We awoke to greyish skies.
Not gloomy though, but more mild and peaceful.
With blooms bursting open at amazingly rapid speeds.
Time for a break from painting…
And long deadline hours at my desk.
My desk gets out of control when I am working.
It was time to run outside and have a great big breath of fresh spring day.
I crawled under the peach tree, and Matty joined me.
I was so happy to turn around and see him snuggling up.
Me in my granny house dress I throw over my clothes as a painting smock.
Yes, a granny house dress.
I know.
It happens to be covered in paint on the front also.
The shame 🙂
But, I love it.
Snap buttons and all.
So there we were, under the peach tree.
The grey sky, unbearably bright…
Peach blooms candy pink.
Bee bottoms peeking out.
So pretty.
So so pretty.
Sometimes, all the time, I can't get over the vast complexity of nature.
The beauty.
The intricacy.
The delicacy.
It's astounding.
Unbelievable.
I lay under the tree thinking, you know…
Enjoying life is appreciating such things.
It isn't all the other stuff we think matters.
It's this.
And this.
It's Matty, making me swoon out-loud with his rolling around in the clover.
I think he's getting better.
I hope.
I hope.
He is.
Me thinks.
We got really quiet.
Snuggled down there.
Bugs crawling in my hair.
Bees buzzing around us.
And then, a little friend joined us…
Hummingbird.
Sigh.
We visited with the bees and birds and blooms for a little while.
Then, off we walked.
Passing the Carolina Jasmine…
And over to the huge apricot tree.
Where the breeze carries white apricot bloom petals around like delicate confetti…
Falling to the ground.
This tree is dying you see.
Slowly but surely.
It is very very old, and has a bug eating it from the inside.
So every spring, that it fills with blooms, I am delighted.
This great huge tree, slowly leaving us…
More huge branches gone every year.
Part of life.
I am trying to save it, but not doing very good at it.
Any tips on saving a great big apricot tree?
It still is so beautiful.
Blooms with the scent of milk and sugar.
I hope it stays for a great while longer.
I was thinking of calling a nursery, or tree saving people to help me.
Ask for some advice.
There used to be fruit tree orchards in this area, and the same bugs killed them over the last 20 years.
For now it's alive, and pretty as can be.
Apricot and peach blooms, on the first day of spring.
I wonder what the earth smells like to a fur?
What does spring smell like?
Or summer or fall?
I wonder?
I know so many of you are still cold, and even in snow.
Lucky for you, you have nicer summers than me.
When I am wilting and crying in the unbearable heat, you will be frolicking in your stunning summer.
🙂
And I'll wish I was there with you.
Happy first day of spring!
I hope you are doing wonderfully!
Back to my deadlines I go.
Did you do anything special on this first day of spring?
Notice something new?
Whistle with a skip in your step?
Love, V
It is wonderful to see Matty outside with you in this lovely spring weather. I love this time of year! I think the time is past to spray an oil onto your apricot tree branches, but years ago one of our gardeners said before the buds come on the tree to spray a certain type of oil to get rid of the bugs BEFORE they can damage the tree. (Maybe a nursery can tell you what type of oil it is or do an online search too). I know apricot trees can be pruned right after they bear fruit,in the summer, which is different than waiting until January comes around, and I am not sure why, but there is an online site about pruning apricot trees too. Hope this info helps.
I adore your granny frock! What a sensible idea to wear over your own clothes to keep them from getting paint on them.
lots of love,
Miss Teresa
Thanks again for bringing spring to us folks in the cold. I just took the garbage out & it’s 21, windy & snowing lightly.
It’s supposed to be 12 tonight, wind chills could end up below zero.
They showed a future cast prediction of snow coming this weekend. My city showed 15.9 inches! They said it might be wrong & there could be less. What, a weather forecast be wrong??? That never happens! :0) I sure hope it’s wrong this time.
I guess we can’t really complain, it was a pretty mild winter here until Feb. & March. came along. They just keep telling us how it was mostly in the 60s & 80s last year in March. We had record highs. What a difference a year makes!
I’m looking at your pictures & trying to feel spring. (sights, sounds, smells, sun) Hey, that’s kind of weird…all the spring things start with an “s”. I didn’t even plan it that way.
Good to see Matty out with you!
Happy Spring!
Oooo, Miss Teresa, the oil sounds incredibly interesting. I will for sure
tell Mister and look into this… Thank you!!
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 3/20/2013 6:30:33 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Happy spring Lovely Laura in 12 degrees, oh my!!! But what beautiful
flowers after the snow…..I know it. Stay warm and cozycakes
😉
oh you are so lucky! We have snow snow snow! 🙁 I’m sick of snow! Its still so cold here! 😀
Maria, snow snow snow you too? Oh my!! You poor girls.
Get under the covers and before you know it, spring will pop up!! ;)))
Brrrrrrrrrr….
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 3/20/2013 7:01:34 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
We had a lovely day….cool breezes, not too hot, but still bright…the birds chirping wildly….a slower pace. No rushing to get in out of the heat or warm up from the cold….just perfectly perfect 🙂
Your day looks like it was, too! How wonderful to see Matty rolling in the clover!
