Getting back to normal

Beginning sketch of a Loggerhead Shrike. Photo by Michele

I keep telling myself when things get back to normal I'll paint, sketch, garden, blog, visit, but normal never comes at least what I dream of as normal. What is normal? Lets face it normal is what you make of it. I was the one who decided to get involved with the organizations I belong to. So busy is the new norm. That is ok because what I need to learn is to pick my priorities, feel comfortable in what I am suppose to be doing, keep track of my goals and have faith that in the end this is where I am suppose to be.

Loving these little jewels that fly around the yard.

I found myself involved with the Presque Isle Audubon Bird Festival, which was the weekend of the 8th, 9th, and 10th. The festival was wonderful and I had the opportunity to get to know fellow birders and create new friendships. I also took a birding class on Saturday Mornings with Michele and Julie. Saturday was our last class which ended at the height of the migration for our area. I am so glad I took this class because I got to see birds I never saw before and in their natural environment. My attempts to photograph these birds was ok, at least I now have some reference photos to sketch and paint.
You can read more about the festival and our birding class on the Presque Isle, Naturally blog.

I was never a fan of orange till I started to attract the Orioles to my back yard. Their color is so striking and they look great against my Dogwood.

The garden is calling out to me and I want to spend every waking moment tending to it's every need. Slowly I am getting it tidy spending about a half hour to an hour in the evening weeding, arranging and watching things grow. Taking in the scent as I mentally picture where I want new plantings. Gardens are forever changing, growing, with a few surprises as new seedlings pop up you didn't expect that were carried in by the wind or deposited by the birds. Gardens give me the feeling like I am being creative with God.

This little Common Yellow Throat flew in to my yard one morning after a strong wind. I was surprised to find him standing on my driveway in front of the garage. He rested for a bit and then flew off.

Don has three months left of school. It seems like it has been forever with moments that have gotten on both our nerves. We keep telling ourselves it is not forever and soon our life will change again. It will be hard for him to attend class this summer wanting to be outside biking and fishing. We still try and get out to walk at the park to keep mobile and relieve stress.

I get joyful when I hear the Goldfinches calling each other. The male comes to feed and calls out to his mate. It sounds so sweet.

This is the new normal, keeping busy and doing what I love to do. My lists everyday help me stay on track most of the time. At least they are reminders of what needs to get done. I do get side tracked like this morning when I wanted a brief look at last nights Idol that I missed and ended up watching almost all of Danny Gookey's video's. He is still my favorite.
Re-prioritize and start painting and creating with faith and conviction.

Namaste