View of the Kanawha River heading into Charleston, WV. Across the way is the University of Charleston (UCWV). Photograph taken 3/22/13.

Several different types of trees have been planted along the walkway, some in memory of local individuals and philanthropists: Maples, Oaks, Ash, Crabapples, Gingkos, Tulip Poplars, and Pines all line the walkway. Right now, Maple Buds are much in evidence and the Crabapple trees are showing tender, young green leaves. Maples are by far one of the dominant trees in Charleston, along with Oaks, Poplars, and Sweet Gums.

A bird’s nest is clearly visible in a young Maple tree. Photo taken 3/22/13.

A good-sized ball of Mistletoe in a Maple tree. In our area, Maple trees are a favourite host tree for Mistletoe. Photo taken 3/22/13.

Branches of two Tulip Poplars against the blue sky. Photo taken 3/22/13.

By the time May and June roll around, the grassy banks of the Kanawha River will be host to a variety of wild flowers and herbs, and with them many species of insects, frogs, turtles, and lizards. Hawks, Herons, Geese, Turkey Vultures, and Ducks can also be found along the river in addition to several species of songbirds, as can Groundhogs, which can sometimes be spotted in the summer walking along the sidewalks. During my walk yesterday, I spotted some Canada Geese, Mallards, a Groundhog, several small birds, and had a fun encounter with a Mole. Amusingly, male Moles are called “boars” while female Moles are called “sows”; I’m not sure whether my Mole-friend yesterday was male or female, but it was a fun chance encounter. I came across it while it was dining on a large earthworm, and it sniffed my hand and even let me pet it while it finished its’ meal.

Mole that I met yesterday while walking downtown – photo taken 3/22/13.

Looking for some more earthworm to munch on. Photo taken 3/22/13.

Finishing up and no more earthworm to be had – time to head back to the burrow! Photo taken 3/22/13.

This prolific member of the Mint family perfectly illustrates why Purple Deadnettle has its’ name – the photo really doesn’t do the vibrant purple shade they produce justice. Deadnettle and Henbit are very common this time of year, along with Chickweed, along the banks of the Kanawha River. Photo taken 3/22/13.

Young basal leaves of Common Mullein. Photo taken 3/22/13. Mullein thrives in sandy, gravelly soil and in ditches and waste places, and can thrive in the harsher soil conditions associated with roadsides. Photo taken 3/22/13.

A defining landmark of Charleston WV is the 293 ft. tall gold dome of the Capitol, which is gilded in 23.5 karat gold leaf. Photo taken 3/22/13. Many sizable Oak trees can be found surrounding the Capitol Complex, along with a few Hawthorns.

This photo was taken a couple of years ago in  a New Jersey Wood.  For more magical, blessed photos of Nature, please check out the links below and enjoy!

http://notinindia2012.wordpress.com/2013/03/16/the-magical-charms-of-nature-and-the-healing-sound-of-water/

http://notinindia2012.wordpress.com/2012/12/26/the-blessings-and-magic-of-nature/

http://notinindia2012.wordpress.com/2012/12/16/back-to-nature-five-minutes-from-my-house/

http://notinindia2012.wordpress.com/2012/04/09/nothing-nutures-like-nature/

http://notinindia2012.wordpress.com/2012/09/27/the-blessings-of-nature-2/

Enjoy and a Happy Passover to all who celebrate it.

See you after the Holiday

With love light and JOY

Jane

Green in all shades and tints. . . .. various tones and hues. . . . .I am reminded of art lessons. Mixing viridian green. . . light green…..burnt siena.  . . .yes, and it delights the senses and the intellect when one is able to get the exact tone needed.

We learn from Nature. And where does Nature come from? Who created this beautiful world? None but the Master Creator Himself. Praise God!

As I walk, I am letting my senses absorb all that I am able to enjoy. . . the sights, the sounds, the smells. . . . I look up and I look down. I turn to my young friend and he gives me a grin. We are obviously enjoying ourselves. . . . Praise God!

