With the sun shining brightly today, I went out to refill the bird feeders with black oil sunflower seeds. The birds waited somewhat impatiently perched on the limbs above my head as I filled each one. Back and forth I went from the garden bench where the big sack of seeds sat to the branches of the cherry tree--taking down each feeder, filling it and then putting it back up again.
On the flagstones under my feet I noticed a feather. I usually don't find fallen feathers (the birds like to keep them for themselves) so it caught my eye. And the beauty of the striking markings on the feather caught my eye as well.
Every time I walked by the feather, I was careful not to step on it.
After I was done filling the feeders, I stooped down to pick up the feather and examine it more closely. It looked like it may have come from a scrub jay... or maybe a mockingbird. The silver grey had a slight blue tinge to it.
I carried the feather with me as I took one last lap around the garden with my gathering basket slung over my arm. I picked a few more mandarins that felt soft to the touch and ready to enjoy. I checked the lemons but didn't find any soft enough to pick. I stopped and took a look at the crop of blood oranges growing on the dwarf Morro blood orange tree and found only one soft enough to harvest.
On my way back up the path to the house, I noticed that a single periwinkle blossom was out--its brilliant blue striking against the other greens and greys of the bed it was nestled in against the fence. Many more blossoms will follow so I decided to pick it and bring it in with the rest of the "precious" things I'd gathered in my basket.
Bringing in the treasures I'd found, I felt a bit like a little kid. And I felt even more childlike wonder cutting open the exotic looking blood orange with it raspberry colored juices dripping out. As I opened the fruit and held it in my hand, the afternoon sunlight streaming in the window reflected off every facet of the ruby innards of the fruit. And I knew I had to photograph it.
I love how you see things!
ReplyDeleteLovely! I remember blood oranges from when I was a kid living in Italy. I save feathers, but the cats steal them.
ReplyDeleteI love your treasures! I'm a collector of such things as well. I have quite the stash of feathers, rocks, seashells and sticks...I can't help it, I love them.
ReplyDeleteOh, that blood orange caused my mouth to salivate at the lovely site! We don't find those even in our grocery stores around here, and I love them!! Would you ever consider shipping some of your lovely citrus jewels to a citrus craving Oregonian??? :)
Lorie--Once the rest of the crop I've got is more ripe, I'd definitely send some to you! They're small this year (only the size of mandarins) but their still sweet and juicy. Send me an email with your postal address.
ReplyDeleteChristine--Thank you! Sometimes I feel a little weird because I see things the way I do.
ReplyDeleteConnie--I've had to hide the feather I found from the cats because they'd steal mine too just like your kitties steal your "treasures". :-)
ReplyDeleteBless your pea-pickin' little heart!! You have to let me pay you for them, it's only fair. And I'll pay for the shipping too. When you have a tally, just let me know and I'll send you a check.
ReplyDeleteOh I'm soo excited!! Thank you so much for being generous Cindy!!
Cindy, wishing you a very Merry Christmas, and a peaceful new year.
ReplyDeleteJen
I swear, you have a little Eden replica there. What an interesting and beautiful feather!
ReplyDelete