A site for my handmade cards, accompanied by my photos and written meanderings which are occasionally witty, often tongue-in-cheek, and rarely profound. Beginning in June 2013, you'll also see lots of NBUS, which is an acronym I coined for Never-Before-Used-Schtuff. Note: my Privacy Policy can be found at a tab below and you can find my NBUS Challenge online. I hope you'll join in the fun there! Thanks for coming by! Have a beverage and enjoy!

October 9, 2014

Hummer Happenings

Greetings!

Do  you miss me? I sure miss you!

This is a scheduled post which is weird for me because I like sitting in the same room with you when I'm writing and you're reading my writing as if I'm writing while you're reading as I'm writing. Even though I'm not here, I hope you will still feel me, yo. (I've always wanted to say that!)

I want to share with you an update on our resident hummingbirds. But first, since this is a hobby blog about making cards, a card:
The beautiful hummingbird and middle part of the above design are from a purse notebook given to me a long time ago by my dear friend Annie. I used it through two note pads and a dried-up pen, so it was time to make it into a beautiful card. I added the piece to a partial paper doily and glued it over the edge of a tall card base. Simples. QACAS. The sediment is from The Alley Way set "Words to Live By." The duodecuple flat sequins are by PTI.

~~~

A Changing of the Guard
“If you truly love Nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” – Van Gogh – On image of hummingbird taken in Tucson, Arizona, by Florence McGinn – Explore a unique collection of quotes on the Pinterest board, Timeless Truth & Beauty, http://pinterest.com/fmcginn/timeless-truth-beauty/  and on the slideshow at  http://www.examiner.com/article/twelve-essential-nature-quotations
Pinterest

If you've been a bloggie friend for a while, you know that for many years we have had a dominate male Anna's hummingbird at our feeder. Because he patrolled the feeder with, well, violence, we named him "Hitler." We've been enjoying his escapades for many years. This summer, as happens every summer, he was kept extra busy as new hummers appeared in the yard and made vain attempts to drink from the feeder. Some of them were returning from their winter migration south and some were quite obviously local youngsters.

Weeks went by and then I started noticing that when "Hitler" was on his little swing or sitting on a branch near the feeder, he wouldn't dart off when I got near. Odd. He was always very skittish and wary. So I started talking to him, as one does. And to my surprised delight, one day he threw back his head and started "singing" for all he was worth. It went on for a number of seconds. I complimented him profusely. The more I talked, the more he sang. He fluffed up his feathers and cocked his head. I started to emulate his chirping/singing as best I could. I couldn't get over his friendliness and I thought to myself, "Whatever has gotten into Hitler?!"

Then light dawned. Low and to the east. Hitler had passed on to the Spirit Land of Hummers. Of course! We had, after all, been owned by him for many years.

This little hummer wonderbird is no doubt Hitler's offspring, but how awesome that he obviously tokes after his mother as he is uber friendly, nearly tame! After a few days, he has started coming to the branch or feeder when I "whistle" for him! If you are s(coughing), you can go to YouTube and see videos of people with hummers perched on their shoulders, heads, hands.

Needles to say, I'm all over this and enjoying long minutes communing with my little dude every time I go back and forth between the Playhouse and the Big House! When I return from my vacation, I am going to try holding a container of sugar water in my palm (I saw that on another blog, but I can't remember where) and I'll have Mister take some photos for you if it works. Wish me luck! So beciting!

In the meantime, here is a photo comparison. Many, many photos of Hitler have graced the pages of this blog over the years. Here is one:
And below is a photo of the "new" Hitler. You can see the difference in the neck feathers. The new little guy has undeveloped scarlet feathers along the neck and, in fact, he has a couple of scarlet feathers down low on his left shoulder.
 
 
They are so beautiful and so magnetic! I am amazed by the personality differences that sets the two apart, even more than the markings. In the five or six years that we were owned by Hitler, he wouldn't let us get within five feet of him. This new little guy lets me get within inches while he sits on the swing or drinks from the feeder.

I couldn't end without sharing this related photo, too. 
What? This is a shot of the patio under the tree branch where the hummer likes to sit. If you guessed that those are little hummer poopoos, you'd be correct!

New Guy does display some hitlerlike behavior when other hummers come to the feeder, but so far he seems much more Zen than his papa was! Here is a long shot so you can see him on his little swing "guarding" the feeder.
I haven't quite decided on a name. Do you have any suggestions? Sometimes I call him "Fluffer" because it is soft to say and because when I talk he puffs up and fluffs out his feathers and tail. Please let me know your ideas! Maybe there will be a prize!

I'll keep you posted on my domestication efforts. And if you notice I'm visiting less, you'll know where my time is going! Already I'm picturing the next time I run into old friends and they ask me how I am keeping busy in retirement. Erm. Do you think they will put me in a padded cell if I'm honest and say that I'm trying to tame a hummingbird? Maybe we should just keep that between us!

