No Manic Monday Here...

I try to sit outside for at least 30 minutes each afternoon, regardless of weather.  I was staunchly committed to this at first and chastised myself on the days I missed it.  Since then I've taken a much more relaxed approach to it because now it serves the purpose it was intended for; to unwind, unplug for a bit and just be. 

It was late Monday afternoon  and I was sitting out on my back patio taking in all the amazing things around me.  

From the green that only spring can provide to the nearly cloying scent of white blossoms occur each year. The warmth of the sun and the quiet sounds of birds singing away. The only thing lacking is the vibration of all the bees that usually are collecting their pollen. 

I had to admit that when I happened to look up everything went on pause for a few moments. The sky in 

contrast with the trees was almost magical and I could have easily been drawn into a state of 

daydreaming. (Had I not had the intruding thought to take the picture lol) 

The tree packed with white blossoms full and lush sits next to its neighbor, a tree that is sparse and thin. 

While you would think that one  vastly outweighs the other, I would disagree. The brilliant yellow-green 

buds reaching toward the sky makes them equals.  

 Today the clouds are white but smoothly blended with shades of Gray in the distance.  Today they are 

more gentle somehow-softer, like a blanket giving a sense of comfort rather than the powerful 

cumulonimbus clouds that erupt later in the year. 

The dove that appears to have taken up residence close by is cooing while a Robin is singing its song

 and hopping from ranch to branch. I love this time of year it's full of possibilities. The button quail have 

reemerged and passed by taking their daily stroll down my sidewalk.

I am hoping for many more afternoons like this one. I do live in town, but it's common for wildlife to 

meander through town here. 

It was a wonderful afternoon.  I do have hummingbird feeders up and we should start having those 

visitors soon.

I hope you are enjoying spring wherever you are. 

Until next time,

Robyn

39 days until Summer/Solstice

133 days until Fall 

172 days until Halloween

197 days until Thanksgiving (US)

227 days until Christmas 

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The Perfect Spot

 

NOTE:  I'd started writing this post in November intending to post in the beginning of December. With things as they have been like many I've been pretty occupied until now.  I did, however, post a few things to my Instagram, :) 

When school started for the offspring I wanted to create a dedicated space that would help  her to stay on track and focused on her lessons while still giving her a sense of her own space.   I decided that putting my desk by a side window in my dining room would be a great spot.  I set it up so that everything she'd need was in arms reach-notebooks, printer paper, pens, pencils, the whole works. 

She used it for one day. ONE.  It was a fight to get her to use it on day two.  I asked her to give it a chance.  Nope. She was a 'one and done' and this was not a battle I felt needed engaging in; that being said. it doesn't negate the fact that it's still a perfect spot.  

Obviously not a good spot for her, but one for me. 

 As I look out the window while I type this I'm watching a few remaining leaves blow from the nearly bare trees onto the  partially snow-and-leaf covered grass from a snow storm we had this morning.  It came to the realization that I'd always had this spot in mind for me. 

This particular window provides a wonderful view of the changes that come along with each season.  Over the snow covered garages I can see trees with leaves that are fighting the process of letting go.  I can see the dark snow clouds being tossed around by the winds. I have one tree pretty close to my window that have brought different visitors into view.  Cats, birds, the occasional squirrel, and quail. 

If I look a bit closer to a direct view I can see the trees that are now barren aside from the few berries left from the bird swarm when we had our first big snow.

I always thought the light would be perfect here.  It gets lots of light but is not in the direct glare of afternoon or morning sun.  At times it might be a bit bright but I just pull the blinds down a bit and problem solved. 

  

The dogs like it too. They have their beds beside the desk and the cat perches from the top of the hutch unless she's wanting attention and like every cat...has no shame in walking across the keyboard as I'm typing.  If I try to type around her she's known to demand my full attention by nipping my arm.  Update: Said feline now considers it an invitation to climb over and plant herself in my arms, leaving to type one-handed. 

 

Now I really have encouraged the offspring to work here. I have set up things in a way so everything she'd need is in reach. I will always offer the spot up to her but she has decided to claim our couch and the side table that goes with it as well. It's very apparent that her idea of organization is far different from mine and I often lament that I will never be able to use my couch again. 

Update: I have since purchased a rolling laptop desk so that I can sit on the couch while she works. I considered it spending time with her. She considered it an intrusion to her space.  Needless to say I am back in my spot. 

It turns out that I really do like my spot and that maybe her needs for distance learning was the the motivation to finally set my spot up.  Regardless of the reason it's worked out well for all of us.  

Let's see.....what else has been going on....

The dogs have had a spa day.

I

I've been missing my granddaughter so very much. We have been making due with video chats. She loves filters....

  

Apologies for the unpolished nature of this post. I wanted to hurry up and get something published for you.

Until next time, 

Robyn