Getting It Straight!

   Every now and again, I have to stop and put things back in order of priority.  It is not hard for me to get so hung up on "what has to be done" that I lose sight of what "needs to be done".  Yep, those are two vastly different things.  Everyday chores, work around the place, home repairs, yard cleanup, errand running, food preservation...those HAVE to be done.  Taking time for myself...that NEEDS to be done.  My needs get pushed aside for the "have tos".  It takes a bit of refocusing and a lot of determination to get back to being me.

  Lately, the journey of "me" has taken full swing.  The daily chores are still done but I have put a limit on the other things.  This gives me time in my day to steer into enjoyable endeavors. Crafting, painting, crocheting and sewing are all in the ready stages, the Clue Hunt on the Bayou is taking shape for this October and my hikes have taken on a new interest.  Each bloom, critter or even shadow now commands my full attention.

  

  Today, I made a point on really studying the seed pod of the Hibiscus Mutabilis (better known as Confederate Rose or Cotton Rose).  From the stiff outer shell to the soft hairs to the tiny pellet seeds, I moved with great interest.  It is amazing how intricately created this pod is.  The crispness of the outer shell is a far cry from the fragile, delicate petals of the bloom and the seeds are tiny compared to the size that the shrub can get.  For twenty minutes, I perused the beauty of a single pod.  Each section was examined.  

  Life is getting so much easier and happier with this refocusing.  It is weird how things like an illness can shake all the emotions into a turmoil and cause a person to forego what is best for what the brain sees as urgent.  I have had to let it go and get back to me.  THAT is the best place to be.

Priorities, priorities!

  Early this morning, I headed to the pier.  It was starting out to be a beautiful day and I wanted to make good use of my time.  There were several more gardens that needed digging and a trellis that needed to be made.  First, however, it was highly important to "make my rounds".  Each morning, I find myself following what Pop did back on the farm.  He would wander around the farm "taking inventory" of what needed to be done during the day.  His day was structured around the priority of tasks.  The man put in long days as he rose before the sun and worked until it fell behind the pines.  My days are similar to some extent.  I start with a hike to the pier then wander through the gardens to check what chores needed to be tackled.  Then, I set my hand to the tasks in order of importance.  It is all good.

  It was that stroll to the pier that was a bit unsettling, however.  I have numerous critter friends that live in the marshes and their well being is always a concern.  This morning, the small marsh rabbit greeted me for the first time this spring.  I have watched this one since it was more or less abandoned at an early age.  A red-tailed hawk caught the mother so the little one was on its own far too soon.  It held its own, though, and grew to adulthood.   She is a pretty, little thing that usually has big, brown eyes.  This morning, the bunny's right eye was bluish gray.  As I sat on the pier about five feet from the little rabbit, it occurred to me that she had met with some accident.  While I think she could see some movement, it was quite apparent that her vision was impaired somewhat.  This is not a good thing in the wild.  Critters need all of their senses to be in tiptop shape to be able to survive.

  It breaks my heart to know this little marsh rabbit may be vulnerable to predators. Hopefully, she will be able to stay well hidden under the marsh mats or in the palmetto clumps.  Life is not going to get any easier for her after her struggle to survive past babyhood.  I sure wish there was some way to help her.  If I could only convince her to come live in the gardens, she would be much safer!  Sorry, Pop!  I know you always tried to keep rabbits out of your garden...but...this one is a friend and you always said we should help friends in need even if they are critters!  Poor Pop.  He is probably looking down from Heaven and shaking his head wondering where he went wrong teaching this daughter!  Now...priorities!  Find a way to help a wild marsh rabbit!