~~~

New Friends Corner

As promised, here are five more talented and inspiring card artists who have been waiting patiently to meet you! It is my extreme pleasure to introduce you to:

Claire Broadwater of Claire Creates Cards. Claire is an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator who has been blogging since May 2013. She is a wife, mother (of twins!), and grandmother of five. As Claire says, she has been playing with paste and paper for 27 years as a First Grade teacher! In a nutshell, Claire makes HAPPY cards. Even her spooky Halloween cards are happy! I think you'll love your visit and become a fan!

Rebecca of Rebecca's Cookery and Crafting. As you can tell from the name of her blog, Rebecca loves horseback riding and chemistry. I'm kidding, of course. Just seeing if you were paying attention! Rebecca loves to cook and she loves to craft so you get double the goodies when you follow Rebecca. By the way, Rebecca only started blogging in August, as in two months ago! Please do make a special effort to go and welcome Rebecca to this wonderful caring and supportive Blogland community of ours!

Susan Butler of Scrumplescrunch. No, this time I'm not kidding, even though that sounds like one of my made-up words! Sue has been blogging since 2010. She is an artist. In addition to making cards, Sue has enjoyed sewing, cooking, cake decorating, quilting, and scrapbooking. She is a designer and an award-winner. In addition to wonderful inspiration, you will find tutorials on Sue's blog!

Vikki Ryan of Vikki's Stamping Story Take 2. Vikki is from Tasmania and she has been blogging since 2013. Vikki works full-time so she doesn't have time to blog very often, but when she does, it's great to see either the cards she has made or the beautiful photographs she shares!

Kris B. of Created by Kris B. Kris has been blogging since 2012. She met me through my NBUS Challenge, but the pleasure has been all mine! It's no wonder she is a designer! I simply adore all of her card designs and how she interprets the various challenges she enters. I think you'll agree with me after you have visited Kris!

Thank you for joining, ladies, and welcome to the Playhouse!

