Morning Musings

Some Weather!

The wind is howling and the rain pounding against the house in spurts. It’s like waking up in the middle of a surround sound movie theater during a space invasion scene in Star Trek (one of the many movies I borrowed from the library this week).  Needless to say, the snow from last weekend (see photos in previous post) is all gone.  That’s the way of it in Newfoundland!

I had written that paragraph in my head a few times while lying under my warm duvet this morning, so I finally got up to put it down on “virtual” paper.  Turning on the computer before my exercise routine is a dangerous thing to do … Luckily, I’ve finished writing my report cards, so I don’t have to go to school until late morning today; I will still get to my yoga mat and rebounder before work.  I feel so much better when I do!

Grateful:

Am I ever grateful to have a warm, solid shelter to live in, with ample room to paint, exercise, enjoy the scenery, share with a like-minded housemate, etc.  As winter sets in, my thoughts turn to the homeless and to all those who feel it most. May they be safe, warm, and well-fed this winter.

Feathered Friends:

Oh – that reminds me… our neighbourhood ducks will be waiting for their feeding soon…

Yesterday, we received a special guest at our Fat Block Bird Feeder.  I photographed this Northern Flicker through the window while I was standing at the railing on the 2nd floor.  I knew that if I went downstairs to the living room, it would fly away. It’s the shyest of our visitors.  Months ago, I saw the pair – now we only ever see one.  Maybe he’s flying solo now or perhaps they simply prefer different restaurants.

Last Day of Class:

Today is the last day of class for my 37 ESL students. On Saturday, they join the rest of the school for the CAEL Assessment, a standardized exam that, if passed, allows students to register into regular university programs no matter their performance in ours.  I will be invigilating the exam and then participating in the team-correction next week.  After that, it’s a return to the full-time artist life.

The full moon in this photo is one I photographed in Hawaii in 2011 when I went to swim with wild dolphins. Happy full moon tomorrow – it’s an important one.  If you’re curious, read your monthly astrology here.  Susan Miller has always been very accurate with my forecast.

Now it’s 7:30 am – time to dance on my mini trampoline and twist and turn on my yoga mat. Yay! Oh, and yes… feed the ducks.