A real Bambi moment

 

 

It’s a rare coincidence here, and whatever weather conditions that it takes to cover everything in hoar frost happened. 

“Oh my!”

And miraculously I wasn’t working that day. 

Double “Oh My!”

I truly think it was a once in a life time experience.

Very cold, very dry, and very stunningly wonderful.

And it almost never happens here, and if it does, I am working, or it rains right away, or it’s cloudy all day, or foggy, or something spoils it.

So my good friend, Floweriscius and I went to Campbell Valley Park that day. That’s her in the photo above.

She drove, thank goodness, because everywhere I turned it was a winter glitz snow covered, ice crystal laden branches, and sparkly, sparkly, icy lights bouncing of of the sunlight everywhere moment.

I think that I would have driven off the road many times just trying to get the shot.

And my shots cannot do it justice, they just can’t give you that feeling, that “living in the moment, and isn’t this the most beautiful thing you have ever beheld moment?”

Trust me, it was.  I still smile, and remember that feeling, of wonderment. Of how is this possible? And then a deep shiver because it was SOOOOO cold.  That kind of feeling.

There were birds everywhere, and all of them were willing to eat out of our hands, not that my hand was out there that much.  Tooooo cold, and to many photo ops abounding for me, I was firmly holding onto my camera. 

There was a real Bambi moment when we were standing on the path in a small patch of sunlight, the birds were twittering, flying from branch to hand, grabbing a seed and letting the next bird come in for a landing. 

Then the bushes started to rustle, and animals started to creep out from their hiding spots.  It was quiet, and peaceful, and everywhere we cautiously turned there was more wildlife.  Drawn to us by the thought of food, because of the cold, they seemed perfectly comfortable with us. Circling all around us, quietly waiting for a handful of seeds.

 

I felt like I was in the Bambi movie...

Trust me, it was a moment I will never forget.

♥

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

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One sick kitty

Bootsie went out on a Sunday morning, and came back... just not himself.  It was quick, and subtle.  Normally a not too active cat with a definite routine it was hardly noticeable that at first he wasn’t feeling well.

He moved less, slept more, he still ate and drank.  It was just before Christmas and with both of us working all hours of the day [or so it felt], it went unnoticed for a day that he wasn’t eating as much as usual.  It was when he refused to get up and eat that we got really, really worried.  This is a cat that loves his food.

The night before the vet visit I woke up every few hours to try and encouraging him to lick water from my finger.  When he stopped doing even that, I knew that morning couldn’t come soon enough. Many times I reached over to see if he was still breathing.

He didn’t like the car ride at all, going from a languid and limp kitty that looked like he had spent the last few days on a bender and sleeping it off in his wrinkled pyjama's to a howling banshee.  Deep muttering moans, cry’s that tore out my heart. The car stalling in the middle of the intersection in the pouring rain, only added to the misery.

At the vet’s he howled, complained, and cried... until the vet entered the exam room.  Then in a miraculous change of heart, he stalked the counter tops and purred.  Delighted to rub again the vet’s sleeve.  “Are you sure he is sick?”  

“This is how a normal cat acts” I was told, not a sick cat.

A temperature of 41 c. [105.8, and high for a cat] confirmed that he was a very sick kitty.  Close to convulsions, and dehydrated. They kept him for the day, gave fluids, a antibiotics shot, shaved his neck, and leg for the IV.

We were told that most likely he had crossed paths with another virus infected kitty.  Loosing the fight was the least of his worries.

He perked up the next day, looking for food, drinking water, and purring.

But by the end of the week he started to get languid, tired, and just not himself again.  Another trip to the vet, disbelief on their faces, “he can’t be sick” he is acting normal.”

“I know my cat, he’s sick again, yes he’s eating and drinking, but he is sick again.”

Bootsies temperature was a shock to the vet, he didn’t act sick at the office and they couldn’t believe it was that high again.

Antibiotics were prescribed, two a day.  Don’t believe the videos, or the vet when they show you how easy it is to pill a cat.  They don’t have the Boo to deal with.  As soon as the  antibiotics started to work wonders, he refused to take them.

With many foaming mouths, and trips around the living room, lots of pills discarded, we both started to dread 10 am, and 10 pm.  But somehow we persevered, and he finished that course of pills, and has fully recovered. The only reminders left are the bald spots on his throat, and leg where they shaved his fur, it refuses to grow back.

 

We love him dearly, and ...now I can understand why some people will pay thousands of dollars at the vet’s just to have their beloved pet well. 

There was a point in that office, when I would have given anything to have him well, and that is something I never thought I would say. I had always wondered why people choose to go that route.  Now I have my answer.

If you are a pet person, you will fully understand. If you are not, then there is no need to explain.

 

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

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Yesterday’s news

 

 

It seems like so many times I take photos meaning to blog about them in the near future, and then they get put into the photo archives, and forgotten.

Sure it’s great fun to look at sweltering hot sidewalks in the middle of the winter, “sweetie, can you  turn down the heat a bit please, this summer photo is making me sweat.’  [As if]

And then we have the snowdrop photos from last week. All week I have been meaning to look them up on the computer, they weren’t too sharp, it was pretty dim when I visited my secret snowdrop place.  And I forgot, other things took precedence, work being one of them. 

