Refocus

   With all the everyday hubbub, it is easy to lose focus on what really matters.  "Things that need to be done" can oftentimes get in the way of what "should be done".  We all get hung up in chores, duties to others and the humdrum of everyday life that we forget to keep an eye on that "should be done" which is take care of ourselves.  I know I am that way much to a fault.  Lately, I have not dedicated any time whatsoever to selfcare and my physical, as well as, mental state is taking a severe hit.  It has got to stop.

  That was the revelation that I had on the pier this morning before dawn.  The skies were just beginning to glow that glorious golden orange when I noticed a lone heron standing hunched over in the shallows near the marsh.  The bird was slightly hidden behind some tall cord grass and it took some focusing of the camera to be able to photograph the bird.  After getting my picture, I watched as the bird looked so forlorn...so forgotten.  I know herons are solitary birds meaning they prefer to be alone except when seeking a mate but this fellow did give the appearance of being lonely.  

  Pondering the bird, the difficulty focusing the camera and the forlornness of the setting, I came to the conclusion that I needed change.  I needed me.  I guess it is time to shuffle the daily workload for a while so I can get back to me.  Refocus...

First Smile of the Day

   Early this morning before I started work on that kitchen again, I wandered about in the gardens.  The raccoons wreaked havoc on the cabbages digging all but eight of the thirty-eight I planted last week.  Their antics did not stop there as every potted herb on the new herb shelf arbor was dumped upside down and several pots wound up in Pebble Creek.  My few days off from yardwork shows.  It appears that I cannot catch a break.  If I work inside redoing the house, the outside becomes a mess and vice-versa.  It is an endless, thankless work I do.

  My meandering did bring one smile and one ponderance.  The nereid lilies and guernsey lilies are blooming...somewhat.  The lubber grasshoppers love these things so I have had to fight to get any blooms.  Two, however, were blooming side by side in the veggie garden, of all places.  It is all good...they can stay.  One red.  One yellow.  The thought of these two "friends" bobbing their showy hats in the slight, morning breeze brought the smile.  The ponderance came from the question "Why can't people be equally as friendly?"  Be kind, folks, as you never know what the other person is enduring.  Just be kind.