A hummer Lori would have loved. Thoughts of my beloved twin who wanted me to go into photography. Yes indeed I took the plunge and threw myself into it. Lori wanted me to work on doing something more with my life then physical toil. She was a driving force, always supportive and encouraging. She told me I could do anything and I am finally at the point I embrace this as a life focus. It brings me joy and I feel the closeness of her in every shot I take! This pair of bald eagles on an overcast day......just another photo she would have loved. 

 

 To my beloved twin....

A view you loved and sent me of your cute little home you wanted to be yours forever. Not a day goes by without my missing you, the messages in the morning and the calls. I miss the time we spent together...all your beautiful photos you shared.....the love and laughter of our lives my built in best friend, ally and beloved twin throughout time itself....our bond can't be broken....I see you in all the beauty God created..

My twin sister, who enjoyed hiking and photography, Lori Martinson Christie has passed on from a relentless disease called ALS. Her beloved children were amazing in their support and loving care of her at the end. Andrea stood by her side til the very end. Robert flew out and spent time with her before his return. Our brother, Scott came, our cousin Dan and our family did what we could to make her feel loved. Our sisters, Lisa and Laura cared for her a week before she was placed in a hospital for the remainder of her life. Her beloved fiancee Dean spent what time he could to be with her, her first husband Richard traveled to see her and second husband Leonard as well. Everyone that could make it came to say their farewells til we meet again.

From the onset of symptoms 1 1/2 years ago....her view was it had to be the mold in the home she resided in. She had lived there for around three years. She was still hiking but at home she sunk into watching TV or social media immersion and expressed a feeling of depression. This was not the fun loving twin who danced, and embraced her life! She began dating her third love, Dean Flowers and became focused on pursuing a new exciting chapter of her life. As they dated, it turned into love and they chose to move into his home together. This included her leaving behind that home with the mold issues that the owner failed to fix correctly. I helped her move by packing up her entire home and cleaning it. Then she suddenly started having physical issues, twitches, balance issues, emotional issues pertaining to sudden tears and anger at times. There was a steady decline but she fought hard to get better choosing homeopathic care. She had what appeared to be a brief enough remission to go out with me to watch my son perform with a band...I had to hold her hand to keep her steady while she walked. She asked if she could dance with my husband and was able to only for two song..how joyous she was!

As I looked back on her facebook page I saw how she had actually hiked 6 miles only 11 months prior to passing on. She did see a neurologist finally but got her final diagnosis at UW ALS Clinic only six weeks prior to her death. She was in a hospital for the last weeks of her life. Moved to Sequim but the private home didn't work out. She then was taken to the hospital in bad shape in Port Angeles, WA. She called me saying she had only 2 days left. We had to take a boat for 4 hours and drove 2 hours to make it there. She could talk but it was a different voice we heard. There is dialogue I wish to share....these are things she said. "Romy, Romy, Romy, save me!" "Romy, Romy, Romy, help me!" "Romy, Romy Romy dont let them kill me!" and so much more. As I began to cry in the corner after she got medication...she looked over at me and said..."What do we do when people cry? We sing!" and made cute little noises. Lori was moved at her daughter, Andrea's request to a room with an open water view....she told her that was she was in a castle by the sea. My brother held her hand as she slipped away. We started breathing within 8 minutes of each other and walked together throughout our lives...and now I walk alone.... I will see her in all the beauty the world has to offer...

An early spring, brings the Apricot blossoms that promise the fruits of the season to be.....

It is short lived as is nature's compromise, snow and high winds....the blooms are gone, the fruit not to be. There are other trees that had budded but not bloomed, they still have a chance. The coming weeks will bring more snow, winds and ice...











Is this not unlike our lives? There will be beauty and light....mixed with the times that are hard and most challenging. We are all just stewards upon the earth..our time unknown. It is not the time spent upon this earth but what we accomplish with that time that defines us.

A Spirit Flies Free......My Friend Megan

Megan, the friend I needed at a time when she needed me. Our friendship blossomed as we cherished each others compassion, ability to confide and share our lives like windows into each other's worlds. She saw life as beautiful in everything and everyone. Walking on a beach with her feet in the sand was a simple pleasure she would pine for when winter began. Her dreams were endless and her focus so clear.

