What a painful day.

Where is the 

Peace on Earth

and Mercy Mild

for our children,

for families,

for the innocents

of our country?

When, when

are we going to stop

this absolutely awful and

heartbreaking trend?

When are we going to say

"No" to all of these

destructive weapons?

I do know that millions

of hearts, prayers and thoughts

go out to the victims

and their families.

It is a good thing to do,

but...we need to stand up

and scream and demand

NO MORE.

ABSOLUTELY NO MORE

and crap to the politics of gun control.

NO MORE.

Gone For a Bit

I will be missing for a bit.

I do hope that it is a very short time..

having surgery today

to repair a hernia.

It's always fun here.

Love to all, Ellen.

Honor and Remembrance

National Memorial of the Pacific
Close to my "growing up home"
on the island of Oahu.
It is a beautiful place
which also holds these words
for the thousands who are missing,
lost, or buried at sea.

IN THESE GARDENS ARE RECORDED
THE NAMES OF AMERICANS
WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES
IN THE SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY
AND WHOSE EARTHLY RESTING PLACE
IS KNOWN ONLY TO GOD

Feeling

a bit fragile

and vulnerable,

though it has been

a good day.

Quiet,

still and still.

Aren't we blessed

to have such beauty

around us?

Quiet, stillness

and transparency can be good.

Still, still, still..

that's how we find ourselves.

best. e.

It Happens

But it always makes me sad.

Such a short life,

and who is left to wonder

where he/she is?

I have learned that many times
they recover if left alone.
Not this time.
He/she is tucked in the flower bed
away from the cat and dog.
Fly away little soul,
and thank you for the beauty of your song,
the swiftness of your wings
and your feathers that reflected
the wide open sky.
best, e.

Autumnal Glory

..Seen in a few of our greenhouses..

Many pictures, I know.

Wasp taken by my son on his phone.

 Porcelain beauty of the ginkgo..

living fossil

coral or angel wings

Contrast in color that I loved

Beautiful bark..I am ignorant about which maple this is
but I can still rejoice in it's beauty

Again, loved the dappled beauty here

Dried, down to the bone
holds it's own loveliness

More of the same

Dappled, freckled

Old angel's wings

Bark with character
age has it's beauty

Always look down
for there is surprise and delight

Fairy pillow
Green in the land of reds and golds

Magical palette..

best to all, e.

Wishing ...

and praying

for all who have been,

and are in harm's way...

May comfort and safety

come your way.

May your loved ones

be safe and gathered round you.

May the following days

bring hope,

and all things good.

May you all

be well.

Perfectly Peaceful Pasture

Pure Pleasure.

Taken by my son

on his phone.

best, e.

Inside the Inside

Rainy

Inside is good.

What is even more wonderful

is the goodness, the friendship, and

the connectedness of

other people.

Such a blessing.

Whew!

best to all, e.

Small Fall Before the Big Rain

So much potential,

but early rains do put an end

to the beauty that could be.

It is what is.

What came before the rains

was magnificent and such a blessing.

Is it selfish to want more?

Perhaps so.

I am grateful,

though feeling quite greedy.

I do want the promise of oaks,

maples and the glory of

the autumnal skies

to be fulfilled.

best, e.

Spleniferous Grass

best to all, e.

This Afternoon...

I cleaned out some dead flowers..

looked at the lovely wine grapes,

and as I wandered around,

I listened to the very far

and faint susurration

of the crickets.

It was a beautiful day.

Made more beautiful

because of thoughtful notes

from loving and caring people

whom I love. Thank you all.

As I listened to the distant strains

of the crickets, such dainty beings,

I imagine that tonight

they are donning their tuxedos,

ties, white blouses

and black skirts.

I believe that if I pay attention very carefully,

I will hear the magnificent

orchestration of Vivaldi's

Autumn.

I hope that you can hear it too,

no matter where you are.

Tuning up the strings,

tightening the bow, 

all as one rejoicing in 

this beautiful season.

I hear the "tap, tap" of the conductor.

Ready, begin, and the music

flows like water

over the linen grasses,

it blows through the waning

light of the moon.

The brilliant stars light the way

for all of us to take a seat,

to listen and give applauds 

for this gentle and gorgeous

time.

With love and best, e.

Holding On To Some Old...

Welcoming In The New...

Old photos that give me joy.

Saying goodbye to September.

September that brought such beauty

and some difficult times.

I greet October.

She will come with such loveliness.

I do know this.

Slanting light that limns.

Cold mornings and warm days.

October gathers her palette

and holds her brushes

so softly as she touches

each leaf and the sky

with her sweet and soulful hand.

best, e.