Diamond Days



I had a very difficult week. I won't go into details but I will say this: coaxing a cold, wet puppy to go and do "her business" while holding on to an umbrella that seemed to have a life of it's own, while pushing away a poncho that kept slapping my face, was not easy. To make matters worse, once Abby realized there was mud to play with, my struggles took Herculian proportions!

But then, on Friday, after a rainy start, my favorite month arrived in full glory. I ventured out to check the damage made by the storms and was thrilled to find these survivors buried under broken branches and dead leaves:

The incredible light that seemed to come from within each and every branch made it's way into my spirit...

And so I spent Saturday morning re-arranging this...



and that...



and this too...

At the end of every season, I can't help but think on how the wheels of time keep turning and how important it is to live each day to the fullest.

I roamed about the house and felt the power of the sunlight filtering through...



In between changing and arranging I paused for a while and said good-bye to the pretty Summer blooms...



I also said good-bye to this little fairy that sleeps on the foot of my bed from Spring to Summer...

It got a little crazy as boxes were moved about and little witches started to appear...



There was a lot to be done but golden trees were calling...and so was Abby...

My dear friends, I wish you Diamond Days, full of magic sparkles, crunchy leaves, cool, brisk air and above all, a peaceful heart. Happy October! XO

Thoughts on a rainy afternoon

(Image Source: Bing)

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,

the world offers itself to your imagination,

calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting--

over and over announcing your place

in the family of things...

(Poem by Mary Oliver)

Subtle changes


After so many days lived without the ruling of the clock, days when the wish to go for a walk would arise and be followed, days when there was time to sit and enjoy the magical transition between light and darkness...

(Image Source: Bing)

 days when wearing “any old thing” was enough...

(Image Source: Bing)

days full of silence, deep thoughts and light laughter...

(Image Source: Magnolia Pearl)

After such holiday, I find it quite hard to get back to normal. I’ve been wandering about the house and everything feels heavy and complicated.

Having Abby in our lives has brought along many changes. The kitchen has been transformed from a quiet, orderly place into a mayhem of toys, a frenzy of activities and a constant source of wonder. As a new dog owner I am riding an emotional roller coaster. One minute I am stern, trying to teach her what is and what’s not okay to do, the next I am laughing, melting away with love and glee.

We spent the weekend at the Purple Caravan. In spite of the warm weather there was a subtle change in the sunlight.

The time to close down for the winter is approaching fast and I hold on to the last vestiges of this Summer which has been so special for me.

I watch Abby as she stands by the door waiting for "Daddy" (she loves him to pieces :0) and feel her wonderful energy touch and transform everything. I think of life in general, and I see "Joy" come in to silently hang her shawl on our coat rack... 



And they call it puppy love...



"You made me love you... I didn't want to do it... I didn't want to do it..."

My dear, dear friends, before I thank you all for your lovely comments, before I even put down my bags, before I catch my breath and visit each and everyone of you, let me introduce you to ABBY!

It's Sunday night, we've just returned from the Purple Caravan with something more special than just great memories. We have brought back this good, sweet friend. Abby is 9 weeks old, she is a Jack Russell Terrier and I have to say, I absolutely love her! This love is totally new since I never had a dog before, in fact, up till now, I had considered myself a "cat woman" and while my love for felines has not died, I must admit, this puppy love has totally swept me off my feet.  My world has been turned upside down, caring for and training this sweet (but willful) little girl has taken me through so many wonderful and fun venues I have not had a chance to get a grip. These past two weeks are a blur. A mixture of feedings, walks, laughter, kisses, baths (Abby loves to dig :0) long naps, and this new sense of joy that makes my heart sing everytime I look at those sweet brown eyes...

I hope everyone had a wonderful Summer. I will be sure to visit you and catch up on what I've missed but now I must go and join Abby. All this excitement has left us very tired. Good night, it's great to be back! 



Embers

(Image Source: Pixdaus)

"Poor summer, it doesn't know it's dying.

A few days are all it has. Still, the lake

is with me, its strokes of blue-violet

and the fiery sun replacing loneliness.

I feel like an animal that has found a place.

This is my burrow, my nest, my attempt

to say, I exist..."

(Embers by Henri Cole)

Yes, Summer is coming to an end. Long, carefree days will soon be replaced by shorter, busier ones. I scurry about like a squirrel, I don't want to miss a thing! There has been no need for an alarm clock, a rooster from a neighboring farm made sure I'd rise and shine quite early...and it's  crowing made me happy. 

These past few days have been full of new adventures. I learnt to build and start a fire, got used to not having a computer or a dishwasher...and these newness made me happy.   

I have met new friends, learned how does Poison Ivy look like, visited an old fashioned ice cream parlor with a selection so large, they actually have a menu, and just yesterday, I realized I no longer scream or jump when I see a Daddy Longleg spider...and this new found courage made me happy.

I hope you too enjoyed a special Summer full of magic and new lessons. May the memories last, and may the sun's dying embers keep you warm on the coming cool nights.

Tomorrow I shall go back to the Purple Caravan for a few more days, till my return, thank you SO MUCH for your lovely comments, I wish you all a beautiful weekend.  

Hugs!

Lazy, hazy days of Summer...

"Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer

Those days of soda and pretzels and beer

Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer

You'll wish that summer could always be here..."

Dear everyone, just wanted to give a brief update on my latest adventures. I've been spending a few days at The Purple Caravan. The renovations have been put on hold for a while, since my husband (the contractor) is too busy at the moment. In the meantime, I have tried to add a few touches. Nothing fancy or complicated, just enough to make the place feel cozier...

and hopefully, very romantic...

As much as I want to start the renovation, I am grateful to be able to have a chance and enjoy our surroundings before we embark in the project. Going for long walks, coming back to have a glass of chilled white wine and enjoy the company of good friends are more than enough reasons to want Summer to last forever.

There is incredible beauty in every corner...

 Sometimes I come face to face with this handsome fellow

He walks right past me... two wandering travelers on a lonely road...

There is a pond nearby, it's surface covered by thick algae is a perfect place for a tired dragonfly to stop and rest it's wings. I spend long hours watching, amazed by the life that lurks right below the surface...

Around a bend I find this table covered with soft green moss...

The weeping willow stands quietly by the lake...poetry comes to mind...

I walk around unhurried, and find that every road I take leads me home...

Before I go back, here's a wish that your Summer may also be full of magic, peace, and light. Thank you SO much for your lovely comments. They brighten up my world!