There's A Little Spot ..

At the end of our garden, that we set aside years ago for a few strawberry plants. What once was a few plants has now turned into our tiny strawberry patch. We've contained them to one end, but soon it will be taking over that entire plot of garden.

For The Past Month Or So ..

I have been keeping a watchful eye over the progress of the plants. They came to life, became a bit more perky, budded flowers, bloomed and (what seemed like over night) began showing tiny berries. Cute white flowers, swaying in the breeze and collecting honey bees, will soon be providing our bellies with sweet, juicy treats!

Looking out over the patch, in anticipation of what is to come. At the moment this picture was taken, the plants were covered in flowers and buds. The garden was also covered in weeds!

Tiny white flowers with only 5 petals, with only a hint of fruit starting to form.

Ahhhh! Fruit is forming!! A good sign for sure :)

Mr Honey Bee, flying from flower to flower collecting nectar and pollen on it's legs.

I Was Feeling A Little Blue Tonight ..

And down on myself. My wife, who is also my best friend, took it upon herself to cheer me up. Just a few subtle words of endearment and encouragement, along with a gentle rub of the back, all in hopes of getting me back up on my feet. She reminded me of how important I was to our little family. She reminded me of how blessed we are to have what we do, how blessed we are to have each other, and how blessed we are to have Molly and Pepper in our lives. That got me thinking about this weekend and how much joy I found within the few moments we all spent in the strawberry patch. We began picking the first few strawberries of the season on Monday afternoon. Guess who noticed from a hundred feet away and came running as fast as their little paws would carry them? You, you guessed it.. Molly and Pepper!

WATCH OUT!!! Here Comes Pepper!

Just about plowing poor Molly over in his haste to get here.

Haha.. took this shot this winter, but it gives a good representation of what I am talking about. I wasn't quick enough to get a shot of his sprint to the garden this time

He made it to the edge of the patch and is curious if I did in fact pick something. He's on to me at this point.

Truth be told, I wanted to eat that first strawberry I picked, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. It's sort of hard when two sets of eyes are locked on yours. I took one look into those puppy dog eyes and had quickly changed my mind. They have a certain power over me!

Molly often utilizes the 'sit and wait' approach.. especially around the garden. Weird things lurk in these parts. Strange objects that get picked and carried into the house. Things sometimes as big as her! Pepper on the other hand, tried to wade his way directly through the patch and had to be redirected.

Pepper Began Making His Way Closer ..

Trying to get to where I was in the patch first. Poor Molly remained silent and still! Pepper has this weird fascination or addiction with eating fresh strawberries. Maybe it's how sweet they are. Maybe it's that they are 100% organic.. although I don't think he cares. Maybe it's because dad (me) is doing something without him and it involves food. Or maybe, just maybe it's because I break the berry in half and slightly squeeze it as I place it on his tongue. That just may be the reason. Whatever the reason is, they both love the strawberry patch and I love spending those short few minutes with them there, feeding them fresh homegrown berries.

They made it and now it's time to reward them for being so cute and because I really wanted to. It is so enjoyablke when they enjoy it so much!

So I reach in and grab a berry. Almost immediately Pepper assumes the in front position.. First in line!

Molly is showing signs of nervousness..

The anticipation is killing the both of them

I break the berry in half.. equal halves! (got to be fair) Molly is ready to attack if need be.

Usually it is Ladies before Gentleman.. but Pepper was about to have a conniption and die of sheer excitement.. so he got one first

Molly got her piece about a millisecond later, for the record!

Everyone Left The Patch Happy ..

And a little fuller. I managed to collect a few to bring inside, to go with tomorrows breakfast. Of course Pepper was right there every single step of the way, looking for another piece. Don't be fooled, he got more than plenty a share of strawberries. No More or he'll surely have a tummy ache. That doesn't stop him from begging!

That's All For Now ..

More berry picking tomorrow. They'll be plenty since the temperatures are warming into the 80'sF. Looking forward to them and looking forward to feeling better with life.

Thank you for swinging by my blog and checking out the post. Have a great day!

All words, pictures and art pieces are the sole property of B D Miller Gallery, unless otherwise noted and credited, and are not to be reproduced or copied without the prior written consent of B D Miller Gallery.

About Me ~ The Artist

My art work incorporates a wide variety of subject matter, including landscape, seascape, cityscape, and still life images. My works are the product of a continuing process of exploration through which I seek to portray personal and visionary interpretations of my surroundings. My paintings are impressions of places and events from everyday life, an interpretation of my imagination, and personal responses to what I see and feel on a daily basis. More recently I have invested generous amounts of time into my landscape painting. I am surrounded by natural and man made beauty, which inherently presents itself in the tri-state area, and almost demands that I paint it.

Not everything is art. Art is not everything, but it comes close. Art is everywhere and all the time. Art makes you experience the beauty of the world, the people in it, and the places we call home. Art itself is so influential that it can tell stories, show feelings, and express passion or fury. Art exists in addition to language; expression of sensations and thoughts, revealing a way of thinking too subtle and delicate for words.

For me art requires love, honesty and perseverance. In return, it reveals some personal, non-analyzable, and creative untamed passion. For the public, art with its magnificent beauty, improves mood and health and builds better human beings and communities. It engages the intellect, softens the heart, strengthens the soul and frees the spirit.

If Your Interested In Purchasing Any Of My Work:

They can be found for sale in

My Etsy Store

or

My Saatchi Store

If you don't see the piece in either shop, It may still be drying. Let me know and I can upload it as soon as possible to be available. Or you can always make me an offer (in HBD or Hive or buyers choice) in the comments section of this post. If we agree on a price, I will then ship the painting to you. (shipping costs will be determined by your location).

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“If it could only be like this always – always summer, always alone, the fruit always ripe and Aloysius in a good temper...”

― Evelyn Waugh, Brideshead Revisited