Was in Kauai for a week and these little chickies were everywhere. So incredibly cute and vulnerable and vocal. This little one, I'm sure, was spring's official spokesperson.
- Diane
MAMA RACCOON
Spring has arrived early in California; the fruit tree blossoms are already abundant, the birds are singing and raccoons are finding their multiple mates.
This beautiful raccoon will soon be a mama. My husband and I had the unique opportunity of watching her mate in the wild. I wondered how long it would take before her babies were born and learned it would be just nine short weeks. She will raise approximately 3 to 5 “kits” entirely on her own. The babies will be blind the first few days and deaf for the first three weeks, making them completely dependent on her. Immediately vocal, the infant may sound like a human baby if in distress. If confronted by danger, this mother raccoon will furiously protect her young. They will learn to forage for food with their mother and will remain with her through the first winter until they gradually leave. Their short lifespan is only 2 to 3 years in the wild but they can live up to 20 years in captivity, which makes me want to coax a few home with me!
I ask myself, what will I do in the next 9 weeks as spring gushes with growth. If this raccoon can be so prolific, then I certainly can too. I won’t be bringing any new babies into the world, but I am inspired to to go forth and bring new creative life into fruition!
See some wonderful raccoon videos on PBS. This one is the babies first night out.
BE THE BACKBONE FOR THE BROKEN
“If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change.”
Mahatma Gandhi
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( Series Information: http://bit.ly/2ASHEeZ )
BE THE GUARDIAN OF NATURE
“If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change.”
Mahatma Gandhi
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BE THE CALM AMID THE CHAOS
“If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change.”
Mahatma Gandhi
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( Series Information: http://bit.ly/2ASHEeZ )
BE THE HOPE
“If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Sacredness of Our Government
I have remained politically silent on this blog but can no longer do so. I am becoming more distraught and weary with each passing day that I watch Trump and the Republican Congress destroy the sacredness of our government, our values and all that we stand for as a brilliant nation. There is a lack of shame and hypocrisy of actions that I find incomprehensible not to mention the GOP's silence on Trump’s despicable morals and obvious mental instability. I am losing hope for the future but everything in me says FIGHT for that future.
I take the the wisdom of Gandhi and try to live by his words: “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change.” In this month of December, when the darkest of days turns towards the LIGHT, I will hope again and remember that change begins with me. My words and images will reflect this.
CHERISH THESE DAYS
As the summer fog settles in
for the long while,
everything takes on a mystical,
antiquated feeling of awe —
I cherish these days.
- Diane
QUIET BEAUTY
Feeling peaceful these days while creating among summer's quiet beauty.
- Diane
GRACEFULLY BOWS
I admire the dignity of nature as she so gracefully bows to each cycle of life.
- Diane
