I heard a whisper
Coming from the trees
And, in that moment
I was gone,
Gone away
To return, to where I’d come from
By Athey Thompson
Do You Hear It, Too?
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Category Archives: photos
Wistful Wisteria
The welcoming fragrance of this wisteria is an intoxicating blend of lavender, honeysuckle, and lilac. You can smell it half a block away. I’ve never before seen such exquisite wisteria. Once upon a time I planted it in my garden but it didn’t thrive, I’m sad to say.
Wisteria symbolism is associated with romance, devotion, and good luck. In Japan, it represents longevity and success. It can also symbolize humility and endurance,
Tides Fall and Rise
The day returns, but nevermore
Returns the traveler to the shore,
And the tide rises, the tide falls.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
My Spicy Girl: Peppermint Party Climbing Rose
This is an update to a previous post about transplanting this awesome Peppermint Party Climbing Rose. It’s been a couple years and she’s really blossoming and super spicy!
I don’t give her too much attention except for a hard prune every January, and cross my fingers that she’ll grow back healthy and happy.
I took this photo when it was sunny. I woke up to rain which was totally, unexpectedly, but absolutely welcome, especially since we haven’t had any sky water is quite a while. Any little bit helps.
This was one of my most successful transplanting of a mature plant. I moved this Peppermint Party Climbing Rose from one arbor to another and it’s been thriving ever since.
Late afternoon sun on these stripey petals caught my eye:
And a closer view…
Happy Sunday!
All photos by Enchanted Seashells
Someone’s Spying On Me
Have you ever felt as if you were being spied upon? Some kind of spidey sense that you’re being watched? Have you ever been out in public and turned around quickly because you felt the weight of someone’s gaze?
Yesterday I was working in the garden ‘cos there’s always a lot to do. This particular project involved a lot of weeding as well as fertilizing fruit trees and the veggie garden.
At one point I was sitting on the ground on the rocky dry river bed weeding around the rose bushes that I had successfully propagated (yay for me!).
It was quite a zen moment, totally and blissfully silent except for birdsong, but I felt as if I wasn’t alone, as if I was being watched.
Some force compelled me to turn around and look up. There he was right above me in the ash tree; this gorgeous hawk. It seemed as if his hawk eyes were boring a hole in my soul. He didn’t move an inch when I ran inside the house to get my camera. He simply followed my every move.
Look at his talons!
I said hello as I always do, took some photos, and continued to weed under his watchful gaze.
This went on for more than an hour. I thought he’d fly away if I moved to another spot in the garden, but he didn’t — he just turned his body on the branch to continue to monitor my every move.
He wasn’t bothered by my presence and I was in awe of him. I struck up a one way conversation, thanking him for his diligence in keeping the yard rodent-free, asked about his family, and told him how much I appreciated his visit. I hoped he would get used to the sound of my voice and we could have another chat if he returns.
The action of a hawk watching you is a symbol of divine guidance. It often signifies a messenger from the spirit realm, a call to pay attention, or an indication that you are being guided and protected. Hawks are also associated with clear vision, focus, and the need to tap into divine wisdom.
The hawk is a messenger bird. Usually when we see a hawk it means to pay attention because a message is coming to you. Hawks represent clear sightedness, being observant, our far memory, and guardianship. They also bring courage, wisdom, illumination, creativity and truth. Hawks give us the ability to see the larger picture in life.
He hasn’t returned today, but it was a special moment to treasure.
Come back, friend!
Fungi: Toadstool or Mushroom?
This is such a weird looking mushroom, I had to snap a pic. I can’t figure out what kind it is, so I’m going to assume it’s inedible, but I was fascinated by the way it pushed itself out of the earth. There was only one that appeared and it was gone the next day.
I love to eat mostly all mushrooms except for truffles. I know they’re super trendy, but to me, they smell and taste like a combination of vomit, a public toilet, and old garbage.
I’ll stick to stuffed portobellos and the kind that are included in my daily supplements; Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Turkey Tail, Shiitake, Maitake, and Cordyceps.
Studies show that regularly eating mushrooms can improve the quality of our diet, protect against heart disease, support immune health, and even extend our lifespan. They’re full of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fiber, and antioxidants.
I’ve never ingested the OTHER sort of magic mushroom like Alice in Wonderland, so I’m no expert on anything hallucinogenic that could cause me to shrink or grow or expand my consciousness in any way…
Here’s my recipe for Stuffed ‘Shrooms
I used cheese because I made it for my Angel Boy who loves mushrooms as much as I do, but to make it 100% vegan, eliminate the parm and feta or substitute a vegan cheese.
https://enchantedseashells.com/2014/07/15/stuffed-portobello-shrooms-recipe/
April’s Full Pink Moon
I love all phases of the moon but I especially search the sky for a full moon no matter if I’m in the desert or the mountains or at the beach or even at home–mama moon always makes her presence known and felt.
Tonight’s moon after the clouds is so bright. It’s a great time for manifestation, particularly related to themes of renewal, emotional growth, and fresh starts.
I know it’s not really pink but that’s only a slight disappointment. It’s actually referred to as a Pink Moon because Moss Phlox are in full bloom during this season.
I found this awesome YouTube video with all of the healing sounds and frequencies and thought I’d share it so everyone has plenty of time to dedicate to this experience.
