Baby Running Barefoot

When the white feet of the baby beat across the grass
The little white feet not like white flowers in a wind,
They poise and run like puffs of wind that pass
Over water where the weeds are thinned.

And the sight of their white playing in the grass
Is winsome as a robin's song, so fluttering;
Or like two butterflies that settle on a glass
Cup for a moment, soft little wing-beats uttering.

And I wish that the baby would tack across here to me
Like a wind-shadow running on a pond, so she could stand
With two little bare white feet upon my knee
And I could feel her feet in either hand

Cool as syringa buds in morning hours,
Or firm and silken as young peony flowers.

~D.H. Lawrence

Raspberries

The sunshine is casting hazy light on emerald bushes

The ruby fruit glistens surrounded by silken strands

Of spider webs; the sweet notes of song birds

Are high pitched in the wind. On the dirt

Small feet are eagerly treading, and

POP!

In the mouth each raspberry is heading.

The dirt-covered fingers pull hard at a branch

Plucking with vigor sweet, tangy delights. The squeals

Drown the sounds of the geese flying high.

The sapphire eyes search for prize that misses

The bucket completely. The soft cheeks are stained

With the sheer joy of summer.

Each dew-washed berry, sun-ripened and hot,

Is melting my heart by a smiling result

For those toddlers teeth glisten pink on white.

As they beg with faces upturned for just one more berry

PLEASE!

~Caitlin Mallery

The Height of the Season

Enjoy it while it lasts, for each season is beautiful.

Nature Photograhy

Roman and I went down to the Swan River for a little walk and some fishing the other day. Didn't catch anything but certainly enjoyed the summer day!

Wild roses smell heavenly.

Forget-me-not is such a lovely flower.

A creek running into the river.

He is just amazing!

We feasted on gooseberries.

The wild mile of the Swan River

Where We're Headed

I love visiting the ocean, particularly the Oregon coast. As a little girl we would go see my great-grandparents and grandparents there, and now I will take my children to see their great-grandparents in the same place. 

Roman found out my great love for the coast during our courtship and thus was inspired to plan our honeymoon for Seaside, OR, a surprise that completely thrilled me!

Someday I will read my children my favorite sailing books, such as Dr. Doolittle (Ethan already loves looking  at the illustrated version), Horatio Hornblower, and, of course, Treasure Island. 

So to the sea we will go, and who knows what treasure we will find to bring back to our mountain home.

Welcome

Ah, how my winter-wearyed eyes
Rejoice the spring to see,
The gentle greens on brambled browns.
Fragrant blossoms by the road-side,
Trees in flower, fruit-preparing
The feast my eyes does light.
As I inhale the fragrant air
Warm breezes brush my face.
"There's sunshine in my soul today!"
My heart enthralled does sing.
The birds sweet songs in rapture give
All praises to their Creators hand.
And my soul will join in their thanksgiving
As winter gives way to His promise of spring.

~Caitlin Mallery

Seashells

"One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach. One can collect only a few, and they are more beautiful if they are few. One moon shell is more impressive than three. There is only one moon in the sky. One double-sunrise is an event; six are a succession, like a week of schooldays. …For it is only framed in space that beauty blooms. …A tree has significance if one sees it against the empty face of sky. A note in music gains significance from the silences on either side. A candle flowers in the space of night. Even small and casual things take on significance if they are washed in space.”

~Anne Morrow Lindbergh