El

There is a story there. One day I would like to tell it.

from my own yard to you

The snail gets up and goes to bed with very little fuss. – Kobayashi Issa, 1763 – 1828

despite the steady rain all of the magnolia blooms are keeping their white faces open to the skies

the turtle doves are back I heard their love calls above me while I was brushing my teeth

glowing in the sun morning gift of flamboyance

my actual birthday

Sonnet 98: From you have I been absent in the spring By William Shakespeare From you have I been absent in the spring, When proud-pied April, dressed in all his trim, Hath put a spirit of youth in everything, That heavy Saturn laughed and leaped with him. Yet nor the lays of birds, nor the sweet smell Of different flowers in odour and in hue, Could make me any summer’s story tell, Or from their proud lap pluck them where they grew: Nor did I wonder at the lily’s white, Nor praise the deep vermilion in the rose; They were but sweet, but figures of delight Drawn after you, – you pattern of all those. Yet seem’d it winter still, and, you away, As with your shadow I with these did play.

The willow leaves fall and the clear water has gone, stones lie everywhere. -- Buson

Beside the road a flowing of clear water, in a willow's shade I thought for just a short while to linger and take a rest. -- Saigyo

grateful for this unexpected gift on my birthday. Lovely music!

Consulting with the croakers and peepers sultry days ahead

my sweet little darlings

busy days

Beethoven - String Quartet op. 135 (Lento assai, cantante e tranquillo) ... youtu.be/AQWoDaBZkbE?si=VVsd… via @YouTube

to be among gardenias scenting my study

the magnolia and I eying each other from across the way