The Rain Came

Listening intently she thought she could hear the pitter patter of tiny feet . . . . .

As a child she believed that fairies existed and smiled at the memory of making fairy cups each time it rained.  Placing little receptacles for the fairies to drink from carefully in the ground.  Nothing quite as potent as childhood wonder and the air fresh with life and promise.

When the rain stopped and she saw tiny magnifying glasses disguised as water droplets she thought maybe it was tiny feet and laughter that she'd heard after all.

Linking up with Nancy for this weeks' Sunday Best.

Changes

Apologies if my blogging has been a bit sporadic lately . . . my husband was recently made redundant and we will be moving to Cincinnati in just under two weeks time.  To say that it's been kind of crazy the last few weeks is a bit of an understatement. 

With our current house on the market I've had to pack away all my art supplies and turn my studio back into a breakfast nook/sunroom.    It feels strange not to be able to pull out a canvas and some paints whenever I feel like it.  At least I have a space in our new home which I'm looking forward to getting creative in.

I was hoping to turn to photography while my paints are stashed but I've been experiencing a lot of knee pain which has been curtailing my trips out with the camera.  Following a recent MRI I found out that there is a large tear in my medial meniscus and it looks like I will require surgery.  From what I understand that will requires a lengthy recovery time but I guess I'll know more once I've seen an Ortho Surgeon in Cincinnati.

Hope you are all enjoying the summer months, please bear with me while I limp along (literally).

Texture Tuesday: Outside

Every time I return to the UK I find myself drawn to the Cotswold Wildlife Park.  It is close to where my family lives and I have many fond memories of time spent there as a child.  

This image of an ostrich was taken during my last visit to the UK when I visited the Wildlife Park with my brother.  It has been textured with 'start' and 'organic'.

Linking up with Kim for this weeks' Texture Tuesday.

Hot But Happy



Gingerly she stretched out on the seat of the picnic bench and laid down.  It was hard against her back but as she gazed skyward she felt her muscles relax.  It had been so hot the last few days that she was thankful for the shade of a nearby tree.

She felt herself drifting, just like the puffy white clouds in sky.  Lost in her thoughts as a warm gust of wind tickled the hairs on the back of her neck, playful in nature. 

The insistent buzz of a wasp sharply focused her attention, an unwelcome distraction.  Slowly the sound of children's laughter, birdsong and water cascading over rocks soothed her annoyance, smoothing out the edges.

Her thoughts turned to her husband and dog walking the nearby trails as she looked down at her knee brace.  Disappointed that she'd been unable to join them but thankful for the peacefulness of her surroundings after such a stressful week . . . . and then there they were, appearing out of the woods, hot but happy.

Toothless In Virginia

My poor little boy had to have four (yes you read that right) teeth removed a couple of days ago.  Unfortunately, despite all our efforts with his teeth, we were told he just has bad genes.  He's such a sweetheart and never complains so I hope he wasn't in pain.  I'm like an anxious parent whenever one of our animals goes to the vets . . . waiting and wondering until I can bring them safely home again.

Just Messing About In The Water

It's been crazy hot here the last few days so we took Ravyn to the river to cool off.

She had so much fun diving in the water and retrieving sticks.  I almost wish I could approach life with the same kind of abandon that she does.  Talk about no fear.  What have you been doing to cool off this summer?

Can You?

Can you touch your nose with your tongue?  Just for the record I can't!

Its Grip Was Strong

It began as it always did, clawing its way up the left side of her face. The familiar trail of pain lengthening as it encircled her eye and settled in for the duration.  Light and sound intensifying with each claw hold, her senses crying out in protest.

Holding her head in her hands she knew and steeled herself for the long haul.  Its grip was strong and tonight was going to be a long night.

Feeling The Love

Mother Nature has this beautiful way of providing you with precious moments when you need them most . . .  like little love notes just for you.

Photo Heart Connection: June

Gazing at this image I see my own life reflected there.  The contrast of the old and the new, letting go of the past, embracing the future, growth and change . . . . internally and externally.

Linking up with Kat for June's Photo Heart Connection.

The Only Constant Is Change

winds of change encircle me

caress me, call out my name

faintly at first

barely a whisper

then more insistent

more urgent

increasing in intensity

unwilling to be ignored

Kathryn Dyche Dechairo

*****

We had a terrible storm roll through here Friday evening and have been without power the last few days

just in case you were wondering where I'd been.