sunny

about 10 days ago, we took in a very sick and half-starved kitten. i was doing a quick morning email check when i saw a notification from a local cat group i subscribe to. a man in oakhurst had found a kitten outside his apartment and was looking for someone to help. my heart broke when i saw the pictures he'd posted. i showed the post to staal. we both knew we had to do something. I made arrangements to pick up the kitten and we went to oakhurst and brought him home.

the first few days were very bumpy and there were times when it seemed like the little guy wasn't going to make it. each time he'd rally and come back a little stronger than before. we've been working to get him healthy and get some weight on him. every day he's a little better. i'm amazed at how far he's come in the short time he's been here.

mom named him sunny, because he's a little ray of sunshine. we all love him and hope that he will grow into a healthy, happy sun cat. 

 

 

I wasn't ready (for Benji)

I wasn't ready
when you arrived
my heart still breaking 
for the ones who came before
I cared for you
but for a while
I struggled with how to love you
and then
we started walking together 
you got me up
got me out
and we found our stride
our days together 
bound by a beautiful rhythm 
you showed me the way
showed me so many wonderful things
I wouldn't have seen on my own
and 
I wasn't ready
for how madly I found myself loving you 
for how you shared your wild heart with me
for how you trusted me
became a part of me
and
I wasn't ready
for our time to end
for you to go
so sudden
so soon
I wasn't ready 
to walk on my own
without you
I don't know which way to go
but
I walk on 
for you
even though 
I wasn't ready

Benji

Our time with Benji ended abruptly last week. His presence in my life has been profoundly joyful and meaningful. And his absence profoundly painful.

Thank you for the walks. Thank you for sharing your wild heart and bright light. Thank you for everything you taught me. Love you, Benji. You are part of me always.

 

tree tents

 

the gatherer

This is water storage pot number two in the orchard garden. The build took place over several months as time and weather permitted. 

New techniques and strategies were employed, skills were refined, areas of weakness were identified and strengthened. Creative and physical energies manifested something new and useful.

It was suggested that the pot be given a name (a Japanese name). 

Meet The Gatherer (Shūshū-sha)

 

 

 

 

Some minor finish and touch-up work to do but, The Gatherer, Shūshū-sha, is functional and in service.

as we always have

it wasn't a chance meeting

that spring day

we always think it's the first time

but it never is

something in us knows

we've always found each other

and we always will 

once again we take the other's hand 

and continue

walking

homeward 

you and i

as we always have

rainwater storage pot, orchard garden