Suggested book list for spring:
Countdown to Spring! by Janet Schulman
It’s Spring! by Samantha Berger and Pamela Chanko
When Will It Be Spring? by Catherine Walters
That’s What Happens When It’s Spring! by Elaine W. Good
My Spring Robin by Anne F. Rockwell

I’m now nineteen…only one more year until I’m the big two-zero. The scary age…

I feel as if by twenty I should have more of an idea where the hell I am going with my life. Although, knowing myself………I’ll still be just as clueless.

My birthday sort of started early on the 19th when Jase picked me up from uni and we went to get my absolute favourite foods wowcow original frozen yogurt with a chocolate shot and brownie bits and McDonalds! We then drove upto my house where he gave me my STITCH ONESIE early and we just hung out and watched The Biggest Loser – totaaallly a guilty pleasure and took turns of wearing the best onesie ever eating nutella pizza!

I fell asleep pretty early and Jason secretly stayed up until midnight to surprise me and wake me up at midnight to wish me a happy birthday with kisses and Piff the Magic Dragon videos – google it, he’s hilarious – before we went back to sleep.

Jason and I spent the day eating kit-kats, nerds and subway and getting lost at The Three Sisters (basically 3 giant rocks in the Blue Mountains, NSW in Australia). We were literally walking for over four hours to see the Three Sisters which after finally getting back to our starting point realised we had walked STRAIGHT past them before we began our journey of mistakes HAHAHAHAHA. We both have massive blisters and rolled ankles.

As you can see in the pictures below I really didn’t dress appropriately for  literally 1500 stairs and 15 kilometres.  We kept continually going the wrong way, getting lost and walking down the hard paths which sometimes included 900 stairs…. ooops.

Stilllllllll it was totally fun and I got to hang with my absolute favourite person in the whole world.

We then cooked up a mexican fiesta with my mumma  (including taco’s and nacho’s) and Jason made me a cake with pretend candles made of chocolate twix bars (my absolute fave)! We then finished off the day watching Mulan and Cars in bed with my dogs! Solid 19th I would have to say!

I definitely scored some lovely stuff off Jase, my Mum and Sister!

Jase got me my amazing new camera, 3 handbags, a stitch onesie (I mentioned to him MONTHS ago that I wanted one – I can’t believe he remembered!), a 12 piece makeup brush set, chocolate, Mae disco pants (I’m wearing them in the pictures) and lots of food, kisses and cuddles! He’s utterly spoiled me. I’m so very lucky to have met such a lovely lovely man!

My Mum and Sister spoiled me too! They got me a lovely necklace, new AHHHMAZZING sheets and a doona cover set and ICE SKATING VOUCHERS! So excited! I’ve never been! Have any of you guys?! Any pointers?!

How was your 20th of March?!

Let me know if you’re even remotely interested in posts about my everyday life and I’ll happily post more!

It was pretty quiet. I only passed a few runners, a lady with her dogs, and the trail volunteer during my 45 minute walk. This trail is packed when the weather is warm, especially on weekends and when the kids are out of school. It’s perfect for running or bike riding. There’s a little stream that is so peaceful. It’s one of my favorite spots.

The sky was the most incredible, bright blue. The trees are still bare from winter, but I thought they looked so majestic against the blue backdrop. I can’t wait for the little green buds to appear.

It was almost eerie, being so alone in the woods. I usually feel completely safe on this trail. It’s not very long and there are always volunteers walking from end-to-end. The people who walk and run here are so friendly, always smiling and saying “hello” as you pass each other. But today, it was just me and the birds chirping and the whistle of the wind.

I loved how the sun reflected on the water, it was beautiful. It was pretty muddy down there (this is a view from the bridge) or else I would have ventured a little closer. In the summer, I love to sit on the rocks and dangle my toes in the cool water. Not today, though!

