first mow Archives - Owl Medicine: Shamanic Healing

Cool Shot of the Moon Last Night (one night post full) – Photo: L. Weikel

Dial Tone

“Inspiration, don’t fail me now!” That’s what I’m sitting here thinking, and silently pleading, this evening. And yet? “The dial tone is strong in this one.” Yeah – that’s a mixed metaphor quote for all of you both old enough to remember dial tones and young enough (at heart, at least) to be a Star Wars fan.

I took a couple of photos today that could serve as fodder for a good post or two. But a couple of them just beg to be supported by at least a modicum of humorous or perhaps semi-clever prose, neither of which I have any hope of mining tonight.

The source of my dial tone tonight is sort of a sad commentary on the state of my post-pandemic physique. Apparently it doesn’t matter how many miles I walk every day, I’m nevertheless woefully out of shape.

Mowing the Lawn

Today was Karl’s and my official ‘First Mow of 2021.” Wow – I just did a search of my posts and discovered that I wrote about this ‘spring rite of passage’ two years ago to the day! And funnily enough, I sounded pretty tuckered out when I was writing two years, too.

I’m almost creeped out by the fact that I practically wrote the same post two years ago, lamenting how tired I was from the effort of mowing in spite of all our walking. So hmm. I guess maybe I can’t – or don’t need to – blame my exhaustion on Pandemic Physique. Perhaps it’s just the consequences of winter.

I’m going to take comfort in that. (I take it where I find it.)

Tohickon Reflections – Photo: L. Weikel

Brief Eagle Moment

On my way home from an obligation this afternoon, I stopped by the Tohickon to pay my respects. I brought the Spirit of the Tohickon a little treat that I shared with her. Crumbling a rice cake in my hand, I blew my intentions of love and gratitude for the wonder, serenity, and joy this body of water brings me so often. I talked to her a bit, wondering at how low her flow is already – and it’s only April.

I am feeling a little anxious over our water, to be honest.

As I was addressing the Spirit of the Tohickon and all the Beings that live within and around her, I was startled by the shadow that passed right over me and the whoosh whoosh of beating wings. Eagle graced me with its presence, stunning me with its beauty and size.

I only managed a single shot of it as it retreated downstream. Normally, I wouldn’t take a photo of a creature appearing when engaging in ceremony, but I wanted to share the magic with all of you.

Eagle Headed Downstream – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-212)

First Mow

I should’ve taken ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos.

Our grass was soooo long when we assessed it this morning. Not uniformly so, though, because our lawn is probably the furthest thing from a perfect lawn as you can imagine.

No, our lawn routinely looks like a third grader who’s decided to try to give herself a haircut, chop off her cowlick, and give herself bangs. Especially the wild onion. It sprouts amazing puffs of long ‘hair’ that punctuates the grass. But we love it that way. And best of all, it’s good for Mother Earth!

The lawn’s best look is – well, it’s in the past now! I should’ve taken a photo immediately after we finished mowing, as that’s when it’s most photogenic. That’s because all the different types of plants that comprise our lawn grow at remarkably different speeds. And the weather today was simply brilliant. Literally. Sparkling sunshine, brisk, cool breeze. Puffy clouds against a backdrop of robin’s egg blue sky.

Yep. It was a classic spring day. And after we finished mowing, the carpet of grass was emerald and lovely, at least in spots.

Cutie – Photo: L. Weikel

The thing is, the ground is saturated. The mower was actually in danger of flooding out a couple times, things got so deep in some places (both deep in grass and deep in water).

Rite of Passage

At least by getting the first cut of the season – our spring rite of passage – under our belts, the brisk winds and sunshine today should at least make inroads into getting things dried out.

But really? Who am I kidding? I’m writing about mowing our lawn today because I’m now so tired it’s hard to keep my eyes open. I’m astonished that I could be feeling so tired from mowing when I’ve been doing so much walking lately.

Family portrait – Photo: L. Weikel

Oh well.

Speaking of walking, we did get in a couple miles after finishing the lawn, and we were rewarded with some lamb sightings. (Speaking of lawn ‘mowers’ – these little fluffers were doing a job on the grass!)

And best of all? I did manage to get a few photos of these cuties. So, between the photos of the flowering trees, the puffy clouds, and the lambs, I hope your day is starting off with a ‘spring’ in its step!