Wild roses are everywhere on this property. Normally, they are a pain in the tush because they grow with abandon and have thorns. Normally, I curse them. But for a week or two in the spring, they bloom and everywhere I look there are billowy tufts of tiny white flowers. And for that week or two, I bless them.
Delicate. Beautiful.
Yesterday was simply gorgeous with temperatures in the seventies and a gentle breeze. I was a bit down, still am, so I comforted myself with time on the porch and the funky patio. I listened to the sound of the birds – I so wish I could identify all the different chirps and calls – and watched them flit and fly all over the property. I heard a woodpecker up in the catalpa. In fact, I hear him now. But every time I tiptoed to the tree, that little bugger took off. He knew I wanted a photo of him.
I heard the cicadas, but only for about 30 seconds here and there. Cicadas have to compete with the noise of traffic on our busy country road. I am still finding some newly emerged cicadas here and there on the property.
A view of the house from the back forty.
Part of the back forty.
I sat on the porch glider and looked at my gardening journal. I don’t keep it up like I did when I first established this garden seven years ago, but reading it helps me to realize how far the gardens have come. I am reminded about the plants that thrived here and the plants that mysteriously failed or simply disappeared. More on that in another post. I read my current Deborah Crombie mystery. And this girl kept me company:
She spends an awful lot of time sniffing here and there. Her nose reminds me that other critters pass through this porch: cats, chipmunks, squirrels, bunnies, mice.
That face. I absolutely adore that face.
By now I think you know that I am more than a bit uncomfortable with the whole idea of tooting my own horn. Fortunately, I don’t suffer from that little malady when it comes to my husband. I briefly mentioned yesterday that his new album is available for download on his website. Don has a website that covers both his acting career and his music. I have a website for my professional work. (And you thought you knew everything about me!) Anyway. His new album, Out Beyond the Breakers, was recorded in our friend Rob’s incredible studio while Don was working in San Diego earlier this year. It consists of 14 new songs. If you’re interested, you can download them individually or as an album.
Some of my favorites?
- Don’t Tell Me Heart
- I’ve Got a Love (makes me cry)
- Adios New York
- Say It Twice
- Guess I Still Get Crazy
- She Saves Me
No pressure. Since many of you have told me how much you like his music, I thought I’d share this with you. If you’re interested, click on the link and then click on Music/Shop on his homepage. While you’re there you can see some photos of him in various acting roles and read a bit more about him. He’s an interesting guy, that husband of mine.
This is shaping up to be a long post! Since they are here for such a short time, more peony photos:
Love to you all on this Wednesday.
Claudia, Why you so blue girl? Sometimes life is just hard right? Remember many people Love You and send our support – This is a lovely post. The longer the better for me. Love, thoughts, and prayers! -> you! -Judy A-
Thanks, my friend!
Lovely post..I just bought two Peony bushes yesterday..
Good for you, Missy!
Beautiful photos, Claudia! Congrats to Don on his album!
Thank you, Paula. I’ll pass your congrats on to Don.
Claudia, what a super -talented pair you two are! Did Don write those songs as well? I see that he has the copyright, so I’m assuming so. Beautiful! And I will be looking for that American Experience program this fall. Can’t wait! And, as soon as I figure out how to download the individual songs to my computer, I will do it. Love the samples. Don’t you think it’s a bit greedy of you two to have all that talent? LOL
Yes, he writes all his songs – he is a talented son of a gun!
I love Don’s music! I’ll be visiting his blog soon and getting his songs downloaded. You two are a very talented pair! Oh and your girl is so sweet also! Love that face! :)
hugs,
Linda
She has the most darling of faces!
Whoops, I said Don’s blog but I mean website! I visited and it is awesome. I’m going back to visit longer when I have some time.
I just visited it again and it’s full of interesting things!
Have you ever thought about writing a book Claudia? You have such a magic way with words. I know the acting field is your profession but you are an excellent writer. The flowers are lovely – my own flowers have bloomed and now are looking a bit yucky with dead blossoms all over. Time to go weed and clean them up. Cheers.
