Treasures Found

I've truly enjoyed my latest avocation as treasure hunter, hunting for precious collectibles for our antique booth.

Especially for those getting up in years, a trip to an antique store can be a trip down memory lane. Familiar items discovered among the shelves of curios can trigger childhood memories and fond recollections.

Some of the items I purchase for our booth have been specifically chosen because they bring back pleasant associations with times gone by. My father was a frequent traveler to Japan during a period of his career. He brought back exciting tales from his travels, and, for my sister and me, he brought home beautiful, exotic dolls. My own dolls have long ago been passed on, but when I came across the gorgeous, silk clad Japanese dolls pictured above, they were a must have for the booth! I savoured their rich garments and lovely faces prior to tagging them for resale and displaying them, with the hope that they might also delight someone else.

Another favorite collectible for me because of past association is Wedgwood, a fine porcelain produced in England. My mother had a small collection of the more typical, periwinkle blue Wedgwood vases decorated with fine white relief carvings usually of Grecian or mythical scenes. It's been fun to discover the wide variety of Wedgwood pieces available in all the various colors and patterns. It can be found in blue, green, pink, lavender, black, or white and comes etched, painted, or with transfers in an endless array of form and pattern. Vases, plates, cups and saucers, trinket trays and boxes...such variety!



I'm especially fond of this Wedgwood beauty, a small pitcher picturing a hunt scene. Notice the fox hound handle! This piece is actually the second one of these I've come across and purchased for our booth. The first was of the same hunt design pattern, but was a larger pitcher in a solid kelly green color. I hadn't had it displayed on our shelf for more than a couple minutes before another antique dealer came by and just had to have it.

Some of my finds are hard to part with, but it gives me immense pleasure to offer things that recall good memories for my customers and bring out the smiles :)

Remembering Walden

Words of naturalist Henry David Thoreau 1817-1862

Last autumn, Kevin and I went on a road trip to New England. We stopped at a few places each of us had always wanted to go. It was a beautiful time of year for travel in this region. The leaves were turning brilliant shades of gold, orange, purple, and red. The air was cool and crisp.

One of our destinations was Thoreau's "Walden Pond," in Concord, Massachusetts. This is where Thoreau built a tiny, sparsely furnished cabin and for two years and two months, he observed nature, writing about his experiences in a journal which evolved into his now famous book, "Walden; or, Life in the Woods." His work is regarded as one of the world's most revered and inspiring literary masterpieces.

People from all over the world come to Walden Pond to pay homage to Thoreau. The sign in the photograph above is located at the original site of Thoreau's tiny, shore-side cabin. The stones to the side of the sign were brought from far and wide by visitors to the site.

Trail side view of Walden Pond

A foot path loops around the pristine Walden Pond. The day Kevin and I visited was a chilly one, early in October. We arrived late in the afternoon. As we walked along the perimeter, a man swam the distance in the icy water, slowly, but steadily making a huge lap around the pond.

To quote Thoreau, "A lake is the landscape's most beautiful and expressive feature. It is earth's eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature. The fluviate trees next the shore are the slender eyelashes which fringe it, and the wooded hills and cliffs around are its overhanging brows."

Henry David and Kevin :)

Kevin shakes hands with a bronze likeness of Thoreau. The front portion of a replica of Thoreau's cabin sits in the background.

The period Thoreau spent at Walden Pond was a time of solitude and introspection. From what I understand of his life, it was probably one of his most fulfilling ventures and where he spent some of his happiest hours. During his days at Walden Pond, Thoreau lived in the moment and grew keenly aware of his surroundings. His thoughts and words from this experience are still compelling today because they touch on universal truths. His quiet words of wisdom carry deep meaning ... and give us all something to ponder!

From Thoreau's journal, September 18, 1858 ~

"I was inclined to think that the truest beauty was that which surrounded us but which we failed to discern, that the forms and colors which adorn our daily life, not seen afar in the horizon, are our fairest jewelry."

