Talk About Slow

AKA: All In Good Time

Well if you jump in my time machine and travel back a little more 

than two years down the trail to here

...you'll see at the very end of the post a little chap all packed and ready to go. 

You'll see Mr. PR.

Mr. PR

 Look at that face!  In true Nancy fashion, things around here move at a s-l-o-w pace.  But, I've got to tell you all that Mr. PR has not minded one bit.  He has spent his days packing and unpacking his suitcase, visiting "The Girls" (my neighbors chickens) in the back 40,  and listening the pleas, rants and ideas of The Gang.

It turns out many of them want to travel with him.

Dutch Boy has said repeatedly that he is tall and strong and could help carry his bag and help with the little ones.  He reminds Mr. PR about the time he held back all of the water in the dike!!!  He says that surely he could be put to good use on this trip and in this new community.  I smile when they have these conversations as Dutch Boy is usually so quiet and looks to be so shy.  Yet, he is a confident young man nonetheless and he speaks proudly of what he has done and what he feels he could contribute.  He reminds Mr. PR that when he held back the water, he was at first working all alone.  He worked alone until it was almost unbearable and he thought he would fail.  But, then others saw him and came to help too.  He insists it was his quiet steadfastness that drew the others in and in the end, saved the whole community as they all worked together.

It turns out that Mr. PR is a good listener.  He not only wallows in the dusty dirt out back, but he wallows in the feelings of others.  He heard Dutch Boy, reflected on what he said and decided he had presented a truthful case.  

Dutch Boy is now anxiously awaiting the journey.

Mr. PR and Dutch Boy fooling around.  Silly guys!

 Meanwhile, the Twins and their Big Baby Sister all listened to this conversation as they rested in their spots.  You see, all three have been very young for many years.  For a long while now, the three of them have not been feeling as well as one would think they would.

I mean, look at these girls (yes, you are right the are not identical twins, although sometimes they can fool people!)

The Twins

They are so adorable and look so healthy within their little bodies.

But, alas...sometimes looks can be deceiving.  All of these years later and wellness fades.

Over here, we love them and Big Baby Sister just the same.  They have shown us all that each one of us has something to contribute to the community.  The twins are our sweethearts.  They are the two who soothe the hurt feelings and settle the squabbles between the others.  Maybe being a twin has given them an extra edge on learning how to compromise and live together.  They've asked to travel on the journey because they heard the stories of the far-away place and think there may be healing properties there for them.

They KNOW there will be fun and lots of new folks to meet, which really excites them!  They've convinced Mr. PR (and Dutch Boy agrees) that they have something to offer and something to gain from this trip.  Isn't that how life should be? they ask in their diplomatic voices.  Big Baby Sister listened.  She then said, in no uncertain terms (putting down her bigger baby foot, if you will) that if The Twins are going, then she she shall be going too.  She asked Dutch Boy to help her gather her things.  I hope the days of travel are not too hard on her she is almost 50 years young-old.

The others overheard the plans of the Three Babies...more of The Gang began to speak up!

Oy!

_____________________________________________________

So, as all of this conversation and chatter and convincing and...well...there has been no compromising really...has been going on...I've been busy trying to make their trip come together.

I thought it was close.

I really did.

Letters were written.

Odds and Ends collected.

Yarn Fibers had long, long ago spoken. 

Scraps of fabric lay in wait.

All of The Gang, who had asked, pleaded, demanded or begged to go...were ready.

AND THEN...

Cloth spoke.

sigh

________________________

Now we all know there is a grand difference between fabric and cloth. 

Cloth Speaks

This cloth said "NANCY...what are you thinking???  You always send something with at least a stitch or two on it...some sort of Story Starter.  Why have you allowed so many of The Gang to go and gathered the other Goodies...and not considered sending a stitch?  Especially when you look everyday at the beautiful stitches of hers, of Saskia's 

~ which hang on the wall within easy view.

Well, what could I do, but listen to Vintage Cloth Chick?!

