The trips along the river have decreased, replaced by ongoing texts and emails. A family of cardinals, newly hatched, line our windowsills, their curiosity endearing, yet; my camera remains on the desk. My health has taken a plunge – not unexpected, but despairing. I’ve been locked away inside fighting the sludge.
August the 23rd, our second Ukrainian family arrives. It’s been a long and emotional wait. Maybe, like the squirrel, my body is storing energy for the occasion. I certainly have a better understanding of all that is involved in hosting displaced persons now. Protecting my own health and well-being is important.
A hummingbird just dropped by the feeders and I am reminded that part of maintaining balance is appreciating the moments. Like the brief encounter with the Kingfisher, featured. So rarely does this breed stop to be photographed; it feels serendipitous.
Today, I’ll move slowly, gathering my thoughts and breaths in mindful moments.
How is August unfolding for you?
One Woman's Quest II 
Beautiful shot, VJ! Sorry to hear you’ve had a setback, feel better soon!
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Thanks Susi. So it goes. 🙃
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You’re welcome!
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I am sorry to hear you’re not feeling well (sending healing vibes). I just got home from the August wedding of my youngest and only son in Algonquin Park. Everything went beautifully. He is the first one to marry and we all (his two sisters, Morty and I) really like his wife!!
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Thanks Sarah. Such is living with a chronic illness. I’ve got a few days to rest before the next group arrive.
Wonderful to hear of your son’s wedding. What a lovely setting. Congratulations on a new, loveable, daughter-in-law!
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I’m saddened to hear about your health taking a plunge, VJ, and wish for better days ahead! August has been good as long as I avoid the news. We’ve been cleaning and reorganizing and getting ready to paint. July and August have never been my favorite months for various reasons. I am looking forward to October.
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Fresh paint is always a pick me up! Thanks Eugi.
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Most welcome. We’re looking forward to it.😉
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I do hope you will give yourself as much of a needed break as you can manage. Doesn’t do anyone good if you aren’t well.
The kingfisher is a delight. Must have been a tough shot to get!
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It was a tough shot – I have to outwit him, lol. Thanks Eilene. Really appreciate your support
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I hope you will feel better soon, V.J. 🌻
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Thanks Tanja.
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I’m sorry to hear that your health has taken a plunge, VJ. I hope the rest will have you feeling better soon.
I love your Kingfisher, such a handsome fellow on his branch. My August is shaping up well. My novel-in-progress has gotten to the point where I hate leaving the characters alone to fend for themselves. I’ve also started taking photos to inspire hailku. My husband and I are headed out again tomorrow.
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You are productive! Enjoy your adventures.
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Thanks! Hopefully, I’ll get enough inspiration to get me through the week. 😉
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Take care of yourself VJ, sometime a special occasion can make you forget about yourself. For me August is a dog from hell who keeps jumping in the pool and shaking off all over your new couch. Note-I no longer have a dog, or a pool, or a new couch. 😬
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Thanks for the laugh and the kind words – good analogy.
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Resting is not easy for an active person. Being that I am barred fro my shop due to the hip I am trying to stay busy inside while physically “behaving”. I know it’s not easy but you should do the same. You have a tremendously busy time ahead with the your commitments, but save something for yourself.
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Thanks Lou. Always hard to shift gears.
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Preparing yourself for your new arrivals must be exciting. Glad to hear you are taking the time the rest.
Yesterday I discovered a Swallowtail caterpillar in a window box feeding on my parsley. I posted a photo I found on the internet. It disappeared last night and I discovered that they burrow. This morning he/she was busy eating again. Made my August!!! I’m hoping to see the full lifecycle. Imagine!!!!! A beautiful butterfly.
Take good care my friend. 💜🦋💐
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What a gift nature is giving you. Thank you
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She as been good to me this season. What a miracle a seed and a little water can do.
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August/September are usually bad migraine months for me, and this year is the same as always, though last week was OK. I love your bird pics!
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I’m sorry to hear that. Come to think of it, I usually feel a decline around this time too. Take care.
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You too 🙂
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