Lightkeeper's Journal

The Garden of Life - Finding Peace on a Front Porch

 

 

Photography and Article by Norma Beaird

 

Finding peace on a front porch.  That sounds rather simple and it possibly sounds quaint and sweet, but it's the honest truth.  We've said it before in various ways, using different phrases and words, but here it goes again......the world has gone crazy.  If we're looking to find peace in a world that has taken a nosedive into hedonism, violence and mayhem, then we will be looking for a very long time.  There is no peace in chaos.  There is no peace in materialism.  And, there is certainly no peace in the world's version of success.......because.....with the world, enough is never enough.  

There comes a time in life when we need to slow down and question why we're doing what we're doing.  Do we only see a brass and glass world?  Do we only see interstates and highways?  Or, do we ever notice the blooming Crepe Myrtles or the wildflowers growing on the side of the road? Do we ever notice the buzzing bees or the chirping of the birds?  

We've written about birds and nature for several years, and each day, God surprises us with new joys of nature.  On some days, it's the Northern Bobwhite Quail that brings his missus into the yard for dinner.  On other days, it's the beautiful colors of Coleus that brighten our days with shades of Neon Green and Burgundy.

Coleus, Peppermint, Spearmint and Asparagus Fern

 

On some days, the Lord blesses us with a collage of glorious color!

The lovely shades of Coleus.

 

Rex Begonia

 

Persian Shield

 

Peace doesn't appear out of thin air.  We must live in a way that brings peace to our mind and spirit.   This year, in addition to feeding the birds at Le Avian Cafe, we decided to have a front porch garden.  We kinda got carried away.  After all, you can't stop with just one plant.....or two plants.....or three plants.  Having a front porch garden has increased our physical activity and emotional calmness.  It's difficult to be stressed when you're watering the Basil and Rosemary.  It's not easy to complain when you're digging in the soil and picking out colorful pots.  And, you can't be frustrated when you've just cut some Basil leaves to place on top of Mozarella Cheese, on top of a tomato, with a little Extra Virgin Olive Oil on top! 

 

From Left to Right:  Italian Basil, Persian Shield and more Italian Basil

 We love Persian Shield.  It's grows beautifully in a hot and humid climate.  

This plant is perfect for the Deep South and Florida

 

Yellow pot - Purple Coneflower (Echinacea) and the multi-color pot has Aloe Vera 

Aloe Vera plant is essential to have on hand for cuts, scrapes or burns.  It speeds up the healing process.

 

   Yellow Pot - Rosemary (Barbecue)

Orange Pot - English Lavender

Colbalt Blue Pot - Rosemary (Barbecue - and yes, it's smells like a barbecue)

 

L to R:  Coleus, Purple Coneflower (Echinacea), Coleus, Peppermint and French Lavender (Lavandin)

We found the landscaping stones at Lowe's.  We were having problems with weeds, so we cleaned out this area, placed stones on top (bought some of the stones for 84 & 88 cents).  The stones work perfectly for keeping a lot of the weeds out and they give the pots an even surface.  These lovely plants came from The Garden House in Vidalia, Georgia.  

 

 

 

This planting and growing season has also been a learning process.  To the left is Persian Shield in a striped pot.  This is the rich beautiful color of Persian Shield.  In perfect humid conditions, it has the appearance of purple leather leaves.  The terra cotta-colored pot in the middle has Electric Lime Coleus in the back and Persian Shield in the front.  We have learned that Persian Shield needs to be in a pot by itself.  This particular Persian Shield does not have a rich, vibrant purple color. The Electric Lime seems to be halting the growth of the Persian Shield.  To the far right is French Lavender or Lavandin (a hybrid of English Lavender).

 

Moving the plants to more sunshine! 

 

Sometimes, after watering the plants and moving them around, my back muscles are a little sore.  However, my spirit is refreshed.   When we are connected to nature, we are connected to God.  This is not New Age thinking, it's Genesis 1 thinking.  Genesis 1 is the Creation Chapter of the Bible.  God created the Heavens and the Earth.  He is the God of Creation.  God created the plants, the herbs, the birds and the butterflies.  We can experience the presence of a Holy God through appreciating and caring for His creation. He provided the herbs and plants for us.  And, in His physical provision, we can experience a heavenly peace.  

