The Splendor in Surprising Scenery

There's something special about walking through the woods in that time between fall and winter. The summer greenery has faded. The bright vivid hues of the autumn leaves have crumbled into a flat, muted brown. The trees have become bare and the snow has yet to come and stick around. The scenery for lack of a better word, has become drab. The trees blend into the ground which blends back into the soft ebb and flow of the landscape. The sky is either overcast and grey or filled with the harsh brightness of the late year sun.

But this is part of the charm. Without heavy cover of the leaves and without the privacy of the bushes, it's like the curtains on the outskirts of the woods have opened up to the forest within. Like an old, antiquated house with the windows bare and yawning, you can now gaze at the treasures found within. A fallen oak tree stands center stage, its majestic girth leaving you in awe. The secret lives of the woodland critters have been exposed- a squirrel's every antic, a deer's peaceful foray, a twittering bird. That little brook is finally uncovered, babbling along and caressing rocks blanketed with moss. Each vivid burst of color whether it's the green living skin on a ledge or the flash of a bluebird is more valuable, more beautiful against the monotone background.

Usually you're by yourself. All the rest have retreated indoors to their homes or coffee shops or the mall. Each step you take is a new footprint on an unmarked path. The leaves crunch underneath. The chipmunk scurry past with a little less apprehension. As a tiny singular human body, you literally blend into the woodland, unnoticed by the wildlife, with only your breath to keep you company.

Hiking during this time of the year is seeing the same sight with a new perspective. A pink flower in the spring is beautiful, a green canopy in the summer is gorgeous, but can you find the splendor in a scene that wouldn't typically evoke a reaction? Go out to the woods today, see for yourself.

What did you find that is beautiful?

Weekend Frolics and Photos

I made this curtain. I desperately needed to get rid of the dusty blinds that came with the place in the bathroom and voila. A pretty café curtain that lets light in and lets no one see me taking a pee.

• Okay, I didn't make the whole thing. The white curtain came as a set of two from Target's clearance section. (Does anyone else walk manically up and down the end-units looking for the clearance sections? I know it's not just me. Fess up, people.) But! I did add all the pretty green embellishments and the ties. Recognize the fabric? It came from my seat covers.

Went to the Farmer's Market here in Highland Square and discovered garlic scape. Never heard of these things. They are endlessly fun to play with and delicious in all sorts of dishes, like this Farmer's Market Polenta I made with cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and the fabulous garlic scape.

  

I took a million and one photos for vintage clothing featuring the lovely Sarah. Here is her frame-by-frame dramatic monologue as she discovers a butterfly, gets drenched in a rainfall, swipes a spider off her arm, and finds the butterfly once more. Maybe it was one of those things where you had to be there, but you have to admit, she's fascinating to watch.

 

• P.S. The gauzy white top will be for sale soon. It's perfect to throw on for summer!

We, then, discovered a poor little egg outside. I'm a bleeding heart so now it's all wrapped up and nestled in a blueberry carton and warming underneath a reading lamp. It's hopeless, I know, but I can't just abandon the poor baby!

 

Last but not least, a gratuitous photo of my kitty, Chanel. She is spunky, and awesome, and comes with much less baggage than her namesake. Is she not the best cat in the world, I mean, really?!

How was your weekend? You can post your pictures on the Birdcage Bohemia Facebook and request to be added to the Pretty Weekend Photos board on Pinterest so you can post your pretty photos anytime!