So bright! Such a huge sense of calm comes over me when I’m out enjoying nature. It makes me feel so vital, so alive, yet so small. The trees towering over me have probably been standing there for hundreds of years. If only trees could talk…think of all the history they have seen. The sun rises and sets, the seasons change, the stream rushes on, the trees stand tall…time passes endlessly. Standing alone in the woods, looking up at the branches reaching towards the blue sky, watching the birds fly here and there, it reminds me how interconnected everything in life is but also how big the world is and what a small part I play in it. I really believe that being in nature is a spiritual experience.

Being out in the woods inspires me. It makes me want to be a poet, and attempt to put into words the bliss of feeling connected to this beautiful world. I want to be another Thoreau, or Frost, or Longfellow.

It makes me so happy!

The challenge at Inspired by Stamping this week is to create a project using the following soft colours:

I’ve combined challenges again and have made my card with this weeks Mojo Monday sketch in mind:

I’ve been taking a look at my Stampin’ Up! stamp sets I haven’t used in a while. There’s a pile sitting there of about 20 stamp sets that I’m deciding whether or not to sell – I haven’t sold off any retired stamp sets as yet, I’m scared I may need them at some stage.!  One of the neglected stamp sets I have on my desk is Elements of Style. I LOVED this stamp set when I first got it so I’ve made the effort to use it today.   I’ve also made another card with it for a Design Team challenge that I will share later in the week.

For this card I thought the blossom would look nice in the background behind my birdcage so I used my markers to colour the image in Pear Pizzazz and Pretty in Pink.  I’ve used a retired Stampin’ Up! DSP called Beau Chateau as it fit nicely with the challenge colours. The bird cage is from Nature Walk and the butterfly is from Kindness Matters – both Stampin’ Up! stamp sets.  The sentiment frame is from an Inspired by Stamping set called Fancy Labels 18.

Here’s my card:

Thanks for stopping by.

Cheers

Narelle

Note: it’s best to have an adult use the hot glue gun, hot glue is super HOT!

To create a “Bring the beach home” shadow box look around and see if you have:

• 1 shadow box frame (unfinished)
• White paint
• 5 X 7 sheet of scrapbook paper your choice
• 1 sticker with a beach related phrase
• 1 small sea star
• 2 similarly sized white pieces of beach glass
• 10 tiny green pieces of beach glass
• 1 2 inch piece of driftwood
• 1 sand dollar
• 2 or 3 small beach rocks
• hot glue sticks and glue gun

Here’s how it’s done:

1.  Paint your shadow box frame white and allow it to dry completely. Use a hairdryer to speed up dry time.

2.  Cut a sheet of scrapbook paper to fit the frame. My frame holds a 5 X 7 size.

3.  Glue paper to frame. I used hot glue and it was a bit tricky to slide the paper into the frame and have it seat properly before the glue cooled. Work quickly or use another type of glue.

4.  Glue the sea star on the scrapbook paper in the upper left corner.

5.  Glue sand dollar in the lower right corner.

6.  Glue the driftwood lower left corner leaving space for a rock.

7.  To create the sea glass feet: glue the two white pieces of sea glass, as shown in the picture below. Choose 10 tiny pieces of green sea glass to use as the “toes” and glue in place. Remember where the big toes should be so it looks anatomically correct!

8. Attach the Beach theme sticker in the upper right corner.

9. Finally put your rocks in the bottom and slide the glass back into the frame

Place on the wall and enjoy!

Hope you had fun making a “Bring the beach home” shadow box to hold your March break treasures!

Love Three Ladybugs Play

Have fun with this quick, easy, open-ended idea!

Maria Grujicic (Malena)

This card uses the same layout as the one I posted yesterday. You may find that over time, you end up using certain layouts again and again. That must have been why I was drawn to this layout yesterday.

Yesterday’s card was a clean and simple (CAS) card, but this one is a little more dressed up, with ribbon, a pewter brad, designer paper and embossed papers. That’s the great thing about card sketches – once you have the layout down, you can go as simple or over the top as you like.

~

~

Oh it may be dull out there… but you can feel it.  You can feel the green right beneath.  This life rushing towards the surface.  If you keep your head up all you will see is Sonshine.  If you use your other senses…. you will find so much more than your eyes can perceive.

