Just today I was FaceTiming with a wonderful friend. We ended up talking for a fair part of the afternoon and it felt good to connect and share. When we had finished I went to check the mail, and amidst a few parcels of books (yay books!) I found a package from her and it was like getting a hug in the mail. The boys were so excited to open the wrappings and so I to reminded them to slow down and be careful as we knew these were valuable pieces.

I took pictures of these special parts of nature from New Mexico and Colorado so that I wouldn’t forget where each came from. I tell myself I will remember these types of details but laughingly remind myself from past experience that that is rarely the case. Pictures are wonderful memory catalysts.

The boys and I couldn’t believe how soft these were…

There are actual seeds within the yucca pod which I find just beautiful. I may have to draw it.
The volcanic rock was light and smooth in some parts and in others held the surface texture of whatever it touched as it cooled.

I can see why the cottonwood is such a personal favourite. These leaves glistened like gold. They were amazing.

The boys called out the oak and maple right away and were in awe of the colour of the cottonwood. I also love that the oak leaves are paired and that the double samara is this beautiful yellow green colour I’ve never seen before. In our part of Nova Scotia they tend to be a medium brown tone with less depth. We still love them nonetheless and enjoy watching them lightly helicopter down through the air to the ground.

We were so careful with the cottonwood seeds that looked like they were already in mid-flight.

The pine cone had a movement all its own with its whispy appendages.

We were surprised at how the deceptive weight of the petrified wood and I chuckled to myself as we had just been discussing this in our FaceTime conversation.

These treasures needed a safe and special spot away from the curiosity of Gypsy. The mantle was to be the chosen spot so I found an appropriate plate, placed everything with care and made space on our mantle between our plethora of shells and pine cones, candles and incense. It’s our little nature altar. I like that.

Thank you, Dawn, for the wonderful addition to our collection. Makes me smile. It was a good day.

Dawn is one of the best lovers of nature I know. If you want to see what she is up to and find out more about the world outside your door, you should really visit the Mud Puddles to Meteors site. It’s packed full of cool stuff!