Yes, I have thought about it – but what to write about? In reality, I would love nothing more than to write a book!
Hope the blues go away quickly, my friend. Know that you are well loved. The roses and peonies are so pretty. It is a shame that neither last very long. Going to check out Don’s web site now.
Hugs,
Laura
Thanks, Laura.
I went to Don’s website and love the photos of him in the upcoming PBS show! I also listened to samples of his songs
and plan to download some of them. His voice is wonderful.
He’s great, isn’t he?
Hi Claudia,
Oh my goodness… I’m catching up here on your blog… and wow, it’s blooming like crazy!! Your gardens are soooo beautiful. I can clearly see the love that you put into it. Oh, and that Scoutie girl… I love her sweet smile!! Looking forward to checking out Don’s website and listening to his new tunes. Another reason for me to invest in an iPod.
Hugs,
Jill
So good to hear from you, my friend! I bet your garden is beautiful – it always is.
I love the wild roses, do they spread?
Been meaning to tell you how good Scout has been looking so happy and pretty lately. I love to see pictures of her on your blog.
Yes, the wild roses spread like wildfire. That’s part of the problem with them!
Your flowers are gorgeous! I used to keep a gardening journal. Maybe I’ll start it up again. Interesting how the brids drop seeds and I end up with flowers I’ve never planted. I love the way nature works (most of the time). I’ve seen Don on several episodes on Law and Order. He’s an excellent actor. So glad that parts are coming his way. He’s an execellent guitar player and has a wonderful voice. You two compliment each other very well. I’ll have to listen to a few more songs to see which ones are my favorite. Love that we can pick and choose or download them all.
As for me….haven’t been interested in blogging or taking photos lately. I’m having surger next week to have an ICD device put in for my heart. So grateful for health insurance (it’s paying 100 % of the procedure and device). I guess it will be like having Onstar for my heart. Getting used to not working and having less energy. It’s quite an adjustment but now have time to enjoy the garden.
I’ll have plenty of time to read but I’ll have to go to the library. Learning to budget these days and enjoying some of life’s simple pleasures.
Dear friend, I am thinking of you as you navigate this journey. My thoughts are with you. Sending you prayers and love as you go through surgery next week.
Take time to enjoy your garden and find strength in the quiet moments.
xoxo
Claudia
Your property looks so charming, Claudia. Oh to have a porch (and one’s doggie close at hand)!
And I spent a lovely half hour this morning reading Don’s website and listening to his music – what a sweet sweet voice he has. I’ll look forward to spending more time there and checking out your favorite songs of his.
Happy evening!
Thank you, Sally!
I feel the same about my wild roses Claudia..They are so pretty while they are blooming but a tangle of thorns when they are not..I am sorry to hear that you are feeling down..I would try to brighten your thoughts if I could..Hopefully little Scout can help..She probably enjoys the coolness of the blue-stone on hot days..I will be having a look at Don’s website..He does make sweet music..it must be wonderful when he plays and sings for you and Scout at home..Take care dear lady..I hope you are feeling better tomorrow..Hugs..
He’s been playing a lot around here lately. Lovely.
Claudia, your yard, Scout, Don’s music, so good, all of it. Okay, I haven’t had time to check out Don’s music yet, but I will – I think it’s just what I might need to perk me up after a difficult week. I am most intrigued to see his PBS show when it is out. I haven’t been reading the blogs for a bit so I’m not sure why you are feeling a bit down, but I hope it passes. I am always impressed at your ability to focus on the good in spite of struggles and those pictures of Scout was definitely part of “the good”. Ann
Thinking of you, Ann – hoping you get some much needed rest. I sure hope Don’s music provides a little happy perk for you this week. xo
Hello Claudia, I followed you here from your comment over at Knitsofacto about the nature of blogging – don’t you just love the way the tendrils of connection work in Blogland! Anyway, just wanted to say how much I agree with your comment – and I’m delighted to have found your blog too.
Thank you so much, Anny. Welcome!