Fox

Where the red fox wanders.

When I am alone I can become invisible. I can sit
on the top of a dune as motionless as an uprise of weeds,
until the foxes run by unconcerned. I can hear the almost
unhearable sound of the roses singing.

~ Mary Oliver

Everything that is in the heavens, on earth, and under the earth is penetrated with connectedness, penetrated with relatedness.

~ Hildegard of Bingen

The difference between sun and shade.

Fox is considered to be persistent, yet is gentler and less aggressive than the wolf. Fox teaches us about feminine magic, but this does not imply that it is a totem for women. Rather, both men and women who have the fox as a totem are being told to stay in touch with the feminine side of their personality and character.

If fox shows up in your life it is a sign that you are to be aware of the actions of the world around you. The world is shape shifting and growing into new patterns all the time. Use the art of camouflage and keep cunningly silent about who and what you are observing. After observing for a while you will become aware of certain patterns of predictability in situations and you will know what to do. Fox’s medicine of camouflage teaches Oneness with all.

~ birdclan.org

In the irises (yesterday).

The other beings we share the land with here have been coming out of hiding lately.  They tend to do that during the spring months.  Perhaps they know that hunting season is well and truly over for now.  Or perhaps it’s a spring thing, a waking up that we all do when the days grow longer, the temperature begins to warm, and the greening begins.

This morning I saw our herd of deer stretched out across the front lawn.  There were six of them and they were doing their own version of physical distancing, all of them standing about six feet apart.  If I’d had the wide angle lens on the camera, I would have grabbed a picture.  It was kind of funny given our current circumstances.

A red fox came by, too.  Judging by behavior, my guess is that it was a vixen.  I am guessing that because she was squatting to do her scent marking.  However, that is not necessarily a sure sign that it’s a female fox.  Apparently males will do this, too.  She seemed like a “she” to me so I’m going with that.  I’ve seen plenty of scat on the trails while out on my walks.  This is the first time in a while I’ve seen the fox herself.

Out by the marsh today, clouds blanketing the sky.

It is day 14 of the 40-day self-care challenge.  How are you today?

I’ve been out for two walks again.  I’ve not yet done my meditation or yoga practices.  I will be sure to fit in both before the day is out.  I’m thinking about a yoga nidra practice for this evening.  Have you ever done a yoga nidra practice?  I find it very relaxing.  Here is one from Theo Wildcroft that I really like:  Tree Yoga Nidra.

The Ancient One. (I’ve been playing with this image, trying out various ways of editing.)

Today has been kind of hard, for no particular reason.  Or maybe for all the reasons.  Part of it is missing my family.  We haven’t seen our grandchildren and their parents since Christmas.  Today, that feels like a very long time.  That got me to thinking about people who have to leave their homes and family to seek sanctuary and safety elsewhere and how very hard that must be.  It hurts the heart, to think about such things.  I point that out not for sympathy, but as something I wish we could all learn.  Compassion, empathy, openheartedness.  (I know I’m preaching to the choir here because you all are a generous, compassionate, and openhearted group of people.)

It is also a reminder to count my blessings.  There are many.

Spring continues to offer up hope. (Peony)

Thank you for spending a little time with me today.  We’ll get through this.  And while we’re getting through it, let’s go watch the sunset this evening.  We can watch from the dock or out by the marsh.  Or just look out your window and see what there is to see.  Sunset is schedule for 7:29 PM.  I’m not sure there will be much to see with all the clouds around.  Maybe we’ll get lucky and the clouds will add to the experience.

Be safe, be well.  ♥♥♥

Pear-apple blossoms.

A few of the 10,000 reasons to be happy:  1,326)  Pear-apple blossoms.  1,327)  A visit from the red fox.  1,328)  Walks, long and short and in between.  1,329)  Family and friends.  1,330)  Home-baked buns for the veggie burgers we had for lunch today.  M is getting really good at making bread.