[If you have joined as a follower and have not been introduced, it's prolly because you did not leave me a comment and I could not find you by doing a Google search. Or it was Operator Error. Please feel free to email me!]

~~~

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy.  LITS!* 

What's My Name?
As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse and special thanks to you if you take the time to leave a comment and/or join as a follower! Please let me know you came by, so I can be sure and return the flavor!


  
 
*Life Is Too Short!

To open the pop-up comment box that let's you jump to the end w/o scrolling:
Click CTL + Home. 
Click the Home tab under my blog banner which resets the post.
Click Page Down to reach the end of the post.
Click Comments and the pop-up box opens.
Click Jump to Comment Form; no more car pool tunnel!
Mwah!

81 comments:

Sue said...

Beautiful card and those humming birds are stunning.

Sarah said...

I do so love reading what you have to say Darnell whether you are writing as I'm reading or not!! Love the card and associated story too. How about "Herman the Hummer"?!! xx

Carole Pollard said...

Just brilliant the card is gorgeous and love the bird story what about Harry Love and Hugs Carole x

Liz said...

How wonderful to have a hummingbird in your garden! ...... And one so tame! I've never even seen one.

Your hummingbird card is stunning, by the way.

You had me going for a moment about your new friend Rebecca! I'm a friend of her Mum and I gave her a tip or two when she was setting up her new blog and couldn't recall anything about horse back riding or chemistry! I was just about to go and check out her blog again! LOL! xx

Gerrina said...

The hummingbird you made on the card is a great bird to remember you on both special once! Hugs, Gerrina

ionabunny said...

Love the hummer on the card and the hummer on the swing. Will look forward to hearing the continuing adventures. I think animals name themselves and without meeting the guy in question I am unable to suggest an appropriate name. I think one day the name will become obvious and you will say it without realising and that will be that. I do think they sometimes live up to the label we give them. I had a tradition of always calling my roosters Hans. I only ever had one, so the name just got handed down. Then one year I kept a young rooster and because he was black I named him Ninja. At one year old he lived up to his name and beat the stuffing out of his father. Ninja still runs the roost but the next one will definitely be a Hans! Look forward to seeing more photo's of your hummers. We don't have these in Norway. No surprize there really LOL Hugz

Ros Crawford said...

Yo!! So good to have you back ... I missed the fun! Loe the card and your upcycling ... And that little bird Yikes!! I've never seen one of course being in the UK but what a cutie! And he sings too ... Well I guess you could call him Tweetie ... I guess that's a bit lame huh?

Lisa Elton said...

What a sweet hummingbird on your card Darnell, cute cute!! But the real cuteness here today is the story of your new hummer!! How fun that the two of you communicate. Sure hope he'll drink from your palm, how cool would that be!!! Maybe you should name the new little crooner after a singer...perhaps Mr. Buble, Bono, Elvis ~ haha, just to name a few!! Poor little Hitler, may he rest in peace ;)

Lynette said...

Great card, Darnell! I love all the pictures of your new hummer. I wish you luck with taming him and I can't wait to see him sitting on your shoulder.

Craftychris said...

Your card is gorgeous and so is the little hummer! I loved reading your story! In fact I like Little Hummer as a name! xxx

Alanna said...

Your card is beautiful Darnell. And I so enjoyed reading your story about Hitler and his progeny. How fun that you can get so much closer now.

I Card Everyone said...

First off, love the card... second? I too am a hummingbird person... and yes, I have fed them by hand!! They are the dearest of all birds. You are so lucky to live where they do all year long.. mine have all travelled to their winter home now. They are the special something I look forward to every Spring... thanks for sharing, Darnell! I think Fluffer is the perfect name.

Becca Cruger said...

Your writing is always so clever! I have been absorbed in thinking of a name for your new friend and the best I could come up with was Bublé, because he's fluffy, friendly, and he sings to you. :)

And because this is a crafting blog, I really like your bright and tall card!

Kim M said...

Loving the card, Darnell! Oh my your hummingbird stories are so delightful! Sorry to hear of Hitlers passing but it happens I suppose. I wonder how long hummingbirds live? Ok, I had to look it up. Apparently they can live as long as 10 years. Although most die in their first year as they can perish in as little as an hour if they can't find food. Wow. Better keep that feeder well stocked!! :-). Obviously, you fed Hitler really well since he came back year after year. In any case, I think it is awesome that your new guy is so friendly. Fluffer is a good name but may have unwanted associations. ;-). LOL. How about Winston? Can you guess why I chose it? ;-). Hugs!

Jeanne said...

What a pretty card, Darnell. I really like the swirls in the hummer. I was delighted to read your hummer story and look forward to more as you work on taming your new little friend. I did't know they sang. The first name that popped into my head was Puff Daddy (Puff Diddy?) I'm sure you'll come up with something delightful. RIP Hitler.