I love this photograph! Of course, I love who's pictured in it more than life itself...but this picture embodies what my daughter is - youthful, vibrant, happy. Desirae is my only child - all my love, time, and devotion, as well as any mistakes a parent can make raising a child have been poured into her. If there ever was a child who is everything a parent could hope for, I have it in Desi. She is the brightest flower in the garden of my life :)

On the Horizon

It still feels a bit surreal, but I'm formally started on the process to getting a transplant. An intake coordinator from Johns Hopkins Hospital called this week and now I have an appointment scheduled with the transplant evaluation team in October. At that time, I will meet with the transplant surgeon, nephrologist, social worker, dietitian, and nurse coordinator in sessions to last from 4 to 5 hours for this evaluation. Kevin will be there with me to learn as much about the process as I will.

The number of medical tests and procedures required prior to this appointment is quite staggering. Even if I was feeling my best, it would feel a bit burdensome to make all the necessary appointments and go for all these tests...feeling at my worst with no energy to spare, doesn't help. Ordinarily, I am pretty sharp and organized in my day to day life, but I find even the most mundane chores are harder to accomplish now...so this will be a challenging time.

Kevin continues to be very kind and patient. I know it isn't easy to live day in and day out with someone who is going through this ordeal, yet he faces each day with me with a smile and offers me words of encouragement. I can only promise him I will do the best I can do.

The coming appointment looms like hope on the horizon...like the dawn of the beginning of a better day.

Art Show :)

Three Ducklings

Black Bear

Grazing Pair

Autumn Leaves

Our Cabin in Summer

Today, I thought I'd share a sample of my watercolor paintings. I especially enjoy drawing and painting from nature. Our cabin is a perfect place to paint from, as we are surrounded by natural beauty year round.

Anniversaries

Our Wedding Day, June 14, 2009

The one month mark of our wedding day has come and gone. I missed the opportunity to write a few words then. So, on this day instead, the 40th anniversary of the first manned moon landing, immortalized by astronaut Neil Armstrong's now famous words..."One small step for man...one giant leap for mankind," I want to say how much brighter, happier, and full life on this planet is to be sharing it with Kevin.

In some respects, marriage is a giant leap of faith, but each small step we've taken together before taking our vows and celebrating our love makes us sure of our footing and eager to proceed, come what may.

We included in our vows the following simple, but profound words adapted from a Navajo Song ~

In the house of long life, there we wander

In the house of happiness, there we wander

Beauty before us, with it we wander

Beauty behind us, with it we wander

Beauty below us, with it we wander

Beauty above us, with it we wander

Beauty all around us, with it we wander

In old age traveling, with it we wander

On the beautiful trail, together we wander.

I am honored to be traveling life's journey with my soul mate, Kevin.

Happy wanderings to all!!!

From Where I Sit ...

This weekend was a rough one health-wise. On Saturday night, after a couple hours of stomach and back pains accompanied by increasingly intense nausea, I spent about half an hour in the bathroom, the contents of my stomach just not wanting to stay put. I was sicker than a dog! After that, I crawled into bed quite early, depleted of energy to do anything else. Fortunately, a good night's sleep followed. I remained pretty exhausted throughout Sunday, but it was a restful day at home in the company of my very supportive partner.

As the disease progresses and my kidney function decreases, I am bound to experience more of these kinds of symptoms. Such is life at this stage of the disease. Though still scary to think about, a transplant is becoming more and more inviting as an end point to feeling so sick and tired and a the beginning to days of better health with renewed energy to do all the things I love to do again.

To change the subject (a useful tactic to feeling better!), years back my Mom gave me a copy of a magazine called "Civilization." It included an article entitled, "The Literary Life," with photographs of the desks and workspaces of various notable authors. "Seeing writers in their workplaces, we come to appreciate the creative act, the lonely process of making literature," was how the article began. I was captivated by the images and primarily by how stark most of the rooms were...almost empty rooms devoid of personal objects, but spaces where colorful, lively, suspenseful words were woven together and books crafted that tantalize our emotions and inspire us to think more deeply. The photographs of these spaces left one with the impression that there were to be no distractions...simply a means to facilitate an inner vision to make its way out on to paper.

