Each Medicine Bag was woven with a particular recipient in mind. So, the time spent with the fibers was a meditation of gratitude for that person. After the weaving and the finger crocheting of the straps - putting it all together...after that came the letter writing, using the beloved 'Mama's Rose' photo of so long ago. Again, each card specific for that person, that helper.
Last, came the wrapping. The two that had been ready to mail earlier, were sent off this week. These are together waiting for a time in the new year, waiting to be gifted. It feels good to have done this and to have it completed in plenty of time. They all look so pretty together.
~❤️~
A gift in the mail held this delicious homemade style fortune cookie with a timely fortune tucked inside. A good thought to take into 2024.
If I don't come back to post again before the New Year, I wish each of you so much happiness, security, health and love in 2024.
Please remember those who are grieving at this celebratory time of year.
I think of my friend who is in the throws of loosing her partner. And now, I see the loss of this man as well. I loved watching teh Smothers Brothers. My mama loved them. There is a shared history of sorts in this video.
Two of the 'peach' medicine bags are wrapped and ready to go. All of the peach bags are gifts, not CMB to be planted, but hopefully planted in the hearts of those who receive them. I forgot to photograph a close up of the second bag before I'd wrapped it up. So, here they are together in a cropped version of the previously posted pic. They will go out at the first of the year. ❤️
It was brought to my attention that “Peach Fuzz” is Pantone’s pick for the 2024 color of the year. You can read about the "Color of the Year" HERE.
AUDITORY: You can hear how and why he created this beautiful song HERE. When in doubt, when the world becomes too much, look for the beauty and rest there a while. This is such a beautiful man, song, story.
I saw this video and was so captivated by it...all of it. The 'art of cooking' presented so wonderfully. The wooden board & bowl...the sound of the chopping...the simplicity. I told a friend that it almost made me want to cook! haha And it left me really pondering about how pickles would taste in potato/carrot soup! What do you think?
When you can't find the light That got you through a cloudy days When the stars ain't shinin' bright You feel like you've lost you're way When those candle light of home Burn so very far away Well, you got to let your soul shine Just like my daddy used to say
He used to say, "Soulshine It's better than sunshine It's better than moonshine Damn sure better than rain Hey, now people don't mind We all feel this way sometime You got to let your soul shine Shine till the break of day"
I grew up thinkin' that I had it made Gonna make it on my own Life can take the strongest man Make him feel so alone Now someteimes I feel a cold wind Blowin' through my achin' bones I think back to what my daddy said He said, "Boy, in this darkness before the dawn
Let your soul shine It's better than sunshine It's better than moonshine Damn sure better than rain Yeah, now people don't mind We all feel this way sometimes You gotta let your soul shine Shine till the break of day"
Sometimes a man can feel this emptiness Like a woman has robbed him of his very soul A woman too, God knows, she can feel like this And when your world seems cold You got to let your spirit take control
Talking 'bout soulshine It's better than sunshine It's better than moonshine Damn sure better than rain And now people don't mind We all feel this way sometimes Gotta let your soul shine Shine till the break of day
Oh, it's better than sunshine It's better than moonshine Damn sure better than rain Yeah, now people don't mind We all feel this way sometimes You gotta let your soul shine Shine till the break of day
I haven't watched one of her videos in ages. I watched a bunch during the pandemic. They were so full of beauty and life during that time. I was, and still am amazed with the depth of her knowledge. This one is a bit old, being from one year ago. Anyway, when I saw this one with the Christmas Cactus...well, I had to watch!
I thought our "Casey Plant" was old at 43 years! haha
This old video also popped up this week. This charming and amazing musician. The sheer joy on the faces of Everyone! Wonderful! I watched other videos of him over the years...his skills improving over time. Fantastic.
Playing for love Playing for keeps Playing for light come down And set me free Playing to say Playing for change Playing for peace
Brother, Brother Come walk with me Show me the tops of the canyons above the sea And say look around you This kingdom's wide To carry the weight of this world with pride I am humbled And I'm confused There is no mountain I've found here that I can move You say sweet love Your heart is great So will you follow it closely and let it show you your fate
And keep playing for love Playing for keeps Playing for light come down And set me free Playing to say Playing for change Playing for peace
Darling, Darling Come take my hand See that no border, no boundary can hold you in And let loose your voices And raise them up Remember to let through the music it helps to continue to carry us
Playing for love And playing for keeps Playing for light come down Set us free Playing to say Playing for change Playing for peace
Ooh ooh
I am playing for love Playing for keeps I'm playing for light come down And set me free I'm playing to say Playing for change Playing for change Playing for change Playing for peace
On the 8th night, there was the happy glow of lots of light.
