life had much promise
for you two seasons ago,
green budding leafling.
spring urged you forward
out of yearning innocence
a mere suggestion.
hot summer hinted
eternity can be yours
live forever leaf!
alas, autumn came
transforming green to orange
with one final stroke.
rest peacefully now
released from your life’s struggle
to crunch underfoot.
I’m a big fan of festivals. All festivals. I don’t care what’s being celebrated or honored or paraded, if there’s a festival within easy driving distance I’m there. After all, every festival needs a queen. I’d love to be queen.
This past Saturday while Studly was playing golf I drove about 35 miles east to the Mayhaw Festival held at Golden Acres ranch just outside of Monticello, Florida. I had no idea what a Mayhaw was, but it sounded vaguely Southern so I couldn’t wait to see what this festival was all about.
In my excitement I failed to check event times and arrived just about the same time that the various exhibitors were setting up. Oops. I wandered around and visited with folks, but there wasn’t a lot going on.
However, the morning weather was absolutely gorgeous without the heavy humidity and heat that would set in later in the morning. Maybe early was better after all. My chances of being named Queen increased significantly with me being one of the few women present.
This gorgeous rooster and I kind of bonded. He followed me around like a little lamb. But My name isn’t Mary and he was no lamb. I think he wanted me to join his harem. I respectfully declined. I did ask him if I could be Queen of the Mayhaw Festival. He just said, “cockahahaha!”
This baby Pygmy goat was three weeks old. Her name was Daisy and she was a big hit with the few children in attendance. When I asked Daisy what my chances of being named Mayhaw Queen were she said, “baaaaaad”
I bought a couple of items. On the left is a jar of salsa. I’m opening it tonight. On the right is a jar of Mayhaw jelly. I asked what a Mayhaw was before making my purchase, after all I’m not a complete idiot. Mayhaws are small red berries that resemble cranberries. The sample taste was pleasant–tart and rich.
As festivals go this one was pretty laid back. Maybe if I’d stuck around the activity might have increased. But, the temps were headed up into the 90’s on Saturday, and I’m such a delicate little flower that I headed home for a nice long (three hour!) nap.
Festivals are common in this area during the spring and summer, and I’ve started looking for one to attend next weekend. I’d really like one willing to name me Queen over the proceedings. I’d ride in the parade in a lovely gown of fuschia or purple or lime green and wave at all the little people.
Peace, little people!
It must be spring because…
I feel the need to clean something–anything, but preferably something that isn’t too dirty.
My allergies are more active than my bladder. (I’m a post-menopausal woman, so that’s saying a lot.)
Creative urges are tugging at my heartstrings. I picked up a knitting instruction manual, yarn, and two art prints at the farmer’s market this morning.
I’m actually going to organize at least one closet this week. Maybe.
Love is in the air. Love of napping, that is.
Golf.
Songbirds are busy competing for mates.
Studly made three trips to Lowe’s in one afternoon.
Rainy days abound.
Winter clothes get put away. Of course, in Florida that means I’ve traded my capris and tees for shorts and tanks.
Teachers begin seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Much drinking is done.
Flowers don’t bloom for us
Bird songs aren’t meant for our ears,
But isn’t it lovely that we benefit
From the beauty of nature’s ways?
How do we return the favor?
Nourishment, care, and yes,
Appreciation for the gifts we’re given.
Seasons change
Clothes lighten up
Blacks and browns
Turn coral and lemon
Toes peek out of shoes
Nails painted prettily
Legs smoothed
Exfoliated.
When the task can no
Longer be ignored a
Shift is made from
Old to new handbag.
Grimly the former is
Held upside down,
Its contents laid bare
Upon a quilt:
Six quarters, two nickles,
One dime, and many
Pennies.
Individually wrapped
Toothpicks and breath mints,
A bottle of Advil and a
Tube of hand cream.
Keys on a jingly ring and two
Tubes of lip balm.
Plus a wad of paper receipts.
Into the new bag go the
Necessary items. But at
One time, everything felt
Necessary.
I. Around the corner
Lurk petals ready to bloom.
Spring where have you been?
II. When robin first sings
All nature stops to listen
Welcome back my friend!
III. My heart is stirred by
Lengthening days, earth’s rebirth,
Warmth of soil and sun.
Praying for Eyebrowz 