Naquillity

a doe and her fawn

2011-11-25T14:50:00.000-05:00

My husband and daughter were on a country road last year when they saw these two deer: a doe and her fawn. The mother crossed quickly into the woods but as you'll see the baby had... a little trouble finding the right place to jump.

Text Me

2011-11-23T04:58:00.001-05:00

I watched how to make a text portrait at YouTube last night and found myself trying one. The end result was Text Me using a photo of myself and one of my poems called Baptism:

I feel a sketch of sun
Upon my Caucasian skin as
I walk across Feng Shuied stream,
This chasm of youth,
With bare and crooked feet
I silted the stream,
Each step, breaking Zen
Like a foreign language
Translated and broken into
Fragments of sound until
I washed away in the sediment
Waking along the
Extended banks of peripeteia
Sutured to my new life.

a day hike

2011-11-17T19:11:00.000-05:00

freedom

2011-11-16T06:06:00.000-05:00

been spending to much time over at facebook and neglecting my other online presences... so... today i decided to start freshening up my blog with a photo i entered into the Magi Art Show this past Saturday. it won a first place ribbon and a trophy in its division.

thanks to all my readers for their patience in my absence this year. it's been one of doctor's visits, healing and learning. but hopefully i'm back for a long stay now...

Ichthus- J J Heller

2011-07-02T09:41:00.000-04:00

Imagine for a moment, if you will, Woodstock. Now imagine the Christian version of that. Yes, Ichthus is that BIG. It's a gathering of many different artists/ genres of music that caters to the Christian's soul. It's a week long event every summer. Beginning mid June you can camp out beneath the stars while listening to your favorite Christian bands. It's an event you're unlikely to forget.

My family and I purchased our tickets through our church and made our way down on Saturday. The morning was a mixed bag of treats beginning with a beautiful sunrise and a large rainbow arching over our home. The rain followed shortly after. By the time we arrived at the festival it was sunny and lively. Three army helicopters were flying out as we made our way to the entrance and parked.

Getting an event program was first on the agenda so we could find our way around the many stages. Then it was off to see J J Heller perform. She was the first of five performers to see that evening.

Her tent was filled with eager fans as I made my way to the front. Everyone standing shoulder to shoulder with no room to turn around. We were packed like sardines. Then J J's beautiful voice came over the microphone alongside her husband's. During the performance we were told they'd be expecting their second child and this was their final show until after the baby arrived.

Here's a slideshow of pictures I took with their song Your Hands:

Good luck to you J J and Dave on your baby's arrival. May God bless you and yours.

hares in the box

2011-06-30T16:33:00.000-04:00

downy fur pulls 'way
from small babes who lay
inside cool earth, so quiet.
small hares-in-box... LEAP
from a burrow deep-
their tiny eyes still closed tight.

Two weekends after Easter Sunday my husband was mowing our yard and found these adorable baby bunnies in their burrow. They were covered with some gray fur from their mother who stayed close by. When day turned to night momma bunny would return to feed and recover them. I remember it raining a lot during that time and worrying if they'd survive. But, they did... Several weeks later I took this photo of a remaining baby...

Life is a Collage

2011-06-29T10:42:00.000-04:00

Goodness!!! I've taken a long absence from blogging. Here's hoping I'll get reacquainted with everyone quite soon.

Here's a look at my life's collage... I've been working on several textured photographs and hope to share them here in the coming month. I've also been attending a new writer's group the last three months. It's been great so far. I'm hoping it will refocus my attention to writing poetry again. I've greatly missed my writing. My long running photography club meets again next week. I'm loving its new direction.

Speaking of photography, I'm pleased to present two shops where my photographs are sold: Etsy and SmugMug. If you'd please stop by or spread the word it would be greatly appreciated. I still have lots to learn about each shop's rules, requirements and setup but I think you'll still enjoy your browsing experience. Any suggestions on how I could improve my shops would be appreciated.

My daughter graduated from high school this past month and will be setting up her fall college classes soon. We've been running around like crazy women trying to get everything situated... hopefully the madness will subside.

My husband, daughter and I have been going to a local church sharing in its service and bible study since February. My husband was saved there on Easter Sunday while I was saved the following week. Now we're waiting for the weather to clear long enough to get baptized. I'm very excited about my spiritual journey as I've never been one who was close to God before. My husband and I have been reading the bible about three months now and find it fascinating. The stories are very uplifting and quite thought provoking.

Weekend before last we went to Ichthus an annual Christian music festival in Wilmore, KY. From three o'clock until eleven we heard music from: J J Heller, Britt Nicole, City Harmonic, Matthew West and Chris Tomlin. We also got to hear Adrian Depres speak on The Four Chairs. What an incredible evening/ night. My only regret was not planning our time better so we could have experienced more... I'll share my pictures from the event in the coming month.

Since last October I've gone to one doctor or another and still have more to see in the coming months, sigh... but I'm happy to report I'm doing quite well, considering. I'll be having my blood work and CT scans done again July 5th. August I'll be seeing the surgeon who operated on me. And December brings another colonoscopy. I guess you could say I'm busy, busy, busy.

In between time I've been trying to take pictures of a barn owl (i think). I can't get close enough to take a clear picture. It's been perching in a bare tree across the road from my house. Naturally the slightest movement makes him/ her skittish and it flies away... but, I'm persistent.

Lastly, I hope all my blogging friends are well and having a great summer with family and friends. I'll be stopping by soon to say hello.

voice & grace

2011-04-03T13:58:00.001-04:00

shuck this body of sin
'lowing
God's voice and grace without slant.

NaPoWriMo 2011, day 3

Not Without Poetry

Not without poetry had a photograph prompt today with the words: voicing, shucked & slant. I decided to use only the words.

...I Will Die

2011-04-02T17:54:00.000-04:00

With gentle breeze stirring I will die,
When butterflies tickle my belly, I will die.

Tree leaves will mellow before I last sigh,
And, birds will choir where I will die.

Abrasive handfuls of dirt will baptize my eyes,
Somewhere in the Bluegrass Mountains, I will die.

A stream will pass my grave's side as it draws nigh;
Beneath an August sunset, there, I will die.

