Same day...two seasons?

   You hear a lot about the crazy weather, as of late.  While it appears that the whole world has been having its share of weird weather related occurrences, it has really has not changed.  Weather has always happened.  What changed is that we are now bombarded with up-to-the-minute "news" about everything.  In other words, we have media overload.  Years back, weather happened everywhere on this old globe but there was not this instantaneous barrage of sensational news headlines to keep us "informed" or rather over informed.  I am not sure it is going to make my day any different if I hear of a rainstorm halfway around the world just as it will not be of importance to anyone on a different continent that the Bayou had an ice storm.  Media overload does nothing but create panic and raises the stress levels.  It is not needed.

  Still...closer to home...as matter of fact...IN my home, it appears that we have had two seasons in one day!  (Now isn't that of the utmost importance?)  I was in the kitchen baking up a batch of Bayou Cheesy Crackers when I noticed the view outside of the kitchen window.  Ahh, lovely!  It was nice to see the deep green leaves of the citrus trees as they are finally looking better after our winter.  Then there were the bright green leaves and red blooms of the Buckeye tree!  Those blooms looked fiery in the bright sunshine!  Springtime was definitely in full swing!  How lovely!  My eyes turned to the other window in the kitchen.  Uh, oh!  The view from that window appeared to be in the dead of winter!  How can that be?  The windows are only about two feet apart yet the views were in such contrast!  The left window showed a happy springtime view where the right one showed browns and grays of winter. 

  Actually, the left window overlooks a part of the yard that was quite dismal just a few weeks ago, the citrus trees had taken a beating but with a lot of trimming and hard work, they are now making a comeback.  The yard is alive again...well, some of it.  The right window overlooks the small Frog Pond backed by the canebrake.  The cane did not fare as well as the other plants and trees.  It is still brown and quite dead looking.  The 500+ canes will need to be cut back and ground for mulch.  Hopefully, new shoots will sprout from the rootstock.  The cutting is something that should have been done weeks ago but other things got in the way.  Now, I hate to do it.  Several birds have nested in the dead canes and small critters have dens among the roots.  All are raising their young and I do not have the heart to disturb that.  The canebrake will have to wait for a more opportune time to be thinned.  

  Still, I found the contrast interesting...on the left, the life only spring can bring and on the right, the death left behind by an unusual ice storm.  Perhaps, I am the only one to view things in this skewed way but, in all fairness, I was not feeling the best today so maybe it is just the brain that is skewed and not the view.  Oh, and yes, I do have hardware cloth on the window (and soon the others).  There are a few of the critters that live around here that stop at nothing to raid a kitchen.  Mere window screens are no match for them!

The "Staff of Green" On My Table

   When going back to the idea of finding weird things in photographs, I suppose it is all in how you look at things.  I have often said that a lot of people look but just do not see.  Sometimes, I am just the opposite.  I see even when I do not look.  Make sense?  Nah, if you are not a person with a weird sense of understanding, that will be just a garbled bunch of words without much meaning.  To me, however, in my feeble brain, it is all perfectly clear.  There are things that can be seen from a different perspective...so, it is all in how you look at things. I choose to be delighted in the simple mystery behind a lot of this thing we call life.  

  As I stumbled into the kitchen this morning to make that pot of "wakeup" called coffee, one of those pondering moments hit me.  I had flipped on the light and immediately saw an unusual sort of "staff".  There it was in bright lime green on the kitchen table.  It reminded me of a misshapen trident.  It had four prongs so could not be an actual trident.  Poseidon would have freaked had his trident been portrayed as such!  Funny thing...I never noticed it before.  It was there unmistakably clear and bright green. The stove light had passed through a bottle of cleanser that I had left on the table the night before.  Somehow, the angle of the light made a most unique image to be cast upon the table.  

  My pondering moment was not why the "staff" was there but rather why I suddenly saw it.  Why did I not see it last night?  How could I miss seeing something so vividly produced?  The image kept me enthralled through my entire first mug of coffee.  I looked at it from different angles thinking perhaps I needed to be in a certain spot to view it.  Nope...it was there from all angles.  I figure I need to just start noticing more things.  Pop would have claimed "Had it been a snake, you would have already been bitten."  It is a good thing he taught me to smell snakes far before I could see them!  Maybe the image just became viewable so I could have a good "thinking" early this morning.  All things happen for a reason.