Psalm 50:10 says, "For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills."  

God owns it all, to include this adorable little frog who was making his home in the pot of Rosemary.  

Genesis 1:29 - 30

²⁹ And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree,

in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

³⁰ And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth,

wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.

L to R:  Spearmint in the red pot and Purple Coneflower (Echinacea) in the yellow pot

All of it belongs to God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth.

 

Red Rubin Basil

 

Peppermint - this herb is great for repelling spiders and mice.  

Spider Repellent Recipe.  You will need a plastic spray bottle.  Mix 16 ounces of warm water, 10-15 drops of pure Peppermint Oil, and a drop of dishwashing liquid.  Shake well. You can spray this mixture inside or outside, around doors, windows and anywhere spiders or mice can creep in.

 

As much as the American Dream encourages climbing the ladder to success, people will burn themselves out to make another dollar for another day.   As people rush here, there and everywhere, many times, they will miss the beauty of it all.   They go home exhausted beyond measure and dread the thought of doing it again tomorrow.  Mark 8:36 says "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?  Even though work is very important, we must never go through life missing the things that can't be bought with gold or silver.  

A front porch garden is a garden of life.  A garden is about life because a garden is about the Creator.

God is our Creator and everything that He creates or touches generates life.

 When the world is involved, we will find chaos, confusion and spiritual death.  

When God is involved, we find peace, promise and eternal life.  

 

 

 

Copyright 2017, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

  

Sunset in Rural Georgia

 

Photography by Norma Beaird

 

Before a late afternoon in rural Georgia turns into twilight darkness, the sunset transitions from glowing yellow to vivid gold, and then to a mesmerizing salmon pink mixed with periwinkle blue. And, right before the sun actually sets into the horizon, the sky will sometimes flood with a warmly infused tomato red; that, in the moment, seems to resemble a sky on fire with burning embers. If you can find a scraggly old tree over a desolate piece of land, you can create a rather apocalyptic-looking photo......or, you can try to convince people that you're on an African Safari and the lion just fell asleep.

 

The Tokens  

"The Lion Sleeps Tonight"

 

 

 

Copyright 2016, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

 

The Face in the Rock

 

Capitol Reef National Park in South-Central Utah

Photographed by our friend Patti Ezell of Lake Charles, Louisiana  

 

Poem by Curtis Beaird

 

They were here, once long before the ice receded.

They were strong and sure and almost silent.

The wind stilled when they spoke in their low whispers.

They knew they belonged, but would not, could not stay.

It was all about the ice. It was all about the ice and its leaving.

As it left, they knew they would have to go.

When the last of the large fields of glistening crystal began to puddle,

they went, leaving behind just this one.

Only one.

His hope, encased in stone, waits. Waits for the coming of the ice.

 

 

 

Copyright 2016, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

Mexican Sunflowers - Plant These and Enjoy the Show

 

Common Eastern Bumblebee and Gulf Fritillary Butterfly

 

Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird

Article by Norma Beaird

 

Praise God for Mexican Sunflowers!!  Earlier in the Spring, we were at Walmart looking around in the Garden Shop, checking out the bird feeders, the ceramic pots and flower seeds.  When we saw the seed display, we knew that we wanted to plant sunflowers again.  I caught a glimpse of a packet that featured a vivid orange flower with a golden center. Curtis and I thought that these flowers would be fun to plant.  So, on a whim, we bought some Mexican Sunflower seeds.  We have read on the website, The Gardener's Network, that Mexican Sunflowers are drought tolerant.  However, after we planted them here in rural Southern Georgia and observed, here is what we have learned:  

This summer, we have had extremely hot weather with temperatures soaring to 100 degrees.  At times, the Heat Index feels like camping next to a volcano.  It has been a burning heat this summer.  In addition, the humidity (which plants love) has been off the chart.  Just walk outside and break a sweat.  Even though plants love humidity, the intense heat has been tough on the blooms and the leaves. Therefore, we have watered the Mexican Sunflowers every day, especially after we watched them, time and time again, go into total droop mode.  Sometimes, we turned on the mist feature on our garden hose attachment and generously misted them after we watered them at the roots.  We have also deadheaded the scorched blooms.  Between the watering and the deadheading, we've had a very successful blooming period.  And, the lovely winged creatures have enjoyed their bright orange garden!  