The smell of warmth and “outside” in your children’s hair when they come back to you to tell you about something all breathless.

The cool of your spouse’s hand as they can hold yours because babies and kids are running ahead.

The laughter of women over handsome husbands lined up in a row watching a field full of kids.

The lovely smell of dirt… fresh worm filled  dirt… just asking for warmth to sprout anew.

People ready to spiritually shed unnecessary layers and patterns formed through a grey season.

It’s nearly here….

You can almost reach out and touch the hem of it….

get ready.

Bursting with thanks….

1. Waking up to sun filled skies and temperature rising.
2. Finding tulips and daffodils getting taller and taller
3. My kids making bows and arrows which work!  How crazy is that!?  It started with one kid and it spread through the whole group.
4. A great PFW of art, worship and revelation.
5. We let the hens out to enjoy the weather… and no hawks sit in our trees… perhaps she went some where else to prey on something older and easier.
6. So many wonderful people showing up to Sunday Dinner.  Great conversations…including lockthedoor hilarious ones.
7. Seeing my oldest’s handwriting on a wall of thankfulness, “Ripped up contracts.”  Knowing it meant that much to him as it did me!
8. shopping for plants with Yen, just her and I and endless redemption and restoration.

after all my grumbling about not being able to take darla on a nature hike like a year ago at my parents’, i decided to go for it even though snow was still on the ground. because, why not? and i’m so glad we did. it was the perfect day for it. the skies were clear, sun bright, temps just warming up so we could sit and literally watch the snow melting off the trees into the creek:

we hiked over and examined rocks and the creek bed. we tossed sticks. rested on fallen logs and listened to the many birds. we guessed at animal tracks and got our boots muddy. we listened to the slow trickle of melting snow and the occasional plop of a big chunk as it fell into the creek. we basked in the greatness of my sycamores.

oh how i long for my indiana home.

Fungi emerging from the trunk of a Pine between some Poison Ivy vines (“Hairy rope, don’t be a dope!”) along the Davis Creek Trail.

Exiting the van we were treated to a loud chorus of Wood Frogs, and I eagerly headed over to where the rainwater ponds they favour can be found, across the road from the Ranger Station. I was not disappointed – I was able to spot five of them, although others were present, as well as a large cluster of eggs with black tadpoles already visible inside. I enjoyed their song, which was only interrupted when a vehicle came down the park road, from a respectful distance so as to not frighten them into silence or back into the woods.

Two Wood Frogs next to several clusters of eggs.

A fairly large Wood Frog.

A closer view of the egg clusters and a Wood Frog. The black spots are tadpoles already visible in the eggs.

A poster at the Ranger Station showing the species of “sport fish” in WV.

Cable-like moss-covered vines are a common sight along the Davis Creek Trail.

The afternoon sun seen through the Oaks and Beeches on the Davis Creek Trail.

Many varieties of Stonecrop and Ground Ivy can be found thriving in the early spring.

Cinquefoil is becoming more evident along the trails.

Once we crossed over to the Rattlesnake Trail and made our way up, we came to a cave formed by a rocky outcrop that had two chambers; I was inspired to go into the left-most chamber to do a ritual honouring the local Earth Goddess. With having to plan a Vernal Equinox observance for next week, I figured some guidance on which of my ideas I have brewing was necessary. I entered the cave and knelt down, placing my rose quartz Earth Mother statuette on a mossy ledge that was perfect for a natural altar.

The cave on top of a hill just off of the Rattlesnake Trail; there is no clear-cut path to get there, but the hill is not steep. It can be slippery however due to huge colonies of moss hidden under the leaves. I asked the spirits to show me the best and safest route.

The entrance to the cave; it’s deeper than the photo makes it appear, but does get narrower and tighter. The back is covered in rich, green moss and water drips from above. A very powerful place.

The top of the cave, covered with mosses, ferns, Rhododendrons, and saplings.

The ceiling inside of the cave, where water occasionally drips down onto the moss.

My little Earth Mother statuette on a perfect natural shrine.

