musings from the marsh...

Spring Has Sprung...Finally...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 08:03:00 +0000

A section of Alma Tadema's 'Spring'...my favorite painting at the Getty in L.A.)

Spring sprang last month. March 20th marked Ostara, 2017. If you are a person who identifies seasons according to weather patterns, you would've been highly confused here. The confusion would've begun well before Winter was over. Actually, here on the marsh, Winter didn't leave the area until a few weeks or so ago. When the somewhat frosty chill of what is described as 'cold' weather here on the marsh was still hanging in the air, we got hit with early pollen. Very heavy early pollen. Some of the azalea bushes around the condos even started to bloom. The camellia bush by our front...well, it's not really a porch...I'll call it our front 'slab'...so, the camellia bush by our front slab was blooming in the depth of the marshes winter, but it usually does. No shocker there. They are an Evergreen. They dig partial shade. From what I've seen from the last number of years, once they're in a location they dig, they thrive even if it's freezing. Can't say that I necessarily thrive in cold or warmer weather. As I've said many times before, I would be a seriously happy camper if Autumn was the perpetual seasonal state. I love the Fall. I'll cut myself off there as I'll save my mooning over Autumn until it's actually here.

(The marsh)

For a few months the weather was crazy. One day the temperatures warranted warm and fuzzy apparel. The next day there would be t-shirt temperatures. The world outside kept switching back and forth, confusing everyone. Make up your mind, damn it! I got into a routine of having a coat handy every time I opened the front door. I'll just call it 'Schrodinger's Jacket'. I wouldn't know if it was cold or not cold until I opened the front door to check. Now we are approaching the middle of April, and I think it's safe to say that Winter has officially moved on. The days have been warmer, but not too warm. That will come with Summer. If this year's Summer is anything like the last, it'll be a real scorcher.

(Less of a shade on my favorite marsh spot since hurricane Matthew came through)

(...spot the bird...)

Now that the days are longer and the weather a bit warmer, my opportunities for strolls after I get home from the mine have expanded. No, I can't really get out to hang with the marshes brand of nature when I have the closing shift at the mine...well, when it's a full moon...then I go out for some photos...however, I do have more openings to get out to decompress. It is very quiet here on the marsh. The only prevalent noises from neighbors are noises from the wind, the birds, the cicadas...my marsh neighbors. In my favorite spot on the marsh's edge, I can sometimes hear the *thup, thup* of car tires as Tybee residents head home over the Bull River Bridge. During evening strolls I can sometimes hear the clink of dishes and murmuring of unintelligible conversation as I pass some condos. So different from living in the city...from living in L.A. No helicopters buzzing the neighborhood. No police car or fire truck sirens. No hot tempered arguments of neighbors yelling at one another. Just the sounds of life. Of calm life. Calm is good. I dig calm.

The cattails that line the marsh edge have gone to seed. The thicker part of the reed gets an appearance of pulled cotton, clumpy and fuzzy. Much different than looking like a hot dog skewered on the end of a very long stick. They grow like crazy, and spread through their rhizomes (root system). They grow rather densely along the marshes edge like a tall leafy hedge. The grounds crew will come along and lay waste to all of the thick foliage that grows along with the cattails, but their roots systems bring them back thicker and fuller than the last time. Cattails are quite resilient. They also make it difficult for other marsh plants to grow in their proximity. If you're adventurous you could give eating cattails a go. Sections of the leaves can be eaten like a salad, and the younger "flowers" (brown hot dog looking section) can be roasted. Don't think I'll be trying that any time soon though.

('Tent' moth)

I always see something special on my walks. Whether it's a heron, a fairy circle of mushrooms, or cloud formation. One furry fellow I came across reminded me of Summers when I was younger. A Tent Caterpillar. Back then I had no idea what they were called, I just knew that they were soft, and I liked to pick them up to have them walk on my hands. I would also give them green leaves to munch on. The little guy pictured above appeared to be on his own. I tried to pick him up to move him to a tastier looking tree or bush, but he was very active. At one point he was hanging half off a leaf flailing his legs around. Apparently, it meant that he was agitated...something that escaped me as a child. I remember them leaving yellow "deposits" that I always thought to be caterpillar poo. It turns out it is a defense substance that is poisonous. They are said to be poisonous to horses, and are known to cause miscarriages in mares. Not entirely the fuzzy little play things I remember. As with all caterpillars, Tent's turn into moths. Not as beautiful as the Luna moths (I had the luck to see one up close right outside my front door a few years back...here's a link to that post: http://musingsfrommarsh.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-moon-moth-color-green.html ) the 'Tent' caterpillar moth is still cool looking.

(An open seed pod on one of the Sago Palms by the condos swimming pool fence)

So far, my pictures in this post are from Ostara day. Had meant to post them before now, but the mine has been absorbing a lot of my time. Once I get back into a regular swing on here things will get posted in a more timely fashion. As for the picture of the open seed pod above, I always swing by these Sago palms to see if the seed pods have returned. They are so alien looking. I always envision tentacles shooting out of the center. *snerk*

The last three photos were taken three days before April's Full Pink Moon. On my drive home from the mine I was coming over the bridge I always cross as I pass through Thunderbolt. I reached the top and saw Luna hanging up there in the blue sky. I love the Moon. I try to catch the bright orb of the Full Moon in a night sky every month, but I really dig seeing the Moon during the day. Since my current camera doesn't play well with the night (it's not a camera you can really mess with shutter speed on), it does take beautiful shots of a day time Moon. It shows more of the surface details.

When I got home I took a few minutes to begin my decompression, and then grabbed my camera. Most of my posts that have my pictures involved include at least one photo of my spot by the marsh. A spot that is now not as shady as it once was. (Thanks, Matthew.) There were about five tree deaths due to the hurricane in that spot alone. Really sad. It's not as shady as it was, but I'm not going to abandon it. There are still some surviving trees. They served as great props for these shots.

April has passed the halfway mark, and it doesn't seem possible. In a couple of months the year will be half over. Amazing. To quote Dorothy Parker: "Time doth flit, oh shit." I think in truth that everything flits if you let it. There's still plenty of 2017 to slow down and get my bearings. Falling into that rut of being a stagnant member of the rat race is so easy to do. Work, eat, sleep. Not a pattern I want to keep repeating. My creative brain has to get back in charge. Yeah, working in a frame shop has it's creative elements, but that doesn't cut it. Looking to my right I can see about ten projects I have been wanting to do. The time is ripe to stop the wanting and to get to the doing.

Summer is getting closer, and the days are getting warmer. Flowers are blooming, and mosquitoes are annoying.

Tomorrow is another day, and luckily it is also a day off.

A productive one it will be.

Recalling a Hurricane & Starting Fresh...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 02:54:00 +0000

(In the day or two leading up to the hurricane, there were groups of herons everywhere...
apparently, they were looking for more shelter with the approaching storm

For months now I have wanted to get back into my blog. It has served as a means of expression. Of keeping in touch with some, while establishing fresh connections with others. Then there is its therapeutic side. By posting thoughts, feelings, and even my photos. Posts about things that interest me. It all leads to the positive vibes of feeling more grounded without what feels like the weight of the world bearing down on one's shoulders.

If I take a moment to reflect on what has taken me so long to start posting again...well...where do I begin? Having a full time gig at the mine has taken quite a bit of wind out of my sails. I can't blame anyone but 'moi' for that as I've allowed the stress of the work day to pull me down. If I push that to the side...well...where DO I begin? Sitting here at the computer, I have swept aside some mental cobwebs. It didn't really take much thought to decide on the last big event we had here on the marsh. Back in September of 2016...

Hurricane Matthew.

Here on the marsh of Wilmington Island just east of Savannah, we were going to be in the path of the mass destruction being imposed by hurricane Matthew. Have we been in the path of hurricanes before? Oh yeah, but Savannah sits back in a coastal divit. The most we usually experience are some winds and rain. The worst always skates on past us.

(This fallen limb was crawling with black ants that appeared to call this hole
as the door to their digs)

I was born in Atlanta, Georgia. I grew up with rainstorms and thunder storms. Even the occasional tornado. But I never got to experience the power of a tornado first hand. I moved to the west coast in my mid-twenties, so I left inclement weather behind me for about 18 years. Los Angeles was hit with an El Nino here and there that would dump a lot of rain, and cause flooding and mudslides, but it was not the usual. Hot and dry was the usual. The calm steady rain, and the more angry grumbling sky of a thunderstorm...I missed them. Rainy weather and tree filled forests. Autumn, as well. Can't forget about Autumn, my favorite season. I always knew that I would eventually move back to the east coast and the southern weather here. Savannah is the place. Forests - Check. Autumn - check. Rainstorms - check. Not until I moved back to Georgia did I realize just how much of a storm fanatic I have become.

I'm going to be honest and say that every time a hurricane has churned and swirled its way in our direction, I have hoped that we would get some major action. No 'doom and gloom' effects, of course. In September of last year my hopes were answered, but sadly there was quite a bit of damage for many residents, here on Wilmington and other areas. Tybee is a few miles away on the Atlantic, the front lines of the storm. Things would get fierce. Before I get too ahead of myself, I'll share a little of the lead up to Matthew's arrival.

We were watching the TV coverage religiously. The fact that the coverage had taken over the airwaves here kind of forced the blow-by-blow reporting. For me it just became the backdrop to whatever else I was doing. The same reports were repeated over and over, with the occasional update. These days news coverage is a competition with each organization trying to beat the other to the next nugget of news. Add to that the fact that weather reports are something I always take with a grain of salt (although I have been addicted to the 'Weather Channel' in the past). Weather in general is so unpredictable, and a hurricane would definitely qualify as unpredictable. Would it be the destructive force that the weather people were excited about? Would have to wait and see.

I continued to report to the mine for my shifts because I was scheduled to be there. If the store was open, I was there. I'm sure they would've understood if I called out because of the storm as I do live on an island on the coast. Evacuations had begun, but in my area they weren't mandatory...yet. Glenn and I decided early on that we would be riding the storm out. I had no problem with that. I had heard all of the reports, but there was a side of me that wanted to witness things first hand. Crazy? maybe. We didn't really have anywhere to go. Besides, the roads leading out (and there are only a couple) were going to be utter chaos. Evacuations in the area were starting to go mandatory, and on the last day I reported to the mine Wilmington was a mandatory evacuation area. I reported in to prep the frame shop for the possibility of flooding, etc. The go ahead had been given by the powers that be that we were to close up shop. The storm shutters were put across the front of the store, and we all headed home. I got back to my digs around 1:00 in the afternoon. I'm blanking a bit on actual dates, but I believe the store closed up the Wednesday before the storm really hit us, which was on that Friday night.

One thing I noticed about those couple of days leading up to the hurricane were the herons. We always see herons here on the marsh. Generally I don't see more than a couple at a time. Flying by, sitting on the dock remnants, or poking their beaks into the mud when the tide is out looking for food. In those days leading to the arrival of the hurricane I saw large groups of them hanging out in trees, or riding the winds. It appeared that they were coming inland a bit. I also saw hawks riding the winds with the herons. They weren't stupid. They were being cautious like the rest of us.

When I got home from the mine things were beginning to feel a bit surreal. The number of cars parked around the condos was virtually nil. Many were obeying the evacuation. Except for us, the only other residents I knew to still be hanging around were our immediate neighbors on the right, Anthony and Michael (brothers). The occasional police car would drive through checking things out. Although there was a mandatory evacuation in effect, they couldn't force us to leave. Our local news stations had started addressing aspects of their reports to those of us who were going to stick things out. We were in for the duration. We knew power would go out eventually - I made sure to buy batteries for my portable radio, the battery powered lanterns, and flashlights. Unlike others in the area, we had power until Friday night. The wind outside was lashing everything about, and we had a little rain here and there. Reports were that we were going to get hit hard Friday night, so we were bracing ourselves. We were braced for flooding. We are relatively close to the marsh edge, but we have a tidal creek behind the condo that was no more than six feet away from the screened in porch. I had never seen it get up to the top edge of the bank before, but we were looking at that as a real possibility.