She adored nature and all that it encompassed of the plants ,flowers and trees. She was a fun loving young woman full of light! Woodpeckers held a special place with her. Megan had a pet chicken, a home she was restoring of her Grandmothers, and a path....filled with plans and possibilities! Truly a blessed woman of faith showing her kindness and goodness with every act. Our friendship seemed timeless and it was. 

Megan began a journey through that which others merely contemplate the challenges of, including myself. In her mid twenties, she is hit with hard news and truly the unthinkable. How does one make sense of cancer at any age? Her Mother, feeling the trauma of disbelief begins with fervent prayers and as others learn it is done on all fronts.

 She shares her news publicly on a forum she loves. First a surgery, radiation and chemo...then more prayers and faith is rewarded....a blessed remission. Sunsets over the water, flowers that bloom and a life filled with hope. A loving Mother embracing a bright future that seems visible on the horizon. The triumph is felt and life is embraced once more. 

It is not to be, the remission fades into bone cancer. A chilling message, tears unseen but felt. It can't be real, she is only in her late twenties but it is.  More treatments, chemo and she is weakened. There is hope, prayers and faith. She won't give up or give in, she fights. She has chosen her course with her doctor, she believes she will be healed. The unimaginable, brain cancer sets in and more treatments, walking with a cane, struggling to exist and not giving up. Our friendship continues, she writes of pain and perseveres, always questioning how my life is with good spirits. A blood transfusion and the treatments continue. There is a lapse of contact, but she writes on a site based on fiber art all her updates which I read and respond to there. I struggle with the reality,  not believing this can continue. There is the why but I relent, I accept and understand I must try to come to terms. I write her, feeling this very strong foreboding...is she ok? She writes of more pain but asks me in her last message about my life's plans and how I am. How very beautiful her spirit truly is.....

There is no response to my last message...... Then I see one, and my instant relief fades to an expression of loss. Her Mother, Darlene has understood my concern and tells me most graciously of her passing on. Megan is now free from worldly concerns.  The pain that cancer is and the struggle to overcome that which became overwhelming and seemingly insurmountable is now gone. Megan is 29.

Picture donated in memory of Megan by Lori Christie. 

Life's small pleasures.

A Christmas gift became a little adventure admist the snowy winter. It provoked an instant smile and then it was put away....for weather more befitting it's existence. The warmth of one day became the 50 degree change to another blizzard like day. Seldom did the weather stay consistent and the box remained. Finally, unable to resist I began the great Oyster Pearl Mushroom saga in January. I followed the directions found on the box called "The Mushroom Mini Farm." The first little mushrooms emerged making me feel victorious within the first two weeks as expected! Only to shrink back and they did not develop their caps.

Undaunted by the bleak results of wilted little mushrooms the first round, I simply kept up the care of the little box of spores, just figuring more must be there to replace the first dismal results. One day I had decided recently just to put them in the window sill where there is sheltered indirect light....covered with plastic and watered once. A week went by....and like magic, there they were! Three big and amazing Oyster Pearl Mushrooms..Yummy sauteed in butter..oh my!

During the week the Oyster Pearl Mushrooms were doing their things, I was working on a Mohair Fleece, which I first picked out the vm and then dyed it with strawberries, blueberries and coffee. I did use a mordant made of water and salt, 3 parts to 1 for the berry dye and vinegar of the same ratio with water which simmered the fleece first for an hour. While the fleece simmered in the mordant, I placed berries in water which also simmered for an hour 1 part berries to 1 part water. For the coffee color I just made expresso on my stove. Then hot fleece was added to hot dye which I strained berries out first and it sat all night long to produce Easter colors!

Then with a spindle I created Mohair yarn for the first time from fleece! I had spun up Suffolk wool a few years ago, then some Icelandic fleece but this..was amazing!

Now my thoughts linger on planting...oh I am so drawn to new things.......It may be cold but the will is there and the window sill inviting....mmmmmm

Roads less traveled are those that catch us by surprise.... I find myself in Colorado a midst a dry and cold backdrop existing in a time of transition. The white blanketing of the snows and the sharp cold of arctic fronts have been a stark contrast to home. That word identifies with it the location one finds themselves in... Home in the most relative terms is where you hang that hat and refer to as your residence.... Or is it really more the conception of where you find yourself residing at the time you reflect upon it? For now, this is home....rocks cutting deeply into soft blue skies....

