Sixty::Forty-Three

Eastern Amberwings - summer 2008

Sixty::Forty-Two

One of our neighbors built a shed as far away from their home as the boundaries of their property would allow. I can appreciate their desire to store their piles of junk out of sight, but unfortunately for us, the spot they chose backs up to our property and is clearly visible across our pond. A few feet from an old toilet and various plumbing supplies, a large oval piece of scroll work leans against the backside of the shed, the side facing our property. I am seldom able to wander 'round the pond with my camera without focusing on that enchanting scroll work. It perfectly embodies one of my goals in photography - to find and capture beauty in unlikely places.

I have hundreds of photos of this oval scroll work. This one just happens to have been taken this past December.

So no one liked Sixty::Forty-One but moi?

Sixty::Forty-One

Promises

Perspective...

Diptychs from my wanderings on Pollywog Creek...
...because two is better than one.

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. ~ Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

I've not abandoned my story, I promise. A satisfying conclusion is on its way. I've simply been preoccupied with the little boys who call me "mimi", the saint whose feet I wash, treasured moments with my dearest friend, conversation with those I love, snatches of time buried in good books, and those perfectly delightful wanderings with my camera.

Sixty::Forty

Two-thirds of the way there, and May is just around the bend. This wildflower photo (the fly was a bonus) was taken in the pasture in May 2007.

Sixty::Thirty-Nine

While memory too well preserves a poisonous weed, it suffereth the rose of Sharon to wither. Let us charge ourselves to bind a heavenly forget-me-not about our hearts for Jesus our Beloved, and, whatever else we let slip, let us hold fast to him. ~ Spurgeon

Photo: An after the rain gathering of flowers, July 2008.

Sixty::Thirty-Eight

If the readers of Pollywog Creek are not already aware, I not only enjoy photographing dragonflies, damsel flies and butterflies, but almost any insect can capture my attention. More favorite insect photos are sure to come. This one was taken in June 2008 near the thickets along the creek.

Sixty::Thirty-Seven

My favorite photo for today is going up early. It was taken in March 2008 from the car while we drove from our home on Pollywog Creek through miles and miles of sugar cane fields to the Florida east coast.

Two of my grandsons will pass by that same newly-planted field on their way from the east coast to our house this morning.

They will also ride past the Sugar Festival which is being held in Clewiston today.

Sixty::Thirty-Six

On our visit to Nashville for Emily's 18th birthday in March 2009, we toured the Ryman Auditorium. While waiting for our guide, I peaked through the double doors leading to the auditorium and was delighted by the sunlight that streamed through the window at the end of an empty dark hallway and reflected on the polished wood floors.

Sixty::Thirty-Five

This might come as a surprise to some of my readers, but I've been so intrigued by the NFL draft, that I almost forgot to post a "savoring sixty" photo. Silhouettes are some of my favorites, and this one was captured on a July evening last summer. By the way, we are now Denver Bronco fans. I've been wanting to see Colorado!

Sixty::Thirty-Four

One of many frog/toad photos I've stored in my archives. I'm likely to post more before I reach sixty. This one was taken at dusk on a September 2008 sabbath. I love the blue tint and the grain of the wood in contrast to the little frog's shades of brown rings and splotches, but I would have screamed if he'd jumped on me.

Detour...

I'm struggling with the next segment in my "On Trial" story. It requires more discretion than the last one, and I'm wrestling with finding the proper balance. To end any vain imaginations readers might have, I'll tell you now that though I knew the person responsible for the second crime, it was not anyone I am related to or have had contact with in over 35 years. I intend to protect their identity now and in the future, for it serves no purpose to do otherwise. When I began writing about my jury summons experience, I had a totally different picture of what that would be - one post telling of God's favor. One post. Then I started writing. And writing and writing. And not sleeping, because I couldn't turn off my thoughts, remembering details I'd long ago forgotten. I'd wake up in the morning writing in my head. I've told bits and pieces of these stories to many of my close friends - around a campfire or over a cup of tea. Not once can I remember ever doing so at a retreat, conference, women's group, or church where I have been given the opportunity to speak. Interesting. A year or two after I recovered from surgeries on the leg I had broken in the accident (it's not a good idea to run on a broken leg, by the way), in my naivety, I submitted an unsolicited telling of that story to Guideposts. I'm grateful today that the editors returned it six weeks later with my first rejection slip - a polite note informing me that it wasn't what they were looking for. It was not a story that was ready to be told. Until now - 42 years later. So I beg your patience with me a little while longer, while I detour away from courtrooms and crimes and back to Pollywog Creek... ...and the Painted Buntings - can you believe they are still here? ...damsel flies around the pond ...and weeds wildflowers along the creek.

