Ode to September

Wherein we got our updated Covid & Flu Vaccines, and the cub landed the job he's wanted since he 14 yo.  He loves working there, and he can walk there which is ideal given all his car troubles.  Major car repairs for both the cub and me ($450 and $950 respectively - ooof!)  Our clinic is expanding and I got one of my friends a job on our team.   Looking forward to the completion of our new building so we can all be working together.   Linen pajamas on clearance that are so wonderful, they could double as clothes.   Listening to Nat King Cole's 'Tis Autumn and this adorable song!  Missing the longer days.

Ode to August: Forward

Wherein we had a gorgeous rainbow; a tornado touch down in B'ville and subsequent tornado warning that sent us to the basement; tranquil moments at the lake; finished a 6 wk course (while working both a f/t and p/t job); reflected on my endurance over the last 5 years. Evenings on the deck are what's grounding me these days. Grateful to see a few meteors this month.  An unexpected shift in the workplace.  Also an elevation in the overall vibe. A beautiful postcard arrived from a dear friend! A new classical album, "Solos" by composer, Bryce Dessner, dropped, and I treated myself on iTunes. Despite this month being the anniversary of our family tragedy, there were moments of laughter. One of the best laughs was being called a "Flaming Liberal" by a pastor, at which I thanked him for the complement (I want that on a shirt). Feeling more hopeful about November, and the future in general. Forward!

and that's when I went inside

Evenings with Amelia Hummingbird

Portal

Petra

Birdmoss

The funniest excuse!

Ode to July: Beholding

There is a way of beholding nature which is a form of prayer, a way of minding something with such clarity and aliveness that the rest of the world recedes. - Diane Ackerman

Wherein there was grilled peach and burrata sandwiches, a visit from Amelia Earhart Hummingbird.  Swoon-worthy sunsets and Gochujang Potato.  And a moth party at the arboretum, and a much needed haircut. 

Grilled Peach & Burrata

Gochujang

Irish Cheddar & Honey Goat Cheese

Cinder casting spells

Ode to June: Deep Attention

We can't enchant the world, which makes its own magic; but we can enchant ourselves by paying deep attention. - Diane Ackerman

Wherein there was much blooming, a goldfinch, a zebra swallowtail, a mantis and fox!  The kind psych nurse where I work remembered my quest for smoked mozzarella and he spotted some at his market and brought me some for my pizza making.  I went to an art installation in the Ginkgo grove with a friend, and had a firefly picnic with 3 Mighty Girl Alums.  There were gorgeous skies, a rainbow, ice cream, sadly a drought for the second year in a row. 

Cinder's Toe Beans

Wormwood and petunias

St. John's Wort

Smoked Mozzarella Pizza

Rest in power, little lady.