New Friends Indeed!

As I have reported, we are making new friends in our new town. And what friends we have made indeed! After a few outings and dinners we feel very connected to Lee and Dena. They arrived for dinner at our house (yes, I cooked!!!) with the most unforgettable hostess gift ever. Lee walked in toting a large potted plant with a cocooned monarch butterfly hanging from a leaf.

They plant milkweed in their yard to attract a non-migrating costal monarch butterfly. They have enjoyed several seasons of watching the butterflies emerge from their chrysalis to repeat the cycle of life again and again. And they brought an entire plant from their yard so that we could share the miracle on our deck. Dena told us what to look for and offered countless tips on midwifing!

I checked this baby several times a day

The gold spots are incredible. They look like jewels.

                                  Then, one morning, there are the unmistakable wings

                            Next day, white spots, no doubt about what's growing in here

                                 So, after days of faithful watching, I missed it emerging
                                 but here she is, still damp and weak

Wow! She is out of the pot. Flexing wings, waving legs around, doing push ups

                          And there she goes. First flight to the rail, then onto the wild blue

                          my spirit soaring with her. Beautiful. A priceless gift from special

                            people.                

Here's what I'm thinking. A little piece I wrote a few years ago;

The potential of the butterfly

motivates every caterpillar

and the wisdom and patience

of the caterpillar must be honored

by every butterfly.

lm/2011

This creature is growing in my, I use the term loosely, yard.

I love the usual orange Bird of Paradise that grows all over out here. But THIS is something else. These plants are huge, 10' maybe, and the blooms are also very large. The Humming Birds love them, they are sticky with nectar. They look purple in this photo but they look black and white in person. Can't stop looking at them. Who knows what they are?

A gift!

So many things can be a gift and the best ones are the surprises. The other day the Husband brought home the mail from our old box and there was a copy of the Summer edition of Art Journaling Magazine from Stampington & Company. They have so graciously published my work several times in the past 2 years and always send a copy of the issue my work appeared in. But I have not   sent anything in many months. Opened the envelope to find the customary note that says "Congratulations, you've been published". And sure enough, there is a blurb on techniques showing the journal page that they actually used for the cover of a previous issue. I was especially happy because that is one of my favorite images.

I am always thrilled to be included in their publications. They are, in themselves, works of art. An honor to be included among such talented artists. So, get yourself a copy. It is filled with techniques, ideas and eye candy.

Here's what I'm thinking; I need to remember that my intentions, my work and my path are always supported. I am grateful. I just have to pay attention and check the mail more often!

Baltimore Catechism

 Q. What is a Sacrament?

A. A Sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.

Q. What grace do the Sacraments give?

A. Some of the Sacraments give sanctifying grace, and others increase it in our souls.

My Sacrament.

This is how I

sprinkle water, 

confess impure thoughts, 

break bread, 

speak truth,

pledge troth, 

consecrate effort 

and face eternity.

no threats of exclusion

no special rooms

no golden cups,

no slapped cheeks, 

no binding,

no impossible promises,

no threat of damnation.

This is how I

bring myself to grace, 

forgive my faults,

consume what is holy,

take a stand, 

give myself,

minister as I feel called, 

and this is how I pray to pass,

with a smooth gliding pen 

and a painted page to inscribe.

lm 7/8/2013

Ortega Hwy to Temecula Wine Country

Today was in the 70's and sunny; a perfect day for an adventure. We have not been doing as much exploring from our new base station here at the beach as we would like and decided to hit the road this afternoon.

Temecula California has become a contender in the Wine Country game and while we have cruised through the area, we have never visited the wineries. We chose the scenic route, a twisty 2 lane road that winds through the Santiago mountains. Just the thing to cure our longing for the kind of scenery we were so used to at the ranch.

                                      Heading out on Ortega Highway

I love the variety of formations in the California mountains. And the guy driving is OK too!

Lake Elsinore 

Temecula Wine Country

Temecula wine! 

Got 2 tastings at Thornton Winery, A Taste of Chocolate (heavenly) and one I'd never heard of before, Nebbiolo (not bad, not remarkable).

Brie in pastry with candied walnuts and honey glaze. Lucky husband, got to eat all the walnuts. I am suddenly allergic to them!

Where the magic happens. I love this photo, trees all leaning to the right, near vertical

rows of grapes and horizontal utility lines.

Lake Elsinore on the way home. It's a pretty big lake and I wanted a better shot than I got on the way out. We stopped at a lookout and I got out of the car. The wind was crazy blowing and the dirt was flying. I still have sand in my hair! I feared for my camera lens so this is all I got.

Back on the beautiful Ortega. It looks so much

 like the drive up to the ranch. 

I took about 20 rapid fire shots of Old Glory billowing in the breeze to get this image. I thought it appropriate for Memorial Day.

Here's what I'm thinking: A beautiful day like today feeds my soul, reminds me how much I care for my partner of 48 years, inspires me to count my blessings and reminds me how beautiful this country is. 

Watching Old Glory dancing in the wind I found myself choking up. Thinking of everything that flag has seen in her more than 200 years, I decided to hang onto my faith in my fellow Americans. Long may she wave over a land of peace, prosperity, freedom and justice for all. 

Look what I did this afternoon

My daughter, Laura Bray, adopted a red tail hawk for me from a bird rescue and today I got to release him back into the skies. What an amazing experience. I have a thing for red tails I think because I spent so much time with them at the ranch. Thank you so much Katie ( that's what I call her), I will never forget this.

Here's what I'm thinking: The mystery lives, right here among us. Nameste