A locket of earth will hold my body's loss without pry,
From death and decay... I will die.

NaPoWriMo 2011, day 2

That Ageless Sound

2011-04-01T10:43:00.001-04:00

It's that ageless sound
Of half broke horses
Breaking earth
Under an afternoon sun.

Of half broke horses
She's come undone
Under an afternoon sun,
These things... hidden.

She's come undone
This is all
These things... hidden,
Of dust on air.

This is all
Two hoofs breaking earth
Of dust on air-
It's that ageless sound.

NaPoWriMo 2011~

Today's prompt was to use three book titles in a poem. I used these titles:

Half Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls
She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb
This Is All by Aidan Chambers

And, I also used a horse photo I'd taken at River Downs last year.

NaPoWriMo

2011-04-01T07:57:00.000-04:00

I've decided to participate in NaPoWriMo (national poetry month) this year. I will attempt to post 30 poems in 30 days this month. I am currently writing on two poems now. Hopefully they will be posted before the end of the day. Here's a link to NaPoWriMo if you'd like to participate also.

Chemo & Site Updates

2011-03-26T14:14:00.000-04:00

I went to my oncologist yesterday and after discussing my latest results with her I decided against chemo. Everything that came back was, for the most part, positive. So, I opted to live my life while continuing with my screenings. Hopefully these screenings along with exercise and healthful eating habits will keep my body in check.

During this visit I also had my blood drawn for various tests. Upon returning home yesterday evening I found out I was no longer anemic. To know I'll regain my energy during my continued healing process is a relief. Thanks so much for your support, well wishes and prayers. I look forward to getting back to commenting on everyone's blog very soon... without long interruptions.

As for Naquillity, I have been importing old posts from my last blog. Due to so many posts it will take some time to finish this process. Hopefully this won't clog your readers and you'll enjoy looking back through my archives. Have a great weekend~

Groundhog

2011-03-19T08:00:00.002-04:00

We were taking our cat to the vet yesterday morning when we saw a groundhog. He was exploring alongside the road as we drove by without pause. We would have been late for the appointment had we taken the time to stop and take a picture, sigh.

Returning home we saw another groundhog. He was at an abandoned house not far from our home. When we first spotted him he was crawling under a building. How he escaped from beneath this building without me seeing him I will never know. Maybe there was a family of groundhogs holing up there.

Anyway, when I looked around the property I saw the pictured groundhog. Instinctively I moved from where I had perched myself and walked across the yard, almost tiptoeing. Now in view of one another, we pause. Realizing there's not immediate threat the groundhog disappears beneath the old house.

Microsatellite Stability

2011-03-18T21:04:00.000-04:00

The last of my test results are in and it shows I have microsatellite stability (doctor says we wanted to see microsatellite instability). Instability would have meant my cancer was unstable and less likely to come back. Still, my cancer has only a 9% chance of returning. And, with chemo I could drop those chances down to 5%. That said I have an appointment to meet with the oncologist Friday. We'll discuss these results and decide whether or not chemo will be started.

Last week I went for my gynecological checkup and found out today everything looked good. There were no signs of cervical cancer. You can imagine my relief at this news.

Hope everyone is taking care of themselves. I hope to be more active online after next week if all goes well. Happy Weekend, : )

Turkey Vulture

2011-03-17T08:31:00.000-04:00

On my way home Tuesday I saw this turkey vulture eating on a black cat. The cat had been hit by a car several days before. When I passed the vulture it flew up into the tree. So I pulled to the side of the road, walked as closely as the vulture would allow and took its picture. Shortly after this pic was taken he/ she flew off across the field. Isn't it a beaut?

Red Fox

2011-03-11T12:33:00.000-05:00

This morning was one of the few times I didn't grab my camera and take it with me. How I longed to have it in my hands to share the beautiful sunrise rising above last night's snowfall. But, not all was lost as my daughter spotted this red fox hunting in the field adjacent to our house. He would stop and look back at her every so often before his attention was drawn back to the mouseburger he was trying to catch. If you look closely you can see him carrying the mouseburger in his mouth (top pic).

I woke early this morning to read Japan was hit with an 8.9 earthquake followed by a tsunami. I want those who've endured this tragedy to know my thoughts & prayers are with them. To my friends in Hawaii... may God watch over you.

High Dynamic Range (hdr)

2011-03-10T11:18:00.000-05:00

My first attempt at HDR (high dynamic range). I think the photo turned out nicely but the HDR needs a serious facelift. I guess skipping some steps doesn't help the process along either, lol. Hope everyone is having a great day.

Big Bone Lick

2011-02-28T11:02:00.004-05:00

A landscape shot from Big Bone Lick state park Saturday. I lightened, cropped and sharpened this photo before playing around with its color. I liked the end result even though I may have brought out to much blue in the water. Hopefully I've linked my original picture with the end result so you can mouseover and see the differences. Enjoy~

Note: My original picture seems squished up when you mouseover but I think you can still get an idea of what it looked like sooc (straight out of the camera).

Oncotype Dx

2011-02-25T09:18:00.000-05:00

Last night I spoke with my oncologist about my oncotype dx colon cancer test results. The test was performed on 12 different genes from my colon cancer tumor. The information from those genes tells me whether there's a risk of recurrence. The results show my recurrence score which is a number between 0- 100. Ideally I'm looking for a lower number because there's a lower risk of recurrence within three years of surgery. So you can imagine my relief when the doctor told me my number was 16.

The doctor also said she's waiting on another test result to come in which will tell her whether chemo will benefit my type of cancer or not. Those results should be in next week. Once all the information is in she'll schedule an appointment for us to talk more.

Logo

2011-02-24T09:18:00.000-05:00

As a bird must create its nest I too must create a logo for Naquillity. Naquillity's first blogoversary is in three days. I thought an official logo would add that final touch to the new look and help celebrate Naquillity becoming one. I thought I'd have Naquillity appear in cursive writing while adding quills for the Ls and a nest in the A, Q or Y. I also thought of having some birds flying away from the logo. These are all tentative thoughts so any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated.