I scanned my room and my desk space and was struck by how much stuff I have crammed in here and all around me. I hope anyone who may come across my blog enjoys reading it, but, as far as literary greatness goes, I think my room with all its colorful contents and its many, beloved distractions will be a limit setter to the coming creation of any masterpieces :)

I've never found writing to be a lonely pursuit either. For me, it's simply a means to connect to my own thoughts and feelings and communicate them with others. From where I sit, I write ... and it's a joy to share!

The Chart

Kevin came up with a good idea. He suggested I keep a record of how I feel on a scale of 1 to 10 every day and combine the accumulated data to make a chart. The chart could help note and keep track of any particular patterns with the physical symptoms I experience over time due to my kidney disease.

Kevin's suggestion conjured up memories and visions of charts of gold stars and smiley faces I'd made for my daughter years ago to help her stay on task with various chores...pages stuck up on the refrigerator door at her eye level looking back at her so she could see all the stars accumulating and feel good about setting goals and keeping them.

For my daily record keeping I've decided, in addition to the number value, to code each day with a G for Good, M for Moderate, or B for Bad. I started off with the week with a B on Monday and Tuesday, but went up to a G yesterday and maintained a G today.

This may all sound a bit smiley face juvenile, but I've already discovered it serves a greater purpose. Keeping records of this sort not only helps to cue in and identify how I feel. By staying keenly aware and thinking things through, and not just feeling them, it also helps me make a stronger effort each day to overcome and minimize the lesser aches, pains, and discomforts brought on by my condition.

I know there will be days during the wait for a transplant when I simply feel lousy...but a positive attitude and outlook can go a long way and play a valuable role in making the most of each day. Sometimes, just making a concerted effort not to feel so bad really can and does help one feel better.

Perhaps, I should even add some gold stars and smiley faces to my chart :)

P.S. : The photograph above is a favorite Native American piece of pottery art from my collection. The delicate, earth-tone colors of the piece and its textured surface are simply beautiful.

Peachy Keen

Mrrp the Frog

By my standards, this morning was the beginning of a banner day. The sun was setting everything aglow in the early hours. It was so pretty that I decided to go out for yet another jaunt around the cabin with the camera.

Pay dirt! There was our elusive, resident pond frog in the shallow end of his watery realm. Better yet, he stayed there, still as stone, while I snapped his photo. It is the first and only time I have actually seen Mrrp this summer. I've heard him many a time, but this was my one and only sighting ... and I got the chance to record our meeting with the above photograph. As you can see, he's a very handsome frog!

Yesterday, I went out to our local farmer's market where I purchased our first peaches of the summer. The season just wouldn't be the same without these juicy, tasty fruits ... and ... peaches are easier to photograph :)

Today's "Mini" Discoveries

Japanese Beetle on Milkweed Plant

This afternoon, I went out with camera in hand to be at the ready for any opportunities that might arise for good photographs. Kevin and I had spied a young red fox when we were heading down our driveway the other day. I've been hoping to see him again...and hoping even more to get a picture of him! On this occasion, I didn't even see a squirrel or a chipmunk...so I needed to look on a smaller scale to get some interesting photos.

The first photo was one I was hoping to take of a Monarch caterpillar or butterfly. We have a giant milkweed plant growing right in front of the cabin. The milkweed is the host plant for the magnificent Monarch...but today, at least, the plant was hosting a shiny Japanese beetle...click!

Winesap berry

My next photographic subject, this winesap berry, stood out like a beacon against its green foliage. It was glowing bright red in the sun. The winesap berries are a favorite of birds and mammals alike...and on top of this particular berry sat a tiny, light green insect nymph of some sort....click!

Honeybee on Coneflower

The honeybees were buzzing around the coneflowers this afternoon. I was happy to see so many of them come and go, enjoying their snacking and gathering. With honeybee populations dwindling, it's always good to see these little guys at work...click!

