The Violet Hour

Sunday, March 16, 2014

The LONG Road to Recovery....and to Gaining my Life Back

Looking back at my last post, written in a deliriously happy moment before I was off to meet my two Guys in New York, sigh.....well it reveals how LIFE can change in a mere instant.....a *Snap of the Fingers* and all you have known is changed.

I spent three weeks in hospital....was uninsured... and now, still slowly (but surely) healing....am left with unbelievably GIGANTIC medical bills - and no way to ever pay them back.

Most of you know I am alone in San Francisco.... close friends live thousands of miles away....as do Chris and Bofie. It will be a long, rough road to a recovery... but I am grateful for those friends who can comprehend what I am going through....and send me emotional support. It means a lot.

Bofie misses his Mum.... thank goodness for SKYPE and Facetime!

Meanwhile, I have begun work at my non-Opera job...receptionist at a Tax Company.... only 20 hours a week (nights and weekends) and just over minimum wage....but it's all I can get here in San Francisco these days.....so I take it...

it money for food and basics... and it's definitely better than nothing.

I am regaining strength in my legs with all the walking I must do...this is inspiring to me....as I am really an *Outdoor Girl* and need to be in Nature's realm as often as possible.

Here are a few photos I was able to take last week......they help to heal my body, my soul and my heart. I hope you enjoy them. For those of you who sent cards to me in Hospital and later to my home.... thank you for your prayers and healing thoughts.... and even some lovely artwork... I will post some of them soon.

Blue Boy

Mr. and Mrs Mallard at Brunch

Spring has arrived early in San Francisco. This has been a real blessing to me....it enables me to get out in the Sunshine..and help me to heal.

The Stow Lake Turtles like the Sun too!

Last night, I was able to photograph the March Full Moon.... so beautiful and such a joy to behold... another step towards getting my life back!

La Bella Luna....I have missed you!

I leave you with words that have always encouraged me to push on when things get tough.... they ring especially true now.

* Still round the corner there may wait

A new road or a secret gate,

And though we pass them by today,

Tomorrow we may come this way

And take the hidden paths that run

Towards the Moon or to the Sun.

Home is behind, the World ahead,

And there are many paths to tread

Through shadows to the edge of Night,

Until the Stars are all alight.*

Love, always,

♥ Robin ♥

Saturday, January 25, 2014

More Droughty Photos

*You looking at me?*

Part of the Flock! (There must have been over one hundred!)

The Drought continues.. unseasonable warm weather - no rain... (we normally have over 10" of rain by now.....today - only 1").... water rationing has begun in the Northern Counties... we will be next.

White Plum Blossom Tree.... it had the most delicate, delicious scent... a little like Sandalwood..

Yesterday, I went out on a *final walk* (before I depart for NY) to stroll about in the Sun and warmth... we visited *The Geese* out on the Polo Field...and then came across this wonderful tunnel - painted with bright colours and a great sense of humour!

Mr. Fox is so *smooth*! ♥

Most of you know I adore Bats! Remember, no Bats....millions of Mosquitoes and ..no Margaritas!

A-ha-ha!

The Peanut Lover

Another glorious Sunrise!

Tomorrow morning, I am off to NY to spend 10 days with my guys - Chris and Bofie! Packing all my *Woolies*... although I KNOW it is going to be COLD (I DO listen to your words and photos)...it is going to be a *Shock* leaving 70 degrees and going to 20! A-ha-ha!

The Beekman Arms Inn in September..

The Beekman Arms Inn in January

I will miss you all..... see you on FB and e-mail!

Love,

♥ Robin ♥

Friday, January 17, 2014

January.....Sunshine...70's....Drought...

Sunrise

I'm sure most of you know that those of who live in California are experiencing the worst drought in 30 years! It is getting serious... but the unusual Sunshine has painted some extraordinary pink/red/orange/purple palettes.

I photographed these beauties last year too.....but in March, not January..

SF under BLUE (not Grey) Skies

After my prolonged illness and being in bed *forever*, it was wonderful to be able to walk along the shore and watch the tide come in.

Sunset

Not yet the Full Moon....one day shy...but that evening, La Bella Luna was at her most translucent beauty and as she rose against the Lilac Sky, I had to photograph her...

Sunbathers

A Snow Goose?

Looking through the Moon Pool at the last of the Autumn Leaves

Watering the Arboretum.... the Trees and Plants are thirsty!

I love the different striations of blue in the Ocean as the Sun sets!

La Bella Luna

The January Full Wolf Moon!

Even the Ducks are doing their Rain Dance! We Need RAIN!

I am preparing to leave the *Land of Early Springtime* for *The Land of Winter*! (This is why I STILL have Snowflakes falling on my Blog!) I know those of you in the Midwest and Northeast (and Europe) are saying: *A-ha-ha! Time to join the REAL World*! I'm flying to meet Chris and Bofie in NY State for 10 days......this will include attending the Final Dress Rehearsal of the Met's *Prince Igor*! I can't wait!

Love to all,

♥ Robin ♥

Friday, January 3, 2014

2014 At Last!

Sunrise, January 1st, 2014

I FINALLY feel well enough to blog, to post on FB and.....to go OUTSIDE for a walk! I don't recall ever being so ill in my entire life. I was more than happy to close the book on 2013 - a year which began rather nicely for me....but ended up not so.....as many of you know, when your health is gone....nothing means much.

Enough! The page is turned, the new calendar is up and here we go!

Yesterday, January 2nd, I felt well enough to visit *my* Swans at the Palace of Fine Arts.

There were other Feathery Friends around to say *Happy New Year* to...

Mr. Grey Heron and Mr. Night Heron

*Quack*!

I saw these beauties....(there are four) napping inside a tree... they are new to the Palace, and as Lisa B says, they are probably Doves released at a Wedding or Funeral....now lost and homeless....so sad and so inconsiderate of people. They weren't interested in my Cheerios....but I'll keep an eye on them when I visit next and try some birdseed.

Here's the Grey Cygnet.....although he is not very Grey anymore...he and his siblings will be 8 months old on the 15th - can you believe it? The who *gang* was very happy to see me and wish you all a very Happy and HEALTHY New Year!

Love to all,

♥ Robin ♥

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Happy, Healthy, Joyful Christmas and Blessings for a Wonderful 2014!

The Winter Moon

* Its the sweet sultry taste of Winter on my lips,

the shadow of the pale moonlight on my eyes,

and behind the thin drapes of midnight clouds.

amidst the stars shining bright and clear,

smiles the radiance of the Winter Moon.

If I had seen Heaven, I would admit I had seen it,

hiding shyly behind the curtains of the night,

the Winter Moon at zenith, smiles down at me.

Its this breeze blowing gently,

mixing the scent of the Winter with the Moon,

and I stay awake,

my heart filled to the brim with Love,

appreciating the splendour of the Winter Moon!

(Amatulla Mohammadi)

Some of you know I have been a very sick Robin for (gasp) almost a month! First the dreaded flu...and now it has morphed into a hellish head/chest cold! I have not had the energy to complete writing my Christmas Cards (which always include a *Christmas Poem*...something that reflects my year...)....so, here is my card and poem... for those of you who did not receive one. I hope you like the poem....and the card. Please know I send my love to you ALL...

Happy Christmas! Happy Holidays! May 2014 bring you a year of health, strength and joy.

Love, always,

♥ Robin ♥

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Moons and Sunsets

I've been ill with the Flu since I returned from the Valley of the Moon. NOT FUN, let me assure you... still, that has not kept me from photographing some spectacular Sunsets and Moon-rises...