Though this is Naquillity's first birthday it isn't the owner's first year of blogging. I've been around for four years now. Blogging has been a place for me to express myself through poetry, photography and sometimes art journaling. It's also been a place to make new friends and share meaningful exchanges. For this I want to say thank you. You've all touched my heart in ways I can't begin to express.

Nature Preserve

2011-02-22T10:33:00.000-05:00

Saturday morning stretches into late afternoon with woodpeckers flitting from one bare tree to another. They're hammering echoes across still waters while sounding their presence. Fallen trees become balance beams for my feet to maneuver like a gymnast as I make way along the water's edge. My eyes squint against the sun to find two red tailed hawks screeching above my head. They're circling February's blue sky. After watching the hawks fly away I continue walking. Alongside the green-brown waters snatching briars vie for my attention temporarily holding me in their tiny fingers. Gently, I release myself from their hold.

gessoed canvas

2011-02-18T17:22:00.000-05:00

blue sky
afternoon clouds
gessoed canvas

Pond's Edge

2011-02-15T11:23:00.000-05:00

They turned on their hooves with white tails flagged and darted into the woods. We'd entered their nature preserve, uninvited. Their warnings went unheeded as we continued past a frozen pond with a protruding log. Our eyes wandered along blue sky as we watched a crow swoop down and peck a red tailed hawk circling a tree. Upon turning our heads we watched twenty robins gather in a tree beside a semi frozen pond. They flew from their perches to drink along the pond's edge.

Dead Serious... About Life

2011-02-14T08:32:00.000-05:00

Yesterday evening my daughter and I went to see the play Dead Serious... About Life. It was a play about how sex, drugs, alcohol, pregnancy, cutting, suicide and family relationships can play a role in a teens life and how they could change their lives by turning to God. Very powerful play. If you have the opportunity to see this play in your area it's worth the $9 entry fee. Plus, it allows you as a parent to talk with your child about the issues that face them in their schools/ homes today.

On our way to the performance we stopped by the bank and saw the American kestrel pictured above. Isn't she a beauty? It's not the best picture but you can at least see her features.

swoop... there it is

2011-02-11T08:36:00.000-05:00

a field mouse burrows
out of February snow
swoop... there it is

Mouseburger

2011-02-10T09:31:00.001-05:00

A lone red tailed hawk sits quietly among snow laden branches. He's watching the ground below for a mouseburger or two. Spotting his trail mix, he swoops down from his perch. When he resurfaces on the other side of the tree I notice his prey has narrowly escaped his claws.

Lift Off

2011-02-09T08:28:00.000-05:00

a winter day
two turkey vultures
lift off

Lookout

2011-02-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

I push my way toward the cornfield through blustery winds of forty to fifty miles per hour. Snow blowing across my face and hands as honking prominently fills my ears. Geese are flying above my head while others are foraging for food below. I inch my way forward, closer. There, can you see it? A lone goose stands as lookout, a sentry, before me. I pause before bringing the camera to my left eye and purchasing a memory.

Viewfinder

2011-02-03T09:10:00.000-05:00

Walking across the road I realize I'm exposing myself. There's a red tailed hawk sitting in a tree where earlier there'd been two eastern fox squirrels. For the third time that day I weathered the cold biting my face and hands. I've almost reached the fence that separates us but, not quite. I can see through my viewfinder he's watching me over his left shoulder. I inch my way closer. It's after taking this photo I find my battery has died and this perfect specimen has flown across the field.

raising the bar

2011-02-02T07:53:00.001-05:00

two
eastern fox squirrels
raising the bar

A Winter's Story

2011-02-01T09:17:00.001-05:00

Cold winter wind scuds across my face as I tread along a half frozen yard in my pajamas. Across the road I have spied an eastern fox squirrel in a tree. Two horses are foraging in the field below. The small pond has a thin layer of ice over its surface. I'm inching my way closer to the fence which divides us, there. I stand before the fence longing to climb over but I know I'll scare the squirrel from its perch. The horses continue to shuffle along as I raise my camera to photograph a winter's story.

American Goldfinches

2011-01-31T08:50:00.000-05:00

They must have heard the conversation with my husband at breakfast this morning because these two American goldfinches showed up with two others afterwards. Their song is beautiful. They were chattering away when my husband and daughter left for work and school today. I was able to walk up to the feeder quite close and take this photo too. They must be getting used to my presence now. Hope everyone is having a great day.

Reserved Parking

2011-01-30T11:03:00.000-05:00

Reserved parking isn't just for the handicapped or pregnant as this little house sparrow was parked in row ten. For a few minutes he sat watching the comings and goings of Wal- Mart customers. Isn't it adorable?

Winter's Edge

2011-01-30T10:33:00.000-05:00

A red tailed hawk sits at winter's edge just off the highway's shoulder. It's watching each car as it passes. Somewhere between brevity and caution it allows us a glimpse of it's beauty. It's a fleeting moment between human and hawk. When it's time for him to go I pan my camera in sync with his flight. It's freedom balanced on air as his shadow stalks the snowy field below.

Geese In Flight

2011-01-28T09:30:00.001-05:00

Today I'm sharing the geese in flight above the corn field. They decided to circle several times before landing somewhere amidst the crowd below. If you look closely you'll see the snow is falling. Hope everyone is well.

Foraging Geese

2011-01-27T08:06:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I put together a panorama of geese in a field but it didn't show the detail online as well as I would have liked. So today I'm sharing a single closeup shot of the foraging geese in this winter covered corn field. When my husband looked at the panorama on my computer he thought there may have been over three hundred geese out there.

Field of Geese

2011-01-26T14:07:00.000-05:00

This morning I had the good fortune of spotting hundreds of geese in this open field. They were foraging beneath freshly fallen snow for food. I can't remember a time when I've seen so many geese in one place other than possibly the lake. Even then I don't believe there were hundreds. I'm hoping everyone can click the panorama to enlarge the view. It's certainly a sight to take in.

