Dancing In the Rain (ADDENDUM BELOW)

Thought for the day

"The man who does not know nature, who does not walk under the leaves as his own roof, is partial and wounded."

Winter Hours

by

Mary Oliver

From my perch in the studio, I look out onto the tiny potager where rain is steadily falling. Borders of alpine strawberries, scraggly a month ago, are now fulsome with new leaves and their first white flowers. No early morning nightgown stroll in the garden for me today, just a hasty run to the hummingbird feeder, back to the kitchen to scrub and fill it, and back to hang it in place. Two Anna's hummers awaited, and they weren't about to share with each other. Their clashing needle-bills look deadly, but I've never seen one hurt another.

Took this photo through my bedroom window (sorry about the screen)

I had to stop midstream and run back out to the goldfinch feeder where a few dozen American and Lesser goldfinches were setting up a hue and cry which translated to "more nyjer seeds!" and there was no mention of "PLEASE" in their conversation. I filled the tube feeder to the top, dodged the worst of the off-the-roof waterfalls, and hung it back on its hook under the arbor. I love whistling to these little visitors, who faithfully call back to me as they leave their perches on the leafless Brown turkey fig and flock to the swaying feeder.

I am so happy to have this rain soaking everything. I imagine the tiny seeds swelling below me, slowly opening, then poking their first tentative leaves into the light. In anticipation of the recent storms, I broadcast a pound of California wildflower seeds along the pathway leading to our doorway. What could be a better welcome mat for friends? The first to emerge were the dime-sized silver-blue doilies of native poppies. Next came the pinked leaves of baby-blue-eyes, clarkia, and a host of younglings, small as pins and impossible to identify for another week or so. I will watch their progress daily, but for now, I am just grateful for the blessing of rains.

The pathway to my front door. Wildflower seeds are sprouting along the way. My herb and potting shed is on the left

Terrace where I do my potting

My potting bench and supplies-to the right are my wash-tubs, which we discovered in Illinois on our trip east to Maine. I fill the right side with potting soil.

P.S. My Grandmother used to sing this little song to me on rainy days when we went outdoors to search the sidewalks for worms.

When fishes set umbrellas up

and when the raindrops come,

Lizards will want parasols

To shade them from the sun.
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Okay, I'm Sharon's biggest fan and proud husband. Sharon wouldn't post this, but I will.

We just received notice that Sharon's newest book Toad Cottages & Shooting Stars received an iParenting.com Media Award for 2010.


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Guess who's buying whom dinner tonight?