The Tranquility Door

   On a whim, I bought some simple, colored cellophane and "stained" the window panes in the front doors.  The large, old french doors each have 15 panes of glass and each of those is slightly different size.  (This is often the case with antique doors as they were usually handmade.)  The "staining" first came into play with one of the Clue Hunts on the Bayou.  The french doors and similar greenhouse doors all received a pattern of colors.  Well, I liked the look so much that I kept it and as the cellophane faded with the sunlight, I simply added more colors until Darling Daughter bought me some actual glass clings. What a difference!  

  Well, the other day, someone mentioned that I should take the stuff down.  "It takes away the view."  No, the view is still there, I just added a bit more interest to the room.  If you wish to see the pier, go outside.  I live here, my fake, stained glass windows make me happy so they stay.  It is simple as that.

  I mentioned this encounter on social media and immediately got responses that echoed my feelings.  It was the consensus that stained glass windows bring calm and tranquility.  To be honest, I did a bit of research and it seems that we are not alone in this feeling.  Several noted resources state that this is one of the reasons that the windows were so popular in ancient churches.  The windows illuminated the inside of the building with ever changing patterns of  color.  The eyes could wander with the colors and patterns and become relaxed so that spirituality was profound.  A feeling of serenity enveloped those who entered.  They immediately "felt" peace which must have meant that God was within the building. 

  I have often thought that I should probably remove the colored cellophane and window clings simply to move on to something else.  Now, I am not so sure.  Perhaps more folks need to be doing this to their homes and businesses.  The world could sure use some tranquility about now.  Peace could go a long ways with our worried minds.  

Good For the Body, Mind and Spirit

  In the late afternoon, the sun throws some pretty interesting shadows about the hillside overlooking the Bayou.  While the marsh and waters usually stay pretty bright, the heavy oak trees and tall pines start casting shadows as early as mid afternoon.  By the time the sun starts to set in the west, the woods on that side of our place pretty much blocks any light.  I am happy with it actually.  Otherwise, I would continue the chores until much later and, as an old lady, I do not need to be pushing it that much. So, the work that starts before 7 am, usually ends by 3 pm.  That is enough for me.  The yard work, gardening and shed cleaning is taking a toll on this old body.

  This afternoon after quitting for the day, I noticed the shadows on the yard.  Even though I was exhausted, I had to take a peek.  Well, this time the peek was merely through the window on the east side of the house.  It only took that one peek to make me fully appreciate where I live.  It is a good feeling to look out over the water whenever the whim strikes me.

  It is not just me that feels the power of the water.  Scientists have proven that those who can hear or view water on a daily basis are more relaxed and more creative.  It seems that watching and hearing waves puts our brains in almost a hypnotic state.  Being near water of any kind can lower stress levels and help with our mental well being.  Well, I could have told them that!  This effect is what I have long called "Bayou Therapy" and it has powerful soothing properties to all who come to seek it.  Trouble minds can be settled merely by sitting and staring out over the Bayou.  Take a hike near the marsh edge and down to where the creek empties into the Bayou and all sorts of magic can happen.  My long-held beliefs are now scientifically proven.  Bayou Magic!  Bayou Therapy...it is good for the troubled spirit.

Pretty Little Window

   On my early morning hikes about the hillside, I like to look for things that are often overlooked by others.  Whether it be a mossy knoll, a lichen covered tree or perhaps just colored pebbles on the pathway.  I feel all of these things are there for a reason and what better reason than for me to marvel.  A lot of folks have remarked that I dwell in my own little fantasy world and, in a way, that is true.  If I revel in the mystique of the Bayou, then I can escape from all of the drama of the worldly folks.  It probably would not take much shoving for me to move lock, stock and barrel to some remote location where I would not be bombarded by technology and busybody people.   

  This morning, Mr. PJ, the soon-to-be true Bayou Dog, joined me on a quick jaunt around the hillside.  Rain threatened at any moment so our leisurely stroll took on an air of urgency.  Even with his arthritic limbs, he fairly galloped beside me.  He could feel the excitement as could I!  Every so often, he would stop to sniff where some wild, unknown critter had been just hours earlier.  An armadillo had dug divots in its search for grubs.  A raccoon raided the wild persimmon tree again and dropped dozens of the little golden nuggets to the ground.  Two baby otters squeaked in the marsh.  Life was good for the old dog and I enjoyed seeing him explore.

