Testing...

Just a test... I don't know if it's blogger or my computer, and why i couldn't type on the last post last night... but I posted it anyway, cuz it just takes tooooo long for the pictures to load to waste them!!!
  Seems to be O.K. now, or from here anyway???      Computers. :(

Our "photo shoot" last winter...  ahhhh snow. ;)

a weekend at home.

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Teeny baby snapping turtle found walking in our yard.

Do you ever wonder just who you are.... and what exactly your purpose in the world is? Was there a manual written for your life? Are you on track,  what page are you on, and just long this manual is anyway? (Obviously I've given it some thought....)

It's hard to put my finger who I am at this point; it would seem I'm quite a few "me's".  Wife, mother to a menagerie of animals, daughter, friend, artist, photographer, keeper of memories, weeder of gardens, folder of laundry, getter of groceries, loyal employee... (and yet I'm only allotted 24 hours in a day? hhmmmm) 

We all get the privilege of having our own unique perspective on the world and ourselves... and no one view is any more correct or better than the next person's, but it's all ours none the less!  Sometimes I see a person and think, gee, I wish i could be more like them.... but alas, then I wouldn't be me, and really what fun would that be? The world should just be thankful there's only one of me!

I have my own set of quirks, I'm sarcastic, can hold a grudge fairly well, have a strong set of opinions... my own likes and dislikes (including some people I've had the misfortune of meeting). I'm not a "follower"... never have been.  I'm not easily swayed once I make up my mind.... but marriage has taught me the art of compromise, and choosing my battles carefully. I think at this point i may be starting to lean towards eccentric even... but I don't think that's a bad thing completely...  Having too much food in the refrigerator makes me crazy, (I don't like pressure of knowing it all needs eating....)I think hot tuna fish is disgusting... yet cold tuna as a sandwich is just dandy! (with some pickle relish mixed in, on a "gentle bed of lettuce" (as a crazy boss once requested, while looking up at me from the floor he was laying on laughing hysterically) and on an onion roll would be perfect.  I prefer my chicken be served hot, and my ham? Well that can go either way.  I have fond memories of eating liverwurst and onion sandwiches with my Grandfather, and grilled cream cheese and olive sandwiches with my Grandmother... On that theory it would seem that your family has the ability to help shape you are, what you like, dislike and who you become.... who you value and admire, and you never EVER want to be like... Our young impressionable minds must be taking notes while we are busy being kids.... I do digress a bit at times don't I?

I love books, and "things"... old things especially...tattered with age and grizzled with wisdom is right up my alley. (and it goes along nicely with my being the keeper of memories.... ) I've spent a large part of my life wondering about the past.... but that is a whole another topic.

I wish i was more of a free spirit... more open to taking risks and making a leap of faith from time to time... (maybe I used all that when i first met the husband, who just called me an "odd little french fry" moments ago....) It can be exhausting being the responsible one....  I am getting a little more scattered brained, starey eyed and distracted with age, so perhaps that will help loosen up my spirit?

I'm four leaf clovers, and old apple trees, and stone walls, soft green moss, and walks in the woods with big dogs.... colored pencils and bits of clay... and furry purry cats....  cupcakes and bunnies.... rats and ducks and goats and really ALL creatures great and small.... letters and papers and glitter... and lists, many many lists.... plants and miniatures.... cameras and cups of tea and comfy sweaters and clogs on my feet (flip flops in season).... apple pie, fall, pumpkin muffins ~ and snow... we mustn't forget snow. 

Oh yes; and I talk to much once i get going.  :)

Just another weekend in Maine.

These things made me smile, a comfy little contented sort of smile... so I thought i would share them with you.

Brown Eyed Susans by the barn....

Belfast Harbor, and the fog.

The first (live) porcupine I've ever seen!

A school paper from beneath the floor boards.... last one is how to measure your farm.

 The porcupine looks like a cute little bear up close...  Weeds growing by the poor sadly falling over barn start to look quite striking in the afternoon light.  I can hear the echo of children reciting how to measure their farm inside the school house.... and the fog ~ can  you hear it? It comes on little cat feet....

Perhaps it's Magic.