Today I am also here, in the embrace of a trip seemingly such a short time ago...to the Oregon coast where I feel most connected to all that is beautiful in the world. Our perception of memories mixed with the reality of the present day. There is a road not yet revealed and I will not hesitate to take it....

Fall Approaches...

Each day brings us closer to the vivid dance of Fall leaves, cool air and a world of hibernation. All plants adjust to steady their survival of the Winter to come. The cold weather germinations include the brilliant Oriental Poppy , the delicate Clematis, fragrant Honeysuckle and more....the king over them all is the sturdy Great Washington Nettle. As the the stalks begin to brown, they gift their seeds, able to survive for decades, ensuring their great presence remains. Misunderstood, often spoken of with disdain, their gifts are many for those who choose to accept them. The trees and all other summer yield are coming to a close. The berries and many fruit trees still part of a of a myriad display in September. The Fall vegetables will take their place yet many flowers will remain. Even up through the snow there will be the fragile Lavender Crocus....The world breathes deeply, a rest of sorts before the winter sweeps in.

As the year has passed, it is time I got back on track with my blog~! As summer is dawning, the flowers are on brilliant display....From the light lavender of Nelly Moser Clematis, the soft yellows of honeysuckle, delicate blossoms of raspberries, marionberries, black berries and currants. The old plum tree is waning, a host to butterflies, little fruit but my significant other treasures this aging tree...nearly ready to let her go...she hangs on with snowy white blossoms on just a few branches.... The rhodies are on parade, the Wood Fuschia is covered in blooms, Pink Jasmine summons her followers of hummingbirds, Flowers are everywhere....




On Mothers Day, we had a near miss, our massive double trunked cedar nearly fell on our home, one tree was cracked 3/4 of the way down and was creaking, groaning and swinging towards our home! It was due to a twisted branch in the one tree beside holding the other back in an embrace which truly spared our lives! The trees are over 70 feet high, it was an emergency cutting by a professional tree cutting service, they boated over and with great care, cut them down and cut up the logs into pieces we can split. For those who have been given a second chance, we are now among them!


Yes....firewood to mix with alder, maple and....perhaps a few solid rounds could be outdoor tables after drying with a finish....sigh..they were beautiful trees!

Winter just stayed...then the Spring stretched into a long beginning! Trees cared not for this delay, lost in the coolness and often 30's temperatures reigned over plants emerging and flowers blooming. Sweaters one day and tank tops the next, confusion and layers to wear. I find my way around the vibrant Great Nettles, that had been covered in snow of recent, towering at heights surpassing those of years past! Hydrangeas budding and Rhodies transforming a Florida feel to our front yard. Mints and herbs, garlic and Comfrey, even potatoes are up...what to plant, when to plant...I am excited but torn between a loss of seedlings to be or waiting....that painful waiting to begin....planting to create a pallet of chosen plants with their array of variety and the splashes of color and scents....

I am reminded of this time and it brings me back each year to....the evening that descends and...

As the sun sets over the water, the air is drenched with the nuances of Honeysuckles mixed with other florals, roses plus pines and the waves kick up the deep water scents combined. It is my gift for a time to see this, through the windows of my realm...borrowed and quite treasured with every moment in time!

Winter is Coming!

As I look over stormy waters, twisting trees, and soaring Eagles, my gaze lowers to the earth below. It is like that here, you feel as if you are floating above the water and get lost in what you see! They are sneaking their last peak, the Tea Roses, my last rose to bloom near Winter, one of my first to bloom this Spring! Facing the elements of strong winds, drenching rains and no escape from the sun as it comes out...the Tea Rose is my sentinel at the edge of my bluff! The Brilliant Colors of the Rhodies in Purples, Pinks and Whites from the warm winds of summer...pale at the feet of this single lady of soft repose. My table is adorned with it's simple lace and the vase sits empty....the Royal Blue Hydrangeas drooped quickly from their prominent display at seasons end....The rose....She calls out to come in and take their place. For such a short while, she will grace my table. Her blooms are delicate yet strong enough to withstand the elements as are we all! Stand against the wind, feel the edge of the world and know, your spirit is invincible!

Summer into Fall...