Treatments

2011-01-25T09:28:00.001-05:00

Friday I spoke with my oncologist and was told my cancer report came back really good for the type of cancer that I had. There was no spreading and chemo isn't required. Though chemo isn't required my oncologist suggested running a new test on the cancer they've removed to see if my cancer is an aggressive type. If it proves to be aggressive then they'll see how much, if any, chemo will affect my cancer. If it shows chemo will help (and our insurance will cover some of the cost) then I'll try chemo. If it proves to not be aggressive and shows chemo won't help one way or the other then I won't be taking chemo. I'm guessing with my good reports thus far the cancer won't be aggressive.We'll know in three weeks what the test results showed.

My oncologist also said that I could take two feraheme treatments for my anemia. I'm so excited about this as I've been so tired for such a long time it will be refreshing to start feeling energized. The first treatment will begin this Friday and the second will be Friday, February 4.

I also wanted to say I've been invited to help with our local Relay For Life this year. I'm so excited. I hope to participate in the event as well as work behind the scenes. It will be so nice to meet others who've survived cancer as well as those who want to help the cause. Our first meeting to set things up will be February 8.

Thanks again to everyone for your kind words, support, cards and prayers. They've all been greatly appreciated. I'm slowly making my way around to everyone's blog for commenting and hope to be back into full routine soon. Until then, hope all is well.

Wood Bridge

2011-01-21T11:25:00.000-05:00

I've been wanting to share this scene with you for some time now. It always seems to draw my eye when we pass by. So, the last time we went shopping I had my camera on the ready. I shot this while my husband was driving about 60 mph. Please forgive any blurring. I don't know if this is just a fancy drainage system or part of a park or something but I like it a lot. Hope everyone is having a great day.

Barn Charm

2011-01-10T08:43:00.000-05:00

Last week while waiting for my husband to get off work I walked around taking pictures. This barn and the one below were behind my husband's workplace. Doesn't the rust & dilapidated boards create such atmosphere? The farm had a house and a large pond too. Wouldn't it be great to fix a place like this one up to its former glory?

Northern Mockingbird

2011-01-07T08:07:00.000-05:00

Wednesday my daughter drove me to the Ohio River Valley Art Guild so I could spend some time with friends and wonderful artists. It was a great day. Afterwards we went to meet my husband at his work place to make supper plans. While we waited I was able to walk around outside and snap some pictures of this cooperative northern mockingbird.

Mourning Doves

2011-01-05T11:50:00.000-05:00

Earlier this morning these two mourning doves were perched on different posts. They've been visiting my bird feeder for some time now. One will almost always fly over and eat from the feeder while the other is content picking fallen seeds from the ground.

Hope everyone had a wonderful New Year. Happy 2011~

Renewed Life

2011-01-02T20:58:00.000-05:00

I've been home recovering for a week now and it's getting better with each passing day. I've some bruising and soreness yet to overcome but feel pretty good considering. I found out Wednesday that my cancer is stage 2. It entered the colon's muscle wall but not the lymph nodes, :) Can you believe they sent off 40 lymph nodes to be tested? I couldn't believe it. I go Thursday for my checkup. During this time I'll be referred to an oncologist to see if chemo will be needed. Thanks to everyone who stopped by and left their well wishes during my hiatus. It's my hope to return to blogging tomorrow and visit each of your wonderful blogs.

Note From the Hospital

2010-12-25T12:29:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas Naquillists. Hope everyone is enjoying their family and friends today. I popped in to say my surgery went well Thursday. They removed 15" of my right colon and said the cancer was the size of a quarter. I slept most of the day Thursday and had a tumultuous night with all the gas pain. Otherwise I've had a smooth recovery.

Friday I was able to start on a liquid diet, take out my catheter and take off the oxygen too. I walked around the fifth floor 10 times and sat in a chair for a bit. I even got to shower. That was very relaxing. I slept much better last night, than the first, too. I still miss my home bed though.

Today I've been upgraded to some solid foods like oatmeal, toast and yogurt. A few of my favorites but, I haven't been able to eat them as well as I'd like because of all the medicine I've been taking. It makes me really sleepy too.

If I continue doing well I may get to come back home tomorrow. I would love that so everyone keep your fingers crossed. Thanks again for all your kind words, prayers and support through this difficult time. It means so much to me. xoxoxo

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T08:00:00.002-05:00

I took pictures of these Christmas decorations on our way back from shopping two weekends ago and thought they'd be nice to share with everyone. May you and your families wake to the merriest of Christmas Mornings. I'm sharing my wishes early this year as I'll be in surgery this morning and don't know when I'll be in front of a computer again. Please take care of each other in my absence. Happy Holidays~

Mourning Dove

2010-12-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

A mourning dove visiting my bird feeder. I wonder if she liked those berries I shared?

A Quick Note

2010-12-22T00:02:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to let everyone know I will be preparing tomorrow for my operation Thursday. I don't know how long it will be before I can get back to regular commenting but know each one of you will be in my heart. I have a few posts already prepared so you'll be able to read something in my absence. I will stop by and see everyone as soon as possible. When I'm out of surgery and clear headed I will let you know how everything went. Until then... Happy Blogging~

Red Bellied Woodpecker

2010-12-21T08:00:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I heard this red bellied woodpecker sounding in the distance while watching two squirrels squirrelin' around. I didn't know I had captured him/ her until I came back inside. You'll have to click on the photograph to enlarge. It's perched on the long, bare tree to the left. Isn't it adorable?

Squirrelin' Around

2010-12-20T12:10:00.000-05:00

Earlier this morning I looked out my kitchen window and saw two squirrels squirrelin' around. They were climbing in and out of the nest pictured above and chasing each other along the slender tree branches. I stood quietly in snow drifts, halfway up my calf, watching them romp in their playground while listening to a red bellied woodpecker sounding in the distance.

I've reached a milestone today with my 100th post at Naquillity. Thank you to all my readers for making my blog one of your regular stops. Sending BIG hugs your way.

Nature's Windchimes

2010-12-20T12:09:00.001-05:00

Winter Garden

2010-12-18T10:11:00.000-05:00

She sits above her winter garden
On nature's tightrope, lingering
Among bare trees and pines.
She's balancing her plumpness
Against winter's cold hand
As she turns her face right, then left.
Below her lies a slushy footpath
Outlined with old and new berries.
Somewhere between gray skies
And evening's close I watch
Her careering flight back home.

white capped sparrow

2010-12-17T08:03:00.004-05:00

hide and seek
inside pine tree branches
white capped sparrow

Yesterday while bundled up in layers of warm clothes I took my camera outside in the snow. This white capped sparrow was hiding inside the pine tree branches. Luckily he posed for me long enough.