Here is some great information taken directly from The Gardener's Network:

How to Grow Tithonia, Mexican Sunflower Plants

Annual, Tithonia Rotundifolia

Tithonia, also called Mexican Sunflower, is an annual plant that is native to Mexico and Central America. This drought tolerant plant likes warm weather.

Tithonia blooms from summer to fall. The daisy-like flowers in orange and yellow, grow 2 1/2" to 3 inches across. Remove spent blooms to promote new flowers.

Grow Tithonia plants at the back of the border. You can also grow them in groups. They will grow 36" to 60" tall. Some people grow them in containers. If you choose to do so, put them in large floor pots.

Mexican Sunflowers attract butterflies.

Tithonia is also referred to as ""Golden Flower of the Incas".

Popular Varieties:

Torch - grows 4-6 feet tall.

Goldfinger - grows just 2-3 feet tall.

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Plant Propagation:

Tithonia are grown from seed. In colder, northern areas, you may want to start them indoors. In warmer climates, they can be started outdoors. Keep soil moist until seeds have sprouted.

Sow Tithonia seeds outdoors after the last frost in your area, and after the soil has warmed to 60 degrees.

Important note:  The seeds will take 10-21 days to sprout. So, make sure the location of outdoor starts is well marked.

Cover lightly with soil, only 1/4". Space seeds 6-8 inches apart. Final spacing should be two feet apart. 

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How to Grow Mexican Sunflower Plants:

Mexican Sunflower plants like warm weather, and do not take a liking to the cold. Grow them in full sun. Soil conditions can vary, from average to rich soil. But, it should be well drained. Mix in plenty of compost prior to planting to promote optimum plant growth.

Tithonia plants are drought tolerant. Allow the top three inches of soil to dry out between watering. Applying a general purpose fertilizer early in the season will promote healthy growth.

Staking plants will keep them from falling over, especially in heavy winds.

Flowers will begin to bloom in summer. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage the plant to produce more blooms all the way to cold weather in the fall.

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Insect and Disease:

Tithonia experience few insect and disease problems.

Perhaps best of all, the deer avoid them. Deer do not like the hairy leaves.

 

An Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly 

Georgia's Official State Butterfly

 

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Female 

 

Mexican Sunflower

 

If you've ever wondered what the backside of a Mexican Sunflower looks like......here it is!

 

Red-banded Hairstreak Butterfly

 

For the first time, we were blessed with a Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly. 

 

Gulf Fritillary Butterflies love Mexican Sunflowers!

 

A Cloudless Sulphur had to check out the popular orange flowers!  

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright 2016, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

Finding Wonder in God's Lessons of Faith

 

Meet Cisco, the male Northern Bobwhite

 

Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird

Article by Norma Beaird

 

We serve a God who loves us and wants us to talk to Him, no matter how big or how small the request. He's our Father, He created us, and He's interested in our thoughts, requests and desires.  Sometimes, Christians don't think about petitioning Him unless they have big requests that involve health issues, financial burdens, family troubles or problems at work. However, He's interested in every aspect of our lives. Why? Because we're His children and He loves us.

Curtis and I are avid birdwatchers and bird photographers. Since 2013, we have been submitting bird species checklists to eBird, a division of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. We recently passed 1,000 checklists for Montgomery County, Georgia. As Citizen Scientists, we contribute to avian research for our region of Georgia.