The summer began with coolness, in total disregard that the season had changed. Yet by August, the skies brightened their intensity, the sunsets deepened in color and the sun warmed the island. A late summer, surely welcome and yet, waning as the evening again cools and the days, simply warm now....fleeting as false a promise as it began! September comes early and the winds change, the waters ready for the storms to come... It is time now for the last dance.....of Summer.

The Promise of Garlic!

Each year, the soil is carefully prepared, dug, composted and raked and raked, it is turning to Fall. The dried Bulbs of German Heirloom Purple Striped Garlic await their turned down bed on a cool evening in October. A trench is traced into the light dark soil, each one carefully placed to face the sun's kiss as they are covered from it's view. Mulch is applied as their cover for their winter's rest. As the seasons change, the light raking uncovers their peaking tips emerging from the soil. It is magical to see how fast they grow in the sun and bathe in the rains of Spring. As all planting around them busies my hands, I marvel at their stalks standing tall at attention as the other beds feature the babies of a vegetable nature. Then the agonizing wait, while other harvests are made, the summer bears on and their scapes emerge like spears through their centers forming curls with the rounds of bulbils crowning their tips. At long last, the rounds split revealing the purple gems inside inviting the cutting of the scapes. As they are drying, the Garlic Bulbs below the ground continue to grow, their lower leaves begin to yellow. Every day they are admired and salivated over, when will it be time? Today was the time of the Garlic's unveiling! Something quite unique stood out, a batch of Garlic planted not in Fall but in January, an experiment of sorts...on the edge of a 240 foot embankment facing the water in full sun. To display proper tribute to this culinary delight the world over enjoys for it's many health benefits and unrivaled flavor....a picture is truly worth a thousand words! This is the January planted Garlic....

To begin a Garlic bed most affordably, the bulbils are planted for first year small bulbs and then those have the cloves separated for the following years yield. From 50 can spring up to 350 garlic in merely two seasons! If you wish to possess these unique hardneck Bulbils...you may click here for more information. http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/showthread.php?t=408686

A Symbol Of Freedom!

A lone Eagle soars over head, majestic and regal in it's ascent. Hardly aware of it's importance to our nation, the Eagle is oblivious to it's own graceful existence. When the storms rage over the water, the Eagle bravely sets out, riding the winds as they bend the trees, floating on the air with a mighty strength in the great expanse of it's open wings.

The Eagle stands as a solitary Symbol of our country and our freedom. It is our young men who set out against mighty storms to serve their country, through the untested waters, over unsure grounds, facing imminent dangers and yet, they set off fearlessly leaving all of those they love behind to serve. It is my honor to know such a young man and have him join our family. Jeff is serving in the Navy, sacrificing to serve his country, newly married to our daughter Michelle with a young son he will not see for six months. His dedication and loyalty surpasses that of his years not unlike those he serves with. To them and to all who serve our country, it is with my deepest gratitude, I say "Thank you!"

Island Wedding, Flowers, Sand and Shells!

The wedding cake has fresh flowers dancing upon it on it's three tiered layers, shells, flowers and sand in glass, candles float on every table. The Bride sees through soft sea green eyes shining beneath the curls and swept up hair with a single iridescent flower. The Groom's deep green Eyes mirror hers in their intensity and the love they share is apparent in the flame they ignite. Their vows are written from their hearts and said quietly as waves hit the shore behind them. A single passionate kiss, as the sun casts a brilliant shine upon them. He lifts her off her feet in his arms.

Summer fruits and harvests!

As Summer sweeps us into warm days filled with sun, fun and laughter with our families, still the gardens grow on. We water only sometimes in our climate blessed with rain. The cooler temperatures were welcomed as warm never got hot. The Royal Red Currants were first with their wickedly tart undertones into the preserves and freezer they went. The Cascade Raspberries were next with their succulent flavor, so juicy fresh or in preserves and freezer alike. Next rounds the Blackberry, a circle from a year's time. It looks to be a bounty this year, to make up for last year's fail. The Egyptian Onions graced every dish, the Strawberries were served a top a wedding fare Cheesecake for many guests. Italian Sage crowned chicken and fish, the mints were simply tead up! As Summer nears it's end, the formal stand of German Purple Striped Garlic Scapes tower in the garden with Jerusalem Artichokes standing at attention. There are pumpkins blooming and budding, low lying herbs and the odd potato volunteers of a culinary sort. Just as it seems to wind down, the Fall garden will come alive!

