Closer to Fine

My sister has created a beautiful life for herself in Seattle. I treasure my too infrequent visits to her home. I always leave her space feeling refreshed. I am aware that it's not just the environment--Tammy has a down-to-earth outlook on life that calms me. It seems that I am always searching for definitive answers to the meaning of life and trying to figure out my place in it. Tammy learned a long time ago to accept and celebrate what is. When I hear the Indigo Girls singing "Closer to Fine," I always think of Tammy. It was my first and only choice to provide the background for this memory of a day in her paradise.

Gratitude - Lake Ellen

"Gratitude is so close to the bone of life, pure and true, that it instantly stops the rational mind, and all its planning and plotting." - Regina Sara Ryan

I was reminded of Ryan's quote in reviewing my photos of Lake Ellen in northeastern Washington. It's impossible to place oneself in that picture and not feel grateful, impossible to stand on that shore and not be fully there.

I'm a beginning photographer and beginning collector of images that cause me to be fully present.

My Name is Dusty - I'm a Great Big Deal

Years ago, Carole King provided an amazing soundtrack for a children's video called "Really Rosie." The movie was a collection of pretty terrific children's stories by Maurice Sendak. The star of the show was Rosie, a self-proclaimed Great Big Deal. I've often thought that Carole must have been acquainted with our Dusty at some point. Pay attention to the line, "The Enchanted One, That's Me."

The Dogs

I am convinced that the dogs get on the computer when I am not at home. I am sure they are wondering why those darn cats deserve all the fuss and attention. So. . .meet Dusty (Chow Mix), before the haircut. . .

. . .and after the haircut. . .

She looks much like Mary's little black lamb. . .and follows me around like one (when she's not eating, that is).

And the other jealous mutt, is Holly, my gorgeous, albeit chubby, Siberian. (I'm sure it's Dusty who knows how to access my blog. I'm convinced that it's mischevious Holly who instigates the action.)

William - The Movie

OK. I couldn't resist. William was deserving of a movie. I hunted for other music, but, as was true for Kit, "Stray Cat Strut" just fits. Enjoy!

Introducing William

Kit has a brother who is giving him a run for the money in the modeling department. Meet Sweet William. He loves to hide in the plants and defend the greenhouse from potential intruders. I snapped 64 pics of him. Here are some of my favorites.

Kit: A Day in the Life

I had so many great shots of this critter, it was time for Kit. . .The Movie! I think "Stray Cat Strut" was written for him.