Cameron you are exactly correct. That is just the kind of day we had as
well. Mild and lovely… and no need for a coat, but not feeling hot at
all. Just dreamy… these are the days to love….
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 3/20/2013 7:20:18 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
That blossom is amazing! Our trees here are only just beginning to wake up with their little buds, not much blossom around yet. It’s sad to see a tree might be dying but what a grand finale it will have. I hope you get some helpfu advice about it. :)xx
You’ve made *ME* swoon from the beauty of your blooming peach and apricot trees…so lovely. A lot of things are in bloom here, but not as much as I’d like. We have several infant trees that were planted this year, and because they are growing their roots underground now, there aren’t many leaves or flowers yet. One I’m especially excited about is a Persimmon tree. I’ll be able to walk out my back door, pick ripe fruit off the branch, rinse it, and munch away happily. Yay! I hope it doesn’t take a few years for that bit of bliss. 🙂
Oh yes, a rolling pet is definitely a good sign 🙂 My little kitty boy does that almost every night when I come home from work.
How pretty Spring looks by you, Vanessa! Nothing blooming here yet. Our first day of Spring in Ohio was freezing. It felt colder than a December’s day! And I’m sure I saw a flurry or two sneak past.
Such a beautiful, peaceful post, Vanessa! Oh, I am swooning along with you that Matty was rolling in the clover. Every sign that he feels better is such wonderful news! Love seeing your pups and the blooms and the bees and the hummingbird!
Your talk about your “granny house dress” made me smile! I think it’s cute that you use it as a painting smock, and I LOVE that you were “real” and told us about it and didn’t think, “Oh, I can’t mention that I wear a granny house dress to paint! It would ruin my image!” No, you don’t think that way because your “image” is that you are sweet as can be, unpretentious, and aren’t afraid to wear a granny house dress to paint in if it is perfect for the occasion. : D
Now I’m missing my puppy and wishing NYC was free of snow…
Flowers, puppy dogs, green grass, a very pretty (and eminently practical) floral housecoat, a hummingbird, old trees…sigh, it’s all so lovely… : )
Plus a pic of Matty rolling over to play a little bit (I actually blurted out, “Oooh, look!” right out loud in front of my laptop when I saw it) – that’s the nicest picture of them all.
Such a beautiful day and such a beautiful post – thank you for making the first day of Spring even nicer, Vanessa!
Jess, I think it might have a handful more years, are slowly big pieces of
it die off. I too hope I can save it in time for
sure…
Persimmon, oh my!!!!!
This snow is crrrrrrrazy!
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 3/21/2013 6:55:58 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Jennifer, there you are 😉 So nice to see you! I know, he
rolled, can you believe it? It seemed to be that yesterday afternoon he
was much happier and more active than he has been in a couple weeks.
Hoooooray!!
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 3/21/2013 7:09:12 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Matty used to do this all the time before hew got sick. I have so
much more hope now. Just yesterday afternoon he seemed to take a little
bit even better turn….. hooray!
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 3/21/2013 3:52:23 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Kathy, I was in shock watching the news and all the cold out there
still. Stay warm!! 😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 3/21/2013 4:01:06 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Miss Linda Diane, hahahahahaaaa! You made me laugh in the best way.
Me and my granny house dress, are thinking, hey, maybe we should get a few
more? tee heeee 😉 I have to say, it does make the most
perfect smock. xoxo
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 3/21/2013 4:32:47 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Happy Spring! I am so happy to see Matty frolicking in the clover! Makes me twinkle & glow. ^-^
Yesterday we had a wind storm & some rain… and it was COLD! It so did NOT feel like Spring… lolz… But today is gorgeous. All that wind finally blew the clouds back & we have SUNSHINE!!! It’s still pretty chilly, but so beautiful outside! I’m sitting here eating breakfast, then I’m out to the porch to finish cleaning & clearing & prepping for planting.
I’m going to be planting some of the lovely flower seeds you sent. I can’t wait… ^___^
I hope all your deadlines get met soon, so that you can run outside & play some more!
XOXO
I hope the seeds still work!!! Wishing wishing!!!
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 3/21/2013 10:06:29 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
What a talented photographer you are sweetie! to catch that hummer..it’s just beautiful… as are all the rest.
Wish I could help with the tree but maybe if you find an arborist in the phone book and call him maybe he will give you some hints or at least a free estimate? …possibly… worth a try.
Happy Spring to you too 🙂
xoxo
Deb
Thank you sweet Deb!!! 😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 3/21/2013 12:49:52 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
I’m so glad Matty is doing well, enjoying life; That’s all any of us can do.
That humming bird of yours looks like a trinket!
Nothing in the world wrong with a granny house dress :). Granny’s have the best ideas.
Beautiful pictures. Nice to see Mattie roling around in the clover.
I spent the day yesterday cleaning out one of my flower beds. Pulling all the brown, dry stuff off all the beautiful new green shoots. Finding the few little flowers that are already blooming.
I love spring. I makes me heart happy.
