beach this evening

this morning's smoothie

This was especially good, and the color was richer and prettier than the photo. The small amount of liquid was creme soda since I had some on hand. Then plain yogurt, a banana, frozen peaches, some strawberries and papaya left from last night, a drizzle of honey, and a splash of cinnamon. Delish...

Sunflowers

The sun was shining through the petals of the sunflowers in this arrangement. I had to take a pic. Along with it, a poem.

Eagle of flowers! I see thee stand,
And on the sun's noon-glory gaze;
With eye like his, thy lids expand,
And fringe their disk with golden rays;
Though fixed on earth, in darkness rooted there,
Light is thy element, thy dwelling air,
Thy prospect heaven.

James Montgomery

The Gallery

In a couple of months, I will be opening an art gallery. It came about in such a way that all I can say is that it is a God thing.

The space is in the first level of a new mixed use building. Business below, apartments above, and as yet it is unfinished. I am hoping for an opening around the first of November. 

I am loving letting other people be involved. Clearly I need help, but also, I don't want to deprive anyone who is really interested of the joy of seeing how it is coming together. Each day brings another step, another blessing. 

a pumpkin sky

A Poem

. . . by Ruth Graham that was on the back of Decision magazine.

Then and Now

The house was full of living then
and there was no need to view
the quiet contours of the hills,
heaven's vast expanse of blue.

This old house is empty now
with mostly only me.
The trees are crowding up the hill
as if for company.

I would not have them back for good
my birds have learned to fly,
but I find lovely comfort when
a wild bird nests close by.

The Picturesque Fort Fisher Tree

This small tree is a favorite of photographers and artists. Here it is, at home in its surroundings, on this clear and sunny day.

post storm benefits

Storms serve a useful purpose in the overall scheme of things. Since Dorian breezed through, the atmosphere has been brighter, the air fresher, the sky bluer, and the land cleaner. What a fabulous fall cleaning the Lord brought!
The hubs and I went down to the end of land at Ft. Fisher this afternoon, stopping for an occasional photo opportunity.
These ibises had found a watery spot to catch crabs and do some personal hygiene. There were about twice this many, but you get the picture.

The Kure Beach pier was unfazed, but it seems as if people aren't allowed on it right now. The towns around here prepared for the worst. The pier and the water were such pretty blues and greens.

Hurricane Dorian

She has traveled through Charleston and is headed to the hurricane capital of America, Wilmington, NC.
Funny atmospheric things start happening when a big storm is brewing hundreds of miles away. The skies change, either with awesome clouds, or they become almost white, as in this case. There is a different feel in the air. Winds whip around.
I was awakened by a brash alarm from my phone at 0600 this morning while I was soundly sleeping to the sweet sounds of rain and wind. Hurricane warning!! Find shelter! It was legit. At least six tornadoes actually did hit near here.
Throughout the day so far, winds have blown, more forcefully than not. Rain is intermittent. I think it would be fine to go out, but I am hunkered down with my emergency activities.
It would be wonderful if Dorian would just settle down and drop to no more than a tropical storm before coming up here.

big dog

My outing today included a stop by the lake to be in nature and to take some pictures. None of the usual birds were there, and I didn't look for the alligators. What would I photograph . . .
A woman pushing a child in a stroller walked by, and this big, friendly dog walked respectfully beside them. When the little one got out to play, I asked if I could take a pic of the dog. She said yes and good luck as he was on the move!