We have been on the cusp of change for awhile now. Soon, a clear line will be drawn. This spring has been so lovely. So much has happened in so many little and big ways. With more still to come.
Birds built nest, eggs were layed, nestlings nourished, and fledglings flew. Caterpillers captured, fennel chewed down, chrysalis's formed, butterflies emerged, and then released. Poppies came and went. And so did the bluebonnets. There were larkspurs and sweet peas, jasmine, and evening primrose. Delicate, sweet smelling beauties. Oh April was delightful.
The rains have come. The river is flowing. I can't remember the last time there was so much water in these parts. You should see how vibrant the green is these days. Electric. We are studying pond life because well, we have ponds again.
If you'd judge me by the looks of my yard, you just might think I've fallen off the deep end. It's wild out there right now. Crazy wild. Thick stands of firewheels galore. In both the front and the back yard. Don't ask. I swear I sprinkled Black Prairie Mix last fall. Otherwise, I have two beds of beans, one bed of tomatoes, another of peppers, and three of garlic and onions. All happy so far. I have around 20 lavender bushes started as tiny twigs two years ago. They are so very full and blooming. The stuff dreams are made of, really. But now with all this rain, I pray their feet stay dry enough to survive! And then there is the sunflower situation. They are tall and abundant. They create a little forest of their own.
Our neighbors left us a few weeks ago. It's been quiet without them here. Their daughter and our daughter grew up together these last three and a half years. And now, it's just Bea and I during the day. It's funny how we adapt though. Each day is less and less quiet as we get use to the new now.
We've closed the chapter on adoption. No more waiting. Life is calling our little family and we are beyond ready.
In two weeks, I'll close down The Natural Child for good. It's been fun, but I'm daydreaming of what's beyond. I am certain of a few small details (well, with as much certainty as life throws at ya): the porch will acquire a picnic table (adult size, thank you!), a string or two of twinkly lights, some hanging and non-hanging plants, and maybe, just maybe, a cool reclining lawn chair.
Otherwise, the plan for this summer is to unwind, unwind, and unwind some more. To sit on my porch. To sip sun tea. To bask in the sun. To listen for birdsong, cicadas, and crickets. To trim sunflowers for tabletop jars. And to breathe.
Hoping all is well on your end. And as always, thanks for stopping by.
XO,
Nichole
Beautiful post! Thank you for sharing your here and now.
Regarding lavender, I've had no luck, and it's always a letdown when it dies, usually in its second year. I'm thinking about trying again in a raised bed that's amended with sand for extra draining. Any suggestions for keeping it healthy?
Posted by: Brittany | May 19, 2015 at 09:11 PM
So beautiful. Just got back from visiting Wichita Falls TX. Flowers and pond life everywhere!
Posted by: Ruth | May 20, 2015 at 10:07 AM
Thank you for a beautiful post!
Posted by: Rochelle | May 23, 2015 at 08:28 PM
Hi Nichole! SO good to pop in over here and have there be a new post to eat up and enjoy. your photos are incredible. all of them. but those first two, and Bea in black and white with her hat, looking like a little lady.... and the cow against the tree...... wow.
It sounds so beautiful in your part of the world right now. I keep dreaming of getting in the car with Claire some time and heading for Texas, but I don't know when that will happen. one of these days, though. sure seems like spring is the time to do it! (school is in until June 11th here this year though, which means work for me until then) I'd love to see your wildflower yard, it sounds perfect. and claiming your porch (your whole home!) back for you and yours.... that must feel good.
loads of changes, and you sound ready for them. wishing you all a beautiful late spring!
xo
Posted by: amanda | May 24, 2015 at 06:28 AM
Yes, my happiest lavender is in raised beds. But with the rain this weekend, who knows what will come of it. It is so, very lovely though. I use garden soil from Gardenville topped with mulch. I don't do anything fancy for it or my other herbs. I think they like junky soil more than the healthy stuff. Once they are established, I rarely water (even in dry years). My herbs thrive!!
Posted by: Nichole | May 24, 2015 at 04:01 PM
Aw...we drive through Wichita Falls when we travel west.
Posted by: Nichole | May 24, 2015 at 04:02 PM
You are so welcome! Thank YOU for visiting!
Posted by: Nichole | May 24, 2015 at 04:03 PM
Those longhorns are cute, aren't they??
I wish you could come visit too!! Yes, spring rocks out here, especially this year (we've had a good amount of rain!) Bea and I might be road tripping to Missouri this fall to visit Rocky Ridge (Laura and Almanzo's farm) and Baker Creek Seed Farm (it's in the same town). Wanna meet up for a quick rendezvous?
Posted by: Nichole | May 24, 2015 at 04:06 PM
that sounds amazing, but........ what part of 'meet me in Missouri' is a quick rendezvous?? ;) do keep me posted, though- it all depends on the school calendar for me, really.
Posted by: amanda | May 24, 2015 at 05:16 PM
Tee hee hee! MO is ONLY 9 hours from here. That's practically next door for us. An easy day of driving....:) It takes 12 hours to drive across TX!! So... I didn't map NC to MO, but it felt about equal distance when I visualized it in my mind. I dunno.... maybe it's something like 12 or 15 hours! Would be fun! We could go in October. I think Laura and Almanzo have an apple orchard.
Posted by: Nichole | May 24, 2015 at 05:53 PM
End of an era to see your little school close. I can imagine it'so bittersweet. Please let me know if your materials need a new hom & if you are selling them at some point. I'm opening a program here in the hill country & would love to take them off your hands. Would be an excuse to see you too after all this time.
Posted by: Sarah | May 25, 2015 at 06:10 PM
Beautiful pictures, as always! It looks like you all are having a wonderful spring! Can I ask, now that you are shutting down the natural child, are you planning on homeschooling Bea 100%? And will you still use Montessori as a base or a mix of things? I ask because my son is 6 and this year will be our first "official" homeschooling year (though we've been doing it since he was born). Of course I have my ideas and plans already, but i love to see what others, especially professionals like you, are doing!
Posted by: Mindy VanderLinden | May 27, 2015 at 02:53 PM