Haiku August 19, 2012 Walking in the Rain

Iddy biddy frog

Rain chases from swollen stream

Jumps! into the grass!

Art Prescription:  I like walking in the rain, it’s peaceful. A long loop on an overcast, drizzly, Sunday suits me fine.  Our neighborhood path winds it’s way along the street, and because this land was once wetland we have a few easement ponds and streams. We have geese and ducks and turtles, herons, hawks, cattails. Along our way this morning we found a couple of – just from the tadpole stage – frogs. They are so cute!! Reminds me that nature always has a surprise!

Haiku August 18, 2012 Mason Farm

A two mile farm walk

Plethora of wildflowers

Yellow Partridge Peas.

Art Prescription:   Today we walked our favorite nature preserve, Mason Farm. I’ve written several times about this magical place. You could visit once a week and see something brand new each time. There is such a variety of plant and animal life and habitats, from meadows to wetlands to hardwood and pine forest. Simply put it’s a spiritual sanctuary. On this walk we saw about five different kinds of  butterflies dancing from flower to flower. The meadows are glowing with yellow Partridge Peas and Wild Roses. Dragonflies, bumble bees, and birds dip past us as we make our way around the bend. Artists have long been lured by mystical grounds.

Haiku August 17, 2012 Playful

Second childhood, play

A sense of humor each day

Laughter, amusement.

Art Prescription:  Going on twenty-one years of marriage my husband makes me laugh often.  Sleepy and heading for the coffee this morning I heard him say “I’ll feed the fowl.” Instead of a feeder which the squirrels destroy, we put food out on our deck for the birds (and squirrels) each day.  I said back,  “I’ll feed the yowl,” our three cats. Easily amused this started my day off with some humor!!

Haiku August 16, 2012 Sexy Bras

Uncomfortable

Bind, mold, shape, lift, divide, fit

Fit? Fashion? sexy?

Art Prescription:  Okay so this is predominately for my female readers. I recently bought a new swim suit from a local athletic store. I’m a lap swimmer so my suits wear out fast. When I went to pick it up, the store owner informed me that they will now be stocking the suit I ordered…you know a lap suit with a shelf bra. She commented she wasn’t as “old as I was and she liked a bit of support.” WHAT!?! That was a few weeks ago, and me being me, I’m still thinking about shelf or no shelf, under-wire, or athletic, padded or minimizer…Really don’t we all just want to be comfortable under our clothes. Is this too simple to ask? Our culture and advertising dictates what the “real” woman should look like. Masses of women are spending lots of money to try and fits these ideals. How have we gotten so far away from seeing each other as real human beings, each with an individual spirit and joy of life, each with their own gift to give right now. I now step down from my box…

Haiku August 14, 2012 Local Farmers

Fresh bright green string beans

Local NC caught swordfish

Capers, salt, pepper.

Art Prescription:  Every Tuesday after yoga there is a LoMo Market ( a farmer’s market on wheels) that makes fresh NC produce, baked goods, and seafood available. I look forward to seeing “what’s for dinner!,” and like supporting local businesses and farmers. Plus it’s a clever idea to bring fresh produce into neighborhoods on a weekly basis. Makes shopping and cooking so much more creative…just go see “what’s for dinner” at your local farmer’s market!

 

Haiku August 13, 2012 Summer Sounds

Long August shadows

Cicadas play the wash-board

Fledglings beg for food.

Art Prescription:  It’s subtle, the light changing a minute a day. Days are getting shorter. Seems the cricket calls are different, hanging out in the late summer grasses. I welcome a change…change is good. I’m really enjoying my online class on watercolor hand-lettering with Val Webb.

Haiku August 11, 2012 French Roast

Morning light pours in

Abundant day ahead, stretch…

French roast coffee brews.

Art Prescription:  What are your first thoughts in the morning? Be the observer…do you start of with “getting out of the wrong side of the bed?” Or do you stretch and think about all the possibilities a day might bring. Sam and I hiked in Umstead Forest today. A sandy, rocky, path along Crabtree Creek. A few wildflowers, but mostly shade plants like ferns. Saw a big beautiful black snake cooling him/her/self on the rocks of the old mill. From there we visited the Raleigh Farmer’s Market where we bought fresh peaches, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, onions, and some lovely organic soap with bergamot and oatmeal.