I want to say thank you to Kat and Lisa for their sharp eyes as they helped me identify the bird as a white capped sparrow not a downy woodpecker.

Happy Holidays~

2010-12-16T08:22:00.000-05:00

Last night I returned home from my last advanced photography class to find my husband and daughter had a surprise waiting for me. They had taken the Christmas tree down from the attic and put it up so we could decorate it tonight, together. I can't wait to see our stuffed snowman and the golden angel (fragile after many years of use) placed in its rightful spot.

Christmas cheer doesn't stop with the Christmas tree either as I'll be cooking a turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans and rolls for dinner tonight. I may even add some corn, stuffing and deviled eggs, we'll see. Outside we have a winter wonderland for building some snow people.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... Happy Holidays~

Gingerbread House

2010-12-15T08:00:00.002-05:00

My daughter decorated this gingerbread house yesterday. Isn't it sweet? Happy Holidays~

Sunrise

2010-12-14T09:50:00.000-05:00

I wake to a beautiful sunrise this morning with yesterday's snow clinging to earth sharing its sparkling diamonds. The air is crisp and clean as it enters my lungs. I'm breaking snow as I walk across my yard towards the bird feeder. I want to treat the birds to a berry medley I bought last night at the grocery store.

What treats do you share with your birds at their bird feeders?

City Geese

2010-12-12T15:10:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we went Christmas shopping and managed to get almost everyone on our list a gift. That's a feat in and of itself as my husband hates shopping. When we came off the exit into the city the first thing I spied were these geese. They were flying over the shopping centers. First, one way and then the next. After I snapped a few shots of these beautiful geese. I was fortunate enough to see what I think was a blue heron flying towards the town's pond.

Colon Cancer- update

2010-12-12T13:53:00.000-05:00

Four thirty this morning it was still raining outside and by eight: snowing. What a beautiful sight to my tired, Christmas shopping body. We received about an inch and are expected to get more tonight. I'm afraid we won't get the 'BIG' snow I so long for but at any rate I still love what we have.

Thank you to those who've stopped by and left your support, kind words & prayers for me. It's greatly appreciated. Monday of this week I went to see the colon/ rectal specialist about my colon cancer. He said I definitely have cancer and surgery (through a small incision) will be needed to remove the right side of my colon as well as the lymph nodes surrounding the area. If there's no complications (1 in 100) from surgery I will not have a colostemy bag. My blood work came back really good and the CT scans show no spreading. As for chemo... to early to tell. We need to learn what stage my cancer is first.

It's strange for me to say I have cancer when I don't feel sick or feel any initial pain. The only thing I can say is I'm tired A LOT. Still I fight through this so as to enjoy my last few days before surgery. For those who'd like to know when & where my surgery will take place please email me at naquillity at hotmail dot com. Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday~

pondering

2010-12-10T09:09:00.000-05:00

sitting quietly
amid bare trees,
pondering
early morning
fast food

winter white

2010-12-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

winter white washes
across ample acres,
lightly lacing lawns.
kempt kernels cling
idly, inching imperceptibly-
green grass... gone.

nascow

2010-12-04T07:28:00.000-05:00

mooovin'
across finish line
nascow

when i took this picture earlier in the year i hadn't noticed the numbers branded on their sides. if you look closely you can see them on two of the black cows above. yesterday my husband said i should post this with the title nascow so i wrote a haiku in response.

Colon Cancer

2010-12-02T19:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday came with a bit of a surprise. When my egd (scope down throat) & colonoscopy was finished the doctor came in and told us that I had colon cancer. He sent off a biopsy but was sure it was cancer. I went today for more blood work: CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) & hepatic functions. I'll be having a chest CT tomorrow and next week I'll be meeting with a specialist in colon/ rectal surgeries.

Today I went to speak with my regular doctor and was told I'll have a small portion to half a section of my bowel removed... no colostomy bag. I'll be in the hospital for at least five days. I don't know if I can sit still that long. At least I have a $100 pillow I can take with me that's really comfortable, :)

I'm pleased we're moving so fast on this because it doesn't leave much room for me to think about what could happen. Thanks to everyone who's already sent their well wishes/ prayers up. It's greatly appreciated. I'm hoping I'll still be able to stop in and visit everyone's blog during this time but if not please know I'm thinking of you all. You've each touched my life in a way I can never forget. Thanks to you all.

Wooden Ladder

2010-11-30T11:17:00.000-05:00

Somewhere along an overgrown field a small, unweathered, wooden ladder drapes an old wire fence. We're deep in Amish country where we see the Amish riding along. We can hear the covered bridge's aged boards giving way beneath the weight of their horse and buggy. The stream below is even rushing. It's worked itself into a lather. The trip, trap, trip, trap of the horses hooves have almost disappeared around the bend as we continue to admire this tiny wooden ladder somewhere along an overgrown field.

ol' red barn

2010-11-29T08:02:00.000-05:00

We were on our way to a local craft festival last month when we came across this ol' red barn. After we'd walked around to each booth I had to go back and take some quick shots. This was my favorite because it showed off the ivy and displayed the rooftop best. And, look at that clear blue sky. What's not to love about this picture? Hope everyone has a great day~

Red Tailed Hawk

2010-11-28T07:58:00.000-05:00

The other morning while I was doing the dishes this red tailed hawk swooped down. He swooped so low I could see him at eye level from my kitchen window. I had hoped he would land in my yard but instead he landed in a tree across from my house. When I returned with camera in hand he'd already decided to take off. Acting fast I panned with his flight while taking continuous shots. This was my favorite of all the pics I got because it shows him with his feathers all spread out & he's in clearer focus. I had to take a power line out of this picture so forgive any discrepancies. I'm still learning how to work my Photoshop Elements software.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T08:33:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to say I'm thankful to have each of you in my life making it brighter everyday. Hope everyone is having a great Thanksgiving with family/ friends today.

