Dragonfly Visit

While weeding in one of my flowerbeds my husband pointed out this dragonfly that was hanging around. Usually they are here and gone so quickly that I barely get a look.  Luckily I had my camera there too because I had taken some flower pictures earlier.  It was as if this dragonfly was posing for me.  I could not believe how close I was able to get.  As with all of nature's creatures I like to look at some of the symbolic meanings.  I decided to do a couple of  journal pages on the topic. Some of the symbolism that I used on my journal pages is evolving, seeing beyond illusions and letting true colors emerge. Below I have shared a couple of my photos and my two journal pages.  I have a feeling dragonflies will be showing up more often in my art. I have always enjoyed watching them dart about quickly in all their varieties of colors. Also like the fact they eat mosquitoes which we seem to have an over abundance of this year. Thank You, Dragonfly for stopping by for a visit.   

Morning Bunny Visit

I love living in a woods.  We often have nature's lovely creatures come right up to our home.   I often will journal about these visits. There are mornings I sit at our kitchen table and work or browse the internet on my computer.  I treasure this time because I can always see things going on outside. Rabbits, humming birds, butterflys, deer, squirrels and chipmunks pop in and out of my view.  One morning recently I spotted our patio rabbit and snapped a shot with my iPhone through the glass.   For the past few years we have had a rabbit that hangs out on our patio.  Rabbits can symbolize abundance, creativity, vulnerability,fertility and many other characteristics.   I like to contemplate nature's creatures and what message I can learn from them that may apply to my life at that particular moment.  Today I am sharing a journal page I did last year and the snap shot of the patio rabbit from the other day.  I am so blessed to live among nature.  I am graciously overwhelmed by the magic and inspiration that surrounds me. 

Dandelions

Dandelions though I know considered a weed to many people are one of my favorite plants. They bring back sweet childhood memories of warm sunny days running barefooted across the lawn without a care in the world. It is interesting how different people perceive Dandelions. I have this memory as a child; I was always fascinated with flowers and nature and saw these beautiful yellow flowers everywhere.  Being that there seemed to be plenty I picked several bouquets and decided to give them as gifts to my Mom and some neighbors. Well, let's just say I did not get the response I was expecting.  Every single neighbor but one practically slammed the door in my face, laughing and saying those are weeds.  When I went home with almost all of my bouquets I explained to my Mom what had happened while she found little cups full of water for my bouquets.  She said she loved them and not to pay attention to the neighbors they must not have any sense. So for a bit we had dandelion bouquets all about the house. Funny now I understand my Mom's comment.   She was disappointed that the neighbors hurt a little girl’s feelings.  The one neighbor that accepted my bouquet was an old woman that was a friend of mine.  I only knew her a few years before she passed on but she was one of the best friends I have ever had. 

 Dandelions represent characteristics such as survival, clarity, faithfulness and happiness. They have for many years been used as a food source and have some medical uses.  Dandelions are sensitive to light and dark. During the night the petals close and open up again when the sun shines. Though I do dig the Dandelions from my flowers beds, we still have some wild areas in our little woods where they can grow freely.  Even as an adult I find myself blowing the magical little sphere of seeds and picture what it would be like to float freely in so many directions.

For this post I am going to share a poem I wrote that was inspired by an old family photo of my uncle when he was a small child holding a Dandelion that went to seed.  He seemed to be totally captivated in the moment.  I am also sharing some photos taken in my little woods of Dandelions. 

Wild Geraniums

Every May in my little woods a huge patch of Wild Geraniums come into bloom.  There is an explosion of  lavender-pink in contrast to the darker shading of green and tree bark.  I visit this area often during this time of year. I find the plants are always moving, dancing with the wind and when I take photos I get some interesting effects.  With this flower patch some areas of my photo come into focus while the background blurs due to all the movement.  I never get bored taking pictures of these blooms and never know what I will get.  These plants grow in North America in wet or moist woodlands and meadows. There are some pharmaceutical uses and it has also been used by Native Americans.  One of the most common medical uses is for stomach ailments and diarrhea. For me this little piece of the earth provides a boost to my spirit. I find my soul moving and swaying with them each time I stop by for a visit.

Mayapples

Although my woods is just a small dot on this huge planet of ours, I always find something magical and new to learn.  This year I became interested in the Mayapples that grow in the woods and along our trail.  Every year I see these leafy umbrellas in large patches throughout the forest floor and they peak my curiosity and imagination. I sometimes picture them as little huts where fairies can find shelter from the spring rain. When the plant blooms I see little white flower princesses standing under their green umbrella hiding from the sun's burning rays.  These plants definitely make a statement and are often found in large colonies scattered about wooded areas.  I did some research to find that these plants have been used for many many years back to the Native Americans.  The plant itself is poison but when ripe people and animals eat the berries.  The plant also has some pharmaceutical uses. The berries ripen  at the end of summer.  However this is not a recommendation to go out and try them unless you have done your research and know for sure berries are ripe and safe to eat.  The berries too are poison until ripe and then should only be consumed in small quantities.  Also interestingly, this plant is also called the Mandrake. The Mandrake is in a scene of one of the Harry Potter movies, though I believe a different variety.  There are many resources for more information on the web. 

Spring has arrived in my little woods

I love living in a woods not only do I get to enjoy my bulbs in the spring, I get to see my woods wake from winter's sleep.  I start to see flecks of colors sprinkled  randomly among the trees.  Little whimsical wild flower patches scattered about intermingling with the bright green moss. Spring is such a magical time.  The pictures I have added include bulbs I brought here from my Grandma's garden.  My Grandma passed away a few years back and was a gardener.  She ran her own greenhouse for many years on her property.  I like to think in the Spring when these bulbs that once bloomed at her home, return to my home that she has stopped in for a brief visit. It is such a gift to live in such a beautiful place.        

Paperwhites narcissus  from  my Grandma's garden

Grape Hyacinth from my Grandma's garden

Violets take over our lawn in the back yard leading up to the woods in April and May

I could not find the identification for these little flowers that grow on the edge of our back woods. 

Dutchmen's Breeches

I thought it was Spring

I created this journal page last year and felt it was appropriate today.  Over the weekend beautiful weather, flowers blooming, birds chirping...Spring had arrived... Right?  Nope, Winter decided to stick around a bit longer.  On my walk today all my Daffodils were slumped over and snow covered, the robins trying to keep warm.  Nature's little reminder that a storm can arrive at any time, even when all looks well.   The robins came back for the season, the daffodils bloomed and the snow came. We can weather this storm and have faith Spring will prevail.