In the couple of days leading up to what was supposed to be the hurricane's peak, it wasn't as stormy as I would've thought. We had seriously strong winds, but not a whole lot of rain. I kept checking the tide because of the flooding reports. Glenn and I expected the water level to get pretty high, but it wasn't any higher than a normal high tide (including tides high enough to cover the causeway out to Tybee). Actually, at one point the water was really low. It was as if the hurricane was sucking the water away from us instead of pushing it inland. Needless to say, we were quite relieved to see that the flood warnings weren't going to play out. I stayed up as late as I could Friday night, but had to eventually drag myself off to bed. The power was on when I drifted off. It would be a different story the next morning.

(Boat owners moving their boats...the 'Bull River Yacht Club' is just a few blocks from my digs by the Bull River Bridge)

(The marsh side picnic table that I visit and photograph from time to time...I've been know to sit there for a spell during one of my photo strolls...it's very peaceful there...was happy to see it made it through the hurricane unscathed)

The first day without power didn't really feel that terrible. My tune would change later. It wasn't until I walked outside that the hurricane's effects really sunk in. It was a mess. A few trees at the end of the building had fallen, a couple of them on our neighbors truck. Of course, Michael's truck was totalled. Glenn's truck was fine. My Audi was in the shop, so I assumed it was okay...although I didn't know the status of the mechanic's shop area. 'Two Nuts & A Bolt' is just up the street from the mine. As is usual with me, when I headed outside I had my camera at the ready. In the few days leading up to the big event I had used my phone to go live on Facebook. To chronicle things a bit for those in other states. At a particularly windy and rainy section of the approaching storm I streamed via my phone what I thought was a good bit of footage, including a beautiful blue heron just a feet away from me under the dock remains on the edge of the marsh. I would discover that I had the phone pointed the wrong way and had instead recorded some rather unflattering footage off myself getting drenched and blown away. Yeah, I deleted that. On a good day I hate even having my picture taken...*shudder*...

After having a walk around the condos, we hopped in Glenn's truck to go check on his brother's house on the far side of the island. Things were really hit hard in his neighborhood. There were homes that had trees fall on them, but all I could see were the fallen trees. I'm a lover of trees and it was so sad to see all of the tall majestic ones that had been killed by the storm. The only activity I saw were a few homeowners trying to pick up the pieces of what was left of their yards. Wearing work gloves and hauling branches to the edge of the street. Cutting through tree trunks and limbs with chainsaws. We had to stop and try other routes a few times because streets were blocked by fallen debris or electrical lines, but we eventually made it to Jeff's house and everything looked fine.

(Crude, but it worked)

The first night of no power (Saturday) was tough. When the power goes out here the world becomes black as pitch. We had lamp light and candles which really aren't that effective. I am a candle addict, so I have a bunch of scented jar candles. Candle light was in heavy supply, but
with the various scented jar candles burning I developed massive headaches. The various aromas co-mingling was beyond cloying. (Couldn't burn a candle for awhile after that, but I think I'm past the rough part.) In the dim light I kept wondering how people were able to function all those years ago when modern conveniences weren't around. For sustenance, I got creative. Our stove is electric, so cooking didn't seem to be an option. Then I got an idea. I put half a dozen tea light candles on a saucer, created a chimney effect with a piece of aluminum foil, and took a cooling rack that I put on two overturned ramekins. Voila...scrambled eggs. It worked really well as a makeshift cooking stove. Eggs and soup were the only things I used it for. I would take a few trips out and about in search of ice, and non-perishables, but that first day or so things were dead. Gradually a couple of the businesses opened back up. The very first was 'Chu's', a gas station, mini-mart and liquor store a block from the condos. Mr. Chu had opened the front door to let some policemen use his facilities, people started coming in and buying stuff, so he just stayed open. He had a generator or two, and also had a bunch of ice. He was the first one. Then my coffee cravings started. Thank you Publix. After driving around the island I saw that Publix was open on my way back home. They had complimentary coffee brewing (back-up generator), so I grabbed two cups. That was some damn good coffee.

(My neighbor's truck...the official diagnosis was 'totaled'...a tree also claimed the corner of
the building that is pictured)

(A different angle on my favorite spot by the marsh next to the dock remains...plus a lot of fallen limbs and a few trees)

(My usual approach to the marsh by the dock remains...it was so sad to see quite a few of my tree friends fallen)

Around Sunday residents started to return. Activity picked up as neighbors walked around surveying the damage. Electrical workers from other states were pouring in to help get our power up, so we had various trucks from Alabama power around. On one of my trips out I saw a couple of men with hard hats talking. I slowed and rolled the window down, calling out, "Thank you!" They turned smiling and said, "Yes, Ma'am!" (On a side note: I've been back in the south for awhile now and I still can't get used to people calling me "ma'am"...anyway...)

I got a text from my boss saying that people were reporting in to see how things fared in the storm, but that we wouldn't be opening up yet. If we were able to do some things with the store closed, we would. I reported in. It would give me a reason check things out closer in to town. When I got to the mine only a couple of co-workers had shown up and the power was still out. Needless to say, I wasn't there long. Not much you can do in the dark. So I headed back home with a portable phone charger my boss loaned me. I hadn't been able to charge my phone on Glenn's truck because his cigarette lighter wasn't working. It wasn't until my neighbor Anthony started running the generator he had and let me charge my phone via it that I was able to do any real communicating with the outside world. I used the charger and then went outside to wander the grassy area across from the condo looking for at least one bar. There were a number of other residents doing the same thing. A connection was possible, so I took quite a bit of time to send texts to my family outside of Georgia. It felt good to let them know that I hadn't floated away with Matthew. A couple of hours later our power came on. So we had about three and half days without power. Not bad considering it would be more than a week for many people out here.

(I came across this beauty when I was out walking in search of bars on my cell phone...tried to Google what kind he/she was, but didn't have any luck)

(I almost didn't see this marsh resident...since there isn't a collar present, I assume it to be one of the feral cats that live in the wooded areas...we have quite a lot of them here)

Things took a week or two to reach what was the new norm here on the marsh. The tree parts that were strewn everywhere were eventually hauled away, but it did take some time. When I would walk outside the trunks and limbs looked like corpses to me. Especially the ones at the marsh edge by the dock remains. Not meaning to elicit any eye rolls, but those trees were friends I would visit while on my strolls. It was sad to see them broken apart.

Tybee Island had warnings out for Trick or Treaters at Halloween because there were still piles of limbs and such along the roads, which were prime hiding spots for 'critters'. I doubt anyone has any worries of another hurricane hitting us any time in the near future. As I mentioned earlier, we usually get passed by. On the flip side of that there are definite climate changes happening on our planet, so who knows what effects that will have. Maybe another hurricane will hit us in the next few years. Maybe the next one will cause more serious mayhem.

So that is my much belated report on hurricane Matthew here on the marsh. It's also my launch point for getting back into things on my blog. Expect more 'musings on the marsh...'.

Blowing The Dust Off...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 03:10:00 +0000

(The day before the official Full Moon; the Moon is so beautiful during the day when it's making its way through its usual cycle.)

It's me. I've come to resuscitate my blog. My separation for the past number of months wasn't necessarily by choice. Life intervened in a way that caused me to take a more extended hiatus from my posts than I would have liked. In any event, I'm here and feeling all the better for it. Life happens day by day, minute by minute, moment by moment. In the end it is up to me to keep the important aspects of my life alive and well. I have done so til now, but have vowed to make a more concerted effort from here on out.

Knocking wood...

The less than positive influences in life can gnaw away at the marrow of who we are. If one allows them to. I will readily admit that I have been a bit guilty of that. Let's say that I am focusing on the permutation of things. Altering in a positive way. Moving forward with a renewed outlook. I know that could kind of denote something serious. Those discards are only as serious as I allow them to be. In the end they really aren't that important. No...let me rephrase that...they aren't important at all.

The main constant here has been the marsh. It is always the marsh. My little corner of the world where I always can count on the world outside to calm and re-energize. Where nature equals nurture. Therapy. My therapy. As I've expressed many times before in this blog, Gaia shows her many moods here on the Georgia coast. She is never boring.

Fall here was beautiful, which it always is. Leaves turning to various hues from red to mottled brown. Marsh grasses turning from green to mustard yellow. Just enough chill hanging in the air to warrant a jacket when I would make my way along the marsh for a healthy dose of nature.

For the final months leading into the new year I had braced myself for a bone chilling winter. It never came. There were nights and subsequent mornings where winter appeared to finally have arrived, but over all the iciness of winter was never fully realized. No puffs of breath in the cold air. No long lasting cold cutting to the bone. Many say global warming isn't a reality. I'm one of those who say differently. Gaia isn't well. The winter (or lack of) for the year 2015 into 2016 illustrated that quite plainly. For me, anyway.

So here we are well into a new year. It has been a few months already, and a number of my therapy/photography strolls have happened. Not as many as I would like, but the ones that I did take had the desired effect. I witnessed the ever changing marsh, and have never found it dull. Minute by minute, step by step, photo by photo.

The pictures I have posted in this entry mark the beginning of 2016 to the present. I write/post about a number of things on my blog. My photos being a regular feature. As I mentioned previously, the planet has many moods and I see them here. These images are the ones I glimpsed with my camera lens.

(The delicate shed husk of a Cicada next to some young clover)

(The alien new growth of a sago palm, a.k.a. cycas revoluta; this ball shape will wither to reveal red husked seeds inside, and then to new shoots; fascinating to see up close, but poisonous if ingested by animals)

(The marsh end of the tidal creek that runs behind the condo; there are various houses on the other side)

(One of the foggy days on the marsh, my absolute favorite times to visit the marsh edge; there is a calming isolation that falls over the island here, added to by the distant moan of an occasional fog horn.)

(One of the Camilia's on the bush by the front porch. The only flowering bush that blooms during the cold months; however, this year we had some confused Azalea bushes that were blooming at the end of December.)

(Various acorns, many of them partial discards from hungry squirrels.)

(A spent Magnolia seed pod from the Magnolia tree by our front walk.)

(Every year at the beginning of Spring the marsh edge is lined by dead and dying cat tails that have gone to seed; in the past I have seen fiddler crabs that have scaled the long stalk to the seeded remains to feed, but not this time.)

These last few photos are of the Full Worm Moon of March. It was big and beautiful. I always look forward to seeing the Moon in its monthly fullness. It's as if the universe is acknowledging us by shining a celestial spotlight in our direction.

I have more posts coming...

Therapy is back in session...

I have no Egrets about the Heron...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 03:47:00 +0000

We have had typical coastal weather here on the marsh. Most days the weather forecasts give a certain percent chance of scattered thunderstorms, which is always a plus in my book. Some would call rainy skies dreary weather, but I call it dreamy weather. Gaia's moody side is always so relaxing, and it sparks my creative juices. Since my time at the mine is of the 'full time' variety the last year or so, I don't spend enough time being creative. I'm always quite knackered when I get home, and the sloth in me comes out. I do pop out for some quick photos here and there to at least witness the seasonal shifts, so that helps...a little...

I finally was able to laugh in the face of fatigue, and I made it outside one afternoon for a stroll. There are times when I miss the more in-your-face world of Los Angeles, but they aren't frequent. Walking out the front door to the various sounds of wildlife, peppered with the dull noise of my neighbors going about their business, is something I truly enjoy. It's very Zen here on the marsh. The presence of the natural world out-weighs the presence of man-made 'progress'...which should be how it is everywhere...in my opinion...

I do re-visit some of my favorite places. One of those places is the small pond at the far end of the condos. I've encountered ducks every now and again, and although I've never really seen any of them, in the evenings the loud rhythmic croaking of what I assume to be hundreds of pond frogs. (On some nights they are so loud I can here them from my front porch.) O'possums and raccoons are regulars around here, as are a multitude of feral cats. I've heard but have never actually seen an owl that hangs out in the trees (there could be more than one, but I can't really be sure). Also, on the big bird front, I've seen black vultures, hawks, and crows.

On the aforementioned afternoon stroll, I was to encounter several feathered beauties that also fall under the 'big bird' heading. This particular afternoon I took the route of crossing the condo 'driveway' (don't know what else to call it) and parking spaces. I walked between two of the buildings that back up against the pond, and when I looked over to the marsh (the pond sits right next to it) I froze...a rather large white Egret was standing in the branches of the one tree on the pond's edge.