I went to the local 'dollar' store (many things cost more than a dollar now) for a new wall calendar for 2024. For the past recent years, I've had calendars gifted to me, so no need to buy. The purpose of this calendar is generally to know the date and write things I don't want to forget - so it's there at a glance. My lil Hallmark calendar holds my whole world, this one is for fun.
I asked him if ha had a design preference...he laughed. yeah, that's what I figured. I knew they would have some sort of animal (baby, horse, dog...) that I may like...or some beautiful countryside. I figured they would have Grace's beloved butterfly, which they did. In fact they had at least two different ones! But, that is her thing, not mine (not that butterflies aren't amazing of course). So, off I went with an empty mind and an open heart - ready for my choosing for a new year. Sure enough, they had ones I expected, generally kinds I'd seen in the past. Howevr, this year they also had Sloths! This is a critter we joke about around here. I say that I'm coming back as a sloth...where slow is expected! haha He chooses to pronounce it in the UK fashion. We like how they just hang around and smile sometimes. These will be fun pics to look at for the next 12 months!
May you close the year with values you hold dear
May float in all that is good
May you welcome the year with hope, joy and dedication
Without a camera...OH NO! Without a camera!!! ~ On my way to the bridge and then, I got to the bridge and realized my camera was home, on the ottoman. But, I'd seen all of these things already...things to capture, to share, to hold. Darn.
So, I grabbed a pen and paper...and wrote what I'd seen.
Sun lands in my eyes, as the hawk takes off, moving upwards...it soars"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Father and daughter.
She a princess, in a sparkly deep blue gown
He gazing off, while on his phone
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tumbleweeds tumbled up everywhere
up against fences and trashcan
whatever was in their path, stopping them
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As I got out of my car, walked past the princess...she says, "It's a beautiful day to be out here". So, I stop to chat. I agreed, it Was a beautiful day - bright blue skies, warmish...lovely. I asked her what she'd seen. "A dog", she replies. I (as usual) ask if she'd seen a lizard? I tell her about how they skitter through the dry leaves and how she has to look for them. I tell her about the rattle snake of July. Dad's ears perk up and he puts his phone down, his arm hanging by his side. I ask about birds. They saw a big white bird with long skinny legs, it didn't 'look well' and did not fly or move off when they got a bit closer. We thought maybe it was an egret? Although I've yet to see one near the bridge. I told them that I was watching a turkey vulture as I drove in. I shared how they could learn to identify them by their wing pattern. They were interested. I remember to tell them how the wires become magic in the setting sun. I try to describe that to them. We talked for a few more minutes. He was nice. She was charming. An old soul in a deep blue gown.
~~~~~~
I moved off, towards the bridge. But, before I even clear the curve before the bridge, I notice something new...new fern like plant growth...new colors, new 'weeds'. I curse my own forgetfulness and miss my camera. Later, I come to the realization that I really depend on my camera to tell stories. I consider this. In talking to J. he tells me that it is my 'creative expression tool'. I'd have to agree at this point.
Anyway, a few more paces down the path, the bridge in sight...what? What is this?
A man lays on the ground on his side, mermaid style. In front of him, an African American man stands in a pose. There is an umbrella light thing on tripod legs...there are bags of 'equipment' by the wooden bridge railing. The young man is wearing ALL white...skin tight, like - Skin TIGHT, white jeans with creative ripping, white boots and a white blazer - open. The blazer has precisely placed rips, fringe and things that glitter in the Bridge Sun. He is shirtless under that blazer. His face, angular - bronze with a tight ponytail, fashioned into a twist of some sort. Not one hair is out of place, held down by product. He moves with a particular grace.
As I move past, I hear him telling the photographer that he has some 'black boots' but not whatever was being suggested.
I move onto the bridge. I try to have my moments and look at the river - out of their way. I'm glad I don't have my camera, as I wouldn't want to ruin their shot with my obsessive attraction to capturing bridge life.
Later, I've returned over the bridge and sit on the little bench talking on the phone to a friend. He returns from the parking lot in his new outfit to be photographed. He is now wearing those black boots, Lime Green, flowing, satin/silk pants and a bright magenta satin/silk cape. He still does not wear a shirt. His bronze, buff body peeking out from beneath the cape. His twisted hair shimmers in the sun.