Hosta Flower

Finally, the delicate hosta flowers are opening, and they are so pretty! Last year, the deer ate all our hosta plants down to nubs before they even had the chance to flower. This year, the deer have had plenty to munch on in the woods surrounding the cabin, so our hostas and their lovely flowers have survived...click!

Post Script Photo

Butterfly Bush

One more photo today to wow you ... and this picture doesn't even do the bright colors of this plant justice!

So far, the butterfly bush, planted several weeks ago, hasn't had any luck attracting butterflies, who prefer the simpler, fancy-free cone flowers growing next to it, but it's super radiant colors sure did catch my eye!

Just had to share this photograph taken this morning :)

First Flower then Fruit

Bean Flower

Gardening is an active learning process. Preparing the soil, planting seed, watering and fertilizing growing plants are just the basics.

But gardening is so much more than a step by step process. It teaches one patience...some plants seemingly take forever to sprout, mature, and flower and fruit. It teaches one to learn to live with disappointment...as all gardening efforts don't turn out as one hopes and desires they will. Gardening also reminds us that living things actually need very little to survive. Plants require fertile soil from which they gain nutrients, sunshine, and water...and little more. Particular plants have special needs, and, if they are to thrive, a gardener learns how best to accommodate them.

As it is with many things in life, a gardener learns best by trial and error, rolling up his or her sleeves and getting his or her hands dirty - definitely a hands on approach!

Green Pepper Flower

A garden also teaches one to appreciate simply beauty.

The bounty a healthy vegetable garden provides is the main goal, but the dainty flowers that precede the "fruit" are stunning in and of themselves. The tiny, white star-shaped flowers of the green pepper stand out brilliantly against the plant's glossy green foliage. The graceful, lavender-hued bean flowers that dot the bean patch are exquisite, too! It's exciting to see these delicate blooms open and herald the coming of the tasty, nutritious vegetables to follow.

Cucumber Flower

The bright yellow cucumber flower is one of my favorites...probably because the cucumber is the first vegetable I ever planted. The pretty, dainty flower stands out in such contrast to the gangly, viney leaves. As soon as the flower falls away from the plant, a cucumber "bud" starts to swell in its place. Within days, if the conditions are just right, a mature, full-grown cucumber will be ready to harvest. Those we've grown in our garden have been so juicy and sweet. Plus, there is just something so satisfying about growing your own...and enjoying the fruits of your labor.

Finally, gardening highlights the fact that the only thing in life that is constant is change. Each day in the garden is unique. To everything there is a season...and to every gardener...so many delights!

Beauty in a Butterfly

Enchantment...what word could better describe my feeling this morning when a most gorgeous bright orange and brown speckled butterfly accompanied me as I watered my flowers? I thought for sure this fragile beauty would flit away as quickly as she had appeared, but instead, she stuck around the entire time I tended my garden. So, after my watering was done, I went for the camera...thinking surely with camera in hand she would be gone when I returned. But, no, there she was as if waiting eagerly to pose! During my excited fumbling, she remained patiently, fanning her delicate wings and turning just inches from my face to get to the sweet nectar of the cone flower where she perched. She really was lovely...much prettier than my photo can show, and it was so incredible to be so close for such an extended time. Truly beautiful!!!

Weekend in Annapolis

Travel near or far has always been a passion. It's so fun to go someplace new, see the sights, meet the local people, shop, and sample the food.

This past weekend , Kevin and I drove about 2 hours to visit Maryland's capital city, Annapolis, where we stayed in the downtown historic district. Our Bed and Breakfast Inn was within walking distance of all we visited, which was fantastic! We parked our car when we arrived late Friday afternoon and didn't get in it again until we returned home on Sunday.

We started our weekend getaway with a ride in a horse drawn carriage. It was a good way to get an overview of the downtown area. Our driver led the horse on a circuit that included offshoots down neighborhood side streets lined with private homes where residents waved and greeted us as we slowly traveled by.