Spring Flowers, Lost in the Moments!

As Spring descends early at our island haven, the flowers fill the air with the sweet scent of lilacs, nuances of wild flowers and the coming of the breathtaking Rhododendrons and Clematis. The Honeysuckle will soon spread it's perfume to permeate my front yard with months of nature's finest perfume! The lovely Roses will join the event with their fragrant addition to the show!

Eagles have been soaring over breaching whales! Every day is heralded by another of nature's glimpses into the magnificence of what is!

In my modest gardens, Purple Striped Garlic and Egyptian onions are in competition in heights of an early harvest's promise. The chives and onions greens have graced my table for two months. The herbs and teas are ready to enjoy, the currants have flowered, the Plum tree and so much more! On my table sits a bouquet of Red Rhododendron and White lilac upon a lace table cloth...simply elegant. Sigh, I do so love the Spring!

April Storms on the Island!

The winds were howling, debris was flying....cozy indoors with a warm fire burning in the woodstove....CRASH! Alarmed, I rush outside, besides my trellis beside my home leaning...I didn't see anything of concern at my home or in my yard. Suddenly it hits me...that unfortunate tree, the huge Maple at my neighbor's home, the vacation home owner's, had fallen! At one point years ago, it had been hit by lightening and it bore the blackened scars. Despite some limbs snapping off and some insistent advice to take down his tree, this neighbor only comes here a few times a year. I am sure he put it out of his mind as someday...he would get around to this someday..... Life can be like this, putting off the little things filed under....SOMEDAY! We can realize that it is the sign of these times with high technology and the world at our finger tips that someday is reserved for some special inconsequential things or so we think! I once took a picture of a dear friend with her husband kissing on their boat. They laughed when I took it but...he passed on a young man quite unexpectedly and the last pic together was the one I took! Treasured by his wife, someday they might have had portraits again together but this....was what she has today!

Storms blow over but they leave the damage behind! As we watch the storm, safe inside we consider what damage this one will bring! We are assured we have taken preventative measures to keep ourselves secure but as with all things, anything could happen......but not someday!

A Love Note......

One day as I was looking out over the water.... I began contemplating my feelings for my husband. How I used to do little things to surprise him with the expressions of my deep love and appreciation. Romance is not contrived, nor is it something we can copy from the pages of someone else's life. It used to be such a simple gesture....yes....a note...but not a card without my words. A love note that said something touching from me that would make his smoldering green eyes soften and just melt! Yet it could not be given lightly, a surprise would be more meaningful. I wrote my love note to him on a pretty piece of paper as I loaded the coffee maker. He takes a great deal of pleasure out of pushing a button, and coming back to his fresh strong steaming coffee in solitude while I am still asleep in the early morning. I set the note carefully in front of the coffee maker. The very last words on the note said, "Wake your loving bride with a kiss!" As I awoke that next morning to a soft kiss and a very surprised husband....I realized I needed to post this. The little things in life mean the very most! I was a bride about 24 years ago and I still see my husband like the day we first met!

Valentine's Day....

There will be Red Hearts in every store, jewelry store ads promoting the glittering diamonds...what every lady wants? The endless boxes of chocolates everywhere we go..... Is it romance we are craving, that special touch that causes the little goosebumps and shivers of pure ecstasy? Oh the soft kisses and snuggling, warm fires and a fragrant bottle of wine....candles.....a decadent dinner or perhaps dinner brought in..... Valentine's day is for love...the absolute appreciation that you do indeed love someone... The expression of which is as varied as the person....

I have created a little something special to commemorate the day... Seashell Roses! These can be placed on a dresser, jewelry box, centerpiece, wreath, or with a nautical display.... For those about to propose...a ring placed in the center of a Seashell Rose? Well you can imagine the reaction! Placed on tables at a wedding....Valentine's Day is a wonderful day for one!

As I walk along the beaches searching for the shells for the roses, the sunsets overhead and the waves softly carry them in, scattering them across the sand.

Each "petal" or shell has a shimmering silvery glitter applied by hand. The rim of each one is also rimmed in a high gloss red glitter. The base shell securely holds each "petal" in rows.

Happy Valentines Day! A lovely Rose for a lady to treasure for years!

If you would like one...write me directly at....romysrealm@gmail.com