As per normal, my life contains way more than my blogging might suggest. Most of my posts remain in my head, but this event is worth sharing.

During the migration season, on my brother’s birthday, my mom and I met my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew for a day of birding near the Susquehanna River. It’s almost like cheating to go birding with my brother, Dave, and Collin. They know bird songs. So they say “Oh, that’s a yellow-billed-cuckoo singing, look over there.” And we see a yellow -billed -cuckoo.

This is also how we spotted the black and white warbler

And the orchard oriole

This is nephew Collin, my mom, and Dave on the hunt.

And this is Lisa.  Did I mention it rained much of the day?

I spotted this Canada goose family on my own. Love that row of fluffy babes.

Then we went to the nearby Conowingo…

I was asked by a shop owner recently to bring in some of my work as she had heard of it and was interested in offering some for sale. She gave a glowing description of how she loves to support local artists and has several whose works move swiftly through her shop.

• 

So, a few days ago, I packaged up a range of cards and small art pieces and took them in. I laid a few of the cards in front of her – leaving more cards and all of the artwork in my bag. She swept her hand through the examples and said “No, these aren’t what I sell – too vivid.”

The viewing took maybe five seconds.

I gathered up the rejected work and put them back in my bag. I didn’t offer her any more to look at and she didn’t ask to see them.

• 

The impeccably…

We should all give thanks to the Lord for he is our creator and savior.

He made all things possible.

Whether you are sad or happy, be thankful.

Whether you got problems or not, be thankful.

Life is not perfect and through his guidance, we are surviving and continuously living.

Happy Sunday, Sunnies! ♥️

Here is a short poem I wrote that I had in my drafts for a long time, but I decided to post it today. Also, today is my Birthday! 🎂💕

A flower doesn’t

Think of competing

With other flowers

In the field…

It serenely blooms

At its own pace

Until its alluring beauty

Is revealed

-Saania

Papaver somniferum w/honeybee

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? It’s not just all in your head. Your experience is valid. Even if no one else shows up to support you, remember to show up for yourself.

Walk out of the room where negative notions gripped you. Keep walking until you find the room you’ve designated as Home Base. A grace-place where all is well, no matter what else is going on in the world. 

Search online for deep breathing techniques and calming music videos.

Watch a live stream from a cat cafe.

Breathe in through the nose. Out through the mouth. 

Remind yourself: You’re here, not there.

Be here, where that virtual cliff’s edge isn’t. Be where the worst that could happen, hasn’t.

Be in this breath. This breath is blessed.

Do something symbolic, like stretching toward the sky, reaching for the clouds. Light a candle. Watch old sitcoms. Go…

#MeToo – HOWEVER….I am grateful to say that no one was EVER successful in “taking” anything, though one was a very close call (on the job, in broad daylight) which certain people in my life will remember. Thankfully and gratefully – he didn’t succeed that day (yes, of course I fought him – which, to my amazement, scared him enough to stop). My father still remembers his name to this day (and so do I just in case I ever stumble across him in the social space). For weeks and months I couldn’t sleep – and to this day I still sometimes wake up afraid he or someone like him has somehow silently broken into my place, requiring me to fight them off yet again. Despite the random nightmares and cold sweat awakenings (which are far and few between now), I’m not afraid of him specifically – he’s a…