Last year, we kept hearing the entertaining call of the Northern Bobwhite and we kept hoping that he would find his way into our yard, but he never made a visit. This year, we heard him in the woods again. One morning I prayed in faith and said, "Lord, I wish you would send the Northern Bobwhite into our yard. I would really like to photograph him!"  Well, a few days later, not only did the Lord send Mr. Bobwhite, He sent the Mrs. as well. God answers prayer! Many times, He answers above and beyond what we could ever think or ask. Praise the Lord! 

God is good and He seeks to teach us lessons of faith.  We can find wonder in these small lessons of faith.  These small lessons will increase our faith when we have even bigger prayers that need an answer from the Lord.  At times, we can allow doubt to creep in and tell us that the Northern Bobwhite will never show up.  On the other hand, we can believe.  

Meet Coco, the female Northern Bobwhite

 

Matthew 18:3

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children,

ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

 

Mark 11:24

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray,

believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

 

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

 

 

 

Copyright 2016, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

  

Meet Pepito....Papa Peppy's Toddler!

 

Papa Peppy is getting ready to feed Pepito, the juvenile Downy who eagerly awaits lunch time!  Papa Peppy has the vivid red spot on the back of his head.  The juvenile male Downy Woodpecker develops a faint red spot on the top of his head.

 

Photography and Story by Norma Beaird

 

Our Downy Woodpeckers have fledged a nest, a male and a female.  Meet our adorable avian family - Peppy, Pixie, Pepito and Prissy (not pictured).  They love to visit Le Avian Cafe and enjoy the Peanut Butter Suet Spread.  If Chef Curtis runs out of the suet spread, then they will gladly eat the cut-up unsalted peanuts just as quickly.  They Downy Woodpeckers are very friendly little birds who will visit the feeding station while we are preparing or replenishing the buffet.  Our Downy Woodpecker Family will also perch in the pecan trees and watch us as we bring out the unsalted peanuts on the famous cutting board.    

The Downy Woodpecker is a common permanent breeding resident statewide in Georgia.  

Peppy's mate, Pixie, is mama to Pepito.  She loves Unsalted Peanuts a la Carte.

  The female Downy Woodpecker does not have the red spot on the back of her head.  

 

Papa Peppy is feeding Pepito, the juvenile Downy Woodpecker.  Now that's a big toddler!  

 

 

 

Copyright 2o16, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

Nature Has a Way of Making Us Smile

 

Mama Muscovy and Her Ducklings

 

Photography by Norma Beaird

 

Muscovy Ducklings are not shy.  I got out of the Jeep with my camera and they came running.  

Maybe they thought I was the food cart?  

 

Can it get any cuter than this?  

  Nature's babies have a way of capturing our hearts.  

Nature has a way of making us smile.

 

 

 

Copyright 2016, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

Finding Wonder in Nature's Gifts

An American Coot at the Southeastern Technical College lake in Vidalia, Georgia

 

Photography and Article by Norma Beaird

 

This is a typical story with me, especially with certain birds that I've been attempting to photograph for a while.  And, this story happens, especially with birds who won't stay still for five seconds or who dart around the sky and hide in dense shrubs.  It's almost as though they know that you're trying to photograph them, and they decide to give you a challenge.  That's most likely not the case; however, it sometimes seems that way.  

This year, it was a nice surprise to see about twelve American Coots taking up residence on the Southeastern Technical College lake.  The last time that I had seen an American Coot was on a pond in the Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge north of Macon, Georgia.  I attempted to photograph him at the refuge, but Mr. Coot had other plans.  Needless to say, I didn't get a very good picture.  

When I saw the twelve coots swimming around the STC lake, I grabbed my camera and thought, "Here's my chance!"  Well again, all twelve coots had another idea.  Almost in unison, they all turned around and began swimming in another direction.  No matter where I went or how hard I tried, they made sure that I wouldn't get a clear picture.  

