Woodland visitor

I walked right up to a moose once. Being ten years old, I didn't have the sense to be scared, only amazed at the size of his gargantuan head and horns. How did those spindly legs hold them up? A few days ago, that would be a couple of great strides into fall, I had another woodland encounter. Only this time he wasn't in a parking lot in Montana, he was right in my front yard.

He blends in so well to the earth, it took a moment for me to become aware of him. He stood so close, I expected him to rear up, and braced myself to react if he charged. But he just stared steadily at me. That thatch of fur between his ears is the prettiest brown I've ever seen.

I slowly walked away and went back upstairs for my camera. I wanted you to see him too.

See how nicely he posed?

After twenty minutes and lots of clicking he stood

turned

and sauntered away. Good-bye Mister Magnificent.

Update as promised .

Lots of woodland things. I bet you can guess why.

xx

julie

juliewhitmorepottery.etsy.com

Merry Christmas from Cambria Pines by the Sea

Cambria seems alot like Brigadoon to me. My grandparents wanted to move here in the forties, when they were nearly giving land away to draw settlers, but work was scarce, so grandpa, a fine carpenter, chose Santa Barbara instead.

Driving the three hours up from Santa Barabara to visit here as a teenager, I liked the way the terrain changed slowly from benign to dramatic. The pine stands start in the hills and are thick all the way down to the sea. I thought then it would be wonderful to live in such a natural and unspoilt place, and it is. Its a constant joy to be happy where you live. I've lived in other places, and some were , well, dispiriting. But I'm not naming names.

And rocks jut up from the ocean floor, like this one, in Morro Bay

Downtown with its streets unusally filled with cars for Christmas shopping. See the pines in the background?

Its still a thrill to see deer graze right across the street from our house. Once a baby fawn came to our door.

Merry Christmas to each and every one of you. Thank you for visiting this past year. I hope your Christmas is loving and beautiful in your very own Brigadoon.

xxx

Beautiful necklace by Nina Bagley

http://www.ornamental.typepad.com/

and the olive tree and redwood branches from the garden of my best friend, Kary

http://www.myfarmhousekitchen.blogspot.com/

juliewhitmorepottery.etsy.com