It starts at 14hz and moves to 12.5hz at 4.20 minutes; 6.35 minutes it moves to 7.83hz
(Schumann Resonance) for 12 minutes, then drops to 0.5hz until the end. There is an underlying base frequency of 432hz which is enhanced within the music as well. The music has an underlying frequency of 285Hz.
I hope you enjoy this. I like to use headphones but it’s not 100% necessary. Don’t forget to charge your crystals!
Three Butterflies
The people of this world are like the three butterflies in front of a candle’s flame.
The first one went closer and said: I know about love.
The second one touched the flame lightly with his wings and said:
I know how love’s fire can burn.
The third one threw himself into the heart of the flame and was consumed.
He alone knows what true love is.
Butterfly photo by Enchanted Seashells
Blooming Bee-filled Fragrant California Lilac: Ceanothus
(I think if you click on the little pics, they become big.)
This gigantic California Lilac (Ceanothus) has survived and thrived against all odds. About seven years ago, I thought it had completely died; there was no hint of the plant at all — it had disappeared. Since dying plants are something I’ve gotten used to here in the southwest, I figured it had gone the way of many others…
However., one day as I randomly inspected the area, I saw something that strangely resembled a minuscule Ceanothus leaf, shiny and green. I kept my eye on it for a while and was amazed that it WAS that same Ceanothus plant — it had resurrected itself.
Look at it today! It’s taken over the entire area next to the driveway. Periodically, I cut it back because it grows so prolifically, I wouldn’t be able to get in the garage. Trimming doesn’t seem to bother it at all, as you can see.
What you can’t hear are the hundreds of bees it attracts and what you can’t smell is the fragrance of a blooming Ceanothus, powerful yet delicate.
Did you know? The flowers of certain Ceanothus species contain saponin, a natural compound that creates a soapy lather when mixed with water.
Historically, Native Americans used Ceanothus flowers as a natural soap for washing hands and clothes.
To use Ceanothus as soap, simply gather the flowers, get your hands wet, and rub the flowers between your hands. The saponin will create a soapy lather. It really works!
San Diego #HANDSOFF Protest: More Good Trouble
Where were you on April 5? Did you participate in the #Handsoff event in your area?
We took the Coaster down to San Diego which was a much better idea than driving and trying to find a place to park. The train was so packed, we had to sit on the floor. Our ride down the coast was filled with positive energy, singing, and chants about DEMOCRACY in action.
This growing movement is a call to protect democracy, civil rights, and social justice. Organizers say the protests aim to send a clear message: “Enough is enough.” These protests are grassroots-led, with no single group in charge. However, coalitions of youth activists, civil rights organizations, and climate groups have joined forces.
Hands off Social Security.
Hands off Medicaid.
Hands off veteran care.
Hands off our kids’ education.
Hands off our rights.
I don’t believe mainstream media is honestly representing accurate numbers but I think we might have had nearly 50,000 participants in San Diego.
I have never before seen so many people or felt as much energy, even more than the Women’s March in 2017.
The “Hands Off!” protests today were nothing short of monumental, marking a powerful and unified stand against what organizers have called the most audacious power grab in modern history. With over 1,400 events spanning all 50 states and hundreds of thousands of participants, this movement brought together a diverse coalition of workers, activists, and everyday citizens to demand an end to billionaire influence, cuts to essential programs like Social Security and Medicaid, and attacks on marginalized communities. From bustling rallies in Washington, D.C., to smaller gatherings in conservative towns, the message was clear: Americans are fed up with policies that prioritize the wealthy at the expense of democracy and basic rights. The energy on the ground was electric, with chants of “Hands off our jobs, our healthcare, our democracy!” echoing across city halls, federal buildings, and even international cities like London and Berlin. Today’s turnout was not just a protest—it was a resounding declaration that grassroots power is alive and ready to fight for justice and equity (From The Other 98%.)
For some of us, fashion is important. What do you wear to a protest rally?
In addition to good walking shoes, I wore all black, but I couldn’t resist my Leon Russell hat.
On the train ride back home after the march, which was peaceful and without incident, energy was high at the success of the event, but we were tired and a bit subdued.
Someone noticed my Leon Russell hat and told me how much she LOVED him, and the next thing I knew, my phone was at top volume playing everyone’s favorite Leon Russell songs, singing along and chatting about the awesomeness of the one and only Master of Space and Time.
An amazing end to this beautiful day. We all participated in GOOD TROUBLE.
From AltParks: Yesterday was incredible. The official count is in — 5.2 million people joined the #HandsOff protest nationwide. So many are asking: what’s next? Mark your calendars: 4/19 is the next nationwide day of protest. Let’s go even bigger — our goal is to get 3.5% of America in the streets. Some media outlets are reporting only “tens of thousands” participated, but that’s no accident. Downplaying the turnout is a tactic to suppress momentum. But you were there. You saw the crowds. Even small red-district towns showed up in force. Don’t let them rewrite the story. It was a historic day — and we’re just getting started. We are proud of all of you — for many, this was your first protest, and you showed up with strength and purpose. Thank you to all the local authorities who helped keep everyone safe, and to the many military members and off-duty officers who attended and monitored the situation. Keep your signs, make new ones, and start preparing now. Let’s make history again on 4/19.
Enchanted Seashells | Princess Rosebud 