Chickens!!!

We do enjoy our chickens. Who'd a thunk they'd be so interesting? There is a lot to be learned from this bird that we often take for granted. Like the whole broody thing! But that's a blog for another day.......

Three of our chickens joined Gina Percifull's flock yesterday. Lola, a black Cochin hen in the picture above, Harriet, a young Barred Rock hen pictured in her arms and Ozzie. We don't know what Ozzie is. Except for the cuteness... there's no denying the cuteness.

Gina is a local artist who also dabbles in goat shepherding, chicken whispering and a new form of chicken dancing that is sure to sweep the nation if not the world in the very near future ;-)

You can see some of her art at Lowe Mill in Huntsville.

www.lowemill.net/redgoatgallery.html

Lackawanna Blues

What a great movie!!! Chuck and I watched it last night. It's rare to see so many aspects of love in one film. This woman, Nanny, chose to give love the chance to change not only her circumstances but also everyone who was fortunate enough to be part of her life.

Lackawanna is an Indian word that means "where the waters meet". Nanny had her own ocean of love by the time all those individual streams of people met... People no one else wanted or cared about, forgotten, discarded, abused and broken. But when they found Nanny, or she found them.... waters that had started to stagnate for lack of rain and motion... started to flow again :) And when they all met up together they started to remember who they really were... Nanny made everyone feel treasured and wanted, precious and desirable, needed and valuable. She was the oil of gladness to the spirit of despair. And her very presence was like a balm to an injured soul.

Yes. I saw a lot of love in this movie. And it touched my heart deeply. It's always good to be reminded that love never fails.

"Playwright Ruben Santiago-Hudson stars in this version of his Obie Award-winning stage drama directed by George C. Wolfe. Rachel "Nanny" Crosby (S. Epatha Merkerson) lives in a house in Lackawanna, N.Y., that she opens up to anyone looking for a place to rest and regroup. Times are changing as segregation loses its grip, and each person passing through has a tale to tell, influencing the young boy, Junior, whom Nanny has taken in as her own."

http://www.netflix.com/

The Bird's Nest

Three tiny baby birds. Nestled in a perfectly cozy little home made specially for them by Mommy. She built the nest in one of the blackberry bushes. Safe and secure among all those sticky thorny vines. She's quite the "warrior" the way she protects her offspring.... swooping down on anyone who dares to pick blackberries. She uses several tactics to discourage us from getting too close. In addition to the swooping she's not above flying directly into one's backside or the back of one's head. Sort of feels like someone taking a swat at you with their hand. She's quite vocal about the whole thing too :) "Get away from my babies!" she screams. And even though none of us have ever formally learned "birdspeak" we hear her loud and clear with perfect understanding.

Their is no language barrier between Mothers :)

Benjamin Button

Our little Ben Button went to his new home today. Mary and Terry picked him up just a little while ago. We're so happy to have found him such a good home.

Blackberries

Is there anything better than blackberries? Of course there is... But they are right up there.. mmmmmmmmmmm.... I just love their juicy goodness....... And they are so beautiful.... Tiny little clusters of the deepest darkest blue imaginable... filled with the most delectable purple nectar....
But they don't come easy. Oh no.... They're hidden in a mass of twisted thorns. They beckon to you with their plump little berry goodness all shiny and... mmm.
Just try to pick them without gloves. I dare you. You'll pay.
But they are worth it.
To me they are worth the sticky, prickly pain of harvesting them :)