Mary McCloskey

Full moon: the end of August

The last week in August. At 7:30, I open the back door to hear the cicadas, feel if the heat is still heavy.  And the moon shows up, just above me, between the electric lines.  Before 8 p.m. and the evening is darkening already.

Summer reading

I always keep a copy of one of Mary Oliver's poetry books to read in the morning with my tea and toast. This morning, while I was reading, a little spider was crawling on the screen outside my window and was reflected on the book's page. I tried to capture his shadow, but, by the time I grabbed the camera, he had moved on. Well, you can still get a peek of August's morning light. Have a great weekend!

Reflections at midnight

Meandering in the arboretum

A perfect Sunday. Cool breeze, blue pastel sky. What could I do but drive to the arboretum? While there I found quiet; birdsong; avid birdwatchers dressed in shirts, pants and large hats; minnows in the ponds; a wedding in the fragrance garden and kids singing "row, row, row your boat" at the theatre hike. As I said, a perfect Sunday.

 

Friday's gift in the woods

 

We took a walk through the woods this afternoon and were rewarded with this beauty. After the last few days of rain, everything was green and dappled.

Airy sweetness

Sated thirst

All the plants have been struggling for moisture this summer. Today's plunging temperatures (65 degrees at 6 p.m.) and constant drizzle  have provided much-needed drinks for all the yard's green.A perfect day for staying indoors with a hot cup of tea. A doggie would just about make it perfect.

Birch tree: the Orton effect

I've been playing with my new copy of Photoshop Elements, trying out all the bells  and whistles. This one is called the Orton effect.  Gives the photo a very soft, almost magical look.

I've never actually seen a birch tree felled like this. So sad. I peeled a little of the bark off to take home with me and maybe use in an encaustic soon.

Hope you had a great weekend!

August 12th, 6:30 p.m. before a walk

Time in a garden: redux

Rain this afternoon

Glowering darkness

A walk with Waldo

with drops, dripping

small wet needles

from the trees.

And now,

listening,

here under eaves

to the comforting patter

as evening creeps in.