Robin Though the Window

This was taken through the glass window in my dining area - so it's a bit distorted. I was so happy to see this guy in the tree in my backyard. He brings a bit of color to the gray days.

Opening Up

 Drop the idea of becoming someone, because you are already a masterpiece. You cannot be improved. You have only to come to it, to know it, to realize it.

~ Osho

A New Beginning

Thank you all so much for your thoughts, prayers and positive messages. As I read them the tears flowed. I am so happy to be a part of this wonderful "family"! Brianna's surgery went very well! She was able to come home Thursday evening. The entire process was a bit overwhelming for her since she had never been in the hospital before. But she really did great. When she woke up in her room after the surgery she squeezed my hand and she had tears in her eyes. I asked if she was in pain and she whispered to me "These are happy tears. I'm going to be able to run again." I knew this had been hard for her - but until that moment I really hadn't realized how hard. She is a very athletic/active young woman and not being able to be active since December 3rd has been awful for her. Now she is on her way to recovery! We visit the surgeon again tomorrow for follow up and she starts PT the next week. This is a new beginning for her!!

Reflection

Tomorrow is the big day. Brianna has surgery on her knee for the torn ACL. We have to be at the hospital at 6am. It will be a very long day. She is a bit nervous. I am more than a bit nervous. Not because I think anything will go wrong - I just hate to see my baby in pain. But I KNOW this surgery is for the best. Hopefully with rehab and hard work she will be close to 100% in 6 months - and ready to start college and the next new adventure in her life.

Last night she was honored at her school for her "Senior Night". The coach mentioned how easily it would have been for her to quit the team. But she didn't. Even though her "playing" season ended early - she still attended practice and went to the games, sat on the bench and cheered the others on. She is truly a wonderful person.

When I grow up - I want to be like her :)

Looking Closely

Looking closely requires us to slow down.

You cannot view something and take in all of its details, while hurrying past.

Memories From Spring

I LOVE looking through my photo archives. It's like reading a journal. All of my pics are in separate folders labeled with the date taken, where they were taken, and short description of what the pictures are. I have over 150,000 pictures labeled this way since 2007 when I first started taking pictures. As you can tell from that number - I don't delete very many. Each folder is my little journal for that date and time in my life. I can pull up the folder for March 22, 2009 (which is when this bluebird was taken) and it all comes back to me.

 

One Great Thing About Winter

During the winter the birds are so much more visible.  They can't hide behind the leaves.

  Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Aren't those feathers awesome??

  This has to be one of my all time favorite birds. (but don't I say that about them all?)
 To find one in my yard is absolute heaven! I'm sure there are MANY great things about Winter - but my favorite thing about winter is that I can see the birds better.

What is your favorite thing about Winter?

Ruby Tuesday - Another Snowy Day

No sand here to bury his head - going with snow instead. Actually this guy was just trying to dig around and find seeds that had dropped. This is another white-throated sparrow.

We have a Winter Storm Warning again today - 3-6 more inches. Will it ever stop?

And another male cardinal - just hanging out in the pines.
This guy is in my shop: Here
For more Ruby Reds visit: Mary
Happy Tuesday Everyone!!

A Snow Beak

Another white-throated sparrow - this one with a little bit of snow on his beak.

Pine Needle Framing

White-throated Sparrow

Too much of a good thing is wonderful. 
~ Mae West

I am blessed with beautiful pine trees that grow up along the side of my deck. My deck

is on the 2nd story, so I am about mid level with the pines when I step out onto it. This little guy is one of the many visitors I have to these pines.   They are a common bird here, but beautiful all the same :)

The Snow Came - And Birds Too

Yes, the snowstorm hit today. We have 7 inches of snow and sleet on top of that. As I write this it is sleeting heavily. I have found that it isn't easy to take pictures in a snowstorm. Sometimes those flakes just get in the way of the shot - as with the above Dark eyed Junco. But I liked how he blended in so well with the trees and the snow.
The birds were out in full force at the feeders. I had 30 birds at one time in the trees and the feeders outside on the deck.
I have really been trying to enjoy the seasons as they come - and not wish my time away, however, I REALLY want Spring to come. Early would be good!
Hope you all have a Safe and Happy Weekend!

A Snowy Titmouse

Wishing you a Wonderful Day!

The Presence of Wonder

Female Cardinal in the Snow

Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder. 

~ E. B. White

Another Red Head

Birds fascinate me! This little guy - a downy woodpecker - just pecked away at the suet and wasn't bothered by me at all.

After I downloaded the shot I saw that I got him with his tongue sticking out. How neat is that? 
A reminder that if you are looking for Nature themed gifts - 
please check out my Nature Store.