Falling leaves changing tides

I am missing the purity of Spring and the cleansing of technologies and temptations of everyday life. 

Before you know it Summers endless heat beats down and seeps in the soul.  We move slower but we accomplish more.  Swept from everyday life into the dreamy summertime nights, campfires, bird counts, and off the beaten path discoveries.

And slowly Fall creeps in and a strong wind knocks down all the leaves and scatters the critters.  Fall is a time of release and inhabiting the soul.  Indoor activities, projects past are now reinstated, and the darkness of winter is knocking on the door. 

I am feeling the change in seasons and the change internally.  A struggle to let go and a struggle to maintain the freedom of summertime. 

Suddenness of Summertime

Spring drifted peacefully by and now we find ourselves at summer's door with a warm, dry embrace. 

Kid's are free from their schooltime commitment and the freedom veils us.  Cool ocean breezes greet us, summertime fruits drip lusciously from our lips and stain our hands.
Waterholes and sandy shores our eyes are filled with pure delight.  Oaks still vibrantly green and the grass dry, still and yellow.  Sleeping outdoors sheltered by the stars, fueled by the fire of life. 

Rainless Winters Filled With Endless Love

Winter's breath has huddled around us, chilly at night and delightfully warm in the sun.  We've watched the woodpeckers labor all day beneath the oaks while the ground squirrels keep a watchful eye while sunning in the fields.

My youngest turned five and we were blessed to spend the day in the winters sun.  Egrets, geese and the graceful kestrels seen upon our ride.  

Soups and hearty broths fill our mouth and souls as do early mornings and sleepy nights.  A reminder that the cycle moves on each day and each night.  The moon tracking and the sight of Jupiter on the Western horizon reminds me that movement, change, evolution affects our every day.

Sunshine, peace and winter happiness, I am filled to the brim.  Pray for rainy days and soggy spring!

quince buds have broken

  An ancient land, familiar yet lost. Backed up to the foothills under the majestic archetectural oaks sits a peaceful family of four warmed by the winter sun.  Fueled by the lengthening days and embodying the here and now, I embark upon my first blog post.

Surrounded by subtle cues of winters embrace I feel fortunate to feel the suns daily graces. I've spent the past decade surrounded by a rainforest, green, thriving and alive.  Until now, the several deepening shades of yellowing grasses had escaped me.  It's mind blowing to see the grass sway in the wind, dancing back and forth to the tune of mother earths song.  To see the hills colors change daily with the changing seasons.  Being back nestled up to the foothills has brought much needed warmth and thaw to our lives.

Taking it all in, smelling the dry grass on a hot day, or watching the wind carry the dry leaves off the oaks like a snow flurry.  My body feels alive and captivated by my new surroundings. I feel as though it has been years since my feet felt planted and rooted into the ground as they do now.  Relief over comes me with strength like the mighty oak, and with the grace of a mother fox caring for her young.  My love affair could go on and on...but now to the good stuff.

Crimson and sweet manzanita berries have filled our baskets and sweetened our teas.  This month, although late in the season has brought an abundance of native foods.  Again new to my eyes that finally are in focus, every where we look is natures treasures.

Quince, Arbutus and Arctostaphyllus are Blooming and the bees continue their work.  What should the next project be?  Madrone wine, 'strawberry' jam?  A wooden heart made from pallets...

I welcome the New Year and look forward to the adventures that await.