Most of the times that I see the Egrets/Herons around here it is at a distance. Either they are perched on the dock ruins, or when the tide is out they are piercing the muddy floor of the marsh with their beaks foraging for food. Other times I see them flapping their large wings as they fly overhead, or across the marsh. This was really the first time I was close enough to study their features.

Once I caught sight of the bird in the tree, I noticed the ones on the pond bank. I was thrilled to be so close, but afraid that once they noticed I was there they would fly away. Growing around the tree are several large bushes. I decided to slowly approach using the bushes as a kind of blind. It would pay off.

Several shots of the Egret perched in the tree were taken. At such a close range I was able to see its deep yellow bill, and black legs. It was kind of interesting to see how clean its white feathers appeared to be since it spent time wading and probing in the mud. It was really beautiful.

When I returned to the condo I asked Glenn about the birds. He grew up here, so he would be a good person to ask. I figured them to be Herons or Egrets, and that's pretty much the response I got from him. Neither one of us could really tell the difference. Inquiring minds wanted to know, so I did what I usually do in those cases...I took my question to the internet...

The first question I posed to Google was ' 'what is the difference between an Egret and a Heron?' As I perused several posts that popped up, I would find that there are many similarities between the two. I didn't really find any info to tell me about any distinctive differences. They are tail-less birds. They typically hold their neck in an S-shape when on land, and also in flight (unlike cranes and storks who fly with a straight neck). Egrets/Herons are carnivorous which would explain their presence at the pond...they dig frogs and as I said before the pond is full of them.

The name 'Egret' comes from the French word 'aigrette', and refers to plume feathers that are the special breeding plumage of six species of White Egrets. These feathers were once very popular in fashion, plume hunting causing many Heron deaths. Early conservationists stopped the slaughter, and put the birds under protection. Since that time, the Heron/Egret has been the symbol of the National Audobon Society for many years now.

Since I see the long legged birds searching for food in the marsh mud when the tide is low, I found it surprising how clean their feathers are. It turns out they carry their own 'cleaner' with them. There are several patches of "powder-down" feathers on their breast. They break these feathers into a fine powder and apply it to messes with their beak. They then use a serrated claw on their middle toe to scrape off the powder and any muck.

('Egret Against Night Sky',
by: Ohara Koson, 1877-1945)

As is usual with me, I looked into the symbolic meaning of the Heron/Egret. Historically the bird holds great importance to a number of countries:

China ~ have a common charm, "May your path be ever harmonious", the Lotus flower and Heron being represented; signifies patience, strength, purity, and long life
Ancient Greece ~ the Heron is messenger for the goddess of wisdom, Athena
Ancient Egypt ~ associated with the Egyptian calendar, and the idea of cyclical renewal; the Heron was/is known as the sacred Benu-bird, which announced the beginning of time in the ancient myth of creation
New Zealand ~ the Maori hold the Heron in high regard; known as the "Kotuku", it symbolizes everything rare and beautiful; thought to be spirit messengers who dwell in the spirit land of "Reinga"; they are quite rare in NZ, so actually seeing one is thought to be a once in a lifetime event
Native Americans ~ when a wise man dies he is thought to be reborn as a Heron; the Blue Heron is seen as a good omen for Iroquois hunters

The Heron is an animal totem. Although it flies through the sky, it is seen as a water creature as it lives by water. When coupled with the influence of Mother Nature (Mother Earth = strength), it has a strong connection to the Earth element.

An individual who has the Heron totem likes to follow their own path. They are self-reliant, and un-traditional. While walking their own path, others may see their way as being unstructured. In truth they are able to handle a multitude of tasks, and if one way doesn't work they know what will. They are very secure in who they are and what they can accomplish. It is a grounding agent for the Earth and spiritual beliefs. If a Heron wades across one's path it is telling them to take a deeper look at life and aspects that will bring inherent wisdom and self-reliance.

If the Heron is seen in dreams, it represents stability, tactfulness, and belief in ones self. With careful consideration of ones immediate or long reaching future, success can be reached. It bestows greater ease in connecting and exploring with the subconscious.

Interesting stuff. Since moving to Savannah and the more nature based, bucolic world here, I have felt more connected to the more important things in life. The Earth and the accompanying elemental energies. I see Egrets/Herons on a daily basis here on the peaceful marsh. Things with the daily rat race of work, etc. can be rather daunting, and pull focus from what's really important. It can pull you free from important grounding influences.

I think I need to try and absorb some of the vibes from my neighbors...the Herons...

Happy Birthday, Chris...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 23:47:00 +0000

Sending out a big Happy Birthday to Chris Hemsworth, who turns 32 today.

For the rest of you...eye candy.

Feelin' Hot, Hot, Hot...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 06:46:00 +0000

The hot and humid south has been living up to the description this summer. I can almost see steam rising from everything. I've never been on good terms with the sun. Most of the time I stay inside like a vampire. The only things I can say I am enjoying about this interminably hot weather are the clouds. I know that sounds odd, but since the humidity has been ever present, the clouds are really beautiful. Huge billowing puffs of cotton, showing many variations of white (yes, there are different types of white). Okay, now I'm going to say something favorable about the Sun...when the Sun shows me some consideration and tucks itself behind the clouds, the results are gorgeous. From glowing cloud edges, to visible rays of light piercing their way through in shafts. As I was leaving work the other day I looked up at the sky and saw the Sun lighting up the edges of a high bank of clouds while three birds (Crows, I think) were flying towards them. That taught me an important lesson...always have your camera handy...

Aside from the misty heat, we have had an equal amount of rain. That was something I missed living on the west coast. Thunder storms. We really get them here on the Georgia coast. In spades. Per my usual habit, I try to get outside for a walk around the marsh and some picture taking. Rain or shine. The images in this post were taken over a period of a few days, so they act as an example of how quickly the weather changes around here.

While out on one of my walks, I wandered down by the dock remains and saw the above. They cut down one of the gentle giants I have photographed on many occasions over the last few years. I don't know the reasons for chopping it down, but I expect it posed a danger of falling. It was close to the end of a building. I saw the stump and felt a twinge of sadness...I love trees. The birds loved that tree, too. Herons, Egrets, Hawks ( I see them riding thermals just about every day), even Black Vultures (really creepy looking). That's one of the things that is plentiful on the marsh, birds. I need to get a field guide as I always seem to see a new one whenever I go out. Many a time I've heard a great rustling overhead, to look up and see the widespread wings of a Blue Heron pumping the air as it flies away over the marsh grasses. I don't know whether they nest in the trees, or they just use them as sentinel towers. Well, one of those towers has fallen...bye, tree...

Wild flowers abound here, as well. Another guide I need to pick up...

The Strawberry Moon of June 2nd was beautiful...the day after. Unfortunately, one of our stormy days was happening at its peak. The Buck Moon is coming up on July 2nd. As much as I dig rain I hope I get to see it at 100% of its fullness.

These next few pictures were taken on the same day. A stormy one, as you can see. This particular storm was rolling in pretty quickly. My distaste for using a flash can make picture taking difficult at times, but then there are some photos that aren't perfect, but still fall under the heading of 'happy accident'. That's how I see this close-up of the base of a tree. I like the green of it.

Then the storm rolled in. I never tire of watching a storm front pull itself across the marsh. Like a blanket. We also get a lot of lightning with our thunder storms. Our local weather chick always warns people to stay inside and away from windows during lightning. I have yet to heed her warning. I figure there are other things taller than me to occupy the lightnings time.

This last photo was taken on a particularly blue night. Not me, though. Just the sky...

Beltane 2015...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Sun, 03 May 2015 23:28:00 +0000

A couple of days late, but still in time to wish everyone a beautiful Beltane and/or May Day. It's a time for renewal and fertile fresh beginnings. I know that most think of the fertility of this time to be meant in terms of animals and plants, but I look at it as prime time to cultivate fresh new ideas to start down some new paths.

For me Fall is typically a more thought provoking and creatively inspiring time of the year. I am going to give the energies of Beltane a go this time around. I need a boost to my creative self. Time to put some of the ideas I constantly come up with to work.

Blessings to one and all...

(https://beltanefiresociety.wordpress.com/2012/12/29/may-queen-announcement/7424222252_3d6a89dfff_o/)

(Photo: Mick Coughlin)

Earth Day 2015...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 03:22:00 +0000

Today is Earth Day. It is a day for honoring Gaia, and focusing on things we can do to preserve the natural aspects of this planet. I wonder if many of the Earth's inhabitants really see the state of things from the proper perspective? Do they understand what "being green" ultimately means?

Here on the marsh in my corner of things I not only see the natural world around me. Whenever I can, I experience it. The flora and fauna that covers the Earth's surface is vital to mans existence. The bee for example. Bee populations have greatly diminished. They are responsible for pollinating crops that feed us. If bees become extinct, 70 of the 100 crops that feed 90% of the world will no longer be around. Things don't end there. If we lose plants pollinated by bees, we lose the animals that eat those plants, and the loss continues as you travel up the food chain. Saving Gaia's animal and plant life is not just a cause for "tree huggers" (and I do love trees). It is a cause that everyone should take seriously.

Saving plants and animals. Doing what we can to help preserve the all important ozone layer. Taking global warming seriously. Yes, I know many people think that last issue is silly and false, but there is so much happening on a global scale that is undeniable (polar ice melting, for one). A long list of causes can be made, but it all leads to one end. One that I always mention when conversations turn to the subject of "saving the planet"...

Inevitably, it's not about "saving the planet"...it's about saving the human race. The Earth will be here long after we humans cause our own extinction. To me "saving the planet" is about saving our way of life. Things are going to get worse...and if we continue along this path we're on, down the road, things will become dire.

Today was a sunny one here on the Wilmington Island marsh. A bit different to the last few weeks. Overcast skies and rain have been the constant here. Not that I mind, really. I enjoy rainy weather most.

I suppose a time of celebration for the Earth is best represented by a bright and shining sun filled day. When I ventured out to capture a few photos to mark the occasion, I was hit by the green that I see every time I leave for work, or head out for a stroll. The Earth is beautiful all done up for the warmer months.

The remaining photos were taken day before yesterday. An overcast and rainy day. It's amazing to think that just a month ago the marsh was covered in mustard yellows. After the regular rains since March, the yellows have been replaced by bright green (the above comparison pics show the difference).

Will the Earth change drastically in my remaining years, however long that is? I think some changes will occur. Hopefully some of them will be for the better. I think major change will be left for future generations. Mankind needs a wake up call. Who can say what that is?

In the meantime, I hope more and more inhabitants of Earth start doing their part to help by taking some positive action. Even the smallest acts (saving water, recycling) can help.

Show the Earth some love...

Time Doth Flit...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 04:41:00 +0000

The Full Moon of April 4th, was big and bright. The blood moon was not seen by me here on the marsh. I'm an east coaster, and I think the five minute eclipse was better seen from the west coast. Just seeing Luna in her fullness was enough for me. This Libra Moon is only the second Full Moon of the year that I was able to witness. Rain has been a prominent feature over the past few months, not that I'm complaining. Of course rain means overcast, and overcast skies are not conducive to viewing the Full Moon. It's okay...I know she's up there...

So, wow! This is my first post of 2015. Better late than never, I suppose. I've been working up to posting on here for several weeks. Toiling in the mine has monopolized a lot of my time. For as much as I'm thankful for having a full time gig, it is exhausting. I work in a frame shop. Peering in from the outside it may not seem like a busy or laborious job, but...it is. There is always a lot to do. I'm really not complaining. If it weren't busy I would just get bored, and who wants that? Not me. The only draw back is the condition of my hands. Mainly my left hand. A pinched nerve is causing my middle and index fingers, along with my thumb, to be numb. My index finger is the worst off. The numbness is a painful one, as well. I've gotten accustomed to it for the most part, but there are certain tasks that require me to concentrate visually on what I'm doing. Since I can't feel what I'm doing I have to watch things closely. Saw the doctor earlier today and he is referring me to ortho. It sounds like surgery might be presented as my only real option to relief. *sigh* Guess I might just have to bite the bullet and let them snip both of my wrist 'tunnels'. Oh well...