Vintage Cloth Chick

So, in between her sips of The Bubbly, I'm putting some stitches into her neighborhood.

I'm trying real hard not to spill as I stitch!

OK, OK Vintage Cloth Chick, I heard ya!

______________________________________

I better get back to work before someone else around here speaks up!

I sure hope Saskia is ready for the influx of those hearing about her beautiful promised land!

Photos by NAE @pomegranatetrail ©2015

8~ July Trip

Well in the last post...I quickly hit publish without telling you of the most excellent bookstore in Morro Bay (where some of the garden pictures were taken).  It is called Coalesce and is one of those independent bookstores with a coastal, hippie, liberal feel to it.  One you could stay in for hours!  The garden/chapel area was just wonderful!  Another reason to live in this town in my book!!  Haha no pun intended!! Really.

The other garden pictures were behind a fantastic bead store.  I kinda mixed them up, but no matter.  This was the music store: Central Coast Music.  I wouldn't feel right not linking them...giving them all their moment in the sun!  Such cool stores and folks up that way!
I just think it would be wonderful to live somewhere that has gardens behind their stores!


So, on our way home, we made some stops in Avila Beach, a beautiful Central Coast town.
We walked on the pier...

Lots of fish happenings and a cold breeze on this pier.

First pier I've been on that I've seen a fish cleaning station and men hard at work on that task.

The view to the right of the pier (above) and to the left of the pier (below).  I marveled at how different the water looked.  It really was green VS blue as shown in these photos!

The seals were loud and hysterical.  With this whole platform for them to sunbathe on...they all crowded on the corner together.  In fact, they not only crowded, but they fought over space there!  I had to chuckle as I felt the connection to my classroom!

Then we stopped at a farm...AND MORE stand.  There was tons of fruits and vegetables of every kind.  Super delicious white nectarines!! Plus, there was breads and specialty candies and honey...and more!

What a scene!

Right along side the edibles, there were all sorts of animals!
Horses, goats, chickens, rabbits...and more!  I of course thought of Grace when I saw the goats.  Their floppy ears looked so soft, I wanted to feel them!

Crazy Beatles haircut!!

This one was super tall

This place was jam packed with families with young children.  It was really nice to see so many out enjoying the beautiful day together.  It reminded me of something I would have done when my children were young.

Enjoying a tractor ride

For how many posts I made out of this short trip and for how long it has taken me to post them...one may get the idea that I really like looking back on this trip.  Well, they'd be right!  It was a wonderful trip that I'd do again in a heartbeat.  Like I said, I'd love to live on the Central Coast!
Next post: some animals and cloth...

Photos by NAE @pomegranatetrail ©2014

Happy New Year 2014

Happy New Year 2014!

Main Street New Year's Eve

May your year be full of twinkles and fun!

Leather wear anyone?

I'll post the latest walk/hike soon...

Until then, I'll just keep going...

I've added the non-twinkle photo to compare.
I don't know how I keep animating these photos!

Photos by NAE @pomegranatetrail ©2014

Second Anniversary UPDATE

For those of you who commented on my 

2nd Anniversary post (you can see that here)

I held the drawing, names on vintage water colored paper (done by me years ago, you can see it in this post

 ...gathered together

A clothespin keeps the secret of each name.

Until one is chosen...

 

And the winner is...

Yvette of Feathers From Heaven

Congratulations Yvette!  Please email me with your address and anything else you'd like me to put in my thinking cap while working on your gift!

Thank you for being a part of pomegranate trail,

Nancy

Photos by NAE @pomegranatetrail ©2013

Second Anniversary

Well...

Here I am again, celebrating an anniversary! 

I can hardly believe it's been two years since the birth of pomegranate trail.

There have been lots of twists and turns.

desert bark

It's interesting, when I look back over some of the old posts, to see where I've been.

There have been cycles of posts shifting in their frequency or subject matter.

Trends...or moods that have come and gone.

desert highs and lows

All of the layers have added up to a wonderful experience.