KT Fit Kitty said...

Your card is so pretty! I love hummingbirds too! We put up feeders at our new house this summer and were amazed by them! They're gone for the winter now. Your photos are beautiful! We didn't name our hummers - it was all so new to us - maybe next year when they come back!

Mrs A. said...

Didn't realise Humming birds looked so pretty. The colours are lovely. Like a peacock. You could just call him 'Hummer'.
Hugs Mrs A.

Chriss Blagrave said...

Wonderfully up cycled card Darnell, too pretty to let that lace wrap go to waste :)
Hitler and son (fluffer, yes, cute and soft) have gorgeous colours on them. The hummingbirds here in Austin do not have that striking magenta colour in their feathers. There have been fewer this year and I think they may have already left the area until next season...I always see my first one on St. Patrick's day. I had chills when you said you started to chat with him...good chills:). I had a beautiful praying mantis visit with me for 3 days last month and was speaking to him too. He was cocking his head and looking at me with his enormous big eyes when I spoke to him softly. There is magical beauty all around us :)
I am sure that Fluffer will let you hand feed him...eventually!

Stamping With Bibiana said...

what a great post...the card is so lovely and the "picaflor" as we called it in spanish is adorable ,me too I have several guests in my garden and saw a couple of nests too!
hugs bibiana

Pat said...

Your hummingbirds are so pretty Darnell, and a great bit of upcycling for your card. The real life hummer is a beauty with his lovely green irridescent back feathers, so I would call him 'Irri', but I think 'Fluffer' suits him too. x

cm said...

First, - yes, I miss you and thank you for the scheduled post to stave off shedding tears during your absence. Hope you're having a marvelous time. Your card is stunning, but it's the story of how it came to be that has me 'magnetized' and mesmerized. Up in the cold climes where I live, hummingbirds are a rarity, so seeing yours - and especially reading your stories about them - is an exponential treat. I always thought hummingbirds were incredibly teensy; apparently, I'm incorrect (I need education on so many things). Your new dude sounds awesome; evidently, he loves an audience, singing and 'dressing up' for his performances. Truly fascinating. Fluffer is a delightful name; for some reason, "Fluffy-Puff" has come into my head. Awesome post; day brightened by mega wattage! Hugs~c

Canonbury creations said...

Love, love, love your card Darnell it's absolutely gorgeous! Lucky you with the hummingbirds we don't get them here but we were fascinated watching them on PEI :-)
Val x

Karen P said...

Welcome to the Playhouse and Playground Hummer Junior! I do hope Missy Darnell will bring you over the Playground to play with us too and I am really looking forward to seeing more photo's of you from the Mistah!
A gorgeous card Darnell, that bird image is so gorgeous! I am going off to play for a bit as your new photograph's have inspired me to take out my recent WPlus9 stamp set with the hummingbird stamps! Hope you are having a fabulous time on you holiday-ma-bobs Karen xx

conil said...

If they haul you away to any kind of cell they'll have to come and get me too. Fortunately for them, I'm not too far away (we must conserve gas). I, too, have a patio that resembles yours. I tell everyone it's textured concrete. We've had resident hummers for years and especially one who guards his territory like...well, we'll call him Rommel (never thought to name him). Since we had migrating hummers, I put up another feeder for them. Well, you guessed it...that's Rommel's too. He's such a selfish little beast. In any case, He won't come near us so maybe, if he has offspring, maybe they will, eventually. Perhaps, since yours is so free with his affection, you could call him Puff (as in the Magic Dragon)? Just a thought. Your card, since this is a hobby blog, is a lovely tribute to Hitler and his family. Really charming. Hope your vacation is everything you hoped it would be.

Carol L said...

Beautiful card and a lovely story about your hummers. Since you're his adopted mamma now, I'd call him "whistler!" I hope you're having a great time with your sistahs!

Geri said...

Okay, gotta say that I am really sad that Hitler has likely passed on! But, how nice to have a braver and friendly version of the old guy hovering about. This new one seems like a "Ruben" to me. Kind of has a German ring to it and seems to be a fitting name for Hitler's (possible) offspring.

Oh yeah...the card! Beautiful way to up-cycle the pretty bird and doily! Great bits of bling too!

Seriously...I've never seen hummingbird poop before - thanks for sharing :)


Pat said...

Beautiful card and beautiful pictures of the past and present hummingbirds. It is amazing that this guy is so social - you'll get him to light on your hand before the season is over, I'm sure. He needs someone to 'converse with' and who better than you! Love your blog and your followers' comments, too.

Bobby said...

I'm sorry to hear about Hitler but glad his offspring has come to take his place. I was going to tell you that you probably saw the hand fed hummers on Michele's blog but she already mentioned it. I love your beautiful card, such a tribute to a lovely friend.

Redanne said...

