Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Did you or are you celebrating St. Patrick’s Day? I have friends and family members out drinking green beer and Irish whiskey. Me? Well, I celebrated in my own little way. I did where my green Ireland shirt today. When I was in the store, I noticed a group of employees running around trying to pinch each other because none of them were wearing green.

I also splurged earlier with this delicious cake donut, the chocolate frosting, and Shamrock sprinkles were very yummy. And nowhere near on my current healthy eating list.

It's allowed on St. Patrick's Day, right?
It’s allowed on St. Patrick’s Day, right?

I am currently listening to Celtic Thunder, one of my favorite groups.

For me, the day was simple but very enjoyable. If you are out and about this evening…I wish you safe travels.

May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.
May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.

Until next time….peace

A Box of Old Photos

Posted on by Rebecca C.

My parents love to stop at antique stores and little thrift shops. Recently, they came across a box of old photos and postcards. They absolutely made my day by giving me this box. I felt like it was Christmas. I am slowly sorting through the material. I thought I would share one of the photos with you.

Written in pencil on the back:

Kate Sheffield

3 Nov 1911

The photo does show signs of age. The man in the photo is unidentified which of course makes me want to know who he is even more…

Until next time…peace

 

Buzzard’s Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

March 15, 2016, has been named Buzzard’s Day. Here in Michigan, we have Turkey Buzzards or otherwise known as Turkey Vultures.

When the water down on the river flats goes down, carp and other aquatic wildlife are trapped in shallow pools.  As the pools dry up, the fish die leaving plenty of decaying food behind for the buzzards to enjoy.

The large black birds are fascinating to watch. I have witnessed up to 20 in my backfield at one time. The birds have up to six-foot wingspan which provides quite a sight when they are all leaving the ground. One of the most noticeable features are the reddish heads. Some seem to have a dull reddish color where others are bright red. I cannot tell you the distinction in the varying colors.

I love how they perch themselves on top of my old barn.
I love how they perch themselves on top of my old barn.

Most people find Turkey Vultures to be ugly or an unsightly bothersome bird. I find the large birds to beautifully unique. Of course…I have always been the odd one.

Until next time….peace

 

 

Moth-er Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, March 14, 2016, is dedicated to Moths. People usually like the beauty of butterflies over moths. I find both species to be naturally beautiful. I have come across some beautiful species here in Michigan. I would like to learn more on the subject of attracting moths. I have been trying to research plants to see if certain varieties will attract moths. So, I will have to see what I can come up with as I search.

Personally, I would like to learn more on the subject of attracting moths. I have been trying to research plants to see if certain varieties will draw months to my yard. I will have to see what I can come up with as I search. Who knows maybe the new plant life will add a touch of color to parts of my yard.

I do have to say, I am glad there is an entire day dedicated to the moth’s beauty. Everyone can have a chance to admire the flying little insects. Moth’s come in all different sizes. The Cecropia Moth is the largest moth I have ever photographed. The Cecropia Moth was about as big as my hand. I mostly took side views of the multi-colored moth. I never pick up insects to take better photos. I definitely did not want to harm her. (No, I really do not have any idea if the beautiful insect was male or female.).

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Until next time……peace

 

 

The Return of the Sandhill Cranes

Posted on by Rebecca C.

For most people here in mid-Michigan the return of the Robin is usually the first sign of Spring. In fact, I witnessed a Robin down by the river beds just the other day.

For me, the first sign of Spring comes with the return of the Sandhill Cranes. I absolutely love these elegant creatures.

I hear their low throttling call echoing from the river flats. I could listen to them all day. With the rising water due to the melting snow, I have not been able to get down to the flats to photograph these magnificent birds up close.

I was happy to find a pair foraging for food out in the back field. The water levels are high and the fields have numerous areas with standing water.  The Sandhill Cranes were definitely enjoying themselves as they searched for a meal.

Until next time….peace…..

Old Stuff Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I just found out that March 2nd is Old Stuff Day. I love old stuff which you can tell by my obsession with vintage photographs and history. My mother blames it all on her father, my grandfather. She said I spent too much time with the “old fool”.  I can’t help it, I loved being with him. When I was a child, he and his girlfriend, Florence would go to every garage sale, estate sale, and church sale in the county. I felt like the luckiest

When I was a child, he and his girlfriend, Florence would go to every garage sale, estate sale, and church sale in the county. I felt like the luckiest girl, because I occasionally got to go along. I would come across the most wonderful treasures. My grandfather always seemed to have the best stories to go along with what I found. Oh, how I would love to spend 25 cents and hear one of his stories now. I guess that goes along with my obsession for listening to people’s stories, observing people and writing.

Now, I pick up used stuff to try and make new. I love the creative process. I thought I would share a couple recent upcycle’s or redos.

I took my old lamps that I picked up at a church sale and updated them with fresh paint.
I took my old lamps that I picked up at a church sale and updated them with fresh paint.
I am always picking up lawn ornaments and redoing them.
I am always picking up lawn ornaments and redoing them.

Until next time…peace

 

March is Women’s History Month

Posted on by Rebecca C.

The month of March is dedicated to women in history. I am thankful for all the women who have come before me to provide the rights that I have today. From Amelia Earhart to the women of the suffrage movement, I could go into great detail about the women I admire. But I like to share photos of women, I have come across through a variety of sources. Some of the women are related to me, others I have just found while sifting through stacks of old negatives. These are just everyday women who I believe deserve recognition. I wish I knew more of their stories.

These are just everyday women—–mothers, daughters, sisters and friends who I believe deserve recognition. For the ones I never met, I wish I knew more of their stories.

Flossie was a surgical nurse. She was trained after witnessing my grandfather getting hurt. The doctor thought she handled herself well and suggested the medical field. She was born in 1899.
Flossie was a surgical nurse. She was trained after witnessing my grandfather getting hurt. The doctor thought she handled herself well and suggested the medical field. She was born in 1899.
The Ladies in the Band
I wonder if they traveled with the band or if it was a once in a lifetime gathering?
Driving Cars
Her first car? First drive?
Happiness should always be shared.
Happiness should always be shared.
Searching
Searching–I wonder if she ever found Dottie Deweese. Was she waiting outside a bus or train station?

 

Margot & Boys

Posted on by Rebecca C.

The photo reads Nordhäuser Straße, my German is limited. I do use Google translate for the rest. But I believe this is in reference to a road in Erfurt. If I am wrong, I apologize.

The writing on the back continues to read:

“Hi, this is the town my uncle lives in in E. Germany. He met us at the station July 10. We are all well-seeing many scars of the war years and taking many pictures. All the houses are of stucco-no wooden framed ones. My uncle’s house is very nice—modern and a few bullet holes outside from the war years. Will write again. Margot & Boys.”

I wish I knew more about Margot and her boys. I am enjoying this last bunch of photos and negatives. I find everything interesting with a slight hint of mystery. I am hoping to learn more as I finish this series of photos.

Until next time…peace

The Beauty of Snow

Posted on by Rebecca C.

My social media page was filled with negative comments about the snow storm. Yes, I know the snow is an inconvenience. But the natural occurrence is absolutely beautiful. To be honest, everyone was warned about the snow in advance. The shutdown of offices, businesses, and schools due to inclement weather is for the safety of everyone. I cannot see why people were complaining.

I love how the old barn looks after the snow
I love how the old barn looks after the snow

Personally, I think you should enjoy the extra moments with your family. Go outside, build a snowman, do a project together, etc. Enjoy the official snow day from work and school. But, that’s just my opinion.

The Windwalker
The Windwalker standing tall.

 

Until next time…peace