Happy Thanksgiving~
See You Soon~

Yesterday's Sunrise

2010-11-23T09:19:00.000-05:00

Early this morning it poured the rain. So I didn't get to watch a beautiful sunrise like the one we had yesterday (pictured above). Instead I have many gray clouds surrounding my home. Gloomy day for sure. I hope this picture can serve for the brighter days that will surely come again. Have a great day~

Tonight turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, stuffing, gravy, rolls & pumpkin cheesecake will warm our table. I can't wait to sit down with my family and have dinner.

November Moon

2010-11-22T21:34:00.000-05:00

Stressful day... I went to the gastroenterologist earlier today for a consult and came out with an appointment for December 1st. I'll be having a scope run down my throat to check my stomach for any ulcers & a colonoscopy (this was a surprise to me). In order to do these tests I'll have to quit taking my iron pill (my lifeline as of late) for a week. When the doctor first told me I'd have to quit my iron pill for that period of time I almost told him I wasn't going to do these procedures. But, I know I need to do them. Still...

My hemoglobin was 6.9 on October 23rd. It's supposed to be between 11.5- 15.0. Though it's raised some (8.5) since then I'm still concerned about losing the progress I've recently made. My husband reassures me that everything will be fine. I had more blood work done today so we'll see how much more, if any, my blood has raised by tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed it's been boosted another point or two.

Enough about doctors/ tests. What does everyone think about my November Moon above. Isn't it gorgeous? It looked to be starting its journey across the sky when I returned home from the grocery store tonight. I couldn't resist sharing it here. Hope the night finds everyone well.

Red Tailed Hawk

2010-11-21T14:03:00.000-05:00

He sits in a tree not far from my home, talons secured to a branch, as a cold November wind scuds across his breast. The sun illuminates his presence among a copse of trees backdropped by a gentle blue sky. He's leery of our presence at the highway's shoulder but pauses long enough for me to secure a few good shots...

Six Deer

2010-11-21T12:38:00.000-05:00

Baby Raccoons

2010-11-21T11:16:00.000-05:00

Before I tell the story behind these adorable baby raccoons. I'd like to say thank you to everyone for their understanding & support about my anemic state. I'm feeling much better now that the iron pill is boosting my blood. I thought today would be as good a day to dip my typing fingers back into the blogosphere as any. I'll do my very best to make it by everyone's blog each day but if I don't please understand I'm still in the recovery processes. Thanks again to everyone for their well wishes.

I took these baby raccoon pictures early last month on our way back home from the mountains. It was early evening when the sun was setting and the wind was growing colder. We were discussing the events of the day when I spotted something in the road. When I looked I saw three baby raccoons working up the courage to walk into the road where their sibling had passed away.

When we turned around for a closer look the mother was nowhere to be found. So, we stepped out of the car inching our way closer to these adorable little creatures. It was our first time seeing baby raccoons.

My daughter took the initiative to move the deceased coon off the road as I snapped some pictures. We watched & listened carefully for the mother's return. When she didn't make her appearance we turned to ask the locals who'd stopped to help if they knew of anyone who would relocate them. They called the wildlife rescue first but they declined (can you believe that?) Then they called an old man who did this for a living. He came within 30 minutes of us calling.

He got right down to business by placing a trap next to them and proceeded to pick them up one at a time, placing them inside. Two of the three surviving babies would get a new home on a farm, some warm bedding for the night and a safe place to grow. Whereas the third baby raccoon scurried away from being rescued. He/ she made its way up the mountainside, away from the road. All in all I'd say the rescue went well. None of them had to suffer the ill fate their fourth sibling met.

microcytic, hypochromic anemia

2010-11-07T09:20:00.000-05:00

You may have noticed my long absence from blogging this past month and started wondering where I had gone. I've been seeing my family doctor. It all began when I had a simple blood test ran. I had wanted to know if my HDLs, LDLs & Triglycerides were good after some weeks of exercising & healthful eating. Turns out they were all normal. It was my Red Blood Cells that weren't doing so well. My hemoglobin wasn't manufacturing my red blood cells at a normal capacity. They're actually very small in size and lighter in color. When I went back to my doctor I found out that I have microcytic, hypochromic anemia. He put me on 300 mg iron pills so as to get my hemoglobin to produce my red blood cells normally again. I'm taking them twice a day right now but the doctor wants me to shoot for three times. So, after next week I hope to incorporate the third pill. I'll be taking a blood test each month to see if the iron is working as it should. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

I've also had a CT scan to make sure I didn't have something else going on. Luckily I have no cancer or obstructed bowels. But, I do have an ulcer needing to be checked. A doctor's appointment has been set up to see what can be done. I'll be having a scope run down my throat into my stomach after my throat is numbed, of course. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

In the mean time I'll continue my exercising & healthful eating. I've already lost 5 lbs. I've also lost some inches around my problem areas. Once I get myself to feeling healthy & strong I'll try to get back to my regular blogging. I miss everyone and hope you're doing well.

Read All About It...

2010-10-01T21:43:00.001-04:00

Don't forget to drop by my private blog and read all about it... you'll get a good laugh or maybe you'll have a story of your own to share with me after reading about my antics.

Because I don't update my private blog everyday I've decided to make it easier on those who read there by posting here first. I think this will eliminate the frustration of signing in over and over. For those readers who haven't received a one time password let me know and I'll send one as soon as possible.

First Car

2010-09-30T10:17:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I took a trip down memory lane coming across some old pictures of myself at different, earlier times. I thought it'd be nice to share them on my private blog. I've started with my first car.

Because I don't update my private blog everyday I've decided to make it easier on those who read there by posting here first. I think this will eliminate the frustration of signing in over and over. For those readers who haven't received a one time password let me know and I'll send one as soon as possible. Hope everyone is having a great day.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-29T11:37:00.000-04:00

Spring Cleaning~

2010-09-27T12:58:00.000-04:00

A gentle rain falls outside my windows today while a cold breeze filters through my screen door settling onto my skin. Fall has arrived with trees changing their color & shedding their leaves, my family shedding its inhibitions to Spring clean (in Fall).

