Birds and Bees

"What do you have under your hat" I asked.

"I got me under dis hat".

After she'd gotten her chow mien at the deli counter she came up to me and said
"Since you ast, Iza mystic. See, I gotsta cover my arms, my legs, and my head".

She was dressed all in black but for the colorful, knitted hat that covered a large mass of hair. Her smile was as broad as the horizon and her easy Jamaican way pulled me in like a slow Caribbean tide.

After sharing her philosophies she'd say "...or you can jus walk away an' think Ize crazy. See, you got de choice".

Her last words to me were "Chile, you pay attention to your dreams. They got something to tell you. And the birds and the bees. They be lookin' for you".

A swarm of bees filled the sky and made a temporary home
in my plum tree.

A large span of bird wings fell from the sky and dropped at my feet.

A lone pea hen walked beside the road.

A crow died in my backyard.

A strange bird flew inches from my face on the anniversary of my father's death.

I don't know what they are telling me but I am paying attention.
I didn't think she was crazy, I thought she was amazing.

Mi Nuevo Abuelo

For more than 3 years, since we moved into this neighborhood, I have been saddened and angry with the next street over and it's general state of neglect. One block of that street is always littered with trash and unfriendly looks.

There is, however, one house that is the sole reason for ever going down Solano Street. The whole of the front yard is a green house made up of painted wood posts and clear, corrugated plastic sheets. The side yard is filled with plants, ceramic pots and Mexican decor. Despite the obvious constant labor put into this little bit of Paradise, I had never seen anyone there.

Today I met the creator of such beauty, Pedro. I had been calling to him but perhaps he is hard of hearing. It wasn't until I put my hand on his shoulder that he turned around and greeted this stranger with his incandescent smile. It was love at first sight.

I was actually standing inside his "secret" garden trying to speak Spanish with this very small, very old man but the light he was emanating nearly blocked out the sounds of the fountains and parrots and my ability to see the abundance of plant-life.

Then, his daughter came into the green-house and translated my awe and love of his work. I asked if I could come back sometime with my camera and she said that would be fine. I hope to bring a Mexican friend of mine who is also a gardening enthusiast.

Adios, for now Pedro. You don't know this yet but I plan on adopting you if you'll have me!

Flamenco Friday

La Chuparosa

Why am I doing this?

Why does one blog? I love looking at some blogs, got me thru the winter. I found beautiful images that kept my imagination fertile while my garden lay soggy and sad. I think I have SAD. It's not like we live in Seattle or some other dark, rainy place. The climate is rather mild here. I just need to be outside.

I have been back Outside doing my thing. Sometimes getting things done, sometimes sitting under the enormous bay tree watching the birds and the bees and sipping a cold one.

So, I think I'm going to use this technology as a sort of journal, but not in any sort of linear way 'cuz that's just not how I think. More of a tangental thing. Don't even know if I will tell anyone I am doing this.

The Deck Bed is Calling

Summer Solstice

This is my first post, yeah! Been trying to figure this blogging thing out. Not much for reading manuals or instructions so it has taken some time.

It doesn't yet feel like summer. Yeah, it is just the first day of it but the pre-global warming or whatever is happening to our weather would have us in the 90's or beyond by now.

Not complaining nor is my garden, the cilantro hasn't gone to seed yet. But, I do like a warm summer night with the car windows rolled down, the stereo turned up, and the feeling that I could just keep driving until I find myself somewhere I have not yet been.

Summer-time has me torn between doing and escaping, being my mother or my father. Get the slate stepping stones laid in the back yard or take a long nap on the bed on the deck? Chose the nap yesterday with the sounds of birds and lawnmowers lulling me to sleep.