Different Sides

My roses lean over the fence into the bramble to compare stories with the gone-to-seed wild artichoke. After teaching low-income kids in a hard-knock neighborhood I now find myself teaching a more privileged set. Kids are kids, but there are definite fences in this town (and this country).

With Silver Bells and Cockle Shells

Last season I purchased a pile of tuberose bulbs (something I had written and posted on a Things To Do list）at the Farmers Market. I was so happy to harvest my very first of these fragrant flowers. I grew up with them in leis but never had actually seen one growing.

This sassy hummingbird kept frolicking about in my pineapple sage and flirting with my camera. The sun had already dropped so low-light didn't make for any good shots. I love that tuberoses also suit him.

I planted milkweed, since it's the only food source for monarch caterpillars. These caterpillars are enjoying it and will eventually pollinate my plants as lovely butterflies. Though I think they are also pretty charming as chubby caterpillars, don't you?  Our community garden is an official monarch waystation on their seasonal migratory path. You can see them clustered together in the branches of the nearby eucalptus.

Take Care of that Colon...

No one has ever become poor by giving.

~Anne Frank~

Colon health, is something most of us take for granted.  Our digestion and bowels function almost automatically and most of us give this process little notice.  But people who suffer from chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, are made constantly aware of this vital process.

People don't really talk about Crohn's disease or Colitis, because they are unpleasant and can be embarrassing.  Crohn's is an autoimmune disorder, in which the body attacks itself. There is no known cure or treatment for this cruel and often debilitating disease.  Beyond the more evident pain and discomfort, people who live with Crohn's often feel socially isolated and must cope with constant disruption to their daily lives.

More prevalent diseases, that the media makes us aware of us, are far easier to raise research dollars for.

That's why, one of my dearest friends and cousin, Janna, has been working hard to raise money for a cure. Janna will participate in a fundraiser for the Crohn's and Colitis foundation of America, running a half-marathon, held in Vegas in just over a week.  She has been going against her natural non-running disposition and training in the cold hills of San Francisco.  Though she has raised over $1500 she is still about $800 shy of her goal.

If anyone can give just a little bit ($5, $10?) I have no doubt Janna will meet her goal.

So, those of us who have healthy butts, let's give a breathe of thanks. Let's also give five bucks toward a cure.

To contribute toward Janna's requisite fundraising goal and to see active shots of her training, check out her Fundraising Page.

Celebrating Shiloh

Friends gathered together in celebration and remembrance

of baby angel Shiloh.

And whispered sweet nothings on seed-laced notes...

That danced toward the heavens in a clustered swirl.

Goodbye sweet angels...

you've changed our world forever.

OJ in the Mornin: A Worthwhile Pursuit

Golden orbs collecting sweetness from the sun.

Ready for the plucking.

Keep those spheres from rolling...

The funkier the outside, the tastier the insides. 

Rinse, chop, split, twist, and squeeze.

Order up!
Oh, those Maui mornings...

Moonlit Photo Shoot

Moonlight is sculpture.  

 ~Nathaniel Hawthorne

Under the full moon last night, I headed out on a last minute photo field trip with photographer friends.  I know how lovely it is here during the day, but it is wonderful to rediscover the beauty of night.  After a mini-lesson on F-stop, aperture, and exposure, it was so much fun to take photos of the blackened distance (what mountains?)   It turn out so bright and beautiful. Magic!

Very Cold Night.  Balanced my table top tripod on the condensation-coated-car roof.

Moonlight shimmering off eucalyptus branches.

Midnight

Not a sound from the pavement

Has the moon lost her memory?
She is smiling alone.

  -Memory from Cats

I can't help it. This song lingers in my sub-conscious ever since 7th grade choir.  Thanks for listening.

Island Style

In my zone.

As Seen at Longs Drugs.

Proper post-farmers-market luncheon.

Backyard basking.