Start of Summer 2008 06 22 08

Morning Folks!

What an absolutely gorgeous Sunday morning here in Ooltewah. I hope you are enjoying your day as much as I am mine.

(remember to click on the pictures to enlarge them.)





The back deck on our house has this magical pull, for some reason, for both humans and hummingbirds alike. The view in one direction is just of houses and backyards, some power lines and a school.

But, we are up high on a hill, the deck is 10 or 12 feet off the ground and if you look to the west, there are woods and all you see are trees and sky. We are treated to some pretty amazing sunsets, too.

This morning, like most mornings, I brought my coffee out on the deck. Having run to the store to pick up the Sunday Chattanooga Times Free Press, I was all ready to spend some time with the latest news and shopping flyers. Now, when I am on the beach with the latest summer novel, I always have every intention of getting deep into the book, in fact I eagerly look forward to it. But, for some reason, with the ocean right there in front of me, my eyes are drawn to the water and I am lost at sea. And this morning, like when I am at the ocean, trying to concentrate on reading was just as futile.

The warm gentle breeze, the vivid colors and the occasional soft scent of nearby flowers, the birdsong, and quiet activity of the local wildlife was just too distracting, too mesmerizing.

So, I folded up the paper and just settled in and took in what was happening all around me, just enjoying being in the present moment.

A rabbit out by the neighbor's fence nibbled on the grass under the young apple tree and a bluebird sitting on a branch above, appeared brighter blue than usual against the pale yellow of the abundant golden delicious apples there. Along with mockingbirds and sparrows, chicadees and mockingbirds, the dove family of four roosted in a nearby oak tree, cooing and enjoying each other's company and the cardinal couples we always see were sharing their songs with anyone who would listen. I didn't even mind the squirrels hopping around digging near the tree trunks; and those of you who know my history with squirrels might find that surprising.

As I sat there taking it all in, I wanted so much to share it with someone. Ed was working so I couldn't share it with him. And the memory of spending time out there on the deck first with Kitty and Rick and then with Dad and Inez when they came for visits in May was still fresh in my mind. For me, those times out on the deck were the best part of their visits, but I don't think there was a day as beautiful as today during their times with us.

I think the hummingbirds thought today was especially beautiful, too, because they were showing up a little more frequently than usual and coming every few minutes.

So, I decided to get the camera.

Taking the pictures and trying to get the hummingbirds on video broke the spell a little for me, but I just had to share it with y'all. And I can go out there tomorrow and experience the same thing again, so I didn't really mind.

I know each of you has a little bit of heaven on earth some where in your lives and I hope you get to enjoy it today. For you that might be a garden or a spot in the sun or by the water or just cuddling with someone you love. I have been reading a lot lately about how being in the moment, just in the present, is the way to find peace and some even think that at that moment when there is no past or future but just the 'now', we are in the presence of God. So, I guess it would be appropriate to feel as if there was a little bit of heaven on earth for me when I was surrounded by such peacefulness and beauty. If nothing else, it certainly soothes the soul.

Having some of you here with me would have made it perfect, but for now this will have to do. Now, the video is a little rough, and I apologize, but you should be able to get the idea. For some reason I couldn't post through the blog site so I am trying to do it through YouTube. Hope it works.

either click on the following or copy and paste in your browser.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyleKIuL1XQ


Happy Beginning of Summer. Happy Sunday. Happy Week!
Love,
Suz