Thinking Out Loud

I belong to an on-line activist group which applies peaceful pressure, through signatures,

to politicians and governments around the world. Their main goal is to help stop injustices 

from occurring to fellow human beings.

It is incredible how this organization has affected change over the past couple of years simply

by presenting to the 'powers that be' tens of thousands of signatures of people from all over the world.

         Kerria blossoms.

The power of one single signature......

The Swimming Lesson

'Your first lesson...now don't be scared.

I 'll stay right here and keep an eye out.

There, coast is clear, so let's get started.

Now put your head down and feel the water.'

'That was different! It felt weird!

Whoops! I slipped!

But I am floating!!!

What the heck! Here goes! Where did I go?

 What just happened?!

Think I better get back on the rock.'

'Now flap your wings and see what happens.'

'There! That was strange!

I just have to do this again! I like it under here......

Now I have to breathe......

That's enough breathing! I'm liking this!

Going down!

I'm thinking I could live here forever.

Maybe I could be a fish!

I really think I would be a good fish!

What did you think Mommy?'

 'Well, the lesson was over 10 minutes ago! (This never gets easier.)

And besides, it's suppertime!'

A Rhododendron Blossom

As you may be well aware, we love to garden around here. Surprise!

About 15 years ago we were very fortunate to find and purchase four Rhododendron shrubs that are very difficult to find.

They are of the 'Hong Kong' variety which is a very pale yellow.

We waited patiently, well sort of, for about four years for them to really start to blossom out.

  

And every year since we can hardly wait for them to appear again. They started yesterday.

This is the first blossom of what appears to be many more. 

We gardeners get excited about things like this!

Contemplative Monday

ALLOWING SPACE

"It is never too late for any of us to look at our minds.

We can always sit down and allow the space for anything to arise.

Sometimes we have a shocking experience of ourselves.

Sometimes we try to hide.

Sometimes we have a surprising experience of ourselves.

Often we get carried away.

Without judging, without buying into likes or dislikes,

we can always encourage ourselves to just be here again and again and again."


The above quote is by Pema Chodron and was taken from her Heart Advice, Weekly Quotes from  Pema Chodron.

Eclectic Tastes

Another singer/songwriter died this past week.

His name was Robin Gibb...one of the Bee Gees.

He is the one on the left in the video-picture below.

They, the Bee Gees, really helped define a generation back in the 70's. We liked and still like their music. This is one of our favourites. And don't just sit their, grab someone nearby (careful) and move along with the music!

Have a great Sunday! 

Retro Saturday

Now this will take a few of you back! It does me! But  I can't actually remember watching any of these shows in their entirety.

I remember the characters and some are still around!

How about you? Which was your favourite?

Friday's Fronds

A 'frond' refers to the leaves of a fern and some 'palm' species.

I absolutely love this time of year in the garden.

and ferns I feel are at their best when just developing and 'finding their way'.

Some people love to eat ferns just as they are popping up out of the ground in spring!

They are curled up and look somewhat like a 'g-clef'.

Around here we call that stage of the fern's development the 'fiddlehead' stage.

Here in the Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island) they are considered a delicacy.

I tried them a few times and let's just say I prefer ferns at the stage you see here in these photos!

They are at their best....colourful, tender and full of vitality!

But weren't we all, at that stage?!