Celebrate April

The first day of May.

 It's a good day to take a look back at April here at Twisty Lane.

 April was a month of bunnies, flowers and the lovely Miss Cassie.

Happy Spring!

Mosaic Monday is hosted each week by the lovely Mary.

Wishing you Well and a JOY filled week.

Camera Critters

Camera Critters is hosted every Saturday by the lovely Misty. Be sure you visit!

Last week Mr. Dragon and I decided to visit the Japanese Garden in Hermann Park.

It was a beautiful afternoon. Little humidity.

On the way to the Japanese Garden we saw a few feathered critters.

A couple of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks with friend.

Black-Bellied Whistling Duck

I have a story for you about the Whistlers. Last year Mom Whistler made her nest in the sculpture garden at the Museum of Fine Arts -- several very long blocks from this lake. When her eggs hatched, several birders at the museum kept an eye on the youngsters and one day were able to capture them and take them to the lake at Hermann Park. They figured Mom could and would fly over, but the youngsters would never make it across the streets to water. I'd like to think that the Whistlers we saw are those same babes all grown up.

Inside the gates of the Japanese Garden we found this little guy.

He has a white tail ... cotton tail perhaps.

This little bunny was smaller than the first. A little family.

More critters in the Japanese Garden next week!

Happy Critter Day!

Postcard Friendship Friday: Monet's Gardens

Our hostess for Postcard Friendship Friday is the lovely Beth.
Today Beth celebrates Mother's Day.

I didn't have a Mother's Day postcard, so I thought a visit to France
and Monet's Gardens at Giverny might be nice.
Tulips abound!

The back of this card reads:
Monet's Gardens at Giverny
A monochromatic island flower bed of soft pink tulips and rose-colored English daisies (Bellis perennis) is planted in front of Monet's house, repeating its color scheme of pink and green.

Pomegranate publishes books of postcards on a wide range of subjects.
You can imagine how lovely "Monet's Gardens at Giverny" is.
Photographs by Elizabeth Murray.

Happy PFF!

Good Morning!

Releasing and Welcoming

(Image from Cottage Witchery by Ellen Dugan)

You already know I like the Daily OM and on occasion share with you. I love the idea of sweeping the old energy out and sweeping new energy in.

Sounds easy, doesn't it.

April 26, 2010 Releasing and Welcoming Energetic Sweeping Sweeping your porch each day is regarded as an important cleansing ritual that prepares your home for new energy. In some of our lives, sweeping has become an activity performed without much thought. In many cases, sweeping is a lost art, replaced by the noisy, efficient vacuum cleaner. But in several cultures and religions, sweeping the front and back porch every morning is regarded as an important cleansing ritual that prepares the ground for new energy on every level—physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. It is often employed to sanctify a space and prepare it for a ceremony. This seemingly simple action has the power to clear away the old and make space for the new. It stirs up the energy in a place, clearing out the astral buildup that is the natural by-product of the presence of humans. This kind of sweeping is not about cleaning the area of dust. In fact, the broom doesn’t have to actually touch the ground to be effective. You might want to consider having two different brooms, one you use for cleaning dust and dirt, and one you use for energy clearing. If you are so inspired, you could decorate your broom by carving its handle, painting it, decorating it with gemstones and ribbons, or any other creative adornment that appeals to you. You can also make your own broom out of tree branches and twigs, or choose a naturally appearing broom from nature, such as a pine bough. Sweeping each morning prepares the ground for the new day at the same time as it deepens our awareness of the importance of letting go of the past to welcome the present. As we clear the energy of our space, we clear our own energy systems. In addition, we create a space that feels clean, clear, and open to all who enter. Be sure to think welcoming thoughts as you sweep, manifesting what you need for the day. Making sweeping part of our daily ritual tunes us into the continuing cycle of releasing the old and welcoming the new that is the hallmark of a healthy energy system. For more information visit dailyom.com