The Mississippi River begins at Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota. We like to visit when we can. I have snapshots of my younger self here. And of my daughter. And my grandkids. I think there is even a picture of my father long ago dipping his feet in this water. I like to imagine how…
I found this beautiful visitor on my doorstep this morning. As big as my hand. Bold yet delicate. Sadly very dead. He (yes “he”) likely lived only four days. Emerged, found a mate, did his duty, died. Not even a moment to eat. Nature certainly packs an amazing amount of care and creation into such…
I am trying to get back to sharing my thoughts on a regular basis. But I have to learn the entire process again. This is not a real post. This is only an attempt to create a test bed to see how images and text present themselves in a longer post. Then it is time…
Frost On The Window Originally uploaded by HelenJr. When it is extremely cold here in Minnesota, the air holds nothing. The light is stark and clear and bright. The sun, itself, seems hard and brittle. But, I think there is such a thing as too much clarity. My camera and I prefer to enjoy the…
I like dirt roads. As I pass, I like to see the trace of those who passed before. I like to leave a mark and carry a bit of that road with me as I go. And there’s something about stirring up a cloud of dust behind me that makes me smile. _________________________________________ Song: Shady…
Last winter, I fussed at the squirrels on my bird feeders. They made a terrible mess throwing seed here and there. But, this summer, the only flowers on my deck are from the seeds the squirrels scattered in my planters. The beggers left me gifts. (linked from Helen’s Flickr account)
We took a boat ride. He planned to fish. I said I would, too. But my camera just wouldn’t be still. It called to me from it’s bag under the seat. And so we passed a peaceful afternoon. He sought the possibilities hidden below the water’s surface. I worked to catch the possibilities right before…
Flutter By Originally uploaded by HelenJr. On Sunday, I happened on this cluster of butterflies, piled atop each other at the edge of a puddle. I have to admire the butterflies’ life. They float with the breezes, sip at the most colorful locations, collect admiring glances wherever they go. They do all that with seemingly…
Minnehaha Falls – Satin Originally uploaded by HelenJr. this is a test message.
Poem: How do you know, deep underground, Hid in your bed from sight and sound, Without a turn in temperature, With weather life can scarce endure, That light has won a fraction’s strength, And day put on some moments’ length, Whereof in merest rote will come, Weeks hence, mild airs that do not numb; O…
There were five deer wandering through yesterday. This one I’d know in a moment if I’d seen her before. Hind right quarter shattered and healed, but the leg completely useless. She was likely caught by a car in the dark. I imagine the car was easily repaired and the driver has long-since forgotten. But don’t…
Birdie With a Yellow Bill Originally uploaded by HelenJr. A birdie with a yellow bill Hopped upon my window sill, Cocked his shining eye and said: “Ain’t you ‘shamed, you sleepy-head!” – Robert Louis Stevenson _________________ Just when I thought spring had arrived early, she surprised us with a snow storm. Inches of fluffy stuff…
Year of Blessings Originally uploaded by HelenJr. Six years ago, this week, I started chemotherapy for breast cancer. It was the same day that we celebrated my granddaughter’s first month of life. 2000 was an inconvenient year, full of discomforts and worries. But also a year of blessings and miracles, challenges and new understanding. I’ll…
Returning from up north on Monday mornings…. I leave alone and very early to get back in time for work (a bit late). When it’s cold and dark and lonely, a stop for a hot cup of coffee is welcome. Doesn’t need to be fancy, just friendly. It’s the way I start the trip. It’s…
Look Up Originally uploaded by HelenJr. “In very truth he was, the noblest work of God — an honest man.” – by Abraham Lincoln, From the February 8, 1842 Eulogy of Benjamin Ferguson “In this sad world of ours, sorrow comes to all; and, to the young, it comes with bitterest agony, because it takes…
Hard frost last night – Rose Leaf Originally uploaded by HelenJr. Our first hard frost of the season. It’s the only one that matters. After the frost, the garden is done. It is always so decieving….. in the morning, the leaves and flowers stand proud and jeweled. But as the sun warms them, there is…
PA0260421 – Twin Cities Marathon, Mile 25 Originally uploaded by HelenJr. Focus on the finish. All else follows. ____________________ I’ve stood on the curb and cheered runners on in the Twin Ciries Marathon for several years now. It must be one of the most beautiful maarathons in the country. Crisp air, autumn colors in the…
P90553241 Originally uploaded by HelenJr. When my daughter was born 30 years ago, my grandfather went into his garden and cut all of his dahlias to honor his first great-grandchild. We came home from the hospital to a house filled with this amazing array of flowers in vases, mason jars, and coffee cans on every…