the land for hours at a time.

I will walk today as if I were opening a door onto more light with each passing day.

"In every winter's heart there is a quivering spring." - Kahil Gibrah

Seeing the Light

Finally the sun has come out!!  After what seemed like endless days of grey clouded over skies, the sun has made an appearance.  As I walked around the yard I realized that I could actually see a reflection in the small pond outside my studio.  What joy!

Although the rhododendrons aren't convinced that winter is over (they are still bent over - each leaf like an old woman sheltering herself from the cold) I know that they were feeling the sudden warmth of the sun.

Surely our winter is not over yet -- for that would be a minor miracle.  But for today - this sunny, glorious day - I'll say 'thank you'!!

"The February sunshine steeps your boughs and tints the buds and swells the leaves within". - William C. Bryant