Tag Archives: nature

Weekend Getaway

Spilley Across PondThe Columbia Valley is a glorious spot tucked between the Purcell & Rocky Mountain ranges. This is where I spent the long weekend.

The energy of the land whispers ancient secrets.

It’s beauty can carry you to another place and time. I felt as though I had been there before.

We stopped at Radium Hot Springs for a soak, then deposited ourselves about half an hour from the springs at the cabin of a friend.

Red CanoeThis chariot of the pond gave me a birds eye panoramic view. The surrounding landscape complete with reflections on it’s calm surface, courtesy of our host who toured me through the pond.

The cabin sits only a few meters from the train tracks. Soothing sounds late in the night added an enchanting dimension to the mysterious atmosphere.

Blue MountainReminiscent of places I have been, this blue mountain here bore an aesthetic resemblance to the Cerro Pedernal of the northern Jemez Mountains in New Mexico.

Spillimacheen, halfway between Golden and Invermere, means meeting of the waters.

We ate turkey and soaked up the stars with a nearly full moon beside a magnificent bonfire. Tucked in by the wood stove I was warm and cozy.

Spilley SunriseI awoke to this marvelous rose colored sunrise. The mountains were illuminated by the sun and caught my eye like a neon sign.

Sipping coffee, the heavy frost dissipated in the warmth of the sun. Cold black embers of the evening’s fire stared back at me. Many thanks to my gracious hosts for a memorable experience.

Change in the Air

Murder of CrowsBirds are flocking. This murder of crows was seen across the street from my house a couple of days ago. I counted more than thirty congregated in the tall pines.

Nights are getting cooler here in the foothills. Wonderful for sleeping, but not so great for the flowers. Some are struggling along, and others are attempting to bloom a second time.

Double Pink HollyhockThis double pink hollyhock looked liked this before the cold tinged it. The birds got away with a large single pink bloom. Happy I got some shots of these in time. Which goes to show you, now is the time. So burn those candles you have been saving. Wear that special outfit no where special. Do something extraordinary. Follow your heart. Spread goodness.

 

MammatusLife is like the weather, unpredictable, never knowing what is in store. Staying focused is my focal point this year.

The focus on my art has been waylaid by other necessary business however I am grateful for the income. So more art and music to come soon.

Another face painting gig popped up this past weekend at Callaway Park. A very large crowd this time, and six of us were painting faces in addition to several balloon modelers and the caricature artists.

Mammatus clouds showed up in the sky last night, rare and awe-inspiring. And that tells me amazing things are around every corner. I embrace the uncertainly, staying open to the possibilities. Wading through what needs to be done. The universe wants even better things for me than I can dream up for myself. Anticipate miracles.

“Real difficulties can be overcome. It’s the imaginary ones that are unconquerable.” ~Theodore Vail

Sailing

Sail ElevenThe last thing one would expect to find in Calgary is a sailboat. However the Glenmore Reservoir sports many sailboats. One can also rent canoes-I would like to try that before the summer is out.

Calgary’s drinking water comes from this reservoir. The park itself is about 84 hectares, another oasis in this rapidly growing city of ours. The pathway system is busy with cyclists, runners, roller blades, and people strolling with their dogs.

I went down and laid on the dock the other night to blow off my day. A wonderful place to go and watch the sailboats and the ducks. These shots were captured just before sunset.

Ducks in a RowA couple of quiet days coming up with fine weather. Trying to decide on a plan, perhaps go somewhere I haven’t been.

Maybe a day trip. I could just take my easel to to one of the urban parks, if nothing else. A full lunar eclipse in Aquarius tomorrow should bring good energies for a party I am attending.

Have a swell weekend everyone!

Red

Red Sky Morning

“Red sky in the morning … sailor take warning!”

This was the sunrise the other morning. Sure enough we had hail later in the day. I had one foot out the door on my way to the folk festival on Princes Island Park a couple of weeks ago when the rain hit. Thinking the storm may be short-lived I came back in and checked the forecast to find a severe thunderstorm watch.

Had a nap, when I awoke it was still going on, and it went on all night. Needless to say, my youthful adventuresome spirit did not endure, and I stayed home and strummed away on my own guitar as an alternative to strolling around muddied grounds, anticipating no where dry to sit. The weather has been strange this year.

