A note to find the first blog

For posts from November 2005 until March 2006, see www.larkinplace.blogspot.com

The Crowning of Spring

Spring doesnt officially arrive here in Maine until the ladyslippers and trillium are in bloom. I am blessed enough to have many of these on our half-acre. Bandit and I have been walking the property, taking photos and ducking black flies.
Oh yes, officially spring means you cant be outside without being consumed by nasty little bugs. Layers and bug nets are all that can protect you and they still find skin and dig in. Of course its really comfortable outdoors with several layers on and a hood and a bug net (NOT). Whew, it makes work out of just going outdoors.

Family Pics - Bandit

Bandits birthday was October 21, 2005. This picture was taken May 11th, 2006

Sun Salutation - Surya Namaskar

In many cultures, light has long been a symbol of consciousness and self illumination. In Egypt, the Sun was the God, Ra. In Mayan culture the sun is also a God.
In Christian-Judaism The very primal beginnings stem from the Sun (Genesis)
Our primary source of light is the sun.
In my own Yoga Practice (which encompasses daily living) I have found it necessary to root myself into the primal force. It connects me to all that exists and interconnects, making me
one with it.
The practice of Surya Namaskar begins with ancient Yogic practice of reverring the life giver: The Sun. The ancient Yogis taught us that each of us replicates the world at large, embodying
rivers, seas, mountains, stars, moon and planets. Why not? we are made up of these things! Authorities contend that the sequence is at least 2,500 years old, that it originated during Vedic times as a ritual prostration to the dawn, including mantras, offerings of flowers.
Many variations have evolved. Yogis of today use a basic sequence of 12 "stations" consisting of 8 different poses - funny how these stations can represent the numbers on a clock.
In my own personal practice I have been using only six in this order.. Mountain Pose, Standing Backbend, Downward Dog, Lunge, Childs Pose, Cobra, Childs Pose, Lunge, Downward Dog, Standing Backbend and Mountain Pose. Each pose, is a starting breath either in or out in a counting of three total on each pose. ie.. Mountain Pose (breathe out, breathe in, breathe out), Standing Backbend (breathe in, breathe out, breathe in) and so on.

Desperate for Water.. Creating a water feature

Since the drying of the brook, there must be a new way to hear water running, moving and changing. Yes, this is my first attempt at a water feature!!
Pool bottom for a liner (boy, Id call this low finance), it is slowly becoming something of a haven. Or at least will be after the black flies have ceased devouring me while excavating. How horrible, finally the weather turns warmer and the bugs come. I dont know of another state that has this season.. Literally, its called "Black Fly Season". Yes here in Maine there are actually 6 seasons. Mud, Black Fly, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Guess you can imagine, my favorite is not now.
A funny thing.. Rocks.. rocks are everywhere here.. I live on a rock ledge.. dont even think we can blast a basement out of it. And yet, Ive paid two visits to a rock store to purchase rocks.

Unknown Tree #1

This tree grows wild in my back yard, Maine, Zone 4.
The area is shaded and often wet.
The trunk seems to only get as wide as about 3 inch wide. See mysterytree012
The tallest of these little trees is around 15-20 ft.
The shape of the leaves are interesting indeed.
I just snapped these shots (May 11) as the tree was sprouting tiny green flowers
That are now hanging down as tiny bells.