After the Rain

This spectacular mustard field growing amidst vineyards in Sonoma County captured the hearts and imaginations of many folks who traversed this two lane road this weekend, mine included! I’d set out with the intention of capturing images this week in between the rains that came and went, knowing full well that I was doing the one thing I could do to extend the very brief time these blossoms would be showcasing this particular part of their life cycle this year. Because like it or not, unseasonably warm weather allowed so many plants to enjoy a false early spring, only to be slammed with days and days of frigid temps–and snow! You can imagine how I might be motivated to prolong the false start with my camera, knowing the beauty that has surrounded me these last couple of weeks was about to be cut very very short. So here’s my tribute to an early “spring” and if I get nostalgic (soon) I will at least be able to visit my own post and grin a bit. 🙂

It’s raining, it’s pouring,
The old man is snoring.
He bumped his head, and he went to bed,
And he couldn’t get up in the morning.

– Anon.

First came the camellias, truly one of the most beautiful blessings which I enjoy here in Mendocino County.


I treasure this display immeasureably, so the early emerging of the browning edges on these flowers is a disappointment I will have to weather.

About the same time the quince went aflame.

And this loveliness emerged. Anyone know its name?

Undaunted the storms continued to come in late at night, winds whipping, rains thundering down. In the morning the nearby creek would be rushing with muddy waters.

The rain is raining all around,
It falls on field and tree,
It rains on the umbrellas here,
And on the ships at sea.

– Robert Louis Stevenson

A trip down county revealed snow had fallen on hills normally immune to such freezing displays! A visit to another creek only confirmed the widespread watery reality.

The beauty of these rushing waters is not lost on me. They are a part of my regional heritage and I know, love and respect the natural cycles of Northern California. I have lived through floods, earthquakes and mudslides. They come with the territory of life in this part of the state. Being prepared and cautious gets one through the challenges inherent in choosing to live here.

Beauty is where you find it. Today I chanced upon this lovely altar hidden behind a large wrought iron gate in a small garden near an inn where I was to meet an old friend. What a lovely discovery.

At day’s end the billowing clouds over the mustard fields are already threatening rain as I return northward to Mendo where I am greeted by the small colorful display before my old Buddha, safe out of the falling rain. I am home.

Love and winter blessings,
Kathryn xoxo

Book News: Bookshop Santa Cruz staff has honored Plant Whatever Brings You Joy by placing it on their Staff Favorites shelf! This touched my heart! Thank you!

12 Responses to “After the Rain”

  1. What a Gorgeous Beauty break, mom! Lovely way to begin the day! Yes, the camellias are quite a gift. I have them here, as well; my one sign of Spring. Your pics are very, very pretty! That altar was a Wonderful find! Too fun! Thanks for sharing.

    Love you,
    Antonia
    xoxox

  2. Hi, Antonia! Thank you! Yes, the altar was a precious find. I was so thrilled to find it. Glad I opened that gate! I’m thinking she’s the Virgin of Guadalupe, but not positive. Love, Mom xoox

  3. Marjorie wrote to say the unidentified plant above is Grevillea ‘Noellii’. Just googled. That’s right! Thank you, Marjorie! I love that plant. So pretty. xoxo

  4. Good Morning, Kathryn,

    Today is my birthday and I’ve enjoyed a FABULOUS weekend of outings.
    First, on Saturday, with my delightful friend, Carol Davis to Coppola’s in Geyserville. Oh, such a great day…lovely ambiance/people/food/wine…with the rare snow-covered mountains, with yellow mustard & pink blooming trees in the valley.
    Then yesterday in Yountville with my son & his wife to tour, lunch & view that fantastic area’s delights .

    So, now your post arrives an hour after I decided that my gift to myself was going to be to find “pretty flower pots like Kathryn has”…and here you are with photos that replicate all my beautiful weekend images. THANK YOU, dear lady…what perfect timing!

    With much appreciation,

    Marlene

  5. Oh, Marlene! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dear lady! It was in the air. I was down south in honor of a dear friend’s birthday in Glen Ellen! Isn’t the snow in Geyserville spectacular? I could barely keep my eyes on the road! And, yes, those pink trees are a beauty to behold! We are lucky women. Enjoy your birthday! Hugs! Kathryn xoxo

  6. So nice! Thanks for sharing and for your delightful attitude. I appreciate you a lot. Alice

  7. Hello, dear Alice, Thank you so very much. So appreciated. Kathryn xoxo

  8. […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Kathryn Hall, EasyBloom. EasyBloom said: Aww…the joys of false spring in California! February gets me every year in Napa..but you have to enjoy this view! http://bit.ly/gFmW8l […]

  9. The sky is full of holes
    – that’s how the rain gets in,
    But these holes are small
    – that’s why rain’s so thin!

    Beautiful photos and a lovely tour round your area Kathryn, thank you so much 🙂
    It’s finally stopped raining here now so I’m going to go gardening whilst I can! x

  10. Hi, Liz! What a lovely poem! Thank you for sharing! Glad you enjoyed the mini-tour! Enjoy your gardening! Kathryn xoxo

  11. finally doing my email homework–your images are inspiring an abstract

    painting i plan to use for your birthday card–leo promises…….coming soon in your mailbox.bouquett of love, b

  12. Hi, Barbara! Looking forward to your creation! Thank you! Kathryn xoxo

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