Today I'm taking a break from cleaning window frames, door facings, baseboards & light fixtures to write this post. We're getting ready to paint our kitchen... yikes. Hope I can keep it together long enough to see it through. I hate change and even worse I hate things to be moved from its natural place. If the kitchen painting goes well then we hope to do the living room next.

We've also become more health conscious. Our weight is past healthy. We've been exercising and eating healthier since last Monday. I've already reaped the benefits of losing one pound. Only 29lbs to reach my goal weight. Tonight's homemade vegetable soup should help add to our healthful start and keep us warm during autumn's chill.

Sunrise

2010-09-11T10:29:00.000-04:00

Between an early, light rain and caw of two crows crossing an earlier morning sky I was able to capture this warm toned sunrise. It's oranges and yellows were peeking through surrounding gray clouds. In a moment the sun would be shrouded by those same gray clouds and the crows would continue flying southwest.

Feathers

2010-09-11T09:58:00.000-04:00

Upon our return home last night from town we saw these feathers close to the feeder. At first I was upset with our neighbors chihuahua for killing the bird. Then their kids came over and asked what I was doing and what did this? I couldn't answer them because I didn't know. One of them even suggested a cat but, my cat is a house cat with diabetes unable to go outside anymore. Our neighbors only have dogs or no pets. Could two birds have fought over the food leaving one dead or dying somewhere? I've never known two birds to fight so violently.

On a lighter note, I saw two deer in different places on the way home. The one standing next to the guardrail ready to jump at a given instant was a doe with black tipped ears and the sweetest face. I hope she waited until all the cars passed by before crossing the highway.

goldfinch

2010-09-09T10:00:00.001-04:00


click to enlarge

This male goldfinch was a character over labor day weekend. He was not only bold in color but in attitude as well. When we drove up to the driveway we saw him eating from the feeder. He flew to the barbed wire fence and waited patiently for us to go inside. When he came back to the feeder I had grabbed my camera. He was caught with a sunflower seed in his beak.

Afterwards my husband and daughter went outside to throw their new Nerf football. The goldfinch returned. He tried to eat more seeds when the football came hurling about a foot away from the feeder. Needless to say he wasn't happy with them. He squawked at them and flew around their heads letting them know he wasn't happy he couldn't eat his dinner in peace.

Fox Squirrel

2010-09-06T21:02:00.001-04:00

One of my readers kindly pointed out the squirrel above is actually a fox squirrel. Thanks Faith, Fabric & Photos for the heads up. I've always known them to be red squirrels. When I looked at the differences they were significant. Thanks again Mary~

Swallowtail

2010-09-05T07:32:00.000-04:00

nectaring on Queen Anne's Lace

I'm not certain if this is a pipevine or black swallowtail. From reading the description in my butterfly field guide I'm led to believe it's the pipevine. When I look online at images it's matching the black. Can anyone tell me which butterfly this is? Isn't it gorgeous. I'm surprised the photo turned out as well as it did because the wind was blowing hard yesterday.

I also stole shots of a squirrel across the road from our house. He was having fun scurrying across those branches like a gymnast on a balance beam. Such precision. I guess they have to perfect their balance because one misstep could lead to a crash. I'll share him with you tomorrow.

unraveled shoestring

2010-09-04T20:41:00.003-04:00

babe milk snake glided
'longside our house yesterday
unraveled shoestring

cobblestoned graveyard

2010-09-03T20:55:00.003-04:00

katydid sleeps 'mong
death's erected monuments
cobblestoned graveyard

Walking Stick

2010-09-02T23:04:00.000-04:00

Earlier this evening we went to meet my husband at his work. While we were waiting for him I spotted this walking stick. I'd never seen one to my knowledge before today so I was pretty psyched about seeing him. On the other hand I've seen quite a few praying mantises.

When we went to the zoo earlier this summer I actually held an Australian walking stick. Now that was cool. Sadly, I have no proof of this feat. Looking back I wish I could have had my husband or daughter take a picture as I'm not one to pick insects up of any kind.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-01T09:27:00.000-04:00

a weekend voyuer

2010-08-31T11:43:00.001-04:00

a groundhog sits 'mong
tall green grasses, mountainside
a weekend voyeur

Saturday my daughter and I ran some errands in town. During which time we past a local pizza joint. When I looked out the window I saw this groundhog nosing around the mountainside. Once we got turned around I didn't see him anymore and thought I had just imagined seeing the groundhog, until... I saw movement again. Sadly my camera settings weren't set on the best setting to capture the moment and what came out was an underexposed picture. The SUV's movement didn't help either... but, I wanted to share him with you anyway as I thought it odd he was on the mountain instead of lower ground.

Later, red-orange blushed the evening sky as geese flew into the sunset breaking v formation only once to reform. It was a great way to end the day.

a long, heavy reed

2010-08-30T08:28:00.000-04:00

a long, heavy reed
adumbrates still pond water
almost touching water's reflective surface
with a sun-sterilized tip,
its elongated limb of green
abstains from causing ripples.

a long, heavy reed
bent from its own weight,
bows its head in prayer
inciting a choir of afternoon frogs
to chorus along peripheral banks,
this, an earthen halo.

Mayfly

2010-08-27T21:10:00.000-04:00

You had your feet on four different foot holds this morning navigating your way across jagged terrain. You were exercising your upper and lower body strength giving your translucent wings a rest. From the other side of the mountain I saw your efforts. They were playing out across my grey eyes like a silent film. No words to express your journey only a mindfulness of your duty. I am unable to trek with you so I document your climb with vigor. Seven hours without food or water along this barren desert of screen wire and no companion except for myself. Suddenly, effortlessly you are gone without a forwarding address.

Doe

2010-08-26T10:13:00.000-04:00

Before this doe was seeking cover she was standing roadside just a few feet away from the shoulder eating some grass. Initially we had passed her and found she'd stayed in the same spot when we returned. I guess she wasn't startled because of all the cars passing along the highway. When we pulled to the shoulder I stood up through my sunroof and took an underexposed picture with my telephoto lens... I didn't have time to exchange for the proper lens with evening light dissipating into night. I had to shoot quick.