Another mild frustration I've had over the last couple of months is my car. For as much of a glorious convenience they are, they can sure be a pain in the ass. A month or so ago my 'check engine' lamp lit up. The engine would "lope" a bit when it idled, but that was the only out of the ordinary thing it was doing. Just figured it needed a tune-up. I took it to the certified Audi mechanic here in town (a family owned shop cleverly called 'Two Nuts & A Bolt"). After hooking it up to their computer that apparently speaks 'Audi TT', the results said it was a valve. The valve was replaced. Easy-peasy. So then...

A couple of weeks ago the 'check engine' lamp lit up yet again. The engine is doing the same loping thing in idle. *sigh* The car seems to be running fine for the most part. Trying to figure out when to take the car in, and when I can financially do it (if it isn't related to the valve they just replaced). All I can say is I know how Penny feels...

A few of the major holidays have already passed by in these first four months of 2015. Valentine's Day was mellow, coming and going like any other day. I've never been a big observer of this particular "holiday". A rather odd day as holidays go. For the most part, the Valentine's Day we all know with an arrow wielding cherub, boxes of chocolates, and roses is mostly a creation of greeting card companies. St. Valentine (for which the day is named) bares little viable connection to the day of love. *meh* My boyfriend and I exchanged the obligatory "happy Valentine's Day, sweetie" sentiment. I worked that day. My wishes may have sounded a bit perfunctory, but I was tired. Toiling in the mine really takes it out of me, what can I say...

The next widely observed holiday was St. Patty's Day. It is quite a big 'to-do' here in Savannah. There is a parade, the fountains are "greened" (green dye is added to the water of the old landmark park fountains), and beer flows freely. Especially on historic (and touristy) River Street. It was debated as to whether we would venture out in observance of the day. Maybe shoot some pool. Have a beer, or even a Guinness. Instead we stayed in. Decided not to bother with the crowds of drunken obnoxiousness that usually fill the heart of town. Nope, just had a couple of brews at home, and went to bed in hopes of getting some rest before the mine.

The last observed holiday that passed not that long ago was Easter. Whatever your beliefs on what the holiday represents, I see a day that has risen to commercial heights only surpassed by the biggest commercial day of the year Xmas.

This is my one and only Easter egg. It basically sums up the day for me. Nothing of note to report. Uneventful. Lazy. Many kids celebrate by tearing into baskets of chocolate bunnies, and those horrid marshmallow Peeps. If I were a kid, my basket probably would have held a box of Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans with an over abundance of booger, rotten egg, and vomit flavored jelly beans inside. No, I'm not usually a glass half empty kind of person. Most days my glass is half full. Let's just say it was jostled around a bit and some of the contents splashed over the side. Moving right along...

I'm more of an Ostara gal. Observing the Spring Equinox as opposed to the more religious Easter. A time of renewal. The northern half of Gaia turns green once more, and the brilliant colors of spring flowers burst out all around. Here on the marsh azaleas are blooming everywhere. It was during one of my strolls on a day that was warm enough to venture out in a t-shirt that I came across a rather large and fuzzy bee. It was feasting on blooms on an azalea bush that was so covered with pink flowers you could hardly see the green of the leaves. I tried to get a satisfactory photo of the buzzing bee. It was actually a funny encounter. It would buzz down into a flower, and I would reach in with my camera and snap a pic, hoping that I would end up with a shot or two that was in decent focus. A couple of times the bee flew up and turned to face me, almost as if to say, "do you mind? I'm trying to eat here!" Finally it just flew off as if in a huff. Okay, yes, I'm taking some creative license...you just had to be there...

Another prominent flowering bush here at the condos is the Camelia. We have a big bush by the front porch, so I've snapped quite a few pics of its blooms. We have had a very rainy season thus far that is in deep contrast to the same time last year. I love rain, so it doesn't bother me a bit.

Thanks to the famous rodent, Punxsutawney Phil, we were told to expect six more weeks of winter. For much of the north east that was true. It was true for the marsh to an extent. Here on the Atlantic coast in the deep south we did have colder days for a bit longer than we would have liked, but we also were having warmer days (upper 50's to low 70's). By every indication, it looks as though the cold days have now left us. Temperatures have been getting up to the low 80's some days. That coupled with the rain makes it unbearably humid. That's why I enjoy my walks. Over by the marsh there is usually a cool breeze that blows. It not only cools one off, it keeps the mosquitoes at bay (and they can be really bad, let me tell ya).

Through my camera's lens I have chronicled the many moods of Gaia by way of the marsh. The various colors of death and renewal. From overcast to foggy to clear blue with the cotton of clouds. The above picture still showing the mustard yellow of colder times illustrates winter's lengthy stay.

Green is my favorite color. Nature's beauty here on the banks of Wilmington Island shows green in it's various shades. High up on the trees, or around their base. In the brilliant green reeds growing on the bank of the rippling pond. I wish that Summer were like this, but alas...moderate temperatures will give way to the heavy humid heat of June and July.

I'm going to end this post with some more shots of the two Full Moon's that have been visible this year. I've also added this shot of the Moon during the day. Oddly enough, I have had people tell me how incredible it is to see the Moon during the day, and how it must mean something. They think that it represents an omen, that there is some bit of folklore about it. How about it's closest to the Earth and it is also reflective. All it's doing is going through it's usual orbital cycle, people. *snerk*

On that note...

I'm finally back after a few months hiatus. More posts on the way...

Yule-mas...2014...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 06:09:00 +0000

("Father and son and their dog collecting a tree in the forest"; Artist: F. Kruger Vorweihnacht, 1797-1857)

December of 2014 is nearing its end. Where does the time go? As I grow older I find myself asking that question more often. Sitting here at my keyboard I am beginning this much over do post in...well, not so much a reflective state of mind. I find myself thinking in terms of where I am. Today. In this moment. Trying to balance personal difficulties with things that I'm thankful for. With the last bit of spin on the wheel of the year, in these final days of the 365 we begin each January 1st, I strive to live...to be in the moment...and to face the future. Not to predict it, or worry about it...just to face it. It will be what I make of it. No, I can't foresee what is to come, but I can live in a way that shapes things. We all dance to a tune of our own making. Positive, or negative. Half full, or half empty. It really is just that simple.

Yule came and went. I sensed the great battle between the two kings as I toiled in the mine (I refer to my job as the 'mine'). The reigning Oak king was set upon by the Holly King, just as he is every year. The Winter Solstice marks the spot. The cold months have officially begun, and the Holly King has begun his reign.

Christmas began months before the official date at the mine. Customers were even snatching up decorations and baking supplies well before they were needed. Ah, the commercial machine that is Christmas. It's not for me, really. I did put up a tree. The only tree we have, which is an inexpensive fake one. Anymore, I am strongly opposed to the notion of buying a dead tree to put in my living room. Trees are one of my favorite things. I prefer to observe them in nature.

Glenn and I did exchange gifts. He gave me an electronic drawing pad that works with Photoshop. It's what I wanted, and I look forward to playing with it. I also was able to cook a nice dinner. My hands have been quite painful these last few weeks, so I wasn't quite sure if I would be able to handle cooking. I toughed it out and baked a nice ham. I see plenty of sandwiches in my immediate future.

I can see the difference in the outside world. The marsh has shifted from a vibrant green to the browns of dry dormancy. No snow is ever seen (at least not in the six or so years I have lived on the marshes banks), but there is a beautiful graying of things that takes place. A moody dullness. Rain is always in ready supply, and the past week hasn't disappointed. This particular wave of rain was accompanied by something that I love whenever it graces the marsh. Fog. Heavy fog. Some might even call it 'pea soup'.

These pictures are of spots along the marsh banks that I photograph frequently. The bank of Spanish Moss covered trees giving way to the sometimes muddy/sometimes wet marsh grassland that stretches to the Bull River and beyond to the causeway that leads to Tybee island. What can also be seen from the spot above is the Bull River Bridge, and the Bull River Yacht Club. This Yule morning everything was absent. Shrouded in a veil of fog. No 'thunk-thunk' of tires as cars crossed the bridge. No dull hum of boats cutting through the river's surface. Just a cottony quiet touched with the dull erratic drip of moisture collected on leaves, and the occasional call of a heron. Sublime.

From these two views of the dock remains (above and below) the bridge and yacht club are usually visible. Looking out at the wall of white felt like being cut off from the rest of the world. Like being in limbo. Not necessarily an eerie feeling. I would describe it as more of a 'dreamy' feeling. Calm and surreal. I really love the fog. Wish it would visit more often.

The holiday season has had me busy at the mine, so I am exhausted by the time I reach home. As a result, it took longer than I would have liked to post some of the photos of the final Full Moon of 2014, the Gemini Moon of December 6th. The conditions were perfect with a certain amount of cloud cover, and an amber haze that encircled the shining satellite.

Full Moon In Gemini...December 6, 2014...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 00:20:00 +0000

(http://fineartamerica.com/featured/gemini-from-zodiac-series-dorina-costras.html)

The last Full Moon for 2014 is here, and it is in the sign of Gemini. This cycle is going to be ‘fire’ and ‘air’ sign dominant. The holiday season is always filled with time spent in the company of our family and friends. An urge to party usually goes hand and hand with this time of year, and 2014 will be no different. There are some things to be conscious of though…

I’ll start off with the good. As a creative person myself, I am happy to say that Gemini represents (among other things) creativity. This Moon being in Gemini means that creative energy is abundantly available, especially to writers. Don’t be surprised if you are inundated with creative ideas. Any blockages you might have been experiencing will most likely be removed. Maybe even think of a collaboration as the Sun and Ceres conjoin Mercury…all three in the sign of Sagittarius. Sharing your ideas with others could have some positive results.

There is a troublemaker about. An Arian Uranus that is trine to the Sagittarian Sun/Mercury conjunction, and sextile the Gemini Moon. Add that Uranus is square Pluto in Capricorn, and you could have your hands full. The potential for mischief is not as distressing as the potential fallout. Blunt feelings and opinions will be delivered unimpeded by the deliverer’s mental filters. In other words, exercising tact is the best way to go. Extra effort will need to be made to avoid hurting the feelings of others.

(Artist: David Palladini)

Jupiter in Leo will be trine Venus in Sagittarius. There is great potential to extend your finances beyond their limits. As much as the holidays make us want to give those we love a special gift, leave extravagance by the curb. Shopping on a budget is strongly advised. Focus on spending what you can.

Positive practices are important for this Yule season. Be kind and use tact. Be aware that others may not strive to use the same tact with you, so keep your head calm. Relax. Laugh. Love.

If there are terms in the above that you are unfamiliar with, here is a link to a great online astrological dictionary: http://www.evolvingdoor.ca/glossary/glossary.htm

The following excerpt is from the Farmer's Almanac:

The Full Cold Moon; or the Full Long Night's Moon ~ December: During this month the winter cold fastens its grip, and nights are at their longest and darkest. It is also sometimes called the Moon before Yule. The term Long Night Moon is a doubly appropriate name because the midwinter night is indeed long, and because the Moon is above the horizon for a long time. The midwinter Full Moon has a high trajectory across the sky because it is opposite a low Sun.

Everything Is Not Black & White...But Sometimes It Should Be...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 23:18:00 +0000

The marsh. My little corner of Gaia that acts as one of my creative muses. I photograph it frequently, documenting it's moods and seasonal changes. Whether being drenched in rain pouring from a grumbling and lightning riddled sky, or being caressed gently by the lazy breezes of an autumnal dusk, it always exudes a serene and magical vibe of centered calm. Many a time I have walked the shores of my marsh here on the Georgia coast. Many a time I have been swept up by the soothing breath of Gaia to feel the comforting embrace of the swaying marsh grasses, the trees, the herons probing the mud of the marsh floor for food, and the hawks riding thermals overhead. To feel nature all around you is the most incredible feeling. I hold the belief that everything is connected. Every living thing is connected by a strong thread of energy. With the trials of everyday life it can make us forget that...it can make us slip into a state of disconnect. Going out my front door, camera in hand, is my way of reconnecting.

