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“Carpe diem! Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later than you think.”

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Friday, March 31, 2006

Another day in the country


I am a country girl. I am so country, that I still stand in awe before skyscrapers and anything with glass elevators. Much of the time, I travel more on a gravel road than a paved road, and I know what it's like to wash clothes in a ringer washer, to can veggies all day, to make homemade elderberry wine, and what it's like to run to an outhouse in the middle of the night, only to find a black snake curled up on the seat. Bleck! I've carried water, spent several summers swimming in an old sunken tub that's freezing with fresh spring water, and I've sat in the middle of an orchard with my belly full of all the apples and pears I could ever eat. I've swam in old mine pits (with beavers, no less), sat in many a'downpours, turned the TV antena so we could pick up at least ONE channel, and gathered eggs and milked the goat before breakfast. Yes, I am a country girl - and an appalachian mama... and I'd have it no other way.

Thursday, March 30, 2006

yellow darling


The other day I was tending to my yard (getting ready for spring planting) and I came across this beautiful yellow darling hiding behind some lilly leaves. I grabbed my camera, got up real close and snapped this amazing shot. I think I might just frame this one.... yellow reminds me of my great grandma who passed away in 2004. It was her favorite color. She would have liked this photo.

Monday, March 27, 2006

Oh to be a busy butterfly


My horoscope said March was supposed to be this great month, full of accomplishment and money. Hmmm.... I guess I shouldn't put so much stock in an internet psychic, huh? Well, I'm kidding, actually, because I believe that people make their own lives and their own luck - and you will never get anywhere if you lay and wait on fate or a helping hand or an easy solution or the perfect time to do anything. The only way to make something of yourself is to get up every day and actually make something of yourself.

Having said that, I really dont feel like I've moved forward so much this year. Yes, I know I'm only 3 months into it... but still, I just dont feel as motivated and inspired as I need to be. I have a butt load of things to do and barely any time to get it done.

Okay... enough complaining. Here's a photo from the Ohio river. Butterflies are an obsession.

Saturday, March 25, 2006

Rural-ness

I'm from an area with a lot of rural farms and hay bales and old, lonely farms are plentiful. Which is a good thing, because they make for a fine photo.

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Looks like glass to me


This photo is amazing. The lights reflection, the twist and bends of the object. Doesn't it look like glass? Can you guess what it is? Would you be surprised if I said it was an upclose photo of a nearby creek? The swirling is from a limb stuck underneath the water.

Monday, March 20, 2006


Went on a little writer's retreat this month. 3 nights of quiet bliss. It was wonderful. I got a lot done, but the best part was spending one night with my daughter. She brought over pizza and we watched our Sunday ABC shows together (and in an 150 year old cabin, with a roaring fire and comfy beds - one of which is up in a gorgeous loft). I LOVE this place. I've been there several times and after each visit, I want to go back as soon as possible. I'm hoping to book another weekend sometime this summer and write my ass off.

And this photo is taken off the front porch. I was sitting out there with Maddie, enjoying the peace and quiet. Wish I had a better sunset to match the mood... but I was happy with what I got.

Friday, March 17, 2006

The Ohio River at sunset


I was looking through an old photo album and ran across this photo from a couple of years ago. It's of the Ohio River, and we were having a picnic along the rocks. It was a glorious site, and I think this photo captured the moment perfectly.

Monday, March 13, 2006

Dandelion fields forever


Though many people believe dandelions to be a weed, I hold them close to my heart, considering them one of nature's my beautiful - and delicious - flowers. The flowers taste great when fried, the leaves are fantastic - and healthy - in a salad, and the roots are medicinal. You just can't beat that! So the next time you go to pull up that yellow weed... don't toss it out. Rather, make a salad of the leaves, a lunch of the flower and a tonic from the roots. What would you do with the tonic, you ask? Put it on your hair. It's great for your scalp.

Friday, March 10, 2006


Dandelions are finally out. Here in Appalachia, we look forward to frying some up every spring. Here's how: pop the tops off of a handful of yellow dandelions. Soak them in some salt water to get the bugs off. Then blot on a paper towel. Roll them in some flour and fry in butter until crispy. Make into a sandwich and enjoy!! They are truly amazing and it never feels like spring until I make a batch of 'em up for dinner. My kids love them, and I loved it when my mom made them for me and my brother as a kid.

This photo was taken when Silas and I were out picking dandelions. He prefers the ones already seeded.

Monday, March 6, 2006

The Tulips are Back


Tulips are out early this year. But it's been feeling like springtime since January (except for a few days here and there that reminded us that winter was not going out without a - small - fight).

Saturday, March 4, 2006

PJ party at TJ's!


Notice the granny flannels? They belonged to my best friends grandma. Comfy... but not quite me. The pigtails, though, were probably more my style.

My daughter and best friend came over and we had a girlie night. It was a blast!

Poor Jake. He's 13 and not really into dressing in flannels (we all had them on). But he did enjoy the food.

(Photo by Heather Jean)

Wednesday, March 1, 2006

Bird watching


Bird watching is something I love to do... and I took this through my living room window. Pretty, huh?