Monarch Butterfly

2010-08-22T18:34:00.000-04:00

male monarch butterfly: open winged

male monarch butterfly: closed wings

A Single Cricket

2010-08-20T10:09:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we pulled two chairs in front of an opened back door to watch this. During that time my daughter looked down at the deck floor and saw a single cricket. Naturally I was taking pictures of the other commotion when I trained my eye on this tiny creature. At first I thought this was a grasshopper but the differences between the eyes and antenna's were significant enough for me to call him a cricket. I think he's a young one too. When he began hopping away I followed him across the deck with my camera as close as I dared for fear of him jumping on me and watched him leap from the deck in one single bound. The picture below was another favorite from this series as he seemed to be watching my closely.

Three Grackles

2010-08-18T21:00:00.000-04:00

I took this picture back in mid July through my living room window, window screen and some rain. Spruced up with photoshop and voila, three grackles. I think these birds are somewhat scary when you look at them to long. And, I think they're bullies of the smaller birds that come to feed at my feeder. They're foraging for the fallen seeds on this particular day and don't seem to know I'm taking their picture from inside my home. Coastcard, this picture is for you as you'd asked to see what they looked like.

On a different note, I'd like to say my private blog is a work in progress but you're more than welcome to come visit anytime. I'll just need to send you a password for your viewing pleasure. For those of you who are faithful followers of Naquillity I'd like to say I'm sorry for any confusion I may have caused you. Seems I've led some to believe Naquillity will be abandoned for the private blog. No worries, I'll still be blogging here at Naquillity. The new blog is to get to know me and my family on a personal basis. Thanks to those who've already signed into the new blog and left their comments. I've enjoyed reading them.

Tiger Swallowtail

2010-08-17T09:25:00.000-04:00

A rare spectacle took my eyes hostage as I looked outside my window. There were four butterflies fluttering around during a brief thunderstorm. Usually I only see one or two butterflies in a summer, not four in a day. They continued to flutter above a mud puddle giving me time to grab my camera. When I stepped outside into the on again, off again rain this tiger swallowtail was the only one braving the elements. The others had flown away. If you look closely enough you'll see that the picture below reveals some raindrops atop the swallowtail's body. It seemed to be enjoying a cool evening after all the heat we'd endured.

Rushing winds couldn't keep this swallowtail from taking flight over the barbed wire fence, across the open field and out of my sight. This tiny specimen seemed to float away into the distance, untethered.

Sparrows

2010-08-10T21:44:00.000-04:00

Seven sparrows in my front yard the other morning. They're foraging for the fallen seeds from the bird feeder. I love when they come to visit and get a bite before the grackles appear and scare them away. Those grackles can be bullies. What birds visit your bird feeder?

Grey... again

2010-08-07T23:03:00.002-04:00

Two weeks ago I mentioned creating a new blog to replace the locked posts here at Naquillity. After fixing the locked posts I decided against the idea. But, two days ago a pang took hold of me and would not release me from its grip. So, I went back behind closed doors to prepare my private haven for its invited friends. No electric card readers needed to pass the locked doors only a one time sign in password given to those faithful readers/ commenters who comment below. Pass any questions or inquiries along to naquillity at blogspot dot com. I will need your email address if I don't already have it in order to send the password along. And, it will be sent through a different email account than my current one. Follow the grey... link beneath the header to find your way. Hope to see you there.

Turkey Vultures

2010-08-07T16:02:00.001-04:00

Charred Treasures

2010-08-05T23:08:00.003-04:00

We foraged through ashes and found small treasures waiting for our prying hands to deliver them from the blackness. We found a clear Christmas bulb and a charred hand- a broken statue of sorts. We're left to wonder why some things are treasured and others are burned, forgotten. Naquillity, Yesterday

Here's a slideshow of those charred treasures:

Great Blue Skimmer

2010-08-04T10:07:00.001-04:00

I've made my way through Queen Anne's Lace (wild carrots) to pond's edge where sweat bees sting my legs with great persistence. I watch as frogs jump across the water's surface like a skipping stone before they disappear into darkness. The sun's beading down on my head when I see a great blue skimmer perched on a reed. He submits himself to the sun and surrounding quietness for only a moment before flitting off to another reed.

Note: Image is sooc (straight out of camera) with the exception of some cropping.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-03T08:00:00.001-04:00

Hawk

2010-08-02T22:41:00.000-04:00

Early this morning we were on our way home from town when I looked over to see this hawk. Originally he was on the ground and I, of course, didn't have my camera. We sped home grabbed the camera to find the hawk still enjoying something upon our return. We managed to get turned around so that I was positioned for the picture taking when a dragonfly or damselfly flew inside our car. Undetoured I snapped the picture.

I think this is my best shot, so far, of a hawk. I haven't played with this image in Photoshop yet but would like to see if I can take that leaf away from his face so you can see it a bit better. But, that will be for another day as I'm tired right now and getting ready for bed. Good night~

Yesterday

2010-08-02T00:06:00.000-04:00

Yesterday my daughter and I went riding around on country roads we'd never been on before. We saw turkey vultures in freshly cut fields and a red fox in another field which was grown up. We saw sunflowers growing in gardens and alongside a stream. Some were healthy and others were weak, dying.

We foraged through ashes and found small treasures waiting for our prying hands to deliver them from the blackness. We found a clear Christmas bulb and a charred hand- a broken statue of sorts. We're left to wonder why some things are treasured and others are burned, forgotten.

Yesterday I was reminded of how precious each of you are. How your comments make my day a little brighter and make me :) Thank you all for being close by when I've needed a friend. Thank you for being patient when I've been restless. You've all carried me through without complaint and I wanted to let you know I appreciated everything.

Yesterday I read that Paul Squires (a blogger & poet) died July 28th at the age of 46. Though I didn't know him as well as some of you it struck me quite hard. He was to young to die. His death made me realize that blogging can be fun and sad at once. The journey each of you take me on makes my heart swell and the thought of losing another blogging friend is almost to much to bare. To each of my blogging friends... take care.

Paul... may your next journey be as great as the one you left behind. Rest in peace.