Just Ducky

Buffleheads and a female mallard out for a leisurely Easter Sunday swim.

Gratitude Monday–Take A Different View

The other day I was practicing drawing.  I like trees with noses near the root system and I like attaching an ear on the side  so I was busy putting this together on a trunk.
I made an effort to play with some shading techniques I'd read of. It's a stretch to say I've learned them, but I presume that will come. I have a good range of graphite pencils for playing and the best way to learn is to use them.
This is what I'd drawn:

I was having fun.  For that alone I am grateful.
My husband was sitting across the table from me so I picked up the drawing to show him. He smiled and told me to look at it from his angle, upside down.
When I did I smiled. I was so intent on doing something one way I had neglected to see it in any other way.
Usually I'm the one looking at the world from a different angle.  I must have needed a reminder.
My husband was there to provide it and for that I am grateful.
Here's what he saw:


Other views can be surprising.

Gratitude Monday–Green

The first few shoots of green have been trying to get growing.
We get plenty of deer in the yard and they find them before we do.
I understand. In their hooves I'd do the same.

But I did manage to find these Egyptian onion tops growing near the sidewalk in the front yard.
They are green and they are beautiful and I am grateful.

Photo-Finish Friday—Summer Soon?

A bohemian waxwing takes a break from eating the berries in the ash tree in the front yard.
Photo taken August 2012

Gratitude Monday --Seasonal Swing

The temperatures have perked up.
Water runs and drips and the sun shines.
Yes, we've been down this road a few times lately. But this time, based on it being calendar spring, I believe spring is here to stay and for it I am grateful.

Photo Finish Friday -- Peyto Lake

This is Peyto Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, in August of last year.

Gratitude Monday --Even Better

I am feeling better. This is good.
I had the flu recently and it flowed naturally and normally into a cough and then cold.
This is improving greatly. Today I may even be able to think well enough to do some editing.
While I am grateful to be feeling better, the real gratitude is elsewhere.
Being sick reminds one how good it is to be healthy.
I didn't think I needed a reminder, but apparently I did, and for that I am grateful.