Such a common name for an uncommon creature, glamorous in your snowy robes, heart shaped face and sage’s eyes. Did we wake you from some midday slumber? Or were you giving us an owl greeting with slow flapping of those angel wings above the bank where we’d landed our kayaks for a picnic lunch – right after the skimming swallows, egrets, white pelicans, turtles, and loudly chattering Stilts. . . welcoming or warning?
My oldest son Ben (almost 19) took me kayaking at the Estero Americano outside the little town of Valley Ford today. He’s an old hand at this by now, having taken many groups out this summer. So I relaxed while he did the driving, the strapping and unstrapping of the kayaks, gave me my gear and got me pushed out into the water, pointed out wildlife, etc. And I just soaked it all up, swelled up with happiness actually, not just because the marshes were teaming with birdlife, but I remember not so many years ago when I was in charge of all those details and never seemed to be able to relax like today, when I had this gentlemanly companion who was perfectly capable.
Last week Ben and Andy went to the Estero together and here’s what they saw!
photo by Andy
I believe it’s a sheep moth, although the picture in my bug book looked rather plain compared to this velvety beauty.
And lastly, I delivered the Lynmar map painting to the owner, so now I will post the entire image.
pen and watercolor on paper, 30″ X 22″
susancornelis.wordpress.com 
Lovely Susan! – I like the way the owl seems to be moving from day into night.
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Yes Kev, I think of owls more in their nighttime zone so I had to put that in, even though I sighted it during the day.
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That map painting is really great. You are such a skilled painting designer. All that zen stuff you do seems to put you in a different place than the rest of us.
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Bravo on the Lynmar map! You did a fantastic job! The giant chicken and bottle of wine certainly make me want to visit there. Today someone suggested a book for me to read: Wesley the Owl by Stacey O’Brien. A woman’s 19 year relationship with an owl. I thought of you.
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Thanks for your personal marvelous posting!
I seriously enjoyed reading it, you’re a great author. I will make certain to bookmark your blog and will often come back at some point. I want to encourage one to continue your great work, have a nice afternoon!
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