As he moves past, I spontaneously say, "I like this one too!" He smiles and laughs. So do I.
What a wild moment, seeing this model in his extreme outfits, his fit body and beautiful hair. Not the usual day at the bridge!!
Later, at home, J. says I should have asked his name, so I could check out his online stuff. I had not even thought of that. haha But, I tried to find that model, that braid, which I did not really...but I found this very surreal Instagram video. It is cool, but does not look like any of my bridge experiences or photographs. Of course, yesterday's experience was pretty new to me!
~~~~~
Talking to J. I notice a shape moving in and out of the vines on the corridor wall vines. I get up and go to the sliding glass door...what IS it? Suddenly, out of the vines pops a lil Junko! We haven't been seeing as many as we used to, but here was one - in the vines, on the grass, on the gas meters! I grabbed my camera (here I go again with the camera!!) - to take a photo to show J. We really enjoy these little dark-headed song birds!
In cleaning out some papers, I find several with odd notes or quotes on them. Mostly things I'd heard on the radio and what not. Bits and pieces that caught my ear, my imagination...
"Story Corp HIV" is what I wrote down so I could go back to their story about their secret rose project.
In a NPR interview with Billy Porter: "Religion is manmade but, spirituality is divine".
An interview with John Stamos...About Bob Saget "Bob never left anything on the table..."
"slow down a little bit, order the cake.”
~~~~~
I'm sure there are other papers floating around here, those which include other bits of wisdom. It's funny how whatever headspace a person is in...they can hear something that may or may not speak to them, ring true for them, spark other related thoughts for them. I kinda chuckle to myself when I find all of these random slips of paper with partial thoughts, quotes or resources jotted down. It is a little visit into what may have been forgotten, if I'd not put pen to paper.
I was struck by the beauty in her home world, her home, garden, art, man...yet she holds so many hard feelings about herself in her heart. How can that be? How can that be for all of us? How we can get the compliments and hear the criticism?
You can read the poem "She Let Go" by Safire Rose HERE.
~~~~~~~
The first night of Hanukkah, we face timed with my son/wife and little grandson. We sang the Dreidel song together. Last night, the second night of Hanukkah...we again lit our candles, said the blessings...we laughed and held so much in our hearts.
Today, the doorbell rang and there arrived a Delicious gift box of See's Milk Chocolate Bordeaux Chocolates! Yum! If you've never tasted these goodies...I highly suggest them!
Thank you friends!!
*Not a great photo, but pretty much captures the haste in which the box was opened and the candies whisked into our mouths!
May this season of light come home to you, however you celebrate
May sweetness arrive to your doorstep and your 'screen'
May you sometimes forget the camera, but remember the moments
After months of being annoyed by my super long and wild hair getting caught in all the wrong places and leaving strands everywhere...After the pandemic years, where I gave myself haircuts (which turned out ragged, but fine enough)...After all of that, I treated myself to a haircut with my long time hairdresser, but really friend. After 36 years, we have history and shared memories. It is always so good to catch up! And I am loving feeling lighter this week! Lighter is almost always good, yes?!
I came home from her place with a lil bit of "Baby Toes", which has already been planted, in with another very small plant for now. 🙂 It is such a fascinating plant. The bottom pic shows the remains of a recent bloom. You can see more at the link.
Late Tuesday night, the Owl calls. Again and again I hear the 'Whoo-whooing"...every time, a thrill. I quiet myself, breathing slowed...listening, listening - matching the rhythm of the owl's calls to those in my mind...together.
In looking for a recording of a Great Horned Owl call, like the one I heard...I also found this video below. I am grateful there are folks like these, who go the extra mile to care for Nature's Wildlife...helping them heal and setting them free again. Beautiful.
Part three is in process. This is the last part of the plan, for now anyway. So, I feel the conclusion getting closer. I have a few other weaving plans after this one. So, if you like, stay tuned!