You recycled the gorgeous little hummingbird beautifully on your card Darnell, I love that it has been given a second life!

Before I forget, Linda Ledbetter (blogs by the same name) takes photos of hummers all the time (she also keeps a fabulous little micro pig as a pet) and often puts photos on FB. Last week she showed a little video of someone feeding hummers from their hand - it was fantastic.

Sorry to hear about H not being with us any longer but H Jnr is a delight and I have a wonderful vision of you having a 'conversation' with him now! How wonderful... Big hugs, Annie xxx

Vicki Dutcher said...

Fabulous bid photos and what fun! Becoming friends with a H Bird -- WTG Darnell!! :)

oldpunca said...

O, what a beautiful card! Thank you for the story about your little singing friend. :-) You gave him amazing name... :-)

Hettie said...

RIP Hitler. Like your card. The newbie is gorgeous and has a lickle flick of red on his neck. Howz about Herr Flick!!!
Tee hee!
Hugs
xx

Kathleen said...

Captain Beaky.
Gorgeous card.

Kath

shirley-bee said...

'Course we miss you! It's really quiet in blogland....

Love your upcycled hummer card and I'm so envious of how close you can get to such fabulous wildlife. Sparrows and blackbirds are nowhere near as pretty.

Ann said...

I can see why you wanted to upcycle your notebook cover, Darnell, as it's so very pretty! Your hummingbird visitors sound delightful, and I'm sure you are onto a winner with this new little fella - he obviously already likes you, so that is in his favour! Good luck! :) Ann

Shelly said...

Such a pretty card!!! And sorry to hear about Hitler. Though, sounds like you have another sweet little bird hanging around. And I'm not always the best at thinking of names...though, I do think Fluffer is quite cute! ;)

Anonymous said...

Great upcycling - I can see why you wanted to give it a new life.
Such beautiful birds. Enjoy your new little visitor.

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

So glad to see the photos of your new little friend! He is beautiful! We have hummingbirds here in NC, but they are the Ruby Throated ones. They are pretty but not as pretty as yours! I have feeders up every summer. So much fun to watch! Your card is a stunner!!!!!

Bonnie said...

How exciting! I'm hoping to see a photo soon of this handsome guy perched on your hand! He sure is pretty! So is the card by the way. I think you used that notebook well!

Deepti said...

I love the hummer story and pictures you captured :) More so the fact that u communicate with him :) Love the beautiful card the doily on green card gives a very elegant look!

ScrapaDiddle said...

Love the hummer story. He is so darn cute! Since he seems to be the antithesis of Hitler I would name him FDR or Frankie for Franklin Delano Roosevelt who was responsible for leading the troops in overcoming Hitler. If he is a she I would name her Mother Teresa because she is such the opposite of Hitler. Have fun with him! Thanks for sharing!

Susanne Vargas said...

We miss you too! So glad you scheduled some posts! And told us about your almost tamed Hummingbird! Thanks for sharing those great photos of him and his dad! Can't wait for the ones where Junior eats out of your hand!
Gorgeous card, too!

Leanne ... said...

Darnell...your story is delightful. Those birds are so adorable. Im not really good at naming but he/she is colorful and pretty id call him... Pretty Boy.
Hugs....Leanne

Hussena said...

Your love for hummingbird sure does show ..i was totally entertained reading about Hitler 1 and his much friendlier counterpart Hitler 2 :) They sure are amazing creatures :)
I loved your card and the pretty way you have used that doily on the green base !

Carole Z said...

AAwh great post Darnell, your card is gorgeous and so are your photos...hummers are without doubt my favourite bird, I'm only sad we don't get them in the UK..all m life in my visits to family in California, I had been trying to get a decent photo of one..spent ages in my auntie's garden watching them as a teen...then last year I found an uber friendly hummer that was happy to pose and display for me..one very happy gal! Hugs Carole Z X

Eliza said...

Hi Darnell,

What a wonderful story, I managed years ago to tame Kookaburra's to feed from my hand. I have also had Magpie's enter the house and come into the kitchen for some bits of meat. So with all of that you are bound to tame this little guy's trust. keep at it too, you will win. As for his name, well his dad was Hitler, so what about Adolf. LOL

Hugs Eliza

Brenda said...

I am in love with this card Darnell! I love the hummer on it and I think that you are amazing, so to be this card should be mailed to you! I loved reading about Hitler and now about his off spring! I think it is so cool that his offspring is so tame and friendly. I've been hummers eat right out the hand of someone so I think you will have great success with this little guy. Ahhh, a name for him.....well it needs to be opposite from Hitler that is for sure! lol I wish I had a clever name for him, but heck I'm just not clever! But since he is so social-able with you why not call him Social? See not clever at all. lol Hope you are having a fabulous time Darnell with your family! Hugs, Brenda

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
my your stories and your sense of humour are fantastic.
What a little cutie is he, and so tame too.
How about the name Hittie Jnr, not very original though.