I proceeded to sing and chant in honour of the local Earth Goddess, and as I did so a cool breeze kicked up and came into the cave, making the whole chamber feel cool. This coupled with the moist smells of soil and moss, and the powerful thrum of energy from the stones, made for an indescribable experience. Grateful, I left an offering of silver – one of my silver triskele ear studs – deep inside a fissure. I took a few moments to feel oneness with the spirits and energies of the place before gathering my statuette and my hiking staff (named Walt, by the way) and slowly backing out, careful not to stand so soon that I hit my back or head. As I did so, I heard a shriek – I called out to my husband but he and Iskander were OK. I heard it again, and looking up saw three Hawks flying directly over me in a circle, calling out. I tried to get a photograph but was not able to; I did though get the very strong impression that this was a good omen, an impression confirmed by a later Ogham draw regarding my cave ritual (Tinne/Holly – Action, Powerful Protection, Assistance). Matt took his turn in the cave while Iskander and I made our way off of the Rattlesnake Trail and back onto the Davis Creek Trail, heading towards a small play area near the entrance to the forest.

Basal leaves of a Forest Violet spotted by myself and Iskander as we made our way back along the Davis Creek Trail.

Possible patch of Velvet Blue Spread fungi on a fallen log on the Davis Creek Trail.

As we got closer to the play area, Iskander wanted to stop to sit on a bench along the banks of Davis Creek, so we did for about ten minutes and got treated to the sight of a Brown Bat hovering over the creek catching insects. Once again I tried to snag a photograph but the Bat was simply too fast. I did however find a tiny patch of older Chanterelle Waxy Caps growing out of a rotting log.

Chanterelle Waxy Caps, an older patch.

We all met up at the play area, and Iskander had fun sliding and swinging until it was time to head home. Weather permitting we’ll most likely be making another trip out either Wednesday or Thursday, as warming temperatures will mean that the earliest spring flowers will soon be blooming.

A stand of Eastern Hemlock trees bordering the Davis Creek Trail from across the creek.

One of the many ‘shot to death’ views of the Henderson Waves.

Today, I specifically set out to (re)explore it with my fisheye lens this time.

No, I didn’t bother to correct the distortion.. and decided to work them into my shots instead. But I did made an effort to ‘minimise’ unwanted distortions.

Even though I aim today was to cover the Henderson bridge, but I can’t help to notice so many spiders available for photography… especially when I came across a gigantic one that is really really hard to miss. No macro lens was required for this one.

Front side…

Its back.

Another one.

Nature Walk

People may think that mid-February would not be a good time to discover a wide range of biodiversity. However, our enthusiastic participants spotted almost 50 different species of plants and animals throughout the day.  Some of our younger explorers even got a chance to see how magpies communicate among themselves to look after their territories! Matt Holker, our resident nature walk guide was particularly keen in letting the participants see hows plants can tell people information about the environment, like how Alder trees show boggy ground is near.  There was a real sense of involvement between the visitors and the guide, with particular encouragement for the young people to take charge of their outdoor learning.

We found out about the Grey to Green project simply by word of mouth.  We think it’s a great idea to have something like this, especially visiting places such as Nutsford Vale which were former landfill sites!  It helps to gain respect for the area,  and our children absolutely love the experience and the things they get to make.”  Sam, Emma, Kay and Lindsey

Willow Weaving

In addition to the wildlife walk available, a special willow weaving session was provided and today, the community were making dragonflies – and very realistic ones they were too!  In no amount of time, a basket full of willow pieces was transformed into beautiful pieces of art, and the children couldn’t wait to take them home to decorate their garden fences with.

What a great way to help people, especially children, to learn outdoor experiences and get involved  with the world around them.  We were so impressed with the last event that we had to return.  The group has a big potential in the community!” Jill and Jenny

Get involved and make you’re own willow decorations by clicking here!