I am an old woman Named after my mother My old man is another Child who's grown old
If dreams were lightning And thunder were desire This old house would've burned down A long time ago
Make me an angel That flies from Montgomery Make me a poster Of an old rodeo Just give me one thing That I can hold on to To believe in this livin' Is just a hard way to go
When I was a young girl Well, I had me a cowboy He weren't much to look at Just a free ramblin' man
But that was a long time And no matter how I tried The years just flowed by Like a broken down dam
Make me an angel That flies from Montgomery Make me a poster Of an old rodeo Just give me one thing That I can hold on to To believe in this livin' Is just a hard way to go
There's flies in the kitchen I can hear 'em there buzzin' And I ain't done nothing Since I woke up today
How the hell can a person Go to work in the morning Then come home in the evening And have nothing to say?
Make me an angel That flies from Montgomery Make me a poster Of an old rodeo Just give me one thing That I can hold on to To believe in this livin' Is just a hard way to go
To believe in this livin' Is just a hard way to go
No matter the year, no mater the version or who sings with Miss Bonnie...this song takes me down every time. Here is another amazing version from 2022. The harmonies at the end...precious.
I'm sure I've put this song here before...Yep - HERE and HERE
Anyway, The first verse popped into my head this morning, and I was humming, singing away. 🙂 J. and I talked about the lyrics, John Prine...the fact that he was only about 24 when he wrote this song - that captures so, so much.
This sent me looking up the lyrics (not that I didn't know them already, but to see them in print). Again, how did he do that - wrote this beauty of a song?!
In the reading, I learned a new word "lachrymose"...seems like this is a word I should have known! ha.
And in some comment somewhere...a quote to ponder. I can safely say, that at this point I'm happy to move away from "busy". Again:
"Don't just do something, sit there"
The version I post today is older, a younger Bonnie...man, I love her and this song...when she flashes that dimple. sigh. I've listened to half a dozen others today, but only share 2 here.
Enjoy y'all.
~~~~~❤️~~~~~
Off to The Bridge I went today. Finally. It felt like I'd been away so long, too long. I was happy to be back.
A bright and beautiful day. It was so busy there. Lots of bike riders, a skateboarder and a whole "gang of bikers"...who were gathered at the benches near the map...and were talking, smoking, preaching, speeching, jousting with one another and voting on some infraction of some sort.
This tree had some sort of white something on its lower half. I have no idea what this was. It looked kinda like paint? Which makes no sense. I also considered the fact that there are still fruit fly traps everywhere out here...could that have anything to do with it? Mmmmm...
The tree above had angel wings 🙂 The river seemed lower today....maybe.
But, the sky was as big and bright as usual. It seems as if each time I come to The Bridge, it is gorgeous weather and sky! I never tire of this.
Today, I was greeted by a very vocal crow on the Bridge. There he sat making his crow sounds for the longest time. I watched and took dozens of photos. After a few minutes, another crow joined him. This one flew over with something in its beak. It landed near the first one and proceeded to eat or crack open or whatever crows do. The first crow quite quickly flew off to the side supports of the Bridge. I just stood as an observer. Many people passed by, without a second glance, oblivious to the action overhead. I thought the first crow may go towards one of the nests, but never did see that happen.
Do you see First Crow up in the center there? He had his back to me. When he moved, his feathers became the blue/black of Veronica's hair in the Archie comics.
Off to the side...and second crow...
Once again...that teeny square nail shined blue in the sunlight. Try as I might, I really can't capture that. This was a close as I could get today. See the tiny nail near the knothole? It shines the most beautiful shade of blue!
Bridge folks and art shots!
After being with crows for some time, I moved on...walking quietly and telling them that it was Okay, I wouldn't hurt them. It was then, as I moved past them that I heard Hawk cries. My head spun around and my shaded eyes searched the skies. I heard first one, then an answering Hawk. Then the Crows started to call back to the Hawk.
Somewhere in this sky were two hawks, calling...disappearing with a tilt of their wings. I looked, watched for a long time. Just this brief encounter made my heart soar.
Today I was able to walk a bit further again...so I made sure to check in on the Odd Poles. The nesting material was gone and in its place was some sort of fibrous material. What was it?
~~~~~~
I had a couple of other stops today. Nothing all that important. But what was noticeable were the amount of crows out playing. It was not really windy (we know how they love the wind!) - but, they were everywhere in vast numbers!
Two Crow trees in a parking lot. You can't even really see how many there were perched in these trees in front of my parked car. Maybe you can enlarge to see more.
Then on the way out, EVEN MORE CROWS!! It seriously looked like the movie "The Birds". haha They kept moving about, so these photos also do not capture the impact of seeing so many at once (but I was literally pulled over on the exit driveway to take these!). It was wild.
