Squirrel Nutkin & His Holler Friends~

On June 29, 2016June 30, 2016 By cindy knokeIn Birds, Conservation, HOLLER HAPPENINGS, MY PHOTOGRAPHS, REVERIES, Sunsets221 Comments

Squirrel Nutkin has his favorite chair, where birdseed falls on his head like manna, unasked for, from heaven.

It’s perfect place for pillow-hiding where no one can see him at all, if only it weren’t for his tell-tale-tail!

He can scale the walls like spiderman,

and perch on his chair like a king on his throne.

Baby-Bunting-Birdie is confused by all the action, but never hops by without leaving a gift, so thoughtful!

The Grosbeaks create the showers of seeds while stuffing their beaks past full.

The docile doves just watch the show.

Cheers to you from the setting sun and another critter-full Holler day~
(Thank you Ms. Potter for many happy childhood reads about Squirrel Nutkin and all his animal friends).

Madrid’s Don Quixote Tapestries~

On June 25, 2016June 25, 2016 By cindy knokeIn Conservation, EXTERIOR & INTERIOR DESIGN, MY PHOTOGRAPHS, REVERIES188 Comments

The Royal Palace of Madrid,

has a special exhibit,

honoring the 400th anniversary of the death of Miguel de Cervantes, the author of, “The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha.”

These tapestries were commissioned by Phillip V who lived from 1683-1746,

and depict in detail the life and adventures of Don Quixote.

I included a close-up so you could see the intricate stitch detail in these remarkable tapestries.

They were woven sometime in the early 1700’s by the Madrid Tapestry Factory which was founded by King Phillip V. Goya worked for a time in this factory creating designs.

Cheers to you in honor of Don Quixote who taught us so much about the subjective nature of our perceptions~

Portugal’s Historic Tilework~

On June 18, 2016June 19, 2016 By cindy knokeIn Conservation, EXTERIOR & INTERIOR DESIGN, MY PHOTOGRAPHS, REVERIES, TRAVEL REVIEWS259 Comments

is this amazing gimish,

of Portuguese artistic talent,

Arabic design

brilliance,

and remarkable Catholic art.

Cultures when mixed,

mutually enrich.

This is Portugal!
Cheers to you from the art that lives inside us all~

Free Flight~

On June 14, 2016 By cindy knokeIn Birds, Conservation, MY PHOTOGRAPHS, REVERIES228 Comments

Penetrating eyes,

miss nothing.

The most intelligent,

successful birds,

are often resented.

I wonder why?

Are we jealous they are free, and fly?

Cheers to you from the free-flying gulls~

Trapeze Artistry~

On June 9, 2016 By cindy knokeIn Birds, Conservation, HOLLER HAPPENINGS, MY PHOTOGRAPHS, REVERIES219 Comments

Orioles,

masters of the vertical trapeze.

As if, all their life,

they’ve been waiting for a high sliding wire.

Flying Wallendas,

with no need for nets or costumes.

Natures perfect performers.

Cheers to you from the Holler’s high-flying orioles~

Tagus Estuary & Fuente de Piedra~

On June 4, 2016June 4, 2016 By cindy knokeIn Birds, Conservation, MY PHOTOGRAPHS, TRAVEL REVIEWS211 Comments

Portugal and Spain have extensive wildlife reserves,

sheltering flamingos, black headed gulls and many other birds!

Tagus Estuary is the largest reserve in Western Europe,

and one of thirty natural protected areas in Portugal.

Fuente de Piedra Natural Reserve in Malaga Spain is known for it’s flamingos.

To mark the last day of our trip, we escaped the bustle of Lisbon,

and spent the day exploring,

enjoying the blooming flowers,

and belly dancing in little town of Alochete Portugal!
We are home at The Holler now, but it is still, cheers to you from Portugal & Spain~

Cindy Knoke

Month: June 2016

Squirrel Nutkin & His Holler Friends~

Like this:

Madrid’s Don Quixote Tapestries~

Like this:

Portugal’s Historic Tilework~

Like this:

Free Flight~

Like this:

Trapeze Artistry~

Like this:

Tagus Estuary & Fuente de Piedra~

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: