Not in front of . . .

. . . but behind, very behind.

I've had a really hard time keeping up these past few weeks,

so today,  I am surrendering to it.

"The key is not to prioritize what's on the schedule, 

but to schedule your priorities."  - Stephen Covey

SO, instead of the intended post of part 2 in my monarch series, (which will resume next week),

I have a whole lotta random to share.

1. I'm so very sad that Nancy over at A Rural Journal has decided that she has come to the end of the blogging road. I so understand and admire the difficult decision, but she will be missed.

2. I finished my last bible study class yesterday...best bible study EVER, Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit. Her bible studies are very powerful and this was NO exception. We conclude each study day with a video from Beth and let's just say this last one brought us to our knees, literally to our knees - it was a sight, and overwhelming heart experience.

3. I have just four more classes left to finish this piece I've been working on . . . there has been a lot of sawing going on. All of the small flowers are actually charms and just being used to help design here. The hardest part of finishing this piece will be choosing and coordinating colors for all the flowers. I see a gardener's color wheel in my future. The flowers will be cold connected with bolts to a back plate, which they are temporarily on now, and the back plate will have an aged patina of some kind. I think I would really like to etch some words into the back as well and I still need to decide what design I'm going to pierce out of the back plate as well. . . . and then there is the decision of what kind of chain to use. If I can't find one that feels right, I may have to make my own. 

4. As I'm sitting here typing I have my black swallowtail chrysalis sitting next to me, I can't decide if it's going to emerge today or tomorrow? So I'm ready just in case!! ;)

5. And speaking of caterpillars . . . .I have very sad news. The almost 100 monarch eggs I started with had equated to just 14 that made it to a chrysalis. I kept checking on them right after they hatched and was finding day and two day old cats dead, hanging by just a thread from the leaves. As days went by, I was seeing less and less cats, but no clue why. When they are small they can play hide and seek like no ones business, so I didn't panic . . . until last week when I came home to a caterpillar apocalypse. Big, beautiful, chunky caterpillars days away from pupating found hanging limp, some from a thread and some inverted in a "v" shape and most dripping green liquid like they were melting. It. Was. Horrible!! There were many tears shed at my house last week. Upon hours of research I think I know why they died. There are so many diseases that these cats can get...but there is a very deadly virus called NPV that can wipe out the entire lot of them on the plants. When one gets it (and it's something found naturally in the wild) it can contaminate the leaves with it's frass (poo) or any of the green liquid that leaves crystals behind. Another caterpillar walks though it or eats a crystal containing the virus and it just keeps on going like the energizer bunny. So not only did I lose most all of those caterpillars, but I also had to throw away all contaminated plants - $100 worth! I also made the very tough decision, although I have drug my feet, to euthanize all remaining chrysalis to be on the safe side. My heart is broken . . . 

6. Our church does a Good Friday experience where they invite artists to submit work with a small blurb about what inspired the piece. This year I did a series from seed to butterfly in photos (8 in all) and all framed together in one frame. But this year of all years they gave us a 120 word maximum, rofl! Can you imagine me, trying to reduce what I wrote (before I realized) down to 120 words. Last night was the artist's reception before they open it to the church members and public on Friday and as I had second guessed myself on what I shared and wrote, I was very pleased that it was well received. Since I have never entered a juried competition before, this might have given me a little confidence to try. 

7. Oh, and one more . . . it's pretty safe to say that I take more photographs than I could probably share here if I posted everyday. The hubby and I went to the beach a few weeks back, after we ate in Galveston, for a sunset walk. Just as it was getting too dark to see anything on the beach, we got in the car to leave. The sky was just starting to turn these beautiful colors, but it wasn't until we got past the houses that I saw this. It was one of those, "honey I have to find a spot to to photograph this." So racing against the clock of time we found this perfect spot to pull over so that I could get out. But word of advice, remember to put your camera back to auto focus after taking (purposeful) blurry shots because even though you keep snapping and they look good on the back of your screen, you will be very disappointed when a bunch of them just weren't in sharp focus.

Well, if I haven't already lost you with the length of this post, I wish you and your family and very blessed Easter. Our girl is coming home today and I can't believe in a matter of weeks we will be going to get her and all her things to bring her back for the summer. Where has this school year gone?

Love, Kim

sharing with Little Things Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Friday Finds 

Foto Friday . . . vacation part V, That's a Wrap

"No matter what happens, travel gives you a story to tell."

- Jewish Proverb

Yes, yes it does.

If you have followed our vacation travels, you know that it rained most of the way there,

(we drove), it rained a lot when we got there, we were restricted by double red flags on the beach for many days, and I had a little trouble with frustration from expectations. But the sun eventually came out, and the

double red flags lifted, and I got over my frustrations.

We enjoyed the turquoise blue surf and white sand beaches, some beautiful gardens with ancient (600 yr old) oak trees and a turn of the century mansion, and even traveled to see the Florida State Capitol and Old City Cemetery in Tallahassee.

On our last day, and a vacation to Destin wouldn't be complete without it, we ventured over to have lunch at Fudpucker's and then to the Wharf at sunset. And we packed all of this fun into just five days, which is why...

"No man needs a vacation so much as the person who just had one."

- Elbert Hubbard

{ Shoot.Edit.Submit }

This was our last view of the beach . . .

. . . . before heading out on our last day. We had gotten up early and gone to the Eden Garden State Park, here, and after walking around in the heat we needed a reprieve and some food. So, it was off to Fudpucker's for some food and fun.

And well, the best part about Fudpucker's is Gator Beach....yep almost one hundred of them! They sell special bait food that you can feed them, and you can have your picture taken holding one. Oh, you know I waited my turn to hold one . . . what an amazing creature! A prehistoric creature, virtually unchanged for the last 150 million years. I wasn't so much interested in having my picture taken as I was just getting my hands on one. I mean, how often does one get to hold and really look at an animal like this. Oh my, how soft . . . I did mention amazing didn't I? 

{ Summer Daze - Project Alicia }

After spending a few relaxing hours over at gator beach and a little lunch we ventured over to the Wharf to check out the chartered boats coming back into dock and their catches of the day. The docks were bustling with people just getting back from a day of fishing and waiting for their captain to clean and fillet their catch.

And check out "This Sale" on the gas pump, OUCH!

They weren't the only ones waiting . . . 

And then out of the blue, a rainbow just appeared!

{ Photograph life - water }

And then the evening came to a close . . . for Photo Art Friday our theme

is light. I chose this silhouette I took at sunset and used French Kiss texture Ancient Urban, Pixel Dust Photo Art texture Orange Foam Overlay, and Kim Klassen texture Be Still. I went back and forth feeling like it needed one more thing, another element, but every time I added something it didn't feel right.  

And finally for Flower Art Friday, a Gerbera Daisy with French Kiss Rosy Script and Kim Klassen Peony.

The background on this image started out black....

Oh, almost forgot, I did stop someone and ask them to take our picture...sad but I can't remember when we were all in the same picture together. We were pretty much all melted by the end of the day!!

"If we would only give, just once, the same amount of reflection to what we want to get

out of life that we give the question of what to do with two weeks' vacation, we

would be startled at our false standards and the aimless procession of our busy days."

- Dorothy Canfeild Fisher

I think we should live each day like a vacation day, relaxed (after of course you dump the expectations),

ready to explore what is right in front of us, and willing to share the story of it. And the best thing . . . there is no packing required in that!

Have a wonderful weekend, and thank you for letting me share with you!!

Love, Kim

XO

** P.S. - stop on over at my collaborative blog today, Focusing On Life, where we are sharing ** 

some fun facts about ourselves only you have to guess who they go to - AND there is a prize for the most guesses!!

           

Foto Friday - A still moment in a busy life . . . and received blessings

I went to bed the night before last night thinking to myself, self how can tomorrow be Thursday already?

I was thinking, which sometimes can get me in trouble when I'm trying to sleep, that I'm having

a bit of an inspiration problem.  

Don't get me wrong, inspiration is everywhere and at every turn.

It's just that I've been too busy to be still....and still is where my soul finds its wings

and where my mind stops thinking and just is. 

So the other night I prayed that in the busyness of my now that I wouldn't miss any of God's blessings
because I wasn't being still enough to notice. Sometimes I wonder how many blessings I miss because I either didn't recognize it or because I was too busy to take notice? I have wondered that more lately . . .

So my first stop was the water, and the one place where I can always count on the busyness of life to be drowned out by the sounds of the ocean and replaced with stillness and gratitude. I felt an instant calm come in with the breeze.

John 1:16

From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.

Although I had missed the sunrise by about 40 minutes there was a beautiful glow and I even managed to capture a little starburst in the sun. Just as I was about to get in the car to head down the road to one of my favorite birding trails I caught a glimpse of two fishermen in a boat which then led me to this guy who was reeling something in.

Of course I had to run over and check it out. And check it out indeed he got himself a flounder.

Do you see both of this eyes on this side - strange huh? I guess they start out having one eye on either side

and as they mature the eye makes its way to the top side.

It was a keeper, and time to re-load the hook . . . he showed me where to hook the shrimp right under their horn -yep they have a sharp horn on top of their head!

Not more than 5 minutes later . . . a sand trout, but he was too small and back he went.

A big thanks to John for letting me hang out and ask questions and invade his space.

Next up, the coastal birding trail. But, I didn't make it very far. In fact, I didn't make it any farther than the

butterfly garden. I did see about three butterflies and they were all camera shy. There is a garden club

that volunteers to tend to the garden and considering our drought it's looking pretty good.  

 

I have to say that I think I was more captivated by the water drops than any of the flowers and

quickly changed my lens to my 40mm macro. The way they reflect the light and cast shadows are beautiful.

(Linking this with LaLa's Home Daycare photo friday- theme is pattern and

favorite photo of the week with Through a Photographers eye)

And then . . . I spied two anoles chasing each other. When I finally found where one of them landed I quickly in a slow stalking manner made my way over and I'm so glad that I still had on my macro lens. Now if you know anything about these lizards it's that they are skittish and with any quick movement they are outta sight.

This is where patience is a virtue when it comes to nature. I finally got myself positioned so that I could slowly bend down, because with this lens you have to be ultra close (like almost nose to nose) in order to come close to filling the frame. You can see here that she is watching my every move.

At this point I'm just so thrilled to be getting some shots and can't believe with the lens a mere three inches

from her that she is still there. She was on a low plant about 18" tall and staying bent over that far is tricky and to stay steady even trickier. I decided to take my chances and move all the way around to another side which required going completely around a very large bush. Whew, she was still there but I had to start my descent again very slowly! ha ha  This time I was in a much better position and given that I was already so close, I decided to take my chances once again  . . .

Do you see that! Holy cow batman, that is my hand. I was able to slip my hand under the leaf that she was on without her getting startled. You're probably wondering why I keep calling it a her - the females have a small pattern that goes down the middle of their back. Right after I got my hand under the leaf, she turned to her right and was checking things out on that side.

I very slowly lifted my index finger towards her and she put both of her feet on my finger! At this point I'm about to pee my pants I'm so excited, and trying to keep my cool and snap pictures with a macro lens one handed all while staying steady!! The next thing I knew as I extended my hand a bit more she was completely on my hand. I started to very slowly stand up . . .

Here you can get a good look at the pattern that goes down her back.

They will turn brown when they are stressed and the whole time she stayed green.

Not a fleck of brown.

Not one!

There were even several times when she licked me! Ha ha  I'd like to think it was a kiss! ; )

 

At this point I decided to put the camera down, of course very slowly. I'm thinking that I have taken plenty of pictures and now I just want to relish in this moment. A beautiful moment when one of God's creatures trusted me enough  . . . and then the tears just flowed.  I'm not exactly sure what overcame me but the emotion was intense, and raw. Ever since I was a child I fantasized about being able to talk with the animals, just like Dr. Doolittle.  

After we parted ways and before the hubby called me to meet him for lunch I wandered down the path a bit.

And I came across Jo enjoying her moment of stillness watching the deer crossing the path. I shared with her my moment and cried again!

Doesn't she have the loveliest smile.

This last photo I took earlier in the week and thought since I started with a sunrise that

I would finish with a sunset. The neighborhood next to us has an open field where the cattle graze. The sky that evening was the most beautiful shade of pink! From the time I left my house and arrived to get this photo the sun had almost disappeared and there was no time for my tripod. So the light isn't exactly the way I wanted but I like it.

Linking this one with LEM and the theme is light or lighting.

I know there are plenty who love being busy and get bored when there is not always something going on. I however am not one of those people. I love doing things, but I need down time. I need to be still  not only so that I can recognize my blessings but so that I may also truly receive them.
Because of Gods grace we continue to receive one blessing after another even when we are not deserving.
That is not a gift I want to give up lightly.

Have a wonderful weekend and many blessings!
Love, Kim
XO

and linking up with the hollie rogue for foto friday here:

Foto Friday - Taking flight

Flight:

1. the act, manner, or power of flying.

2. a number of beings or things flying or passing through the air together.

The week has been an incredibly busy one, more than normal. You see last spring I was approached

by the Athletics director and asked about starting up a boys athletic booster club. I did. I am now the president (deep breath), and it is quite an undertaking! It has consumed about 40 of my hours this week as

there is much to do before school starts the week after next. T-shirts, concessions, raffle tickets, volunteers

to sign up . . . the list goes on. So this means that other than this past Sunday I haven't been out with my camera and am now having separation anxiety! 

So, I know you're wondering why did she give me the definition for flight, and I'm getting to that I promise. After our executive board meeting tonight (wow, that sounds important) I finally had a chance to work on this post. I sat down for the first time to look at my pictures from the weekend when I got a response to a comment I had left on the blog of someone I'm now happy to call a new friend, Erin at treasures-found. Yesterday was Erin's birthday and at the end of her post, she asked a couple of questions and in order to be entered into the drawing for the things with wings giveaway she asked that you answer one of them in the comment section. 

Who gives you wings to fly? Who kicks you out of the nest? Who nurtures your soul, encourages you, makes you want to keep going? Do tell!

To which I replied:

 I must say that my wings have come from many places, but God gave me my first set of wings - a set that I find myself afraid to use. He always keeps them mended when I have a bad landing and I'm working on using them with confidence. See the thing is, strangely, I am not afraid of falling, but of soaring. I am working on that...

And her response:

I am glad that you gave the glory to God and acknowledged that you DO have wings. But I believe first and foremost that we are CALLED by GOD to be CREATIVE. God wants you to use those wings. To keep them folded and tight is to deprive the world of the best that you have to offer! We each need to find our creative calling and trust that we can soar. Because in the doing, especially when we are afraid of the unknown, the creating is bringing you closer to God because that is what God meant for you to do!

You can imagine my aha moment when I realized the connection between our conversation and these pictures that I took on Sunday.

 

When you have come to the edge of all that you know 

and are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown,

faith is knowing one of two things will happen:

there will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.

-Patrick Overton 

We are each of us angels with only one wing,

and we can only fly by embracing one another.

- Lucretius

More than anything else the sensation is one of perfect peace mingled with an excitement

that strains every nerve to the utmost, if you can conceive of such a combination.

-Wilbur Wright

Don't believe what your eyes are telling you.

All they show is limitation.

Look with your understanding,

find out what you already know, and you'll see the way to fly.

-Richard Bach

Linking this photo with favorite photo of the week contest and fabulous friday.
(This photo won top five for fabulous friday!)
 

I am reminded this week that there are no coincidences, but a fate, a bigger plan that brings people together and when we stop long enough we can see it. That when we pause just long enough that there are lessons about life, yours and mine that are everywhere for us to learn.

And just as God made each of us unique He also gave us a unique set of wings with individual specifications on how to use them, and that no one else can do it for me. I have to just jump off the ledge knowing He will mend them should I fall and that there are also those who have gone before me who are willing to help me spread my wings - and for that I am grateful!

So today I want to thank all of my family, my friends past and present, and all of those who have touched my life even if it was only for a fleeting moment. Some of you don't even know how much wind you put beneath my wings just by showing up here to pick poppies with me, and I thank you!

I hope you have a soaring weekend
Much Love, Kim
XO

Linking up with the hollie rogue for more photo friday fun

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

Quotography - Families

One of my very favorite places to be, where no words are necessary!

Have a great Monday . . .

Love, Kim

XO