Sixty::Thirty-Three

I got a butterfly net for Gavin last week and late this afternoon, after the rain, we went outside to use it. Kristin (who seemed to be enjoying the net more than Gavin did) caught a damsel fly and several mayflies, but no butterflies. The rain must have washed them away.

Sixty::Thirty-Two

Quite time - New Year's Day Reflections - January 1, 2009 - and coffee in my mother's china. Remembering my mother, Mary Eleanor Gardner White, with much love today, the 9th anniversary of her passing from this world to be with our Lord. I miss her more with each passing year.

Sixty::Thirty-One

Grapevine, December 2007 I'm fascinated by clinging vines, and the backlight through the leaves of this grapevine simply added to its appeal.

Sixty::Thirty

Half way there. Photo: A corrugated tin roof shed on the Hendry House property, taken during the summer of 2009. I can't explain why it is a favorite. I think I just like old things.

Update....

The next episode is coming. I promise. Later tonight, but first I'm going to a pageant, to cheer on a sweet little girl with the most delicious red curls. Maybe I'll even take pictures. Later....

Sixty::Twenty-Nine

Does anyone know what happened to my day today? Truthfully, I spent most of the day trying to wake up. Note to self: don't ever take Tylenol PM again. Ever. I can't imagine what a real sleeping pill would do to me. Tomorrow. Tomorrow. There's always. Tomorrow.... Photo: Spiderwort, June 2008

Sixty::Twenty-Eight

I did say I love dragonflies. For those of you who are waiting for the next "rest of the story" post, I should tell you, it won't be today. Hopefully tomorrow. Please forgive me for making you wait, but I had not expected to be dwelling on that painful season in my past, and revisiting those experiences was keeping me awake at night. I needed to step away from it a day or two and get a good night's sleep. I am grateful for your patience. I also appreciate those of you who have expressed your concern for me. Please know that I am fine. I am telling this story because it is a testimony to the mercy and grace and goodness of God.

Sixty::Twenty-Seven

Creeping Oxeye - one of my favorite weeds.

Sixty::Twenty-Six

A love for coffee did not come naturally, but as a young nurse fresh out of college and working the night shift, I longed to acquire a taste. After experimenting with every combination of coffee, cream and sweeteners available, I discovered that the only way I liked my coffee was black. Over 35 years later, if it's hot and freshly brewed, my first cup of coffee in the morning is still black.

Sixty::Twenty-Five

I know I said "no people", but I made the rules, so I can break them. Right?

I appreciate Patsy Clairmont's perspective in her Bee-boppin' thru the big apple and was reminded of our yearly trips to the City after Nick's appointment to Kings Point in 2001.

In June 2008, three years after Nick's graduation, Louis, Emily and I flew back to NYC for a Yankees baseball game in their final season in the house that Ruth built.

New York City is a colorful and fascinating place to visit, and that is why that photo is a favorite; but I'm always grateful to return to my quiet life on Pollywog Creek.

Random photos from a Pollywog Creek week...

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1: 'round the pond 2-4: Easter weekend-Nick, Kristin, Gavin, Casey, Jessi, Mason and Austin 5: a mockingbird bath 6: backyard explorations with Gavin 7-9: boating, swimming, tubing and fishing-Nick, Kristin, Emily and Gavin 11: 'round the lake 12: a Saturday walkabout 13: bottlebrush The riches of life on Pollywog Creek - the abundant blessings God graciously allows me to experience and remember in pictures. Yet God's favor last week could not have been sweeter than it was in a place without photos. My palms were sweaty and I'd been nervously fidgeting in my seat by the time it was my turn to answer the judge's questions. Mrs. Hunter. You indicated that you have been a victim of a crime against your person? Yes sir, I have. The rest of the story tomorrow