  Down on the east side of the property where the shore meets the Bayou, I found something that intrigued me.  While PJ mosied nearby in search of new scents, a gap in the branches drew my attention. Through this window, I could see all the way across the Bayou to the opposite shore.  The dim morning light lit the area as if it were a stage.  I half expected some magical creature to come waltzing across the marsh at any moment.  None did, to my dismay, but I was still enthralled...creature or not.  

  The window was framed by yaupon and oak branches.  Beyond those, a small sliver of water surrounded by sedge grass and marsh.  Then in the far distance, cord grass was backed by groundsel bushes.  FInally, the tall pines stood watch over all.  The layering effect was marvelous!  My pretty little window provided by nature!

Its a bird! Its a plane!

  This afternoon found me on the pier as usual.  It just seems the place to go on a hot, muggy afternoon.  The cooling breeze and the promise of something to watch is always drawing me.  Usually, that "something to watch" is a critter but, occasionally, a different sort of entertainment pops up and surprises me.  This afternoon?  Its a bird!  Its a plane! 

  First, a large plane came slowly over the pines.  It was coming in for a landing at Keelser Air Force Base which is directly across the Bay from the pier.  With this view, I can watch all sorts of planes and helicopters as they come and go from the airstrip.  The plane, today, was huge!  My cousin informed me that it was a C-17.  Not being up on my planes, Michelle has to identify them for me.  The plane ever so slowly flew just above the pines and then slipped down behind them to approach the airstrip.  Watching these gigantic machines is awe inspiring.  How in the world can something so big and so slow stay up in the air??  

  While watching the plane, I spied an osprey flying over the Bayou.  The bird was hunting for its dinner and was quite oblivious to my presence.  This..this I can understand as flying!  The bird hovered almost motionless above the water then would swoop down.  Several times it made a pseudo dive only to rise back upwards.  Evidently, its prey dove out of sight just before the osprey was able to catch it. After a bit, the bird noticed me on the pier and came to investigate.  How exciting to see the bird so very close!

  Both the plane and the bird prove that sometimes it is better to look up instead of at what is in front of you.  Had I merely admired the view on the horizon instead of looking skyward, I would have missed both of the two very different "flying machines"!

Through the Kitchen Window...

  I usually shake myself out of bed before sunrise just because of habit.  I have been doing this for as long as I can remember.  Back on the farm, Pop would roust us all out to do chores before school.  During the winter months, I recall how cold my feet would be when trying to gather turnips and collard greens for Pop's early morning route to local stores. Then in summer, that sweltering heat showed us no favors.  It was all good, though, and farm life taught us to be strong and to work hard. Now, however, my mornings start with watching the sunrise with a nice mug of coffee.  After a bit of contemplation, I start my day.  I am raring to go!  

  This morning, I skipped the sunrise and sat at the kitchen table with that coffee.  The scene just outside the open windows was far to nice to leave.  The rising sun filtered through the wisteria vines with just a trickle of light.  Beyond that, the citrus trees, Boysenberry vines and peach trees were all in bloom.  A slight north wind brought all of those delicious aromas into kitchen.  A sweet mockingbird was singing in the arbor and the crickets were still chirping in the shadows.  In the midst of all of this, the tiny pond reflected the blue skies.  Wow!  I do believe I could have sat there all morning.

  We all need to have our own peaceful place to spend a few moments before we face the day.  A bit of meditation can do wonders in preparing the mind for challenges to be faced.  While growing up on the farm, there was little time to meditate.  It was "up and at 'em".  I am glad that now I have the time even if it is at the crack of dawn.  

Super Cloud Sunday!

  I am one of those weird people who do not get excited over a football game.  Being as it is Super Bowl Sunday, does not mean that I am glued to the TV.  As matter of fact, I do not own a TV.  When the large one that sat in the living room decided to die, I begged Mark not to get another.  He relented and settled to have the small one in the bedroom suffice.  Whew!  I found myself wasting far too much time staring at a stupid box.  It is a great freedom not to have the thing around anymore.  Still, while others in the world are glued to their TVs, eating all sorts of unhealthy foods and screaming their heads off at the players, I am meandering about the place doing all sorts of things.  

