California Poppies For Mother's Day

 After a trip, it's always nice to be home, and last week was catch up time.  When I'm around so many people and crowds and traffic, I need to retreat to nature after, as it's a sweet part of creation that grounds me and keeps me calm.

Nature is lovely here in the mountains, and it's even more special when nature comes to me and visits me right here at home.

Since I was just with all my family recently,

it was nice to spend a serene mother's day with my son just visiting nature.  We headed over to the creek, but first we picked up some tacos and burritos at the local restaurant in town.

Everything was full and green, and it was a warm, sunny day.

I was hoping that the poppies were in full bloom - they come and go quickly, so you have to visit at just the right time to see them in spring.  When I first got there, I could see orange in the distance, and was surprised to see a cluster of poppies near the edge of the creek.

Some fun facts about the California Poppy.

*They were designated as California's state flower in 1903.

*They open in full sunlight, and close during cloudy weather or at night.

*Native American tribes used the California Poppy for its mild sedative properties to promote relaxation and sleep.  They also used the plant as a pain reliever.

*The vibrant blooms are a magnet for bees, butterflies and beneficial insects.

*Known as the "Golden Flower of the West."

*They have four delicate petals that form a cup.  Also known as "The Cup of Gold."

I made a batch of chocolate chip cookies.  Such yummy morsels of goodness.

Wanted to show you my calendar for May.  It's delightful and says ~Spilling the tea at the Fairy Tree~

*And for my new blog friends, a little about my own mom....I was fortunate to have an amazing mother.  She was always there for her five children, and tended to their needs, with me being the youngest feisty child.  Her Singer sewing machine was her hobby, and she made many wonderful things on it, including most of my clothes growing up.  I designed them, told her just what I wanted, and she went on busily sewing them for that special ocassion.  She worked on so many projects, like the fabric Christmas ornaments that she put on her tree one year.  Nel still has some of those ornaments tucked away.  She was a calm mom, who held her composure when it was especially needed.  Her family was her life, and she was the best cook, making homemade meals every day.  The person that resembles my mom the most I believe is Jess.  They are both petite with fair skin and lighter hair.  She truly was a great mom.

This is Jingles, Walt Disney's favorite horse on the Carousel at Disneyland.  It's really hard to get her when standing in line.

 

Hope your week is filled with all things good.  Here's a California Poppy for you.