I've enjoyed the...

sharing

videos

links

words

photography

stories

cloth

conversations

But most of all...meeting new friends!

desert layers

I again would like to say THANK YOU to all of my readers (read that as friends) who have shared this journey with me.  I am so blessed to have stumbled my way into this amazing community of talented, thoughtful women (and Joe too of course!)

As I did for last year's anniversary, I will again be doing a giveaway here on the trail.

Something cloth of course.

But, something more too (of course!)

Maybe even a fulfilled request of the recipient!

I'm entertaining the idea of desert colors this time as a reflection of my recent trip.

Or maybe even the Desert Sunset cloth!

I've yet to begin work on it as I really enjoy making with someone special in mind.

If you'd like to be considered in the give away, please let me know in the comments.

Last year when I drew names...
Michelle of Ms. Unsertainty Principles was the lucky gal.

This is what I sent her!

Here are more photos to dream with!

Warmly, Nancy

UPDATE:
I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT I WILL BE DRAWING THE NAME ON SUNDAY MAY 6TH.
THIS WILL GIVE FOLKS A CHANCE TO COMMENT IF THEY WANT TO.
UNTIL THEN...

Photos by NAE @pomegranatetrail ©2013

Sing! Day of song - Bobby McFerrin - Improvisation

 Here is link for the above video.

                                    OK......
So over at Deb's for the last couple days, mentions have been made of Bobby McFerrin.
That sent me on a trip down memory lane!  As I just this weekend got a working VCR hooked up again after many long years, I took time in my day Sunday to delight in watching my children growing through their childhoods, in such random order that my brain was dizzy by the end!  Oh but such good memories, one of which includes my daughter aged 6 singing "Don't Worry, Be Happy"... a true favorite song of hers.  Boy, that whole parenthood piece that feels light years away now.  This was a different viewing than those past because now both of parents have passed on and so I was grateful to see them moving, talking, singing and laughing again.  It was wonderful!  I think I'll consider this an early Mother's Day gift to myself.

But, what also emerged after viewing a few of McFerrin's videos is what I've missed all the years since he sang about happiness.  I remember at the time that song came out it was criticized as fluff.  My theory, at the time, was that there must be some reason it's such a hit!  I thought (think) it is: People need song, every kind of song, for every kind of reason!
This man is a special spirit and musical genius.   Simple as that.

I highly recommend getting lost for a bit to welcome some journeys either old by taking a day trip down memory lane...or new by following a new (or renewed) interest down the trail for a bit.

You may want to check out some of these:
Catching Song  ~ A nice long interview to listen and stitch with
Wizard of Oz    ~ Bobby style!  What a ride :)
Spontaneous Chorus  ~Wouldn't you love to be in this audience (on or off stage)?!
With Anne Marie Hassing  ~All of the Master Class & Aarhus Vocal Festival are a treat!

I'm forcing myself to stop linking.  But do explore for yourself and share your favorites!
*Note- don't miss his son and father as well!

I'll leave you with the closing thought, in the way of a question:
If you watched any of these videos, did you notice that in every one...there was not only song...but there was laughter, hugs and pure joy in their shared experience!
Now that's what this world needs!

10 Minute Drill #16 - Weeeeeee

OK...environmental impact aside (because how many could really be brave enough anyway)...

How would it feel to fly?

The most recent research says swinging is good for brain development and brain organization skills!  Yet more and more schools have been removing swing-sets.  Do YOU like to swing?  When was the last time you had this kind of swinging good time?

This is some powerful brain fun!!  Heehee

It made me smile :)

And some of the other videos below look rather intriguing, 

but I'm off to help my sister unpack more boxes.

Go here to see the swing

Have a Swinging Sunday folks!

Love is Everywhere

A quick hello and a link to share.

I have the mysteries to reveal, but not the time tonight.

So, instead I will send a loving Happy Valentine's Day in the 

Natural World 

But, I will be back to share more soon.