Now that I have been promoted to full time at the mine my opportunities for evening strolls have diminished. When a chance presents itself I grab it with both hands. Especially since Autumn is here in all of her moody glory. A couple of evenings ago just such a chance arose, so I didn't hesitate to grab the digital and walk out into the fresh air. Even though I head out without a plotted course in mind I do visit some of the same spots. They may be repeat visits, but I always see something new or see things in a different way. The grasses of the marsh while once bright green and standing tall, are now colored with the browns and mustard yellows of the changing temperatures. They are heading towards the approaching days of dormancy and death that are inevitable for the time of renewal and rebirth several months off.

The cicada's song once dominated the air here, but this walk was different. It was quieter. The whisper of the gentle breezes in the drying leaves and abundant Spanish moss could be heard. The rustle of unseen creatures in the flora could be heard. The low murmur of voices coming from nearby condos could be heard. All forms of nature existing and moving along in rhythm. All a part of the thread.

The light level was waning during my walk...which is a common component of dusk. *grin* As things grow darker, and shadows form and grow lengthier, the world looks different. The mood I have repeatedly mentioned steps forward more. The beauty of things shifts. The absence of strong color forces a different perspective. When I returned home and uploaded my pictures I hung onto that thought of the color of the marshes not being as prevalent. I took things even farther and did something I really haven't done with my photos. Usually I like to mess with some of the pictures I take by playing with color, and applying different effects (switching them into negative, etc.). This time I took color out of the mix and went for black and white.

(The docks remains ~ a photography haunt of mine)

This was the first of the photos that I converted. My first observation was how it made me see more of the shape and the line of the image's elements. It was as if things were laid bare and shown in their simplest form. Then what came through made things more abstract. The grey. The component that really brought in the mood. A different mood. Different than the mood of color, but not off-putting. Quite the opposite. I really dig what black and white does for these images because it feels 'right' for the time the photos were taken. New sides of the marsh I have grown to know well.

All of the things represented in these photos are things I have photographed before. Autumns past have been documented in pictures, but these are the first images that I have laid bare. As I mentioned earlier, things or places I have photographed always seem to present something fresh or new to me when I revisit them. This is yet another perspective to observe them. Another way to view the beauty of Mother Earth.

I'm a bit surprised that I hadn't ventured into the area of "B&W" photography before now...there will definitely be more to come...

(The marsh expanse I never tire of)

(Old stump near the dock remains)

(Pampas grass)

(Bird house in a Dogwood tree along the tidal creek - one I've photographed in leafier times)

(Some nuts from one of the trees - not sure which)

(A couple of our neighbor's homes on the other side of the tidal creek behind our condo - the tide is out)

Happy Halloween...2014...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 05:20:00 +0000

The thinning of the veils is taking place, and the pagan New Year is about to begin. Samhain, Halloween, All Hallows...whatever one wishes to call it...is my favorite of the holidays. Autumn has fully settled in, and the spirit of the season is at it's strongest.

Unfortunately, I seem to be coming down with something, so I wasn't up to "going out among them" (as my dad would say). We had planned to head up to our local watering hole to observe whatever festivities would be going on. I haven't been up there in quite awhile, so it would have been nice to go. Glenn made a solo appearance, and the report I got when he returned was that the scene there was dead. Meaning there were hardly any people there. *grin* It seemed I didn't miss anything, so that alleviated some of my disappointment.

I did run errands as today was a day off (gotta love feeling ill on a day off). The stores were packed with people buying last minute Halloween supplies. Cart loads of candy, mostly. When leaving the market, I saw a couple of costumed kiddies. A pint size Spiderman, and a mini-War Machine. On my drive home from there I saw other 'Trick or Treaters' that seemed to all be heading to the same place. Don't know where or what that place might be...I just know they weren't headed to the condos here. We never have anyone ring our doorbell asking for candy. Children do live here. They just never seem to make the rounds.

I did expend some of my low supply of remaining energy to take a few pictures of the All Hallows sky. By the time I got home the orange glow coloring the clouds had diminished a bit. The sun sets on the far side of the trees, so I don't usually get to see it in my neck of the woods. The crisp air felt great.

The moon was visible as it made it's way through it's celestial paces. The 'fingernail' appearance of several days ago had changed to what resembled half of a breath mint. As I was taking a few shots of Luna I lucked out as a number of herons flew overhead. I managed to get this shot of four of them, their large wings beating the air in tandem.

Tomorrow I report back to the mine, but even though I will be hard at work the Samhain spirit will be strong. To the pagans, a blessed Samhain to you all. To everyone else, Happy Halloween.

Coffee, Autumn & The Harvest Moon...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Sat, 18 Oct 2014 04:13:00 +0000

(A cup of hot coffee & blogging)

I think I can safely say that Autumn is definitely a strong presence here on the southern Georgia coast. A presence that is growing in strength. Cooler temperatures are overpowering hotter ones with each passing day. The crispness of the breath of Fall can be felt in the subtle breezes blowing lazily through and around the marsh. The equinox presented itself on September 23rd, and Autumn's official return had been declared. After that glorious day Autumn stepped closer, but Summer didn't appear to be ready to let go. Not right away. The heat and humidity of my least favorite season wasn't finished. Apparently. Now Summer's fingertips are slipping away. Buhbye, Summer. It's Autumn's turn now.

There is a filter that Autumn brings with it on its yearly visit. A special autumnal gel that it slides into the holder of that massive Fresnel lamp known as the Sun. Shining on the stage of the northern hemisphere, the mood is changed. Actually, the change is 'mood'. Autumn is moodier...more ethereal. Colors become deeper, and the world begins it's renewal. For me Autumn is more thoughtful...more introspective...more creative. The natural world that I enjoy photographing so much shifts. The richness of color, and the revealing aspect of flora dropping leaves and going to seed make my world here on the marsh look like a painting. After all, Gaia is one of the great masters. Foggy days that seem to be much more plentiful during the Fall months, make sound more compressed like it's being pushed through cotton. The sounds of my neighbors going about their business becomes secondary to the hushed murmurings of the spirit of Autumn. Even though I know there is a vast world out there stretching in every direction, my world here on the marsh feels smaller, cozier, more isolated. There is a comforting energy that emanates from Autumn. One that makes me think of a warm fuzzy sweater and a hot mug of coffee (but then I usually think of coffee).

I am thrilled for Autumn's return for a number of reasons, a main one being the aforementioned creativity it brings. Creativity is important to me, mainly for my state of mind. Creativity is an essential element of my core. An extended period without engaging in creative activities is not a good thing. Not for me. Autumn will afford me the right atmosphere conducive to my creativity.

Summer is always sticky and hot, so it doesn't really lend itself to a desire to make a big pot of soup or stew. Those are dishes best made during cooler weather. Weather like today. Tonight I have created my first big pot of cool weather fare, chili. I can smell it simmering in the kitchen.

Another aroma hanging in the air is the scent of candles. 'Pine' (I stocked up on these when they went on clearance last Yule), and 'Pomander' (one of the Fall scents I picked up at work). The green musky-sweet scent of pine trees, and spicy orange-clove scent of pomanders, are so calming. Tree scents are always numero uno with me, and the clove-y spice of the other candles is a nice addition. I stuck a 'Pomander' candle in the Halloween themed holder pictured. Another item I picked up at work. I'm a big fan of vintage scene lamps, and this looked to be in that vein when I saw it on the shelf. I think it looks pretty cool. Another reason to love Autumn...Halloween.

(Darkness over the condos)

One of my regular rituals each month is to take pictures of the Full Moon, this months being the "Harvest" Full Moon. I have always loved the Moon. Do I always capture it in pictures as I see it with my eyes? Yes, and no. On the night of October 7th, the Moon was bright. Out here on the island where streetlights and most other forms of man-made lighting are few when out of doors at night, the Moon is even brighter. Couple that with the size of the Moon. Impressive it was. A huge shining orb. I first saw it during my drive home from the mine (work), and it was extremely distracting. My eyes kept get pulled towards it which isn't really a good thing while driving. I forced my gaze to the road, and focused on getting home to my camera.

I have stated many times in posts of my photos that I am in need of a new camera for more clarity and definition when taking night time photos. I have caught an image here and there where the dark areas covering the Moon's face are featured. Those pictures are usually attainable when there is a higher measure of cloud cover. On Harvest Moon night the sky was fairly clear. The size and brightness of the orb was also a factor in it appearing as a burning celestial spotlight.

There is my camera's "version" of the Moon as seen through one of the many trees here. The extremely bright nature of October's Moon appeared as a large amorphous ball of brilliance, any leaves or small branches in the way of its face causing its shape to morph a bit. At times I wish this camera would take clearer, truer shots of the Moon. There are times where I appreciate the abstract quality this camera's lens gives.

On the night of the 7th things were very quiet in terms of any encounters, meaning I didn't cross paths with any other people. Many times a car will pass by, or a resident of one of the neighboring buildings will venture out to walk their dog. No, that night was devoid of encounters. Until...I felt something bump up against my leg...

I was looking through my camera's lens in it's place on the tripod, and something bumped into my shin and rubbed slowly past. Now, this is kind of alarming here on the marsh. We have raccoons, opossums...wild creatures. They lurk around here all of the time once night falls. I had been standing fairly still framing up shots through some tree branches. I froze for a second, and slowly looked down. It took a minute for my eyes to adjust to the darkness at ground level...I had been looking at a very bright Luna up to that point. As my eyes adjusted, I could make out the form of a four legged creature swivel around and take a run at my other shin. It looked up at me with two shining eyes and I could make out the faint sound of purring. Hello, kitty. I scratched his back and he decided it would be worth his while to stick around. Slinking to the asphalt of the empty parking space next to my car, he sat for a second before flopping onto his side and cleaning his fur. Normally, I stay away from a camera's flash. Even when I photograph the Moon. With the unknown cat I decided to break tradition and use it. The results are the dark photos above. Rather eerie, they capture the initial feelings I had when he first made me aware of his presence. I scratched his head a bit more before he got bored with me and wandered off. Nice kitty.

In terms of timeline on the photos in this post of the Moon, these two (the one above and the one below) were taken before the others. The Moon was still rising over the marsh. The line of lights starting at the right edge of the pictures is the headlamps of cars crossing the causeway from Tybee Island, the only road to/from Tybee. My photos don't capture just how illuminated everything was under the Moon's beams. It was abundantly clear why this Moon is connected with the harvest, and farmer's being able to work later into the night under it's light. Beautiful.

As for the Lunar Eclipse, I really wanted to witness that. Alas, the large number of trees around here prevented me from being able to see to both horizon lines, and to see the presence of both the Moon and the Sun...which is celestially impossible, and only achievable via the world of illusion. I know it would have been magical.

In less than two weeks is the next stop on the 'Wheel of the Year'...Samhain...

The veil continues to thin...

Full Moon In Aries...October 8, 2014...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 08:04:00 +0000

(Artist: Unknown)

The Full Moon of October 8^th, 2014, is in the sign of Aries, and it peaks at 6:52 AM/EST. Typically known as the Harvest Moon, this particular Full Moon has an added bonus of the second full Lunar Eclipse of the year which gives it the moniker of Blood Moon. (More on this at the end of the post.)

There are some interesting positions for this lunation. With the energies presented via the eclipse there is focus on life lessons. Things could get a bit tumultuous. Conjoining the Aries Moon is Uranus who is opposing the Libran Sun. The sudden appearance of new events to be hashed out (thank you, Uranus) can get things jumping. Not a time to hold yourself back. The Sun is conjunct Venus with Pluto in Capricorn in a T-Square with both. Most of the planets here are flexing their muscles and being exceedingly disagreeable, even though Venus and the Sun are asking them to give peace a chance.

As with most lunations, there is potential for some difficulties when dealing with others. It might be hard to ‘catch someone’s drift’ if you can’t get them to ‘chill out’. Uranus conjoining the Moon could be the cause. Pushing beyond any negativity others are projecting could prove to be tough. Focus and make the effort to regroup and maintain your own mental and emotional well-being. Retrograde Mercury in Scorpio and Neptune in Pisces are in a Trine that may act as a softening agent.

Both luminaries, Venus, and Uranus are in a Cardinal T-Square, which can bring tension to romantic relationships, and friendships. Decision making will not prove easy, and decisions may have to be made. Things may have to change no matter the possible outcome. Capricious Uranus could make things even more hectic, so tread lightly. Better yet pull from the Moon’s energy and seek Aries’ influence to boost your self-confidence. Try not to let things get too out of control. Try to stay grounded.

