Early Fall morning in the Bitterroot Valley

I awoke, one morning, to a glorious sight. The fog had settled onto the floor of the Bitterroot Valley. My back yard was bathed in a fine mist and the sun was just beginning to rise above the eastern mountain range.

I love mornings like this...all is peaceful and quiet. It makes you appreciate the wonder of nature all the more.

Spring is finally here

I think Sring has finally arrived in Western Montana. It is still cold at night, in the low to upper 20's, but it warms up in the afternoon to the 50's and 60's. The grass is finally throwing off new green shoots and the horses are just loving it. They jump, run and play as if they too, are celebrating the arrival of Spring. My resident Magpies are busy renovating last year's nests. They have nested in the same tree, just outside my window, for the last 8 years. They usually have 3 to 4 offspring every year and I am looking forward to seeing the new babies. They seem to trust me enough by now to let me help them look after the new ones.
Easter is tomorrow. Where has the last month gone? It will be a wunderful day. The grandchildren, Riley and Ethan, will be here and I can't wait to see the look on their little faces when I give them each their giant, soft and fluffy, stuffed bunny.
Happy holidays to all. Be safe and enjoy one another's company.

The Encounter

While walking through the forest
On a beautiful Spring day
I came upon a meadow
I believe it was in May.

The wildflowers were blooming
The colors so vivid and bright
I was hoplessly enchanted
I stayed far into the night.

I couldn't help but wonder
How this meadow could be so lush
When I heard a sound a'stirring
In the thick underbrush.

I sat there very quiet
When much to my surprise
A little Gnome came forward
The moon twinkling in his eyes.

He carried a rake and shovel
The tools of his trade
He went to work very quickly
And what a commotion he made.

He snipped and he clipped
Made each blade of grass stand tall
Then he slowly stepped back
And admired it all.

He looked up at the sky
And suddenly there came
A small, dark cloud
And it began to rain.

The rain was a soft mist
Just a very gentle shower
So as not to harm the petals
On even a single flower.

Suddenly, he looked over
And saw me sitting there
He smiled and winked at me
Showing no fear or care.

He walked around again
This time without a rush
When all of a sudden
He disappeared into the brush.

I awoke the next morning
Not believing what I had seen
For I was fairly certain
This had all just been a dream.

I started to rise
It was time to go home
T'was then I saw the sign
It read,'Planted by a Gnome'.

Angelika Joy

Copyright 2006

Luvy Bugs

Time for something new...

I sat down today and started playing with some red polymer clay and came up with my first 'Luvy Bug'. I just love this little guy and there will be more to come in different colors and different types of bugs but they will all be based on a heart shape somewhere. I am so excited...I hope you like them to. A little whimsey and color! You can find him for sale in my etsy shop.

Mountain Storm

Here it comes...a picture of a snow storm rolling in over St. Mary's Peak in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana.

Paradise


My little island
Surrounded by sapphire seas,
A warm tropical breeze blowing
All is serene and at ease.

A lounge chair and umbrella
On a beach of white silky sand.
Listening to the sounds
Of a distant steel drum band.

A tropical drink
Flavored with coconut and rum,
And a deeply browned body
Absorbing the hot island sun.

I have found my paradise
And I wish I could stay,
I must return to reality
But I will come back another day.


Angelika Joy
July 2007 ©

Photo credit goes to...Paradise by s2... at deviantArt.com.

My Star

A star that shines
In the sky so bright
A star to watch over me
Through the long dark night.

Oh beautiful star
Shining brightly above
Please fill my dreams
With hope and love.

As the Earth revolves
So follows the night
That every creature on Earth
May share your bright light.

And just remember…

For every star that twinkles
On a clear winter’s night
A soul has gone to heaven
And now shines bright.

A. Joy
©2006

Picture credit goes to Wallace for this digital art called 'light2:Star Kiss' from http://www.deviantART.com

Believe Me When I Tell You…


Life is funny
The directions we choose
Some being wealth and fortune
Others you loose.

With an open mind
Examine your heart and soul,
The things most important to you
Are your ultimate goal.

Many paths lie before you
And the directions may not be clear,
Hold on to what you believe
And the things you hold dear.

Family and friends
And the necessities of living,
Don’t forget the rewards
Of sharing and giving.

In youth define your goal
Work hard, be a bit of a miser,
For you’ll appreciate the rewards
When you’re older and wiser.

Living in the past
Serves you no purpose
Invest wisely in your future
Make your investments diversive.

Now sit yourself down
And decide your fate
No matter how old
It’s never too late.

Angelika Joy
© June 2005

Credit for the picture entitled 'Another Place' goes to mamazmeilor at http://www.deviantART.com