oh, sunshine

sunshine

has finally arrived! 

mr. sun

has shown his face this

week in the pacific northwest 

and it is- lovely!

birds are chirping,
doves are cooing

as i sit in the backyard

on our porch swing

they sing to each other

in harmony

and it is peaceful

to sit and just listen.

a gentle breeze

washes over my face

and life is good-

i can hear the 

cows and calves

bellow,
tractors starting up,

and the milker as he gets ready

to do the afternoon milking/chores...

such is

a day on the farm-

the rooster 

next door has walked over

to sit under our tree

he stirs up the ground

a bit and then

stretches and crows,

he doesn't just crow

in the morning

but, all day long!

on my way to church

i noticed a hawk

sitting on the wires above me.

he was gorgeous

and instantly i am 

flooded with memories

of my dad...

he knew all the names of 

birds along with their 'calls'

and before he died taught

a lot of them to our eldest daughter.

he always noticed the animals and birds

when we were driving...

and now

 every time i see a hawk floating

or sitting on a wire 

there is that sweet memory

 of him.

days like today

where it is still and quiet around here

help to remind me

to

be thankful

for it 

all!

may i never forget

to sit. and. be. still-

to always, always be

thankful.

life is good

it is a gift-

may i never

take it

or my loved ones

 for granted.