  Late this evening, I had a thought to check the shed doors to see if I remembered to lock them and I noticed a beautiful cloud over the Bayou.  Ahh, yes!  If I had been inside, I would have never witnessed this bit of beauty.  

  In my own little world, I find  Mother Nature puts on a much better show than some overpaid guys chasing what is essentially a dead pig about a large vacant pasture.  Although, I must admit that the Super Bowl would be delightfully more amusing if that pig was still alive and the pasture was home to a hundred head of cattle.  Now complete off the scene with the natural occurrence of cow patties and things would be hilarious. That, my friends, I might consider worth the effort of watching.  Why!  I might even go so far as to fix some junk food snacks to enjoy while viewing such spectacle!  Since this is never going to happen, I think I will just continue my habit of observing Mother Nature at her best.

Spotlighting the Old Oak

  Little did I know when I wrote about starting each day with a bit of beauty that I would be awestruck once again by the rising sun.  There is something wondrous about that big ball of fire that brightens our day.  I was sitting by the window with a mug of coffee while Mark headed out fishing.  I had no inkling that the sky was to be spectacular again. Usually, it takes at least a bit of clouds to produce the fiery reds that most folks want to see.  Today, however, was clear.  No clouds could be seen scooting across the dark horizon.  

  Down near the marsh edge is an old oak tree. This tree has withstood many hurricanes and still stands strong.  Mark and I watched as Hurricane Katrina's waves tumbled over the TOP of the tree.  The tree did not budge.  This is, also, the same tree that my kids used as a fort, pirate ship and any number of other imaginative places of play.  The low limbs offered easy climbing and safe places to hide from dragons and other pretend monsters.  The tree is rather special to me. 

  This morning's sun came peeking through the limbs of this old oak tree as if it was spotlighting my love of it.  The bright orange played against the black silhouettes of the limbs and the whole tree stood proudly in its limelight.  What a sight to behold!  Things are grand if you are granted the unique views that each day brings and take the time to ponder all things tied to them.  The sun, the old oak, the memories...all special.

The view out my window..

Early this morning I made the mistake of throwing back the curtains and raising the window blinds. It was a beautiful sunshiney day and I was determined to enjoy every minute of it! Aaack! Horrors! The windows were so grimy that I could hardly see out! This would never do..I had to wash them. Well..there went my happy morning..right out the window. Now that I found the dirt and grime, I had to stay indoors and wash windows. I am not a big fan of housework of any kind and this was something I truly did not want to spend my day doing. Well..let's get it done..no procrastinating today! Down came the curtains and into the wash they went. I hauled in the ladder, filled a bucket with water and vinegar, grabbed some rags and set to work. Grumble.. This is the worse thing I could be doing. Grumble.. I would much rather be fishing. Grumble.. Such a beautiful day is being wasted. Grumble.. I stopped wiping the window..WOW!.. What a view! Sitting on the top of the stepladder, I was able to see things a bit differently than I normally view them. I know that I live on an incredible place that is so amazingly beautiful but I suppose I needed to be in a different position to fully enjoy it. Maybe I needed a new perspective of what makes me happy. Or perhaps it was just a kick in the pants to make me realize that cleaning windows needn't be a dreaded chore. Whatever it is called, I started scrubbing those windows with a new ambition. There are ten windows in this room and each held a breathtaking view..not a bad way to spend a morning. Not a bad way at all!

When I did finish the cleaning, I still had plenty of time to meander to the pier. The tide was pushed far out with the North wind making extensive mud flats. Our crab traps were high and dry and it was easy to see the many sticks and logs that take my fish hooks when I snag them. Not much fishing to be done on a day like this! Still, there is always something interesting on the Bayou. Today it was a Garter Snake. This tiny snake lives in the marsh under the pier. It is a tiny thing maybe only fifteen inches long but is big in personality. This little fellow seems to like being noticed and makes an appearance quite often when I am on the pier. I watched as it slithered along the mud to the small tide pool. Here the minnows were trapped and were an easy target. The little snake managed to catch three while I was watching. It ate well for today. After feeding, it took advantage of the sun and warmed itself before slipping off into the marsh. I suppose it won't be long before it will hibernate and I won't see my friend for a while.