A few days later, we rode back down to STC; and I thought, "Maybe this time I can get one good photograph of an American Coot!"  Well, the Lord heard my prayer.  We drove into STC and there he was, just sitting quietly by the lake, without the other eleven coots.  We pulled up in the Jeep and I rolled down my window.  I was sure that the Jeep and the noise would drive him away, but it didn't.  He literally stood still as I began to photograph him.  It was almost as though he knew how badly I wanted at least one good photograph.  Then, he got into the water; and again, he sat perfectly still in the water.  

American Coot

The light was just right.  The sun was perfect.  I was very close to the American Coot; but yet, he didn't seem fearful of me.  Sometimes, we truly find wonder in nature's gifts.  Sometimes, all the planets line up and nature gives you that perfect photograph or that perfect experience.  Every once in a while, the hues in the sunset are a perfect blend of salmon, golden yellow and pink coral.  Sometimes at night, you'll walk outside to the sounds of a Barred Owl followed by a gentle breeze.  And then at times, you will see God's spectacular nightlight in a big and glowing full moon on a vivid blue horizon.

Even when everything doesn't always go as planned, we can rest assured that God knows just what we need and on the day that we need it.  These are nature's gifts.  May we always find wonder in the beautiful, ever-changing displays of God's incredible creation.  

 

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,

to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 

 

 

Copyright 2016, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

 

Finding Wonder in the Baltimore Oriole

An immature female Baltimore Oriole visits Le Avian Cafe

 

Photography and Article by Norma Beaird

 

My last post was about "Finding Wonder in the New Year".  

I have learned that sometimes "wonder" will find you. 

We had always hoped that a beautiful Baltimore Oriole would one day show up at the feeding station.  We had read in the book, Birds of Georgia, that the Baltimore Oriole is uncommon south of the Fall Line in the winter, whereas they had previously been more common.  The area south of the Fall Line is Georgia's Lower Coastal Plain, where we are located.  We had heard of sightings in Treutlen County, but had not seen any in our particular area.  Therefore, we knew that there was a good chance that one wouldn't show up, even though we continued to hope for a Baltimore Oriole sighting.  

One year, we saw an Orchard Oriole perched in a tree in the backyard, but never the Baltimore Oriole.  On January 2nd, I walked to the kitchen window and there she was.....a beautiful female Baltimore Oriole.  We grabbed the camera and began snapping away.  She seemed to adapt to the feeding station quite well as she began to eat the food on the buffet.  On the buffet, we had black oil sunflower, shelled sunflower and unsalted peanuts.  She would hop from one area to another, looking for food.  

We had read that Baltimore Orioles have two favorites at a feeding station, grape jelly and oranges.  We went to the grocery store and bought both.  It turns out that she really loved the orange.  For a few days, she was averaging a half an orange a day.  Now, she's moved on to our Peanut Butter Tree Spread.  I have to say that she is not a picky eater.  

Chef Curtis has prepared exquisite cuisine for Susie Baltimore...

Le Orange Shish Kabob with a delicate peppering of Le Ants

 

Chef Curtis' dish is a success!  

 

 

 

Copyright 2016, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

God's Blessings Have Feathers

 

Peanotta, the Red-bellied Woodpecker 

 

God's Blessings Have Feathers

Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird

Poem by Norma Beaird

 

Woodpeckers and mallards,

the cardinal and crow,

the warbler and Blue Jay,

a colorful show.  

 

Catalina, the Carolina Wren and the Duke of Soperton, the Northern Cardinal

 

The nuthatch and titmouse,

the sparrow and wren,

the grosbeak and House Finch,

our sweet feathered friends.

 

Bentley, the Tufted Titmouse, is working on the Black Oil Sunflower

 

The bluebird and kinglet

the bunting and dove,

the towhee and Barred Owl,

are birds that spell love.  

 

Leonardo, the Eastern Bluebird, poses for a portrait.

 

The falcon and eagle, 

the osprey and stork,

the hawk and Great Egret,

God's wonders galore.  

 

The Great Egret in flight, with a Hooded Merganser in the background.  

 

No matter the species,

the song or the call,

God's blessings have feathers,

and He made them all.  

 

 

Copyright 2015, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.