(Artist: David Paladini)

Both the Aries Moon and Libran Sun (Cardinal Fire and Cardinal Air, respectively) are in a Kite pattern with a Grand Trine of the Moon conjunct Uranus, Jupiter in Leo, and Mars in Sagittarius. This Grand Trine is full of fire. Locked wheels can begin to loosen allowing productive momentum. Jupiter throws in a dose of kindness. Add the Sun conjunct Venus, and you have the Kite. Aries’ and Libra’s combined energies come into play by influencing positive decision making. The boost will come in handy to keep head-butting out of a situation, and keep things on an even keel for a meeting of minds. No matter a situation’s difficulty, make that extra effort to view things from all perspectives. Keep your mind in the ‘open’ position.

During this lunation keep your head and your heart focused on the big picture. When a situation presents itself, it can prompt the need for decision making which can then effect change…for better or worse…in that moment. Even a negative outcome can effect positive change in the long run. Decisions are not always easy. Be kind, stay ‘open’, and feel the firm ground beneath your feet. We can be caring to others, but need to remember to be even more caring to ourselves. With the influences surrounding this Full Moon in Aries, you might just be in for a bumpy ride. Remember to keep centered and listen to ‘you’.

If there are terms in the above post that you aren't familiar with, the following is a link to a really good online Astrological dictionary: http://www.evolvingdoor.ca/glossary/glossary.htm

The following excerpt is from the 'Farmer's Almanac':

Full Hunter's Moon or Full Harvest Moon ~ October: This Full Moon is often referred to as the Full Hunter's Moon, Blood Moon, or Sanguine Moon. Many moons ago, Native Americans named this bright moon for obvious reasons. The leaves are falling from trees, the deer are fattened, and it's time to begin storing up meat for the long winter ahead. Because the fields were traditionally reaped in late September or early October, hunters could easily see fox and other animals that come out to glean from the fallen grains. Probably because of the threat of winter looming close, the Hunter's Moon is generally accorded with special honor, historically serving as an important feast day in both Western Europe and among many Native American tribes.

(Above chart is in Universal Time)

A Selenelion Eclipse is a phenomenon that can't happen, so celestial geometry says. Yet early on Wednesday morning that is exactly the type of rare eclipse we are going to see. During a Selenelion Eclipse it will be possible for some to see the eclipse of the Moon and the rising of the Sun simultaneously. A miraculous sight that...well...celestial geometry is correct about. It is impossible for that to happen.

Confused?

The Sun and the Moon are in "syzgy", which means "perfect alignment". They are exactly 180 degrees apart in the sky. How is it possible for that fact to appear to change during this next eclipse? It centers on the Earth's atmosphere, and an effect known as "atmospheric refraction". Our planet's atmosphere "lifts" the images of both above the horizon line, allowing for several extra minutes of the Moon's visibility after it has set, and several minutes of the Sun's visibility before it has risen. Pretty cool, huh?

I plan to attempt to see the eclipse here on the marsh, but I don't know if I will be lucky enough to see the "selenelion" effect...we have a lot of trees around here that make seeing both horizon lines difficult. The eclipse will be visible from most of North America, Australia, and the Western Pacific Ocean. For more info on what causes the appearance of the Blood Moon, and this second Lunar Eclipse of 2014, I have shared the following video from the Space.com website. To hear the audio, just scroll down to the bottom of the blog page and you can pause my music player.

Enjoy the Eclipse...

Mabon Musings...2014...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 06:02:00 +0000

("At The First Touch of Winter, Summer Fades Away",
Artist: Valentine Cameron Prinsep, c. 1897)

Finally. The return of Autumn. Every year as Autumn gives way to Winter I always feel a bit sad. I know it will come round again, but it is by far my favorite of the four seasons. If I had enough pull with Gaia I would put in a strong bid for it to be Autumn all year. The temperatures; the weather; the colors; most importantly the vibe...absolute perfection in my book.

It has been several weeks since I have gone for a photography walk, and I was not going to miss taking one for the equinox. The first official day of Fall. A cause for celebration. I took advantage of having the day off yesterday to venture out on the marsh. It was hot. I was shvitzing in no time. The usual marsh breeze was kicking up so it made things a bit more bearable at the expanses edge, but only just. Actually the heat didn't bother me too much as it felt so incredibly good to be outside. Breathing the fresh air; smelling the earthiness of the marsh; watching the cattails sway gently in the breeze...sublime.

As I am wont to do, I wandered around exploring. I waited for something to catch my eye...something always catches my eye. I encountered more mushrooms than usual. Mostly like the round off-white and mottled one above. I saw many of those in various sizes, either clumped together or on their own. At one point I thought I saw a fairy ring, but as I got closer it was just a large "colony" in a widespread pattern. Bummer. I Googled to see if I could find out what they are called and the closest thing I cold find was a member of the genus "Chlorophyllum molybdites". Not that I was planning on cooking them up for consumption, but they are said to not be poisonous but could make one very sick if ingested. The other mushrooms I encountered (below) were under one of the trees near the dock remains. Of the mushrooms pictured on Google I guess I would say they look closest to the Jack O'Lantern 'shrooms. They are said to be highly poisonous.

Texture is something I am always drawn to whether it's palm fronds, pampas grass, or tree bark. There is a wooden 'tie' embedded in the ground not far from the dock remains that I have photographed sections of upon occasion. I assume it to have once been part of said dock. I was looking it over deciding if there was anything I wanted to snap a photo of and I noticed some movement inside the one hole that has obviously developed over time. I looked closer and saw one of the tiny Fidler crabs that live on the marsh dart to the side out of view. He...she...'it' slowly appeared and darted the other direction. It did it's little dance a couple of times before disappearing altogether. I tried to take its picture, but it was too skittish.

I continued down the marsh bank to the pond and back. No one was about, but I did pass a man who was sitting on his back porch. Reclined back with an open book resting across his stomach he was napping comfortably in the shade. I passed quietly allowing him his peace. Moving on I enjoyed mine. My period of zen.

Today is the day after my walk, and it's the official first day of Fall, the Autumnal Equinox. I felt Autumn's approach when I walked out the front door early this morning to go to work. Considerably cooler than yesterday. So welcome. I'm tired of all of the heat we have had. I can't wait for jacket weather. To see the leaves change color. To feel the mood shift and make the sipping of a hot cup of cider comforting against the chill outside.

Welcome back Autumn, my old friend. I missed you.

Shine On Harvest Moon...2014...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Sat, 20 Sep 2014 05:34:00 +0000

("Harvest Moon"; by Samuel Inness, 1805-1881)

Mabon is near. The Harvest Moon acted as herald. Here on the marsh we had been having some cloud cover in the couple of days leading up to it. It looked like I was going to experience the August Full Moon all over again in not getting to see Luna in her fullness on the night of the official phase. The cloud cover for the night of September 8th did remain for the most part, but I was allowed to see the bright glowing orb through the veil. There she was through a window in the gauze, wisps filtering over like tatters from a shroud.

I can't wait for autumn to arrive, but obviously I know I must. It won't be long now. Just three more days...I think I can handle that.

The Harvest Moon was beautiful as full moons generally are. This one was especially bright allowing farmers to reap what they have sown in her glow. I am not a farmer, but I did bask in her rays. I met her gaze as she looked down on me and my corner of things...and I snapped some photos. I am posting some of them later than intended, and as is usual with pictures they don't do her justice. A selection of them follows.

The equinox is up next.

Full Moon In Pisces...September 8, 2014...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 13:20:00 +0000

(http://juliedillon.deviantart.com/art/Pisces-Llewellyn-Worldwide-348975532)

The Full Moon of September 8, 2014, is in the mutable water sign of Pisces. It occurs at 9:40 PM/EST. September’s Moon is the Harvest Moon as it is the closest to the Autumnal Equinox (which falls on September 23^rd, for this year). It is also the last of the Summer’s three Super Moons.

The sign of the fish is a rather emotional sign as it can boost the emotional state of empathy….this lunation, it does. As the Moon is conjoining Chiron, and Venus & Neptune are in opposition, the emphasis on feeling compassion for others is enhanced. There is a definite change with this lunation as it places more emphasis on the mellow. Mercury in Libra fosters more sensitive energy. Bickering without any resolution is a tired subject. Instead of the confrontational energy of recent past moons, this one is more about avoiding confrontation and focusing on healing instead. There is a general vibe of peace.

(Artist: David Paladini)

Uranus in Aries, and Saturn in Scorpio, are engaged in a skirmish with both luminaries (Moon & Sun). Aries has little to no patience for critical Virgo, and indecisive Pisces. Aries is about plowing ahead…now. Jupiter in Leo, and Uranus in Aries, in a waxing trine, don’t help matters by pushing things. This is a good time to focus on the water element of Pisces. Ever moving and flowing water. It can effect change, and still adapt to any situation. Instead of obsessing allow yourself to go with the flow…so to speak. Don’t be stubborn. Be open, and allow yourself to bend when necessary.

In opposition to Neptune in Pisces, is Venus in Virgo. Romantic energy is boosted, but don’t feel you have to do anything on a grand scale to show your feelings to your significant other. Simple acts…cooking dinner, a moonlight stroll, anything that projects your feelings.

Focus on the fluid aspect of the prominent energies for this lunation. Be adaptable. Be water.

"Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way around or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves.

Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, and it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend."

~ Bruce Lee

If there are terms in this post that are unfamiliar, the following is a link to a great online Astrological Dictionary: http://www.evolvingdoor.ca/glossary/glossary.htm

The following excerpt is from the Farmer's Almanac:

Full Corn Moon or Full Harvest Moon: This Full Moon's name is attributed to Native Americans because it marked when corn was supposed to be harvested. Most often, the September Full Moon is actually the Harvest Moon, which is the Full Moon that occurs closest to the Autumn Equinox. In two years out of three, the Harvest Moon comes in September, but in some years it occurs in October. At the peak of harvest, farmers can work late into the night by the light of this Moon. Usually the Full Moon rises an average of 50 minutes later each night, but for the few nights around the Harvest Moon, the Moon seems to rise at nearly the same time each night: just 25 to 30 minutes later across the U.S., and only 10 to 20 minutes later for much of Canada and Europe. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice (the chief Indian staples) are now ready for gathering.

Called On Account Of Rain...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 06:54:00 +0000

The Super Moon was a no-show for me on the night of the 10th. I knew it was up there above the rain...above the clouds. It was moving by in extreme perigee to the Earth, shining big and bright in the night sky...and I didn't get to see it. I love rain, but...all I can say is it was a big bummer.

I always look forward to each Full Moon, my trusty camera at the ready. I was hopeful that this one, the Super Moon, would be awe inspiring. In the week leading up to it I would look up noting each stage during the Full Moon's approach. The gradual reveal. Yes, it is very common during Summer here in the humid south to have a chance of rain each day. It's typical. As I said before...I was hopeful.

As with most of our storms, the thunder arrived first. It was extra grumbly, and quite loud at times. Then the rain came...in sheets. Of course I had to venture out in it to take some photos. If it was going to keep me from seeing the Moon then I was going to photograph it instead.

By the time I got to the marshes edge my legs were soaked. I had an umbrella keeping my head and the camera dry. The hard driving rain and humidity clouding the air blocked sight of the Bull River, and everything beyond. The Bull River Bridge looked like it dropped off into limbo. The only hint of movement other than the falling rain were the bright spots of headlamps popping out of the fog when they started over the bridge.

My shoes were getting rather squishy, so I quickly snapped a few shots of the marsh and rushed back home. Back to enjoy the rest of the storm in a dry, more comfortable setting.

The following shots are from the night of August 11th. Not technically a Full Moon, but the closest I could get. Maybe if I had paid closer attention to the Moon in the days leading up to the 10th, I wouldn't have been so bummed...

There is an old saying: "Ring around the Moon means snow or rain soon." Folklore says that if there is a halo/ring around the Moon, rain is on the way. Some variations say that the number of stars visible within the light from the halo tell how many days until the rain arrives. Interesting...I wonder if the Moon had tried to clue me in? I'll be sure to pay closer attention before the Full Moon for September.

