The Price of Pollen

"Rose" by Anahata Joy Katkin

Today my throat feels like this, full of bits and pieces, iron shavings, burning embers........and I definitely don't love who I am! I had no voice this morning but as it's gradually croaked back to almost normal this evening I think it was the pollen, not a cold or bug. Living in the South, the visual loveliness of Spring blossoms makes one pay the price, and the beauty is not skin deep, it creeps down your throat, up your nose and plays with your head.

The good news is that Google and Picasa have decided to allow me to continue to upload images to my blog............today my paid for in March storage appeared in my account at long last! I guess they did read my e-mails full of whines and whinges. Perhaps my words "elderly lady, non techie" etc. struck a chord within one of those smart young technical guys or gals - thanks so much!

The waiting game

This time of year is much about waiting. Waiting to start digging in the garden; waiting for the trees to burst out in a thousand shades of green; waiting for blossoms, pink, white, red; waiting for warmer days.......and nights; waiting to get out and walk off the Winter cobwebs (if you're not one of those amazing "walk in any weather" people); waiting to sit on the front porch with a steaming mug of morning coffee and see the sun come up; then back in the afternoon with a cup of fragrant Earl Grey tea...........................................and then, before you know it, the evenings are warm enough to actually enjoy a sunset aperitif outdoors before dinner!!

I love my front porch and will share pictures soon - meanwhile this is a Spring morning at my childhood home in Devon, complete with rainbow over distant Dartmoor.

I'm missing home - always do in Springtime - it arrives early, the hedgerows smothered in pale yellow primroses - followed by hidden bluebell woods, home of fairies I'm sure!

"Oh to be in England now that Spring is here".

Not that I don't like Winter, I really do, especially since moving to North Carolina! I must live where there are four distinct seasons - and I really enjoy each one for the beauty it brings. Today I made my "art pal" in the snowy Northwest a Spring surprise box. She loves tassels and music so I'm hoping she'll enjoy this one. Made use of fabrics I had - decorated an empty chocolate box - added some tags (I love making tags). Will send it on its merry way tomorrow!