So here I am writing about yesterday’s news, and those snowdrops are probably huge by now.  But a full week of rain has made it pretty impossible to get out and shoot anything.

 

Yesterday’s news, both a good thing, and a bad thing I guess.  There are some events you are glad that are over, like a visit to the dentist, or a work week.

 

And then there are others you want to take out, give a good shake, sit down and savour them.

Like the sight of Bootsie running around the condo, tail up, legs akimbo, ferociously stalking a unseen prey.  Finally himself again after two bouts with a mysterious high fever. 

A hug from Gar, it’s the reason my day stays on track.

The feeling of the sun on my skin, that’s one to keep for those rainy days, bring it out and savour it through the clouds.

The thought of spring... need I say more?

Let me know what yours are.

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

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Delectable pink tulips

 

 

 

 

Bring the tulip and the Rose

          While their brilliant beauty glows.

Eliza Cook

 

 

I would say that you should look for this one on my Zazzle site,  it’s very Dutch renaissance to me.  Loving it. This might pop up as many forms on my Zazzle site.

And...I loved it so much I decided to make some Zazzle skinny business cards. They were half price, and I used the above image. Stunning, fun, colorful.

And the problem?

I did it late at night, and forgot to include half the info that I should have.

On all 60 of them, sigh...

Anyone want to buy some Muddy Boot Dreams business cards, they’re cute?  LOL.

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

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“Computeritis” I need a cure

 

Hard to believe that a short 4 years ago I had said we didn’t need a computer.  Now that I am infected with computeritis I know that I require one desperately, and could not function without it.  Not just for blogging, but for photo editing, creating new cards for my Muddy Boot Dreams card line, and running my home based business.

But each time I carve out a small section of time, I succumb to computeritis, and my resolve goes out the door.  There are emails to look at, Face Book beckons, and twitter wants ME!

I have the best intentions, just to let that creativity flow, and somehow channel it towards production.  Get right in there and edit those photos, but why don’t I download them after I check out FB?

It’s not like they have been sitting in the camera forever...yes those emails were important, and Face Book was calling my name, but did I really have to spend all that much time twittering my energy away? Oh, and my Zazzle store desperately needs updating, along with my website.

I need a workflow coach, one who will also make me work like crazy, and then get up and stretch.  Not just stretch, work out, exercise. And then more work.

“No FB until you complete this task.”   “No twittering until you download those photos...and edit them.”

Right now my workflow coach is sleeping on the bed, gently snoring away his dinner, that’s Bootsie I am talking about.  The one who wants food every hour, on the hour, or to play with his string, which involves me running through the 800 square foot condo, and him watching me from a doorway.

He refuses to let me work too long, “take a break” he says, and while you are at it, get me some more food.

I think I need to fire him, or at least try someone else out.

But...I hear FB calling me, and there are emails that need answering, oh and someone just started to follow me on twitter...I need to check them out.

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

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Just living is not enough

 

 

 

Just living is not enough, one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.

Hans Christian Anderson

How perfect is that quotation?

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

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Bring spring….in

“If I had but two loaves of bread, I would sell one and buy hyacinths, for they would feed my soul.”
Prophet Muhammad

There are a lot of antsy gardeners and bloggers out there, and admittedly I am one of them. For us, spring can’t come soon enough, even if realistically it is months away.

We are the ones that you see trudging through the rain, or snow, with our head in the sky, not because we are looking for the sun, but because we are checking the bare branches.

Where I live the lilacs are just starting to show some green in the tightly furled buds.  A small peak of what gems there are to come. And the blueberry bushes on my deck have decided to do something different, they are swelling.

Could this be a sign that spring is thinking about paying us a visit?

Maybe it’s too soon, and everything will go back to bed again, but until it decides to wake up, I am bringing spring in.

My local corner store sells flowers, [and lets me take photos of them] it’s my favourite.  They always have a great collection of cut flowers, and potted plants.  When I am out walking I will pick up something to add some color or scent to our place. And carrying home a bouquet of tulips, well it makes my heart sing.

With the added bonus of having something color to shoot over the grey days, tulips last for ages. 

And that yellow primrose, it’s sunshine in a pot.

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

 

Congratulations!

 

Congrats to Deanna G.

 

Winner of the $75 Gift Certificate from CSN stores!

 

And a great big thank you to Modern Furniture, and CSN stores for their generosity.

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

Sprucing up after the season

 

CSN $75.00 gift certificate [giveaway]

With the Christmas season wrapped up like a shiny present under the tree, it is now time to look closer at our homes. Although it’s a bit early to be looking forward to spring cleaning, a little sprucing up goes a long way. Replacing some worn out bar stools, or adding a new lamp to the living room, can brighten even the dullest winter day.

That’s why the timing of this latest $75.00 CSN giveaway is great.

They have such a wonderful selection of items in their over 200 online stores, from modern dining room furniture to traditional household items, there is always a large list of “gotta have it’s” that catch your eye, should you be the lucky winner.