Full Moon In Aquarius...August 10, 2014...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 20:35:00 +0000

(Artist: Yuxuan Li)

It’s time for the Full Moon for August 10, 2014, and it’s in the sign of Aquarius. This particular Moon is a Super Moon (the second one for this year). It has the distinction of being in extreme perigee to the Earth, making it the closest Moon of the year.

The prominent theme for this lunation is based in the emotional realm. As with all Full Moons some past issues can and usually will come to a head. These cycles are all about taking a close look at things in an effort to work towards resolution, and release. There are an equal number of ‘water’ and ‘fire’ signs represented in the planets, which could indicate a lack of cooperation and objectivity since fixed signs tend to hold sway. However, the Moon in Aquarius and Sun in Leo want to work together rather than against one another. Aquarius is putting its influence into the mix by promoting strong objectivity, and thinking outside of the box. Aquarius is the only representative for the ‘air’ element, so its objectivity is needed.

This is a more thoughtful, logical Moon. It can emphasize detachment on an emotional level which can serve as helpful and healthy follow-up to emotions coming to the fore. Sometimes we sit on issue related emotions that can be quite intense…which is probably why they were stuffed away. When going through a long held emotional upheaval this influence can aid you in seeing the ‘forest for the trees’…the facts behind the emotions. Feeling and owning emotions can be difficult, but to then take an objective look at the basis of the emotional upheaval is where the lesson(s) lie. Mercury is closely conjunct the Leo Sun, spinning things to the personal. This presents positive and enthusiastic energy that can be very helpful if taken advantage of.

Transiting Saturn in Scorpio is poised to throw a wrench into the works as it is creating a strong tension aspect to the Moon in Aquarius, Mercury in Leo, and Sun in Leo. The resulting pressure can dislodge emotions or energies that you’ve been quashing. Keep the focus where it needs to be…on you. Take a good look at the choices you have made and own them. Any perceptions or emotional responses that you have had should serve as lessons. What was your part and what can you do differently next time? Look at how ‘you’ got ‘you’ to where you are, and stay away from playing the blame game. Emotions can be heavy, but rather than try to speed through them allow them to slow their roll so you can examine things more closely. Anxiety and fear are two primary adversaries we face when dealing with emotions. Don’t deny anything you may discover. Some firey issues may come to a head, and you could be faced with some tough choices. Be patient. Be courageous.

Arian Uranus is trine the Sun and Mercury conjunction (both in the sign of Leo). Uranus serves as inspiration as it’s in harmonious aspect to both luminaries.

Transiting Saturn in Scorpio is making inconjunct with transiting Uranus in Aries retrograde. Re-channel your decision making process and your energies to aid in achieving a more healthy approach to emotionally based issues for the future. Making that sort of change isn’t achieved by trying to make it a ‘one fix wonder’. These things always need to be worked at, making adjustments when and where necessary. Approach things a step/a day at a time.

(Artist: David Palladini)

Mars in Scorpios square to Jupiter in Leo is on the wane, and is becoming a strong influence to the Moon. There is also a waning trine to Neptune in Pisces pulling back on some pressure, and a waxing sextile to Pluto in Capricorn strengthening the calmer energies. The fire led positions of the Sun, Uranus, and Mercury in Leo would prefer grabbing up the reins to move forward with optimistic vim and vigor, but Saturn and Mars in the water sign of Scorpio have something to say about that. The balance is necessary…water needs to make sure fire doesn’t go off half-cocked.

There is a lot of potential during this Full Moon in Aquarius to deal with some long ignored emotional baggage, and adjust how emotional issues are dealt with into the future so said baggage isn’t replenished. Strive for the higher truth, and stay away from applying in the moment band aids to things. You deserve to allow yourself the freedom to drop your inhibitions and to feel your emotions. Allow yourself to feel love. Love for others, and more importantly for yourself.

If there are some terms in the above that you would like to know the meaning of, follow this link to a great online astrology dictionary: http://www.evolvingdoor.ca/glossary/glossary.htm

The following excerpt is from the Farmer's Almanac:

Full Sturgeon Moon ~ August: The fishing tribes are given credit for the naming of this Moon since Sturgeon, a large fish of the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water, were most readily caught during this month. A few tribes knew it a the Full Red Moon because, as the Moon rises, it appears reddish through any sultry haze. It was also called the Green Corn Moon or Grain Moon.

The Moon, A Moth & The Color Green...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Sat, 09 Aug 2014 03:22:00 +0000

The world is a place full of natural wonders, many of which I will never see firsthand. I’m fine with that. There is so much to see on a daily basis here on the marsh. Flora, fauna…Gaia’s handiwork. Sublime.

The other evening (this past Friday) I was sitting on the sofa after a busy day at work. Glenn was coming in after having a smoke on the front porch. He told me there was a big green moth on one of the solar walkway lights we have at the head of our front walk. It piqued my interest. He said “big”, but I didn’t think it would really be all that big. One person’s big is another person’s average. (okay, people…*snerk*) Before I went in search of my camera, I decided to investigate things first. Wanted to see just how “big” this moth was.

We are entering the final weeks of Summer here in the sticky and humid south. As with most places in the northern hemisphere sharing this hot season, the days are longer. No flashlight required until much later. Stepping out the front door, the air wasn’t as heavy as I expected, but it was still mid-evening. The overall energy outside was calm, and the light level was dimming by the minute. The solar walkway lights weren’t shining (they hardly shine at the best of times), but there was plenty of natural light to see by. Looking down to the left light there was the moth. Big and green it was. I’ll add beautiful to that description, too.

Crossing my fingers, I dashed inside to look for the camera. I’m so used to trying to catch photos of the other butterflies that flit around here. They aren’t very good at sitting still. Having to take a moment to get just the right focus to justify the beauty of them usually kills the photo op. After locating said camera I headed back out the door…

(My moth...a tad worse for wear...I'm wondering if he is post mating time, and headed 'out'.)

…and was relieved to see that it was still there. It hadn’t appeared to have moved a muscle. As the light fixture is quite low to the ground I had to get down to its level. Still it didn’t move. On closer inspection I saw that it was perched on what looked to be some abandoned spider web remnants. My first thought was “is it dead”, but after gently touching it with a dried pine needle I noticed it move a little. I proceeded to snap away.

As you can see from the above photo, this beauty was looking a bit tattered in the hindwing area. Otherwise, it was in beautiful shape. This is by far the biggest moth I have seen up close. Over the years I have marveled at the size and color of the bigger varieties of moths I have seen online in pictures. Royals, Emporers…even the Atlas moth which is bigger than many birds. Quite impressive. I decided my model had had enough, so I left it to its business and headed in to upload my pics and do some research.

This is a Luna Moth (Actias Luna), which is a Nearctic Saturniid in the family Saturniidae. (It’s also referred to as the ‘American Moon Moth’. It gets its name from the moon like spots on its wings.) The Saturniidae include the largest moths in the world: Royal and Emporer moths; giant Silkmoths. They are one of the largest moths in North America, and are found on the eastern half of the continent. Usually in the northern states, but they have been found as far south as Florida…and definitely in Georgia as my photo proves.

My moth’s wingspan was at least 4 to 5 inches. Its antennae were a bit ‘bushy’, so that means it was a male. Luna Moth mate after midnight, and the female lays her eggs the following evening. Fast, huh? The eggs are laid on the underside of leaves, and there are several host trees of choice (see picture below).

(Left top: Walnut; left bottom: Sweet Gum; Persimmon, Sumac, and lastly Hickory on the right.)

The mating and resulting egg laying is spaced every 8 to 10 weeks beginning in March. In the south there are as many as 3 per season. The female lays her eggs 100-300 at a time in groups of 4-7 eggs at a time. The eggs then incubate for 8-13 days. After the eggs hatch, the caterpillars go through 5 “instars” before cocooning. (“Instars” are developmental stages that lead to a certain level of sexual maturity before entering the cocoon.)

(Starting at the top:
Moth eggs,
Caterpillar, Cocoon,
Pupal case)

When the time comes the newly formed moth will “eclose”, which is the hormonally controlled act of splitting the pupal case and emerging. On the morning of the emergence, the moths wings are small and soft. The typically large wings are achieved by the young moth pumping bodily fluids into them. It will then go somewhere safe while the wings harden, the process taking a couple of hours.

Sadly, these beautiful creatures don’t live long. They reach adulthood solely to mate. Saturniidae do not eat as they don’t really have mouths. They emerge from their cocoons to mate, and live only about one week.

The internet sources I consulted about these moths were divided on one aspect of the Luna Moth. How abundant they are. A few sources said that they are rare enough to be “endangered” in some areas. Other said that they are fairly common, but because of their short lives they aren’t seen by many people. Whatever the case may be I count myself lucky. If Glenn hadn’t looked down at our light he may have never noticed our green visitor. As tattered as he was, my viewing of a Luna Moth first hand was so special. After all, he is named for one of my favorite things…the Moon.

On my internet surfing on this subject I came across a site dedicated to tracking 'lepidoptera' sightings. (Lepidoptera include both moths and butterflies.) I decided to report my sighting, and now have a confirmed sighting post on their website. The following is a link to my entry on the site: http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/sighting_details/996469 In retrospect I would have left more articulate sightng notes...I didn't realize they would be publishing what I initially sent...lol. It is worth it to check out their moth and butterfly images. You'll see some beauties.

Happy Birthday To Me...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 04:25:00 +0000

This past Sunday was my birthday. Every birthday acts as a milestone, but this last one had me hitting the half-century mark…or the “big 5-0” as some call it. Do I feel that old? Some days, yes…some days, no. On a physical level, that is. I was lucky enough to have developed RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis), and Carpal Tunnel later in life than some. (I know people who have had RA since they were teenagers, and even younger…that’s why I don’t refer to it as an “old persons” ailment.) If either of the aforementioned is acting up I can feel a tad decrepit...so, on a physical level I do feel older from time to time. However, on a mental level I have a favorite go-to saying:

In many respects I am the same person I was 30 years ago. Okay, so I have mellowed quite a bit and I have had a lot of experiences that have shaped me as a human being. Over all I think I’m a pretty cool person. I’m not stuffy, close minded, or prone to the phrase opener, “Well, back in my day…”. I don’t wear pantsuits, attend regular visits to the hair salon to get my perm touched up, or order tacky embellished Quacker Factory sweaters off of QVC. Nope…that’s not me…at all. I feel pretty safe in saying that will never be me. I am very much an individual. Creative, open minded, and grounded. I write, paint, and dabble in many other creative arts. I have a great sense of humor, am prone to sarcasm, and I am very accepting of others. I have a very eclectic taste in music that ranges from Chopin to The Jam to Audioslave to the Divine Comedy. I have always been a t-shirt and jeans kind of person, and still am. Yea, it’s pretty safe to say that at my core I’m still the same person I’ve always been. Life has just taught me some things that have reshaped a few aspects of ‘me’.

(A bit of birthday Morticia posted by friend Anna)

Over the years I have lessened the usual pomp many expect for their yearly age lap. I subtly tip my hat as I pass by, but that’s about it. This year things were very mellow which was fine by me. I did get quite a number of birthday nods via Facebook. I have reconnected with friends I lost touch with years ago on the social site, and have made many new friends from all over the globe. Family members; Friends from high school; fellow DJs from my college days; people I worked with years ago; friends from my years as a member of a Los Angeles theater group (I lived on the west coast for a number of years); friends of mutual friends. I made quite a few friends on a forum site for fans of a particular 1980s band, and we’ve reconvened on FB. I’ve also made a few friends via this blog. The social aspects of the internet can be a beautiful thing. No, I don’t really do anything to celebrate my birthday, but it was nice seeing those ‘Happy Birthday’ messages on my Timeline.

(Shire birthday wishes from friend Spike)

(A double shot of birthday wishes Hiddleston style from BFF, Caron...yes, I have a weakness...lol)

I did receive a few things via the mail. A card from my dad, and step-mother. My dad wrote, and I quote, “To the most special blossom in the bouquet.” I saw an invisible *snerk* attached to the end of that…I don’t doubt it’s sincere, but I also think he expected it to illicit an eye-roll from me. (*snerk*) Which of course it did. I got a nice card from my brother, and sis-in-law (picture to the left). The inside says, “Another year is toast.” That about sums it up. A great picture of the two of them with my two nephews at my nephew Karl’s graduation was enclosed. I also got a nice card from my boyfriend’s mother. Nice surprises they all were.