Red Bee BalmHere is some red bee balm from my garden. The purple is done already, preferred by bees. I have heard the hummingbirds like the red though I haven’t seen any.

One of my cats has been exhibiting bizarre behaviour. The black Siamese has begun taking off from the yard. Neither have really done this up until now.

In my search for her Friday night, my flashlight came upon her in the churchyard grass stretched out like a beauty queen.

Lo and behold she was being courted by a black manx. I realized it was as though she were in heat, but she is fixed. Once I penetrated the zone she was in, I sent her flying down the sidewalk, the manx chasing her into our yard.

My other cat chased him out. Howls akin to a catfight ensued. My tortie spent the next while hissing at me, and hissing at her sister presumably for dragging home a stray. I kept them in for two days-grounded! As soon as I let them out on the third day-the black one took off looking for her boyfriend. In speaking with other people no one had heard of this type of behavior in a fixed female. Have you?

We also have a cat bylaw-they are not to be running loose, which is why I patiently trained them to stay in the yard. But then cats will be cats and that is that.

Bijou Beauty

Thanks to all who found time to watch my music video and to comment. More interesting projects are shaping up. You never know what it will be next. Even I can’t imagine sometimes!

Pause to Refresh

Mount Rundle ReflectionsHome from a refreshing day in the mountains. The weather was optimum.

Fresh air, sunshine and good company-how can you go wrong? We strolled around Vermillion Lakes. Here is a view of Mt Rundle from that area. No paintbrushes with me this trip-just my camera. However I really must take them with me next time for some plein air painting.

banff-main-street-meWe had lunch in Banff, and went to the Upper Hot Springs, which is a sulphur pool and had a lovely long soak. Sorry folks-no swimsuit shots. Here I am on the main street of Banff after our soak. How fortunate to be so close to the mountains to afford a simple day trip. The mountain town was abuzz with activity and crawling with tourists.

Vermillion Lakes is known for moose although we didn’t see any this time around. Some of the area is marsh like, and was heavily populated with red winged blackbirds as well as other varieties of birds who perch on the reeds and cattails surveying their paradise. I felt as though I was peering into a child’s picture book. No lucky bird-in-flight shots that day, only a memory etched into my mind’s eye.

Coming up soon-a NEW commissioned painting which is top secret until I post it here, so stay tuned. Now and for the next couple of weeks is prime time for viewing alpine flowers in the Rockies. Here’s a couple from my day to share with you.

Alpine Flower MauveMountain Coneflower

Upshots

Crow in FlightI have been trying to write this post all week. Many interruptions have prevented me from posting.

A treasure for any photographer is catching a bird in flight. This crow emerged from the tree, while I was seated on the front step. My camera was ever so handy. The neighbour’s garden is sporting these yellow roses. Summer is in full swing.

Yellow RosesSome sunshine, rain, thunder, lightening, and even hail the other night. A chill has settled into the air. Surely summer is not over in mid-July, but I have had the fireplace on more than once this week. Cool winds swirl in from the north unexpectedly. The sun warms the tops of my feet while I persist in wearing flip-flops-after all it is July!

We have more than our fair share of mosquitoes and other pests. I spotted a sparrow eating a dragonfly, which would have come in handy for pest control. However, I am not about to give up just yet. It was cool this morning, nights in the mountains, even in summer can be chilling. I had the fireplace on, but daytime was in the low twenties.

Rabbit LuckThese two adorable bunnies greeted me near my workplace this morning as I drove up. Rabbits are a good omen. You can find some interesting information about the symbolism, myth, and folklore of rabbits and hares. On my way home, a deer was feeding on the grass near the turnoff. Where ever I go, contact with animals and birds is inevitable. What splendid luck! A blessing to be sure.

Lightning BoltHere is a shot from the electrical storm we had this week. Wondering if this is causing the irregularities with the internet-email service-and telephone circuits.

Here is my horoscope for the week, and for any others who are Aries from Cosmic Path. You can check your own sign there-no need to register.

After Mars and Saturn had you slamming on the brakes and barely moving last week, the pressure should be lifting off you now, even if it is little by little. Nothing frustrates you more than not being able to take off when you want to, but it’s essential that you pay much more attention to the details than usual, so you’re ready for the big break in your career path or other major life goal that’s due to appear around the full Moon this Friday. Great, expansive, wonderful opportunities are coming, but you’ll have to prove you’re ready to receive them by going slowly enough to realize they are there. What comes to mind is how necessary it is to keep your eye on the ball as it’s hurling toward you at 100 miles an hour, just so you can catch it. Be prepared.

