Animal, Vegetable, and Mineral

Life has been so full the past couple of weeks - it's that spring/extra light/warmth kind of energy that puts me into overdrive on external things. Family time and work time, and little creative outlet time. This is what we've done this week, a whole crew: Dad, Mom (!), Lara, Lara's boyfriend Matt, Jay and I collaborated to yield this sacred ground. I have to go measure it so I can figure out what we have room for. It's smaller than I'd hoped for, but considering the size and abundance of rocks that we unearthed, it's good enough. In 2 weeks some friends have an organic seedling sale, so that we be the makings of our garden. Oh, and I did get some organic Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce seeds at one of those big chain hardware stores, and have ordered some more seeds from my food co-op (delivery Monday).

These are the biggest rocks we got out. The small rocks on the bottom right are about 3-4 inches in length, so you can see how big they are. You can also see them behind the garden in the top photo.

And here's a visitor in my flower garden this morning:


Shadu got it and so we had turtle rescue to perform. Not easy. But we did manage to liberate the turtle from the dog and set it free in the woods. I wish I knew what kind it is... The top is pretty plain but gets interesting toward the bottom of the shell, and you can see that the turtle's skin has got some color. The bottom of the turtle had beautiful yellow markings. I couldn't get a photo of that because we had to act quickly during the rescue phase.

Photos of my paintings

I've been meaning to do this for a long time... and I finally spent a good chunk of time yesterday getting it done. Here's the link to assorted paintings. Here's one:

Finally the Ocean

We had 3 precious days at the ocean over Easter weekend...

I've been going to the Jersey shore almost every year since I was born; for the last almost 20 years my parents have owned a place that is right on the water. Usually I wait until the summer to go, but there was nothing that could keep me away after all that winter sickness.

As soon as we get off the Parkway (my son calls it the "Garden Stake"), my heart quickens and I feel as though I fly the rest of the way. It's comforting to see all the familiar stores, restaurants and even gas stations on the way, because this is the way HOME. I love the way my children, too, treasure this place; they've known it their whole lives. I can't think of anything more wonderful.

I took the top 2 photos, and my daughter took the 3rd. Enjoy my heaven on earth!