My boyfriend bought me my tag renewal for my Audi. Something I needed, and when asked what I wanted I suggested that he get as my gift (TY, Glenn...XOXO). I received a nice surprise from friend, Caron, who I met many moons ago on Myspace (when Myspace was cool…I miss the old Myspace). She and I are like minded on a number of things including our beliefs in the realm of paganism, and the package held a few items in that vein. A thoughtful gesture from a great person and special friend.

How does it feel to turn fifty? Honestly, it feels like any year. I don't really feel old, but I have been thinking about what I have been through and accomplished, and what I would like to do in the future. There are a number of things I have wanted to do for a long time that I still have yet to do. Some believe that destiny plays a huge part in our lives. I think it does to an extent, but there is so much about the future that is unwritten. Yes, I think certain things happen for a reason, and certain people come into our lives for a reason. There is still so much that isn't chipped into life's stone yet. We all hold our own hammer and chisel. It is through our heads and hearts that our stories flow. We have choices that influence our paths over the uncharted lands we walk. I have some personal goals that I want to shoot for, but I'm not going to move ahead with blinders on. I'm going to check out the scenery along the way. I'm writing my story as I go, and mine is going to have plenty of footnotes.

Some More Musings From The Marsh...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 00:12:00 +0000

Summer in Savannah. Humidity so thick you can almost poke a hole in it. Any time I walk outside I feel like I'm immersing myself in the air. It envelops me. I can feel it move around me and conform to my bodies shape. A moderately hot day in the low 80's can feel like 100+. When I moved to the west coast around 1987, I was glad to leave the moist humidity of the deep south and relocate to the dry air of California. I didn't miss the humidity, but there were things that I did miss. Seasonal change, for one. I am a worshipper of the Fall. I say it frequently in my blog posts, but if I had my way we would have autumnal weather all year round. The crispness in the air, the colors, and the vibe...the vibe is the thing. Then there was the other major loss I experienced. Rain.

The humidity heralds the rain. Do we get rain every day? No. (Most days, though.) However, we do get predictions of rain on a daily basis. Our local weather people deliver their forecasts each day, and they usually end things with at least a 30% chance of thundershowers. It is very common for the sky to be sunny and blue one moment, then turn grey and 'flashy' the next. Then...back to sunny and blue. I dig it. Just wish the stormy periods outweighed the sunny ones.

Our section of the Atlantic coast can get breathtakingly moody. The clouds are abstract and beautiful. It may sound strange, but it's almost as if the sky is bigger here. Maybe it's the humidity. Maybe that's what creates those mesmerizing clouds. The shapes, the color variations, and how quickly they move. One of my favorite forms of meditation is to watch the clouds.

Then there are the storm fronts. I felt so lucky to catch photographs of the first front I had the pleasure to see. That was about five years ago. I have caught several since, and they never lose their magic. A thick, cottony blanket being pulled out to the ocean. My vantage point for each sighting is by my marsh. There is always a soothing breeze blowing the spanish moss tendrils around. We have spanish moss on all of the trees here. Adds to the magic of this place. The breezes carry the scent of rain on the way. So sublime. More than once I have been caught in a sudden downpour, and arrive home soaked to the skin...and it's a short walk. I don't mind at all. I love the rain.

I took the above shot of the last storm front I caught about a week ago. Normally I would be waving off a heavy onslaught of mosquitoes, but the breezes preceding the rain were keeping them away. I did see another form of life though.

I was standing there looking out at the view. Beautiful storm front. Soothing breeze. Other than the trees rustling and the wind blowing past me it was pretty quiet. Then I noticed something swimming in my direction.

I see a furry creature of some sort swimming to the bank a few feet away from me. All I see above the water is the upper two-thirds or so of their face, the eyes and pointy little ears bobbing side to side as it swam along. Then I see its eyes move in my direction. I just stand there. I've got no problem with a marsh dweller coming to shore to search for food, have a visit with the feral cats...whatever. Well, once it saw me it did an about face and headed back to the cover of the marsh grass. I was a bit disappointed, but que sera. I assume it to have been an otter. They are one of the many different critters that live around here. The encounter...or should I say 'near' encounter...was pretty funny. I *snerked*.

Shifting gears a bit, I'm going to switch to the beautiful Full "Super" Moon of July 12th. (I'm working on re-energizing my blog, and have a few things to catch up on...one of those things being my usual photography/musings posts.)

I love seeing each Full Moon by the marsh. There are a number of residents out here that pile everyone into the car and head over to the beach at Tybee to see the Super Moons rise, but I haven't made the trip. On the one hand I would love to see the Full Moon from my favorite beach, Tybee's north beach. On the other hand, I don't want to have to fight people for a parking space. Tybee is very small, so the parking is limited. There is also only one way on and off the island. I call it the "land bridge", but if mentioned out loud around a certain person I live with who happens to be a Savannah native, I will be corrected as it is the "causeway". Whatever moniker one wishes to use, it is a good road for traffic. I don't relish sitting in traffic on a road that is two lanes most of the way. I lived in Los Angeles for roughly eighteen years, so I've had my fill of traffic. Anyway, I may bite the proverbial bullet and head over for one of the future Super Moons or some other lunar bit of magic. For now I'll just stick with watching the magic from the bank of my marsh.

Pictures just don't do this last Full Moon justice. I plan on getting a camera in the not too distant future that is better suited for night photography. I have finally finished paying the tax man (*grumble, grumble*), so I have funds again. Wee! That being said, I do like some of the abstract shots I get with this digital camera of Glenn's. In the above and below shots you can see the line of headlamps coming from Tybee...the traffic I mentioned before. Yes, I could be like all of those motorists, sitting in my car and sighing about the traffic. Instead, I was standing by the pond here in the condos...it overlooks the marsh. Such a beautiful view. I did take a bit of video of the rising Moon as seen from the pond area. It would have provided audio of the many frogs living there. Unfortunately, the video...well, it sucked, so I decided not to post it. *snerk* You could also hear the occasional smack of my hand dispatching one of the little bloodsuckers (mosquitoes) dive bombing me. (I had so many bites on my right arm I looked like I had measles...of the arm.)

Today is the New Moon for July. As I mentioned earlier, I am re-booting my blog. My Full Moon posts have resumed, and I will be starting my New Moons posts soon...but not with this one. I will most likely mention aspects of it in a blog post for tomorrow...which is my Birthday. Before I start in about that I'm going to sign off here and save it for tomorrow.

Cheers...

Full Moon In Capricorn...July 12, 2014...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 06:34:00 +0000

(Artist: Stephanie Pui-Mun Law)

Super Moon. A moniker tied to those full sightings of Luna when she is the closest to the Earth (the technical term being ‘perigee’). This also means that this Full Moon in the sign of Capricorn, is in direct opposition to the Sun in the sign of Cancer. ‘Balance’ is a major theme here. All Full Moons (and this type of Moon especially) are all about putting issues in bright focus whether you have been purposefully brushing them aside to deal with them later, or have forgotten about them. Professional and personal matters and wants need equilibrium, and this is a good time to work on restoring a balance.

The Capricorn (Earth element) Full Moon brings several key themes into the process: the practical versus the physical; your responsibility and integrity in conjunction with the personal and professional; everything as it relates to the long-term as Capricorn is a cardinal mode sign and carries a lot of spirited energy with it. Most have heard the old saying “where there’s a will, there’s a way”…with the abundant energy accompanying this Moon, if you apply yourself you have the potential to achieve or master anything. Patient Capricorn is all about logic…focus on your goal and put the work into it. Hard work can be rewarded with fruits of your labors.

This lunation holds a Grand Cross with the Capricorn Full Moon, Sun in Cancer, Arian South Node, Libran North Node, and Libran Mars. Don’t sweat this one as it’s low-key. There is only one reappearance here and it’s from Mars. There is nothing to really acknowledge as Mars is just passing through on its way to Ceres in Libra. If anything this Grand Cross might help to add some more clarity to issues that were over looked in April. Reinforcing the hard work angle is Saturn (Capricorn’s ruler) trine the Sun, and sextile the Moon. The Grand Cross makes sure all parties in any given issue are acknowledged and heard.

With Mars, Ceres, and North Node all in Libra, they can only help enhance Capricorn as they are both cardinal signs. This trifecta can also hang with the Capricorn-Cancer axis to make things cohesive. Libra’s qualities of fairness and working well with others will help bring out the best. The Arian South Node would like to isolate, but the North Node pulls it into the mix. Individuality has its place and that should be acknowledged, but try to find the strength in teamwork, especially if family is involved.

During this Full Moon cycle emotions could be extremely charged. Try your best to stay grounded, and allow the process to work the way it is intended to. There may be more than one issue pertaining to both physical parent(s), and the inner mother/father. Patience is key here with the potential emotional roller coaster. You are not only responsible for your physical well-being you are also responsible for your mental and emotional well-being. The issues that bubble up do so for a reason. Not only do they show themselves to make you aware of them, they can also provide insight and teach you important lessons. If an emotionally charged subject presents itself own it. Own the feelings. These lunar cycles help present issues that can help us adapt, heal, and even alter the path we take forward.

Jupiter in Cancer and Mercury in Gemini are getting ready to enter the next sign. A semi-sextile between them will bring a sense of closure. Something that has been hanging in the balance is about to come to an end. By the time of the next lunation Jupiter will be in Leo, as well as the New Moon, with Mercury in Cancer. Expect some charged issues to mellow.

(Artist: David Palladini)

Saturn is inconjunct Arian Uranus, and sextile Pluto in Capricorn. Don’t be surprised (or alarmed) if some issues from months past pop up again. Keep things real and all should be well.

There is a trine between Ceres-Mars in Libra and Venus in Gemini. This bodes very well for romance. It’s a good time to show the one you love how you feel.

You may have to make some tough choices, but with all of the constructive energy around the potential for weathering the storm is great. Keep your head up and don’t let emotions get the best of you. Moving forward may seem daunting at times, but rest assured that those moments shall pass. Be open to teamwork, and allow the collective to help you make some transitions. Express yourself and allow others to do the same.

Don't know the meaning of some of the terms in this post? This link will take you to a great online astrology dictionary: http://www.evolvingdoor.ca/glossary/glossary.htm

The following excerpt is from the Farmer's Almanac:

The Full Buck Moon: July is normally the month when the new antlers of buck deer push out of their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur. It was also often called the Full Thunder Moon, for the reason that thunderstorms are most frequent during this time. Another name for this month's Moon was the Full Hay Moon.

The Rain & The Moon...

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Erin) — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 04:20:00 +0000

It has been a typical Summer so far here on the marsh. Each day holds the predictable. Humidity so thick at times you swear you could cut it with a knife. Heat so heavy that motivational energy is at a minimum at the best of times. Gangs of tiny vampires, also known as mosquitoes, dive bombing for a bit of the red. Hawks calmly hanging aloft on thermals overhead. Cicadas chanting rhythmically with one another in a symphony of zen as the evening Sun lowers and disappears beyond the horizon. An ever changing array of clouds move by ranging from pure white through various stages of grey and back again. The mood swings of Gaia.

Each day holds even the slightest possibility of rain showers. Dark clouds can move in at a moments notice to bring down a pounding rainstorm. Many days we have had "pop-up" storms, and a couple have been torrential. We saw some pretty serious flooding a few days back. These first two photos were taken during that downpour. I usually park my Audi in my spot on the other side of the drive, but there was a massive lake of rain water that filled the condo road. I had stopped at the market on my way home, and had no umbrella with me. The driving rain was enough to saturate me in the 30 feet or so I had to traverse to the porch. Wading across the road would have been the icing on the proverbial cake. I love rain. I really, really do. However, I prefer to be home where I can enjoy it.

The rest of the photos in this post are of the Strawberry Full Moon we had on June 13th. Better late than never. It was quite spectacular. Big and bright. There is something so calming and cleansing about looking up at Luna when she's in her full glory. Sublime.