Didn’t get the fire pit that you were hankering after? Do you like to spend summer time outdoors and need a gorgeous metal and glass lantern to light the night? Maybe you’re like me, and having a run of accidentally breaking anything that doesn’t bounce on the floor.

 

Bowls, glasses, and pitchers can be found in their stores, along with a sideboard to store them in. If you like setting a beautiful table, then you will find the perfect one here, and the extra chairs that you might need.

Take a moment, and browse though CSN’s great collection of items, and let me know what you would like should you win.

Giveaway ends at midnight January 12th, and the random winner will be announced on Thursday January 13th.

Best of luck to all the entrants, and thank you to CSN for their generosity.

$75.00 Gift Card is redeemable at any of the 200 + CSN online stores, and does not include shipping. You must be a resident of the USA, or Canada to enter, and at least 18 years old.

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

 

 

Gloomy days, and a ray of sunshine

 

Deep within the icy reaches of winter, with these dark gloomy days, and bare branches, that might tempt us to be sad.  This quote seems to sum that up beautifully.

I am so looking forward to the time when we may pick the fruit.

To the extra light of spring, the greening of the bare earth.

To seeing weeds sprout, yes weeds, for they mean spring is truly on it’s way.

And a ray of sunshine.

CSN is offering to sponsor another giveaway on my blog.

Look for details in the next few days.

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

Ocean of icicles

Sometimes we take the accessibility of the ocean for granted. 

It’s a destination for a few too many people in the summer, too crowded, and too busy for me.

Although... I love the winter days when I can almost have the beach to myself. 

The other morning I knew that we would have a spectacular sunrise, and I planned on hitting the beach and capturing it.

It was cold, pretty COLD, but beautiful.

There were some diehards determined to walk the pier, even if it was a bit too icy for many people.

I caught my breath just before it became icicles, as the rising sun tickled my face.

I had been seeking a bit of peace and quiet, but even the ducks were drowned out by the sounds of early morning construction workers trying to “get er done.” This seemed to be one guy’s favourite phrase, and believe me, if I had to work out there in the cold, dark morning, I too would be shouting “get er done” in the hopes of making the work day go faster.

Sound carries across the water, especially in the winter, and I felt sorry for the neighbouring condo dwellers woken up so early.

The sunrise should be a consolation though.  Just imagine, every sunny morning for a week, waking to this.

Breathtaking view, and then...

“get er done.”

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

You kids stay off the front lawn!

 

When I was young we grew up in what we considered at the time “the country.”  Now we know it was just an idyllic, and rural acreage.  With it’s well water, ponds, ducks, and neighbours almost out of hearing distance it felt like the country to these former suburbanites.

Living in the “almost” country snow belt we seemed to get a little more snow then other areas, enough to guarantee every time a giant snowman.

The lower Mainland has the perfect snowman kind of snow. The perfect first day of a snowfall crunching kind, with just the right sushi stickiness in it to make a snowman.

 

Now should you look at this poor snowman and think, what is she talking about, it was the only photo I had at the time of this post.  Trust me, our snow makes great snowmen.

We could never understand why my Mom would complain about our leaving those long skidding kid tracks, and huge gaping holes like a tear in the green grass showing through the pillowcase whiteness of the front lawn. 

Until I grew up, and learned to appreciate the perfection of coverage.

The beauty of whiteness, the imperfections covered, a new beginning lasting only until it melted.

She would always tell us before we left to go outside, covered from head to toe in woollens, ski jackets, and gloves, “you kid’s stay off the front lawn.

“But Mom...”  we just didn’t understand the unbroken reflection of crystals in snow.  Unmarred, undisturbed, unblemished.

And now, I do.

“You kids stay off the front lawn.”

It’s OK Mom, now I understand.

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

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I would like a gated garden

It’s the new year, and it’s time to dream, to think, to wonder.

Inspiration can be found in so many places, books, magazines, blogs.

I dream of a gated garden, beautifully aged wood, white washed, and weathered.  With soft pink rambling roses gracefully arching as they practice their yoga.  The thorns are retracted so they do not scratch the cats as they parade on the top of the fence.

The cats pacing makes them look like trapeze artists, as their well fed tummies wobble back and forth when they stop to playfully swat at a bee.

The sun dapples the trees feet, the breeze is soft, and warm.

The promise of a life lived, loved, and still to come.

There are hills and hollyhocks in my gated garden, the hollyhocks act as if they are the reason for the picket fence to be holding it’s self so upright.  But we know it is the green grass, and the wildflowers outside of the garden that lovingly hold up the fence.

The veggies may say that they are the reason the garden is so lovely, with it’s raised beds, and beautiful gravel paths.

But it is the gate that will draw your eye. Antique, solid, and with a history of being wired, and repaired, it’s original galvanized metal painted so many times it is still chipping, and textured. The creaking sound it makes as we push it open an integral part of the experience of the garden. A soft welcome to new friends.

So far I have only seen them in shops, but one day I will find my gate. 

And then I will have the gated garden of my dreams.

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams