The Right Name...

   I have a confession.  Until just recently, I have known the black-headed geese that visit the Bayou as "Canadian Geese".  That is what my grandpa called them.  That is what Pop called them.  Just about everybody around here called these geese by that name.  Not only that, we were taught that name in school when we were to identify birds.  Yep, they were Canadian Geese, alright...everybody said so.  What was a kid to think?  Then, a couple of years back, I found that the name is a big mistake.  The real name of this bird is not "Canadian Goose" but...Canada Goose.  There you go.  A mistake has been corrected.  Actually, I corrected myself two years ago when it was brought to my attention.  I am careful now to call the stately birds by their correct names.  Just imagine going your whole life with everyone never getting your name right?  Also, who says you cannot teach an old dog new tricks?  It is never too late to learn folks...never too late.

  Speaking of these lovely birds, the other morning saw a number of them visiting the shore near the pier.  The sun was just peaking above the pines on the opposite side of the Bayou when I heard their clamor as they came to a splashdown just to the west of us.  As with any wildlife that chooses to grace me with its presence, I was enamored.  The birds stayed for as long as I was on the pier giving me plenty of opportunities to photograph them in all their beauty. 

  Folks, take the time to soak in as much beauty and tranquility as you can as it can change in a drop of a hat.  Things as simple as a goose flying in to greet you can become something of the past...a memory...in a matter of minutes.  Enjoy each moment...and NEVER STOP LEARNING.  The Canada Geese will appreciate the thought, I am sure.

4am Is Calling!

   Folks are constantly questioning why I rise so early in the morning.  My answer is always "I feel better."  That is the honest truth.  My day starts at 4am and, if I linger any longer, my body starts wondering what happened.  "Hey, Woman...why are you not up yet?  Lazybones!"  Then, I guess in an effort to make me rise, aches and pains start setting in and then the brain starts shifting gears from "Let's get it done!" to "I don't wanna."  So, to avoid all of that, I rise early.  This must be a throwback to my childhood on the farm because Pop would rise at 4am and make sure that all the kids were up early to do their chores.  Mom would sleep in a bit while he "handled" things.  Once we heard that old hand-cranked coffee grinder going, we knew it was time to roll out of bed.  I smile every time I see that thing hanging on my wall!  Time to rise and shine!

  Another reason for my early rising is that I can get the indoor chores done before sunrise.  Once that time nears, I head to the pier for some peaceful "me time".  Some of my best thinking is done while watching that giant ball of fire rise up over the pines on the far side of the Bayou.  I get ideas for art/craft projects, figure out how to better the garden spots and ponder on the use of herbal concoctions.  This is the me-time that allows me to start my day in a halfway jovial manner instead of letting the worries of the world pile upon me.  Pop always told me that fretting doesn't do one bit of good so I should let go of it and just go about finding a solution to any problem.  Make sense and those early mornings give me time to hunt solutions.  Not to mention, there are some mighty pretty sights out there on the water when that sun makes its entrance.

There is a painting in that sunrise!

   That time just before the sun shows its face above the pines on the opposite side of the Bayou is my favorite time of day.  Usually by then, I have been up for a while and have most of my indoor chores completed.  I can head to the pier to collect the thoughts before starting in on the garden.  Between the pier and garden, I am not sure which would be called my "favorite place" but that pier sure has a strong hold. I go to watch the sunrise and see Mark off as he heads fishing.  He and I fully agree that "There is nothing like fresh fish for lunch."

  Sometimes, that sunrise can stir the brain a bit and cause the imagination to set in motion.  This probably comes from time spent with my grandparents as they both encouraged my creative endeavors even at a young age.  Granddad, especially, would push me with "Can you see a painting in that sunrise?"  I could and I would try.  My painting abilities never reached the quality that I wished but it matters not.  I still "see" that painting.  

  A couple of days ago, Mark and I were remarking about how the fog had settled in on the marsh just enough to make the sun stay dark until it was well over the tops of the pines.  I took photograph after photograph of this mysterious beauty, all the while, hearing Granddad's voice reminding me to look for the painting.  I can see it.  I wish I could paint it.  Perhaps, Darling Daughter will fulfill that wish for me. Granddad is the inspiration, I will provide the photograph and she can work her magic on the canvas!  

Nothing Else Is Needed

   Life has been tiring for the past few years.  It seems as soon as one thing is settled, something else is thrown in the works and the turmoil starts again.  That is one good thing about the social distancing of the past couple of years.   I can isolate myself from the busybodies and not feel guilty.  I have come to realize that not everyone who professes to be a friend (or family member) really cares.  There are those who are only out for themselves but will use others in any way possible.  So...I isolated.  So...I continue to isolate.  I had an uncle who pretty much became a hermit (in the middle of the city but still a hermit) and kept from communicating much with those who aggravated him.  The man was obviously a genius!  Perhaps I am on my way to being a hermitess...(is that even a word?)

  Early this morning before the sun peeped over the pines, Bat (the cat) and I took our usual hike about the place.  The rains last night left the air clean and the scent of jasmine laid heavy around us.  He and I wandered the garden paths as the world around us was wakening.  It occurred to me that this life is pretty good.  Not much else is needed.  Not much else is wanted.  Tranquility.