Dog Days of Summer

The Farmer’s Almanac states

The Dog Days of summer (a period of 40 days beginning July 3 and ending August 11) are named for the Dog Star, Sirius, which is visible with the rising Sun at this time of year. Ancients associated this sky picture with the hot days that coincided with it. Sirius is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (Greater Dog).

Sultry hot wind under blue skies and sleepy eyed cats staying cool under the cedars. Lovely hot Canada Day long weekend, with only a touch of rain to my delight!

clouds tracksContinuing along this super highway called life, not a day goes by that I don’t see something awe inspiring. This sky shot under tracks melding into the horizon was taken on a drive to High River.

Great time for some summer reading. I am reading The Renaissance Soul by Margaret Lobenstine, which is incredibly empowering for a ‘Jill of all Trades … Master of Some’ like me. Summer Read

Grateful for the support and love of my friends, family, and fellow bloggers, I am plodding through the resistance with determination for the moment. The journey has brought me far enough that it makes no sense at all to give up now.

Grab yourself some summer reading and a good lawn chair, with a glass of something cool. The pitcher you see here is water with fresh mint and lemons, a real thirst quencher. The dog days of summer are nearly upon us. Sweltering heat with no sign of relief, warm winds tossing seedlings in the air skimming lazy bees. Tonight the sky was a deep powder blue with rosy pink. Twilight endures until nearly eleven pm.

I saw something super bright in the south-east sky a few nights ago, so bright at first I thought it was a plane or satellite. From what I have derived from various sky maps on the internet, it appears I was viewing Jupiter. Unfortunately the attempts made to capture it digitally were not successful.

Sometimes seen secretly slipping through the neighbourhood, I capture photos of flowers, while investigating other gardens. Mine is off to a late start. Yet with the tall pines in my yard, I am always somewhat behind the others, allowing the luxury of plenty to enjoy late into the promise of Indian summer.

mauve irispoppies vase rootsPink Peonies Two

Increase

Baby Robins

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the increase of the light, things are expanding around here. I managed to capture feeding time. This proud Mom is very attentive, as is the father. They take turns tending the babes, and feeding. Fascinating to watch, as the cats can attest to.

The house painting continues, but may be delayed by rain. I sure hope the forecast is wrong as rain is called for all week. Loud chatter of the sparrows, a harbinger of rain, diminishes my hopes of sunshine. It would be nice to get it done, so work can commence on the garden.

Bee BalmUnfortunately ladders and gardens do not mix well, and so my garden has taken a beating, due to heavy traffic in the wrong areas.

Despite heavy guarding, two out of the three peony plants I put in last year have been damaged. However this is coming up on the other side, which I think is bee balm that I planted last year.

Bamboo Cutting SupportProgress continues on my wall hanging project. I have cut the support to size, and have taped it to the wall upstairs, where I have high enough ceilings.

The subject is sketched out and paint set out on the palette. I begin marking in with paint. This is blue bamboo, a variety which originated in the Himalayas. What a lovely subject to work on!

Bamboo is a symbol of expansion and abundance.

Bamboo SketchedBamboo WalhangingBamboo Blue Beginning

For the Birds

OspreyNear the Bow river we have Ospreys nesting. I swung by there today to see if I would be lucky enough to see them. This one was waiting for me, and stretched his wings, as I pulled out the camera.

They prefer the tall power poles, which gives then an excellent vantage point near the river. A chain link fence prevented me from getting any closer.

Northern Flicker N RobinLast week, sharing the birdbath with a robin, was this Northern Flicker-a type of woodpecker. I had a smaller downy woodpecker in the yard last week too, but didn’t have my camera with me.

 

Cat Remorse

 

This black cat of mine, Bijou, is not exactly a proud hunter. She arrived at the back door, with two baby birds in her mouth.

Fancy footwork was required to maneuver myself to the back door before she could take them into the house.

Instead she deposited them on the back deck. The other cat, Autumn, appears to be scolding her for raiding the nest in the cedars.  Apparently I was not the only one saddened by her actions, though I know it is her instinct.

