Thursday 27 June 2019

Eight Things Illuminating My Simple Life

A simple life is what we live here. No flash or dazzle. Just the two of us with our dogs daily wandering our property, noting the changes four distinct seasons bring us. Trying to practice wellness in exercising and eating good food. And especially being of good cheer to each other. 
 I think of some things as illuminating this simple life of mine. Here are a few of them.

Hubby and Murphy in the tall deciduous forest when the leaves were just opening, May 26.
Rex under the flowering Weigela and beside our wood pile for next winter.
Spotting the first Swallowtail...thank goodness they are back and have brought a few bumblebees with them.
 I've seen over 50 different species of birds in the three locations around Ottawa I have lived since moving here. Some I see over and over like the often viewed  chipping sparrow.
I put a name to this particular dragonfly with the see through wings that fascinated me the first time I saw them.  Plentiful each summer on the little pond, the common Whitetail Dragonfly is in this stage for a few mere weeks of its life span.
Spying on these little guys...three chipmunks hanging around these days much to my relief because I thought they were all gone.
And inside, adding to my life's enjoyment are my hobbies. Here I finally made a decision about the border for that little appliqued table runner. I settled on these two Kim Diehl Butter Churn Basics for Henry Glass and have ordered more of the one with a little green in the leaf; it perfectly matches the greens in the blocks. Here is the Fat Quarter Shop link where you can look at all these pretty blender style fabrics.
Also illuminating my life is you.  I am old enough to still find lots of wonder in this internet thing (being a person who doesn't understand how they got voices through wires for phones!) and especially the way it can connect us around the world... awe inspiring in every way.
And lastly I want to say this- please hold onto the feeling that the life you are living is special, whatever or where ever it may be


30 comments :

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I have some of the butter churn basic fabrics too and love them. You sure see a lot of different birds where you are - we have a lot but I've never really kept track of what kinds there are - your forest are so pretty

Roseanne said...

Hi Jocelyn! Oh the trees filling in - I have really noticed that a lot lately on my ride home. During the winter and Spring, the trees let a lot of light through the roadside and the sun is often in my eyes on the side. Lately, all the trees have filled out majestically and filter that sunlight. Your Weigelia is just gorgeous - I have several red ones in my yard but they have not grown quite that high. Butterflies and bumblebees are definitely a good thing and my hummingbird feeder has become quite popular although I can't snag a picture of any of them yet. ~smile~ Roseanne

Brian's Home Blog said...

Those are all beautiful, peaceful and glorious things! Thanks for joining the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!

LA Paylor said...

thanks for the drawing prompt... I painted your little chipmunk and will send it to you LeeAnna

Libby in TN said...

It's amazing the difference a little latitude makes in the seasons. What a special dragonfly!

PaintedThread said...

Wonderful photos. That chipping sparrow looks quite content. Chipmunks are so cute! (but can be so destructive). Ah... good stuff. :-)

Nancy J said...

Connections in an instant, friendships that span the oceans, and photos of birds and animals that we do not have down here, all make my days happy ones. love your words that finish your post, so true at all ages.The sparrow looks a lot plumper than the small ones we have.

Catscue Cat Mom said...

All is beautiful and peaceful at your place, thanks for sharing it with us.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Your butterfly and beautiful and I love that cute little squirrel! Thanks for reminding us to be thankful for our lives and remembering how special they are! Sweet hugs, Diane

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

Thank you, always, for sharing the beautiful place where you live, and all the wildlife! I so enjoy your photos, Jocelyn! We've been having quite a few sparrows at our suet feeder, but I don't think the chipping sparrows live around here. Your flower appliqued table runner looks like it's going to be so pretty!

Michelle said...

Simple things are the best. Love that little chipmunk. Don't see any around my farm, though I know they are there! Thanks for linking up.

Azka Kamil said...
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MissPat said...

My, you are waxing poetic today. Isn't it wonderful to be able to get put and wander without hats, boots, mittens and parkas? I've only seen one or two butterflies so far, but the hummingbirds have been visiting the fuchsias. The milkweed is starting to bloom, so I hope to see some monarchs, though there haven't been many the last few years. I know the chipmunks are cute as a button, but if I never saw another, I would be happy. They are the red squirrels are very destructive. Have a contented weekend.
Pat

moosecraft said...

Amen! The day is that much more lovely when appreciated....and I really wish more folks would slow down and realize what a wonderful world it really is! :-)

Vicki in MN said...

Wow those trees are really really tall! Love all your nature shots! Glad I could track you down and leave a thank you for visiting and commenting on my butterfly table runner this morning. You came in as a no reply blogger.

Cathy said...

Your wildlife pictures are lovely, especially the chipmunk. Love the fabric you are using. You are so right about the joy on the little things.

Jenny said...

Love your nature photos Jocelyn, you did really well snapping these. Pretty little chipmunk too, never seen one in real life, only on TV.

Rose said...

I read this post this morning and really enjoyed it...it struck a cord with me. A simple ordinary day is one of the nicest things in life. Seems like we have those so seldom. I love watching for new flowers to bloom, and would love to get out to the woods but since his stroke, Roger has no desire.

I love dragonflies and am amazed at the variety there is. I did not know this till I started blogging...or along about then. They are such an amazing creature.

I hope you have a good weekend...

Rose said...

Oh, I so wanted to agree with your choice of border...

Mary Marcotte said...

Hubby and I have been spending a great deal of time outdoors enjoying the hummers and butterflies and birds. Just enjoying the occasional breeze, the birdsong, and happy grandchildren. What else could a country couple wish for? Your post really has me appreciating our little backyard symphony.

Aritha V. said...

What a beautiful butterfly!

Mary in Peoria Handmade said...

I like your last statement about being special- we forget, or at least I do. Your nature photos are so cool. Of course, I'm hibernating till October. I will enjoy summer through your beautiful landscape. Enjoy your weekend. mary

Jocelyn said...

Beautiful pictures!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Great photos! Love the little chippie playing peek-a-boo because it reminded me of my dad who lived with us for the last twelve years of his life. He spent hours sitting out by the garage feeding the chippies peanuts. He would put them in his shirt pocket and the little chips would climb up and rummage around in his pocket to get their treats. Every spring they would remember him and where to look for the peanuts and then they would teach their family. So much fun to watch.

O'Quilts said...

wonderful pictures and wonderful sharing

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

I don't think I have ever seen a WHITE dragonfly, though we do have many dragonflies flitting around the pond. I really love chipmunks. Terry hates them and traps them to relocate them to the county park a few blocks from us. It's not so much that he doesn't like them, but they come on the front deck by the bird feeders then the dogs go nuts. But if I see one trapped, I let it loose before he sees it. I hate to take them to an area they don't know, lol. Terry's health limits so much of what he can do. Hard for him because he was a Jack of All Trades. He often says he feels like he is just existing. Then I point out to him all of the things we enjoy and his mood lightens.
xx, Carol

K Reeves said...

This is such a beautiful time of year, and your neighborhood has wonderful flora and fauna! Thanks for sharing it with us. I love your fabric choices for your current project. Kim Diehl has designed some gorgeious prints.

Aram said...

Very nice post. Looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing with us.
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eileeninmd said...

Lovely nature photos and critters. The dragonfly is awesome. Cute dogs. Wonderful photos. Thank you for linking up! Have a great day and new week.
PS, thanks for visiting my blog.

Jenn Jilks said...

Such lovely photos. I love the butterflies and birds. They are gone so long!