Involving the Community

It was great to see members of the community, and a local resident was particularly happy to see Nutsford Vale being used positively.  Nutsford Vale was a former landfill site and was left barren before intervention in the 90s by Red Rose Forest and The Mersey Forest.   In the last fifteen years, local residents from the Nutsford Vale Park Project have continually worked to improve the area including clear up operations and campaigning to the council and seeing the return.

All in all, it was fun and educational day out enjoyed by visitors new and old, and many participants look forward to seeing more local events in the near future.

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Our day ends with a late afternoon walking meditation. There is just enough time for one  final ‘walkabout’ in nature−−to enjoy her charms and to dream, touch, smell and capture a  last ‘Ah – Ha’ haiku moment. Armed with notebooks and pens we move ahead, as a sliver of pink and gold appears and then widens over the rim of the horizon.

our poet’s walk
rings with the resonance
of singing bell birds

The pace quickens as rich foliage deepens into shadow. Trees and shrubs along a forest stream suddenly fall silent as the horizon now flames orange red. The sky above provides just enough light to guide us back safely, before darkness draws its cover over the land.

]]> http://boarwoman.wordpress.com/2013/03/06/neighbourhood-walk-3613/ Wed, 06 Mar 2013 21:11:23 +0000 sunnablalock http://boarwoman.wordpress.com/2013/03/06/neighbourhood-walk-3613/ I decided to take a walk around the neighbourhood again this afternoon and see who else is poking their head out as well as who has been surviving the latest rounds of snow and freezing rain we’ve been subject to off and on the past few days. Temperatures this afternoon were in the mid-upper 30s; we woke up this morning to some patches of snow on the ground and the occasional light flurry and period of drizzle. As a result, some of the mossier areas were a little marshy, and there was a strong smell of wet earth.

Henbit, or Henbit Dead-Nettle. As with Purple Dead-Nettle, the leaves, stems, and flowers are edible and make a good early spring greens.

Henbit can be distinguished from Purple Dead-Nettle fairly easily; Purple Dead-Nettle has triangular leaves which take on a purplish hue on the topmost leaves (hence the name) and pinkish purple flowers; Henbit has rounded, toothed leaves and smaller purple flowers. Additionally, Henbit’s leaves tend to be closer to the top of the stalk.

Common Chickweed has created a carpet around this old Birch, and grown up and around the base.

Can you spot the Robin?

One of the local murders against an overcast sky.

These Water Hemlocks were small rosettes a couple weeks ago; they’ve doubled in size since.

A Gingko Fruit which has survived through fall and winter; we have many Gingkos throughout Charleston, and they are one of my favourite trees.

Tree Ear (Auricularia auriculae-judae), a species of Jelly Fungi (Tremellaceae). They are edible, but bland.

More Yellow Dock!

Yarrow rosettes. Compare to the Water Hemlock leaves in the above picture - not the same thing. People still get sent to the ER for confusing the two.

A healthy Field Thistle rosette. It may look soft and fuzzy in the middle, but even at this stage you can get a painful surprise from the thorns and spines on the leaves. Definitely not something you want to tread on barefoot!

A smaller, but just as prickly, Sow Thistle rosette. Sow Thistles produce smaller yellow blooms. Also sometimes called Hare Thistle.

A large and healthy patch of Dandelion, with a couple flowers which are on the verge of opening.

Jelly Ear (Exidia recisa), another member of the Jelly Fungi (Tremellaceae) family. This species is smaller than Tree Ear and resembles a cluster of raisins. Also edible, but bland.

A species of Sedum, or Stonecrop. Many people buy these from greenhouses and garden supply shops for their gardens. This patch is growing wild.

I was by myself and had lots of time on my hands. I got to fully enjoy taking several pictures of it in different places around my local boardwalk. I love this shot because it is all cracked up and looks like someone carefully picked it up and laid it down in that location.

This picture is a great example of lost in the Details.

From afar this picture looks like a string from one stem of the clematis plant to the next. Looking closer, one discovers seeds attached stem to stem. I do not understand how these seeds remain attached especially with all of the wintry weather we have had here lately. Nature amazes!

Have a great weekend,

Three Ladybugs Play