april showers...

With March nearly gone and April right around the corner, we begin our spring planting. Veggies for the garden and planters that still have the remnants of last years experiments...evaluating what was happy and what wasn't. But, in my head I'm always reciting, "April showers bring May flowers."

Do you have April showers?...and where do you hail from? Here, in California, we are desperate for water and April is generally a pretty dry month. The wind is howling outside blowing plenty of pollen around, but no rain. There aren't any dark clouds in the sky, just a cotton ball here and there. Our temperature is nearly 80 and that is about normal for spring where I live.

I love the rain and found myself sitting outside under the protection of our awning this winter. It seems to silence everything around you, commanding attention. So, I will continue to recite April's verse, hoping for rain and in the meantime, use plenty of SPF while I do my planting.

the sickies

All last week I felt horrible with Tree Allergies that seem to have triggered my lupus. It laid me flat and I think I watched the movie "Twilight" at least 2 full times. I showed up at my women's bible study in my pajama's, no makeup, with my hair twisted into a messy knot at the top of my head...you know the one girls. When I am having a flare, I kind of get this slight death pallor to my skin and it can be a little disconcerting, but they handled it wonderfully. So, this is by no means my attempt at a self portrait, this is the fantastic work of Boho Photography...her style is unmistakable. Part of our fun little photo session while I was visiting.

I am crossing my fingers that I will be feeling better soon...or I may be forced to show up here looking like, "Afternoon of the Living Dead." NOooooooo...

double take

Being a succulent lover, I was shocked when I found this fake plant in a Pier 1 import store. Yes, I said fake. Who is it that spends their time getting paid to invent perfect looking fake foliage? Well, I just had to buy it and now it graces my house. I think pretend plants are going to make a come back in home decor, dispelling their gauche reputation. Kudos to this inventor...you had me fooled. How about you?

named

Looking into Cedar's eyes is almost a spiritual experience. He is so aware and sensitive to his surroundings, I knew he was trying to tell me something.




















We had connected and exchanged many smiles and stories.













Then one evening Boho Boy handed Cedar over to me and said, "Go to your Auntie dd" and my heart jumped. That was the name I would be given and now called for many years to come.

I am auntie dd

environment

I just got back from a five day visit with my lil sister denise, boho bro and baby cedar. I am filled to the brim with their yumminess. I am tired from all the playing, even though we were in her house 90% of the time...it is a good tired. I have pictures and stories, all that need to be sorted out, of this weary brain. The picture above is of den dancing with cedar, something we did a lot of. The 2nd picture is just one corner of their adorable homey nest. The environment was tender, loving, gentle...and I began missing it the moment I stepped onto the plane.

This creation was inspired by the newly sprouting green and the brown of tree bark. The first one I made as a gift for a birthday. The second you see here has been adorning my own neck. Be inspired by your own surroundings :)

I'm ready for my close-up...

a buzzzing filled the air











the curtain opens









a star appears











another grand performance












for years nothing has ever changed














just a thousand new cast members












slight rearrangements of the set











and all heaven stands to their feet
and once again are filled with wonder

I'm Bloomin Crazy!

After a slight reprieve from the rain and wind, my visiting daughter Angela and I went for a beautiful walk in the almond orchard. The sweet air filled our lungs and the wonder filled our eyes. This is now a precious childhood memory for her and appreciated home to me. Right now, nothing could be more splendid than this moment.