Solandana

 They are known as Hawk Moths, Sphinx Moth, Hummingbird Moths. The first time I saw one was back in our old home in Los Angeles.  It was dusk, I was watering. I thought it was a humming bird on a lavender bush,  but the flight was different.  Then I noted it was a moth. It came in a low point in life. The sight of the rare creature lifted me.  It is said people in Europe sighted many of these blessed beings,  just before the Allied forces liberated Europe. This little creature showed up the morning of the Maui fires. She allowed me to take many pictures of her. That evening I heard sirens and the chopper.  I opened our door and saw flames across the street.  The fire chief lives up the street from us, the crew and helicopter water drops made short order of the fire. We live close to the lake. Neighbors showed up with shovels to help if needed. Gave me peace as I watched the embers float through the sky. We live in a most ideal place with such swee...

 Its been a cold and long winter. For months now, one sensed a tug-of-war between the cruel grip of winter  and the bursting growth brewing 'neath the snow. Super bloom at the Poppy Reserve, Antelope Valley. Even the desert is alive with color The mountain is just starting its color show. While here at Solandana, the cherry plums bloom. Happy Spring!

  An interesting year its been. I broke my wrist in March. Thanks to the help of Gene, neighbors, friends, clients and remedies a very speedy healing occurred. As long as I can trim my ponies feet and stack hay - I'm good. My hand continues to regain the finer points of dexterity as I am reacquainting myself with art. Been away from that way too long. Squeezed in quite a few visits with the wild herd, even had a few folks from LA join in. It is a magical experience to soak in the peace of the valley the wild herd habits and the pure energy such beings, in charge of their own volition, can impart. No need to die, I found heaven. The last of the old pack passed. Goldie finally met with the spirit pack. A new band of 3 Chihuahuas, Momma Doty, Baby Natcho and Aunty Honey joined Solandana. Duane has canine family that adores him! The ponies, aged yet going strong, sing the changes of seasons and being in the pasture with them and all the surrounding wildlife feeds the soul. The lan...

 There was a place people once knew to live. Within the hallows of your art and craft. A place of respect to self and others and all that connects to.  Respect of time and what is accomplished in a day. A place when people knew when their belly was full and how to relish in gratitude for it. A sacred place that kept he hollow gnaw of materialism from your belly,  causing you to blur your safe boundaries and that of life around you, serving too many false idols that throw you under the weight of your need of commodity and convenience. How I wish humans would find that sacred place,  that special niche, where you knew self worth apart of the worlds and ego's expectation.

 My initial plan was to take a long break. My body and mind decided the garden, kitties and ponies were not enough. My bones and mind were not functioning freely. I decided to put out a few applications for a dog. A few weeks after Goldie's' passing, a long time friend, who's horse also passed unexpectedly just a few days prior had an interesting chat. We noted that this round of saying so long to our beloveds, we were not seeing something dying, we were in a place where we witnessed a soul transition. There is a difference. Goldie had some profound insights before her return to Spirit. It was a reiteration of what was already brewing in my mind...an amalgamation of what I know, how I live and what life needs of us in these strange days. I filled out several forms to adopt a new pooch. My what a process that has become! I understand with the failing mentals humanity is experiencing, but we place life at so much risk and infect so much with all our fears! After weeks, severa...

  Sometimes, life graces you with a good buddy for many years. This was the case with Goldie, 17 years of steadfast comradery.  She was found as a 3 month old pup, roaming a parking lot. I was observing her from a far. Those she approached for help shunned her. I rolled the old El Co up near her, opened the door, squatted on the ground and said, "most don't listen well do they kid?" She sheepishly approached me, ears back, tail wagging with an embarrassed look in those gorgeous, black lined, eyes.  She hopped in the car. We did a courtesy round through the parking lot asking if she belonged to anyone - we were ignored.  I drove home with my new buddy and she easily joined the existing pack of Murphy, Winston, ChiDoxie and Peppy. She fit like a glove in the household and was nothing but perfect. Her cross of shepherd and Golden was just the sweetest, loving and caring mix. As she grew into her perfect self, she was the perfect momma to all the pack. The surviving part...

Time, To sit still and soak in life's tender moments To find what fits, To discard the chaff Time to laugh at failings of aging bodies To do things in a timely fashion, and not live life in a messy, hasty blur. To walk in grace, To dance in life's embrace Before you blink, and its all done Time to Rest, And follow that which Blesses the Heart  

Another year, finally, some sorely needed snow! The wind howled, the snow drifts piled high. The ponies so enjoy! Munching on the healing pine needles. Known for vitamin A, aiding eyesight, hair, skin and enhancing immune system. Higher vitamin C content that citrus, eases depression, allergies and boosts mental clarity - smart ponies! Just make sure not to use Yew or Cypress - these can be toxic.  Solandana's dressed in snow! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Blessed Season of Celebration!  

 Of abundance and retreat, Autumns dimming light, to Winters sleep.  Happy Thanksgiving!