I Want To Name You Dot, But Apparently Something Like Princess Dutchie Pie Is In The Running

I don't know what to say, other than WHAT IS CUTER THAN A DUCKLING IN A BOWL?

Maybe a fluffy yellow chick or one of those kittens with the giant eyes, but this is pretty darn cute. 

Welcome, new friend!

I know, I know...

...to the three of you who may have occasionally read my blog, oh, say, back in the eighties maybe? ...I finally posted something new. As the colors of fall surrounded us on our hike last weekend, I was reminded how quickly things change. Leaves, kids, circumstances, the details and the big things too. Thanks, fall, for the reminder!

One Thousand and Forty-three Steps

We took a trip to the woods to the Thousand Steps Trail in Mifflintown, Pa. It was a more arduous journey for some than for others. The smartest person volunteered to be in charge of BOTH of the dogs, who were a cheerful and willing sled team for their driver. We saw a long black snake and a winding river when we got to the top, and a young Amish couple hiking in their bare feet on the way down. 

I guess a lot has happened since my last blog post one hundred years ago, but this is what inspired me to post again. These people, who fill my heart with love and are an extension of my own being, convened in the woods with happy smiles and the simple enjoyment of each other. I wish it were more like this!

Flowers in Winter, Or Always

It had been a while since we layered up and hiked into the woods, just a little amble through the Michaux. The kids were cute and held hands and fell down a few times. 

Winter is always a mental challenge for me because there is so little green and so much brown. But there were still moments of beauty among the pervasive brownness of the woods at this time of year. 

But still, look at the flowers!

I liked getting lost in the reflection of this little pool...

...and in a pile of rocks. I'm wondering how closeup my camera will go?

And then at the end, some old dessicated pumpkins made a nice arrangement. 

The woods surprised me with more than I expected. I wonder, if I walked forward with delight,

how often I would see flowers everywhere?

Now is the Time

Whatever your dream is, start small. You can do it. That is all. 

Red and Yellow, True and Green

the colors of fall. the air has a chill that can only be described as crisp, although there are some people who do not like that word. i feel grateful for the days that warm up in the afternoon, when you can still be outside and get some yard work done without being uncomfortable. i wanted to note that despite the brightness of these pictures, i did not use a filter to make them prettier.. this is what they are. there is something about a sunny fall day that takes your breath, as if all the light and clarity are there for the taking, all at once. 

listen here....gale garnett will tell you how it is

We Took a Trip to A City, or Oh, I Just Remembered That I Have a Blog

The Magnolias! The Magnolias!

A beautiful boy willing to share his toys. 

The portions are very small in Philadelphia, so it's best to eat before you get there.

Also, wear good walking shoes because the sidewalks can be treacherous.

Happy Friday Thoughts?

I'm hoping this Happy Friday thought will smack this cold right out of me..

.have a great weekend~!

Illustration by Adam Pryce who is also found at creaturemag. 

Thanks for cheering me up!

Winter, After All

I had pretty happily, although prematurely, almost given up on winter, with those nice mid-fifty degree days and the not-needing of scarves, but I guess that's over now. We were talking about what it would be like to live in a place where it is always temperate. I wondered if I would become 'overly content' with no change of seasons. Would I forget to be grateful for all the lovely various days? Would I miss the brownness of Pennsylvania winter and the need to take an evening bath from October to April? Or would my days slide from one to the other, making time go faster or slower?

For now I am glad to be marooned in my little house, taking care of some projects I have been putting off for a long time. A long stretch of days off from work...like nine days in a row...feels much needed and delightful.

Happy Friday Thoughts.

It's been a week, and now almost to those few special days of weekend. Yay!

Images here

Happy Friday!

It has been a bit of a while since I have posted anything. It's like life got in the way, but that's the way it should go, I guess. This summer has been a lovely dream of perfect weather with a hint of fall mixed in some days. It's been full of lots of family and hiking and lawnmowing and one particularly excited birthday girl. We said goodbye to our uncle gone too soon. I looked for and found many moments of beauty and stored them mostly in my mind. I'm ok with the passing of this into the next, because there are good things there too. But the passing of people or time is an ever-present reminder...you know what I'm going to say, right? 

Pay attention.

Dear Someone,

...and by someone I mean Misty. Since you may be the only person who reads this blog, how are you? I hope you are having a super wonderful great and fantastic day. I hope to see you soon. Love, Gil

What's for Dinner?

guess fish and poultry aren't considered "meat"?

funny how things change so little, or do they just come back around?

I started out looking for old Smokey the Bear posters and wandered my way here, 

love the silly pun, of course!

108/366 Like It Says On My Road ID, Now Is The Time!

So far this month has been crazy, full of people falling ill and people falling out of trees. I'm pretty freaked out. What if I don't get the chance to work on my bucket list, or even to make a bucket list? I have started to worry about the house burning down when we are at work. I have figured out that our young lady L will not always be little, although it makes me very happy to see her effortless wonder and joy. She reminds me to be silly. ...that it is ok to run around the house like a madwoman with a baby blanket around your shoulders like a cape ... that sometimes you are supposed to name tadpoles Lily, Rose, and Lily Rose. At bedtime she still wants a story and a snuggle, and when she falls asleep holding my hand it makes me want to cry with sweetness. 

I didn't mean for this post to be about the kid, but that's where it ended up. I guess I am taking from this the the idea of paying attention to what is in front of you, every day, even the smallest things. Maybe especially the smallest things. 

picture borrowed from the plum village website

71/366 This Just Happened

 good evening

do you see the ladies dancing?

 i think i see them!

Weekend, how I love you

Here it is, the road before us. Wide open, waiting to be chosen. 

Are you going too?

Across the Way

just like this tree

Blue