Late August night,
I'm dozing in bed —
crickets sturdily cheeping —
elm nodding its head —
suddenly, flare!
glaring swath —
star, plummeting —
singed path.
If only some giant
had tossed that huge ball
through galaxy air —
if it hadn't fallen
and snuffed itself out
blazing along its arc,
but lay safe, nestled
in a glove in the dark
(a fireproof mitt:
thick clouds, congealed) —
the fielder pivoting
at the edge of the field. . . .
by Elsie Partridge from Fielder's Choice
I'm wrapped in a late summer cocoon. With the day job and night classes there are so few days of uninterrupted space. Instead of blog writing or reading I take the time to enjoy the silence, the warmth, the full moon. The patio and porch need to be nestled in with a book and a journal. I'm happy to do what I can. 
Journal construction is almost wrapped up. Holes are marked and punched. The waxed thread is rounded up. I consult an old standby on bookmaking to review the longstitch. Distractions occur.
Wyatt Earp reviews the take offs and landings of scrub jays. He plots his ascent into the jacaranda tree, forgetting that the thin limbs won't hold his weight.
Eventually the pace will slow down and more regular blogging will resume. Until then I leave you with these smartly composed collages to consider. Beautiful narratives don't you think?
After seeing this I am now clear on the next book I'll be starting. If you like birds and funny people you'll want to have a look:
wow! Mary Ann – great poem – the fielder pivoting – a thing of beauty. And you got me with the Youtube video – one clicked that book, lickety split. Love Bill Bryson – I think this will be just as funny and as enlightening. Love seeing your new journal unfolding too. And newly minted second graders – smiles that gleam – keep on having FUN! xo fran
The book cover was so fabulous I laughed out loud and dragged my 13-year-old son away from his Nintendo to see it. And in spite of his grumbling, he laughed, too. What greater accolades can there be?
Thank you for sharing all these goodies. And please tell Mr. Earp that a dream hunt is the best hunt of all.
Wishing you space and quiet time.
this is so cool. thanks for the head’s up on this book. i love birding and i love funny people, and i’m convinced that birds are the funniest people, even as they live in earnest.
and, oh…THAT CAT!
I love those daft English blokes (they remind me of home).
How would we find these treasures without you?
I do envy everyone you teach!
You make me laugh. 🙂
Ah, Pancho, you bring us all the good things. The birders, Wyatt Earp and the full moon. Life is complete.
This moon is making it’s appearance all over…so magical…
enjoy your lazy hazy dayz of summer while you can.
No Way!! That moon!! How did you do that? tripod? what? First glance at the waiting signatures – I thought it was a sunny view of an outdoor patio with cream colored furniture; shadows are quite architectural. I love it when perceptions are challenged.
What night class are you doing?
BTW, thanks for that collage link, refreshing!
Thanks, Mary Ann. I will leave you your well-deserved space!
Oh, look! a photo of my favorite cat. Not that Wyatt Earp and I have ever met, but with a name like that, how could I not love him? I mean, really?
I am interested in the unveiling of your process. Great photos.