Valentine Story:

One year, my dad who was not the romantic type...who was not the flowers and candy type...who was not the gift or card buying type...

One Year he tied a wrinkled ribbon around his neck, put on his 1970 era yellow shorts, and gave my mother a card (yep, he'd actually bought one that year)...

when he surprised her by giving himself as her gift to celebrate Happy Valentime's Day, because that's how he said it, that's how he was.

I remember it because it was funny and silly and a unique action on my dad's part.

I remember it because my mom laughed and laughed and loved it so.

We all enjoyed this simple act of love in the moment and for many years after.

Continuing Part 2

Now THIS is continuing!!!

My friend had this on her FaceBook wall and I just had to share it with ya'll! 

So, follow this link: stickers

BTW- this site looks like it has some other curious visual pleasures.

I'll have to check it out...

Laughing Man Monday

 

I hope you've had this kind of day!

Ojai Day & Ojai Night

 This weekend was Ojai Day and Ojai Night.  An annual street fair celebrating the rich artistic, agricultural and cultural heritage of the Ojai Valley.

Beautiful weather, a wonderful location and great sights...it doesn't get any better than this!

Oh wait, it does get better...it was free!

 While there were probably more people in attendance at the Ojai street fair, it did not feel anywhere as crowded as the Avocado Festival!  

Let me share some of the sites (both physical sites, captured with my camera and websites, I discovered while roaming about!)

 

Driving into town we see this thought provoking sculpture at The Amestoy House, which is a former cooking school, now facility for rent for retreats or... ?

 Once in town, there are courtyard sculptures:

In a courtyard between stores, "It's Been a Hard Day's Night"

Mosaic chair in the "Secret Reading Room" a quiet courtyard at the local library

"Woman- A Work in Progress" by Oatley Kidder

 (lignum vitae)

Sculpture at the local museum.

 There was so much to see!  Lots of arts...so much variety at this fair.

 These are the arts/artists that caught my eye:

Martha Moran and her cairns - rock sculptures of beauty and balance

 Dan Shattuck where I purchased one handmade gift,

 but I won't tell what...Shhh...it's a secret!

Julie Lovejoy's little houses filled with fairy stories.

 You can purchase them here.

Aya Papaya's feather earings and 'warrior headbands' reminded me of my online friends!

Then, there was the BoriDolls table filled with needle felted treasures!

One was more precious than the next!  I can safely say if my daughter was still in her girlhood days or I had a grandaughter...I'd have been in self-control trouble!  She's on FaceBook and be sure to follow the link to her shop.

 There were gourd artists, celebrating this traditional fall decoration in unique ways!

Can you find the magic gourd?!  Ha! There were many booths that  supported our natural environment...drought tolerant plants...bicycles, there were California Condors, owls hawks, and others... the Turtle Conservancy Behler Chelonian Center ...all on display for educational purposes.  There was information shared about the Chumash Indians as well as a variety of spiritual and wellness experiences.  Massage anyone?

Along with all of the shopping and learning one could do, there was music to listen to and food to gobble up!

Isn't this charming?

If that is not enough, there was a huge variety of activities for children, including tie-dyeing, getting tattoos (fake of course!!) and art experiences. 

There were slot cars and camel rides, a bucking bull machine, a skateboard park, and a ride that could only be described as a big hamster ball...with a child inside!!!! 

                   

This went really slow while the little kids sat astride, waving one arm!

 The kids rolled and kicked and tried to stand up and run!  They fell and laughed hysterically!  The helper in the water gave 'em a push if they got stuck and helped guide them to their fellow helper outside of the pool when a turn had ended.  Up, up and over the edge...down the ramp and out you go little hamster-child!  Oh how I wished my grandson was with us to enjoy a rolling good time!

In my opinion, much better than those bounce-house things!

A skate park welcome!

Lots of rust!

Car show

Hay rides in the back of an old truck

Lion caught in a tree!

Goodbye Ojai...Thanks for a great afternoon!

Photos by NAE @pomegranatetrail ©2011