Such gorgeous blossomy photographs! Felt like I was there with you. I love the sound of your granny popper dress, and the print is so cute 🙂 Here it’s rainstorms and Siberian cold, unlike the equinox last year when it was so sunny and blossomy. But the daffodils are still bravely holding out against the storms, battered but a brave symbol of spring.
The first day of Spring will always be a favorite, not only because of the sense of anticipation of new beginnings, but because it’s my wedding anniversary. Thank you for sharing your beautiful pics, wish I could snuzzle Matty too (I know he wouldn’t want me to though, heh).
Oh Miss Vanessa, It is good to see that someone is getting Spring type weather. Here in Michigan it is 25 and snowing a little. Your photos are so beautiful. Oh, that wonderful Humming bird, you captured the moment and is so amazing.
Matty and Miles both look like they are having a wonderful time in the tall grass. Matty looks like he feels better, I am so happy about that. We are still sending positive thoughts your way.
Oh, Happy Anniversary!!!!! 😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 3/21/2013 6:12:30 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Thank you Miss Linda, we all thank you. Snow flurries, I cant
imagine it. I was outside planting onions just now – but it got dark at
7:08. Alas your land will be green and so magical all summer long.
It wont be too much longer 🙂
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 3/21/2013 6:20:08 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
oh dear, V… I just realized that the life expectancy of fruit trees is not as great as non-fruit trees 🙁 In Texas the average is 15-20 years so it’s probably not much different there…just a thought but on arbor day, you could plant another peach? 🙂
big hugs,
Deb
make that apricot LOL
Yay! Spring and Matty are doing wonderful things in your “neck of the woods!” It’s cold and lightly snowy here in Kansas. I am trying to be patient, especially since we were teased last week with a beautiful 85* take a long walk outside in short sleeves kind of day!
I love seeing Matty rolling in the clover and Miles’ sweet face snubbed down into the green to get a big whiff of whatever dogs are smelling in the ground!
The blossoms are beautiful! I hope you can find a way to save the apricot tree. I have a cherry tree like that. I don’t want it to leave.
I was pleased to read your post, keep up the good work.
Happy Spring and thank you for the beautiful photos, it gives me hope that Spring will get here soon! xo
Oh Hooooorah for your beautiful Spring!! We had snow on the first day of Spring here! But it’s all but melted now! Come on leaves and flowers!!! : )
Matty boy…..I check here every day to see how he’s doing….
love that you’re wearing a snappy frock!
So sweet! I recognize that second Matty face well. Mal makes it all the time when he rolls around on his back and makes funny growly pup noises.
You do make spring sound so inviting! I can’t wait till it gets here!
Happy Spring!!! I’ve been away for soooo long… Too much being a responsible adult. Oh well. All the beautiful trees in bloom with the soft fregrance of life to come, lovely!!! I’m sorry Matty has been ill but glad he is on the road to repair and enjoying spring too.
Pssst… Between you and me… I’ll confess to owning not one but two granny snap-up housecoats. And, yes they are very comfy, especially as warm weather is on its way. I’ve washed them so many times all the paint has worn off the button snaps -lol-
Have a really great day.
Always, Queenie
Happy Spring, dear friend! I am here! SOOOOO delighted to see beautiful signs of spring where you are. Bees and hummingbirds…oh my! And Matty! He looks WONDERFUL! How fun to see him walking, basking in the nice weather, and enjoying time with his mama. 🙂 It is still chilly here, I will admit. But we have crocuses in yellow and purple – and other little buds are doing their best to spring forth from the earth. I created up a storm on the first day of spring…the fever took me over! xoxo
Snow covers our ground here, too. However, the days are longer, the birds sing earlier, and before the snow this week, my daffodils and herbs were waking up. So glad Matty was rolling and happy in the clover. Fur family – just have to love them.
Our plum tree, apricot tree, and peach tree are all 30 years old. The peach tree is a Nathan Hale which produces enormous peaches, but the tree is beginning to loose large branches too, but it does still have a lot of blossoms on it already for this spring right now…probably 100 blossoms on one side of the tree! It has not rained for a couple of weeks, so it looks as though the blossoms have ‘set’ for this spring. I am looking forward to making lots of apricot and plum jam and freezing peaches by the time summer arrives.
Have a lovely weekend!
Miss Teresa
Thank you for taking me on your walk. I love the photos….especially the bee bottoms!
Miss Teresa,
Our apricot tree is huge, I paced it out at about30 steps wide….
half of it is looking less full for sure. The other beautiful, and it must
be near 40 year old too.
You can see the bugs working, when the sap starts to make huge bubbled out
of the bark…. I hope it lives a few years more, I love it so so
much.
The peach tree is about as old. And doing grand.
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 3/22/2013 9:29:38 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
The pix of the boys made me swoon! Especially Matty rolling in the clover and Miles sniffing the ground so intently. So glad Matty’s on the mend.
Me too M, thank you!! 😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 3/24/2013 12:32:47 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
sweet furry guy
is so tres clever !!
“””” rolling around in the clover “””
{{ somepinkflower love
to you }}
I was in Hawaii the first day of Spring. It was so amazing! I didn’t have allergies! L.A. is very polleny.
When I look at my Scoutie I sometimes am so full of love I can’t stand it. She better never leave me!