Magpie Tales-Seasons

Autumn winds move clouds across an azure sky
Red, gold and amber leaves rustle at my feet
Swirling hoodoos of moments
Circling in my mind
I can hear winter whispering
Hello

C.M. Jackson 2010


For more.. fly here---Magpie Tales

Magpie Tales-"Til

At ten we rode and ran

"Til the sun slid hidden

Behind the hills,

Mother calling us in

Baths and books waiting.

At twenty we danced and drank
"Til the sun rose
Silhouette of gold behind the skyline
Boss checking his watch,
Phones ringing too loud.
At thirty we learned to sleep
"Til your loudest cry
Lifted us out of bed,
Clock ticking away the night.
At forty we carpooled
"Til you took the keys
Parents watching for
Headlights on the ceiling.
At fifty we waited
"Til you found your true love
Family and friends dancing
Lightening bugs flickering.
At sixty we talk about plans
"Til sleep makes our eyes heavy
Hearts happy
Asking what next.

C.M. Jackson 2010

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Theme Thursday-Climate Change

To stand at the edge of the sea, to sense the ebb and flow of the tides, to feel the breath of a mist moving over a great salt marsh, to watch the flight of shore birds that have swept up and down the surf lines of the continents for untold thousands of year, to see the running of the old eels and the young shad to the sea, is to have knowledge of things that are as nearly eternal as any earthly life can be.” --Rachel Carson

Water has the power to give and take life. Global warming is changing weather patterns throughout the world so that dust storms in June Saville's Australia are becoming commonplace. My love of the southwest comes with an understanding that the quest for water has been going on for centuries. The dams, while insuring the availability of water, have changed the environment, destroyed tribal burial grounds and ruins and caused the extinction of many types of wildlife. The droughts of the last decade have allowed a beetle to take root in many of the trees located throughout Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado causing them to become even more susceptible to fire and certain death.

I treasure my walks. It keeps me focused and close to what is real. The more people are allowed to experience nature, the more they will stand up and fight for it. Therefore, I talk and write about my hikes to whoever will listen! I contribute to causes that protect our National Park System, keep green spaces green  and protect our wildlife. Conserving resources, like water and energy, do make a difference. I drive less, carry my water to work in a reusable Sigg bottle, unplug and turn-off as much as I can whenever I leave my home and office.

Margaret Mead said it best, "A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Theme Thursday-Water

Expect to have hope rekindled. Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons in life do not last. The spring rains will come again.

Sarah Ban Breathnach

I can hear Etta James singing. "At last..." It seemed that winter would never end. We had our first really warm days this past weekend. The trees are in full bloom and the tulips are swaying with the breeze. The cherry and pear trees' pink blossoms mix with the green pollen of trees' unfolding leaves. Here in New Jersey, spring is a moment that leads into the heat of summer. Take time to witness the renewal and the beauty. Listen to the symphony.

Here comes the sun...

There is a wood thrush in my backyard singing a song despite the thirty something degree drizzly gray day we have going on. It is February, after all, which means one day may be glorious like yesterday –sunny, clear blue skies, with the next reminding us that it is winter. For those of you who love winter, I apologize for what I am about to write.

Enough already!

How many more below thirty bone chilling dark windy days have you got left, mama nature? I am tired of the cold air fogging up my glasses, getting my coat caught in the car door, slip sliding down the driveway on black ice and the endless cloudy gray days.





Yes, I know there is nothing like the quiet majesty of freshly fallen snow or the bare branches of trees, but it is time. So I am on the look out for signs that mama might be ready to move on. My singing buddy is certainly one sign and the buds on branches are another.

Until then, let’s think of water lilies, sunflowers, morning glories, coreopsis and lavender. Close your eyes, lift your face to the sun and feel the warmth as scents of freshly mowed grass, pinon and warm soil dance your way.