NATURE in 2013

Each year I look forward to putting together my "Highlights" post.  As I went through last year's photos I realized I didn't want to do that post.  This year was NOT AWESOME (to use the famous words of Tia Jenny).  Even looking back through the photos was hard for me.  But, of course, there were nature photos GALORE.  Tons and tons of them.  It took forever but I went through ALL OF THEM and chose my favorites.  I'm displaying them here.  Some you've seen before and others I haven't shared yet.  I'd really LOVE to hear which is your favorite.

I can honestly say that the highlight of my entire year was getting my camera as a birthday present. I often wonder how I would have survived the year without it.  Every single one of these pictures was taken after April (all with the new camera).  Reviewing these I'm struck by the number of birds and butterflies.  At least half of these photos were taken right in my backyard.  How lucky am I?  And I couldn't stop thinking about how much I look forward to Spring.....when the birds become REALLY active again and all the baby birds come out.

I know which of these is my favorite, although it was exceptionally hard to choose.

Tell me, do you have a favorite nature photo from 2013?  If so, I'd love to see it!  And please don't forget to tell me which of these you like best!

Hope 2014 is off to a fabulous start!

XOXO

Land As A Community

I've been reading a lot lately and that's one reason I haven't been blogging much.  So many good books.....so little time!!!  I'm currently reading Terra Nova by Eric Sanderson.  To say that I'm enjoying this book would be an understatement. I'm actually learning a lot and it's got me thinking about so many different things. One of the chapters begins with this quote:

We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us.  When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.

~ Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac, 1949

I really love this quote and I wish more people took it to heart.  I do my personal best to see our small piece of land as a community.  I think a lot about all the species and plants that live on our lot and how I can best protect and care for them.  I mean....they care for me, don't they?  I don't allow fertilizers, won't use harmful sprays in my garden, absolutely forbid Round-Up.....try to maximize green space....grow plants that are good for the animals, birds, bugs that live here with us.  As I finish this book, our land community is on my mind a lot.  What more can I do?  How can I be better?  How do I teach my girls?

After school today, Clara and I decided to spend some time outside in the crisp cool Fall weather.  When we stepped out into the yard, a large hawk took off from one of our trees and flew right over our heads.  Clara gasped. I looked up into the sunshine and I could see all the gorgeous spots and markings on her plumage as she passed over my head.  At the same time, I was overcome with this sudden gratitude for her presence.

Clara and I checked on the onions and leeks that I planted recently.  

Check.

We monitored the buckwheat crop that I planted.

One half of the bed is growing perfectly and the other half....NOTHING!?!?!?  

As I passed by our parsley plant something caught my eye.......  

......yep, looks pretty normal.  But upon closer inspection....

WOW!  Yeah, there's a community alright.  A community of caterpillars living in my parsley plant.  I counted between 10 and 12 of them.  What a gift.  I have no idea what type of butterflies these will become.  I'm just happy they decided to stop by and stay for a while.  

I love our little land community!

PS ~ I wanted to share a photo of Clara too.  She's quite a little firecracker lately.

No matter how many times I ask, she refuses to wear shoes when we play outside.  Even when it's 50-60 degrees like today.  And she won't let me put her hair up.  She started the day with a ponytail but took it out almost immediately upon arriving at school.  In every single picture I take, her face is covered by hair. YET when I uploaded these photos, I loved how she looked.  She looks like a nature baby to me.  Perfectly at ease barefoot out in the garden....with the sun shining on her curly locks. Collecting leaves and digging in the dirt. Still looking for fresh strawberries even though it's been almost two months since the last one.  Yes, I LOVE my nature baby just the way she is!!

PPS ~ Last night I found this note lying on my phone and bag.

From my big nature baby.  I told her it was one of the nicest notes and presents I'd ever gotten. And I meant it!!!