After our ride, we headed to the dock to see the boats that gathered in the harbor. Annapolis is a mecca for pleasure boats including graceful sailboats and huge, well appointed yachts as well as sporty motor boats. Boaters converge at the dock where they disembark and enter the town to partake in the party atmosphere and dine at the many restaurants and eateries. That evening, an army band had assembled and was playing an assortment of patriotic tunes in honor of the 4 th of July. We hung around a while to listen and enjoy the festive ambiance.

The following day, after a comfortable night's sleep at the inn, we were off again, traipsing down narrow alleys lined with row houses, each painted a different shade and most highly adorned with brightly colored flowers.

Within minutes, we were back at the main dock...this time preparing to head out on a short cruise for a tour of the harbor and the Naval Academy. It was a picture perfect summer day - warm and sunny with just the hint of a breeze - wonderful for our time on the water.

When we returned to the dock, Kevin and I were ready for some lunch. Moving in the direction of the closest restaurants, we came across a riotously painted mural of Annapolis set against a brick wall. It stretched behind an equally colorful flower garden. It was so neat! This mural is pictured above in the photo accompanying this blog. We chose to eat at a bustling spot called Middleton's Tavern. We ordered what turned out to be scrumptious, over-sized crabcake sandwiches which we washed down with icy cold, fresh squeezed lemonade.

With our bellies full and energy renewed, we returned to the shop-lined streets of town enjoying some window shopping before taking in a guided tour at the Paca House, former home of a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Outside this historic home stood the oldest White Mulberry tree in Anne Arundle County. The trunk of his ancient tree was simply gigantic!

From there, we walked a short distance to the seat of legislative action in town, the State House Building. This structure is the oldest continually running capitol building in the United States.

In addition to serving as Maryland's present day governmental seat, the State House is steeped in much history. For a very brief period, Annapolis served as the capital city of the nation. The Treaty of Paris was ratified in the State Capitol and George Washington resigned as general of the Continental Army here. We stood in the very room where General Washington's parting words were spoken.

Our tour guide pointed out some very intriguing architectural features in the capitol building. He led our attention to a portion of the marble floor, where snail fossil remains millions of years old are embedded. We could clearly make out the outlines of their spiral shaped shells. Our attention was also directed to two elaborate, Tiffany glass sky lights, so exquisite and radiant as the sun's rays shone through the patterned, colored glass panels.

Kevin and I rounded out our activities in Annapolis with the Fourth of July fireworks display at the waterfront. Our curbside seats on the grounds of the Naval Academy offered us a great view. The show was a spectacular culmination to a fun-filled weekend!

The Blue Ridge Mountains Really Look Blue

To truly enjoy the beauty of nature, you have to submerge yourself in it. Outdoors, your senses become heightened - sight , sound, and smell all become more acute. A walk in the woods, a stroll along the beach, time spent putzing in a garden all offer up their own wonders.

One of our favorite activities is hiking and camping, and one of our favorite destinations for these activities is Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The land here is graced by the presence of the oldest mountain chain in North America - the Appalachians, the portion here called the Blue Ridge Mountains for their distinctive blue appearance.

Being out in the mountains is awe inspiring - simply breath taking! There are many ways to experience the park, but we most enjoy slow treks along the myriad of lesser traveled mountain trails, taking our time as we hike to fully take in and observe our surroundings.

Each hiking experience offers it's own new discoveries and visual delights. We've come across reclusive salamanders and newts, box turtles, deer, and a whole array of wildflowers...some easily recognized, like black-eyed susans and wild columbines, some we'd need to pull out a field guide to identify. The trails are alive with bird song, again, some we know and some we're hard pressed to make out. We stop to observe lichen and mushrooms and tiny insects that alight on them. The amount of activity going on along what initially seems like a quiet path off the beaten trail is amazing!

Setting up camp under the stars is the perfect end to a day of mountain hiking. To wake with the gentle rays of the sun after a good night's sleep is pure bliss. With another day of exploring and enjoying the essence of the wilderness calling, life is at its best!