Deer CrossingA friend and I drove to Bragg Creek last weekend, and laid on the sand on the riverbank of the Elbow River.

Although much ice was still on the river, the sun was warm for a time. It was our good fortune to see these deer crossing the newly opened water, undisturbed by our presence.

This has been one of the longest springs I can remember. A few sprigs of green adorn the otherwise desolate looking gardens. Since these shots were taken, I have shoveled yet more snow. Things will look up as the week wears on, evident in the changeable skies.

My energy has been subdued, leaving me in resting mode. Yes I am reading your blogs, haven’t had the energy to comment, but will soon. Cleaning my studio, while trying to decide what to paint next, is one of the few things I have accomplished over the last few days.

Good Medicine

Good Medicine

Killer FrostThis is what I woke up to several mornings ago. It had hailed the night before, then froze, surely a killer frost. Although some plants in my garden continue to persist. I would have to say pansies afford gardeners the best value. Cheery blooms, lasting all summer, yet hardy enough to stay long into the fall.

This years preparation for winter is a slow and steady project, one small task at a time, unlike the rushed scurry of other years to beat the looming cold. My rain-barrel has not been emptied yet. Perhaps we will taken by surprise at the last moment, though I somehow doubt it. Many baby squirrels, and robins are around, which I cannot say I have ever seen before at this time of year. I wonder if it is a sign of a mild winter to come. Some of the perennials have been swaddled in mulch, especially the peonies, whose promise of blooms next year I patiently await.

SunsetThanksgiving brought surprisingly pleasant weather which was almost too warm for a bonfire. The sunset was memorable, especially since we were high on the foothills overlooking the mountains.

Let’s not forget the wonderful glow of special friendships, and a pleasing rounding of the belly after a luscious feast. Hoping you were as fortunate as I, to have been surrounded by such gifts, and that you too are overflowing with gratitude. Counting your blessings is a sure antidote for anything that ails you.

Our host, created this sacred space, a medicine wheel to honour our collective good fortunes, the ones who have gone before us, and to open the door for future blessings. Everyone brought something to contribute to the wheel. In the photo below, I just love the shadows of the tree spirits, whose presence graced us, along with a friendly woodpecker, who I declared to be the gatekeeper.

Medicine WheelMedicine Wheel GiftsMedicine WandHere is my offering-a medicine wand, made by me. The four colours of thread below the crystal represent the four directions. The various stones, shells, and beads attached to the sinew and deer hide serve the intention of hearts opening, abundance and protection as we travel our soul paths. We welcome the gifts of the future for the common good and healing of all.

Though bitter, good medicine cures illness.Though it may hurt, loyal criticism will have beneficial effects.
~Sima Qian b.145 BC

I Have Seen

Johnston LakeI Have Seen

… yellow leaves scattered upon the ground already! And I have also seen beautiful scenery this past weekend which I spent in Canmore and Banff.

What a pleasure to have such beauty so close by.

I drove there in a vicious thunderstorm. Due to construction, I crawled the one lane out of Calgary traffic. Instead of counting license plates, my entertainment challenge was to try to snap pictures of the lightning. Really it has been the challenge of summer, my trying to get lightning shots to no avail. Knowing the degree of difficulty, when it comes to that phenomenon, I am appreciative of shots others have been fortunate enough to capture. Luck and timing plays a major role in that. Something like life.

HawkThe hot springs are not so hot this summer-excessive runoff perhaps. Nonetheless I enjoyed the rejuvenating benefits of the minerals. We took a hike the following day around Johnston Lake, which you see in the photo.

A light misty rain from clouds of gray didn’t dampen our appreciation for such a beautiful serene place. Nor did it stop the loons from calling while a hawk circled overhead. Seizing a bird in flight on one of it’s many circles around the lake seemed like ample opportunity. More than likely it was the bird’s opportunity for feeding time.

Now, the weekend behind me I am back to my own sort of reality. Once again thrown into the whirlwind of jobs to be done, schedules and material concerns. The fence builders are hard at work, and say our new fence will be done at the end of the week. Something tells me winter woollies are not far away, except that I wish it weren’t true.

Distance

I can still sense the mountains in the distance. Their energy has become a part of me once again. Drawing on their strength will carry me for a time, along the road my existence.