This morning I’ll begin on my own
in the garden
where the day is absolutely gorgeous
August… to begin
crazy though, doesn’t it feel as if July
had only just
started
the oppressive heat has moved off again
and the temperatures are today
just
set
to please
a non-work day for me, so a bit of a lie in
with the dogs
where each was certain to monopolize most of the bed
and blankets
forcing me, to the edges
beginning as I do with morning meditation and grateful thoughts of
starting a new book
both of my furry boys were content to continue
snuggles with coffee
one on my lap, and one in the chair opposite
while
I
read
then most gladly, we are out
the door
the pond in morning sunshine is at the height of its glory
where two days ago, I notice one hyacinth
has flowered
today, eight have burst into gorgeous lavender gowns
with a few more on the doorstep
our water lily, just new this year after restoration
is still cautiously edging her way
to
the
top
but already hinting at wonderful colour to come
not to be missed, the small delicate white flowers of
the spearwort
are plenty
the tadpoles this year, seem again to be
perpetual
where I thought I noticed a thickening of a few tails
I still have not spotted tiny legs
the full variety of dragonfly and damselfly returning
is a marvel
and the small fellow gently rowing his boat
is ever present
in the garden, I am ever so pleased with the return
of
the sparrows
a sort of common, multitude of birds
that are always here and quite joyful
yet during these drastic heat surges, seemed to be
shading themselves
elsewhere
we switched up and replenished the bird seed a bit
and so
thankfully,
the mighty sparrows have
returned
the usual suspects, the grackles have been plentiful
and possibly even cowbirds frequenting the bath
(some a bit hard to tell)
I am conscious to keep it fresh as it has been so
dreadfully hot
the blue jays of course, and the doves
always welcome
and the cardinals, seem to be
forever feeding their young
don’t think I’m hearing the wrens quite as much these days
but the chickadees, yes
and the chipmunks
today while I am sat, to second cup
a fellow flutters in to light
on the pergola, above my head
I look up to see my dear downy woodpecker
I am filled with such delight for this visit
then over he goes to the honeysuckle and steadily tap-tap-taps
on the branches
quite quickly he is joined by another
possibly adult and young one
learning the ropes
I am
absolutely thrilled
I’ve had to move the feeders a bit
as the squirrels have been getting the lion’s share
but the proximity now of the feeders
to my chair
has proved quite wonderful
someone has been about, and twice now
tipped the small white bird house
into the pond
rescued this morning, I managed to
inadvertently strand
a small tadpole
on the roof
quite quickly returned to his safe place
in the water
very happy to report the swallowtails and
monarchs have been quite
frequent
the bunnies as well are visiting often
and a few masked bandits
I am quite sure
have been happily raiding the compost
at night
and just this minute, I tune in
to a soft buzzing sort of hum, just off
my left shoulder
where a gorgeous hummingbird moth is
sampling
the phlox
by my side
suppose you might wonder why I tell you all this
the inconsequential comings and
goings
in the garden
the various small wonders
of my world
possibly these ramblings become
like my own personal
floatation device
when I am once again, treading water
to keep myself
afloat
when news of the world
is not good
and people repeatedly prove themselves
as
not
kind
when body chemistry is once again
so
topsy-
turvy
in my head this morning words from
Galway Kinnell,
“.. though sometimes it is necessary
to reteach a thing its loveliness
to put a hand on its brow
of the flower
and retell it in words and in touch
it is lovely
until it flowers again from within, of
self-blessing… “
and these days
each
small
remarkable
wonder
is so very
necessary ♥