What a very beautiful card too.
I love your super design of this.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

Milka Gubo said...

Hello Darnell :-D
I love your card. It is so pretty. Your photos of hummingbirds also. Oh wow, you have hummingbird :-D :-D
Enjoy your vacation :-D
Hugs, Milka

Petra Swart said...

Hi, Darnell, of cause we miss you, but hoping that you are having a lovely time with family and friends!!!!
And boy what a lovely post!!! I so enjoyed all the hummingbirds (on your beautiful card and in the garden!!!)
We also feed birds on our balcony and it's amazing how tame they become after a while (and yes, we also talk to them!!!) My husband and the kids have a whole breeding 'farm' of mealworms (in the one bathroom!!!) The birds are really having a feast of worms here and it's amazing how many worms one bird can eat at a time!!! Nature is just so great, hey and what a priviledge to enjoy it!!! Have fun with you feathered friends!!!!

Enjoy the rest of the holiday!!!

Marisa said...

Fabulous hummer on your card and adore the photos of Hitler and his heir. We had hummers for years and then one year they didn't coem back to the feeder - think the tree on the deck shaded it too much so we will try again next spring as there are many around. Loved how we could sit by the window just a few feet from the feeder and watch them come and feed. Best part was when the little ones were big enough for mom and ad to bring them to the feeder. Had to giggle when they could not reach the tubes from the perches as they were too small to stretch that far. I LOVE the name Puff Dadd which someone else suggested! Brilliant!

Joyce said...

Beautiful card, and of course, you have a hummingbird stamp. Loved hearing about your newest hummer-pet.

Krisha said...

Changing of the guard can often come as a surprise. Beautiful H bird photos, both are/were beautiful birds. Mom had a female that grew to know her, called her Momason. I vote for the Puff Dadd too.

Bonnie Lynn said...

Love the hummer story and those pictures are gorgeous! As for a name, Mussolini comes to mind since he paired up with Hitler and this hummer also chases others away from his feeder.

Sheila H said...

Very pretty card - love the doily. The real hummingbirds are pretty, too! I'm looking forward to learning the name of your new visitor :)

Kim Heggins said...

Darnell...this is so sweet and lovely. The colors are soft and beautiful. And Wow....what a story too.

Laurie Unger said...

As I was reading your post and enjoying the update on the "new Hitler" I kept thinking that this new kid on the block deserves a better name. Wahlah - there is the request from you on naming this little guy! Hmm....so I had to google new kids on the block (boy band) and found this:

New Kids on the Block (also initialized as NKOTB) is an American boy band from Boston, Massachusetts, assembled in 1984 by producer Maurice Starr. The bands' original name was Nynuk.

So, how about Nynuk?

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Darnell, I hope you are enjoying yourself. Your hummer card is gorgeous and oh my gosh do I love your photos! They are such beautiful hummingbirds, we don't see them with the purples here. I love your story and can't wait to see photos of the friendly hummer feeding from your hand. Hugs, Shirleyx

Barb Ghig said...

Such a gorgeous card, Darnell! I love that you chose colors that are so realistic, and the doily is so pretty!

Thanks so much for sharing all those beautiful photos with us, and for the update on 'New Hitler'! Wish I could think of a good name for him right now...but, I'll keep my thinking cap on!

I hope you're having a great time on your vacation! You certainly deserve it!

Janelle said...

Welcome back! Your hummingbird looks like a real-life opal - with the flashes of the iridescent colours on the grey background - but calling a hummingbird after a rock is a bit of a misnomer, isn't it? :) Thanks for the photos of him - he's adorable. Have fun!

Kelly Latevola said...

Your hummingbird card is fabulous! It looks like stained glass! How cool! Speaking of cool I can't believe that little one let's you get so close. Amazing! I've read that birds puff their chests out to attract a mate. I think that little dude is hitting on you. Better warn the mister that guy is a flirt . . .hmm maybe something there for a name?

Shona Chambers said...

Hope your having a wonderful holiday and living it up with all the girls!! Such a pretty card and reading about your hummingbirds makes me wish we had them here too! We don't have many birds around mainly due to our two cats and two dogs, so they have to be pretty quick to grab any worms from our lawn. Although they do manage to steal a few Mulberries when they are ripe and leave purple surprises on (always) my white washing!!

Karen M said...

Love your beautiful card Darnell and your hummingbird friend is a gorgeous little fella too! I hope that you've had a lovely break - hugs xx

Deborah Frings said...

I really enjoyed reading about your birds! Love the names you have for them, but Fluffer!!! Honestly! :) Do you know the other meaning ;) :) Great photo of the birds. Oh, and the card is fabulous!". xx

Anita in France said...

Beautiful card, Darnell ... I was wondering how you did so much precise paper piecing ... till I read on ... I should really do that first! Awesome photo's of your new owner ... he does look rather more sweet natured that Hitler did! As for a name ... how about Duvet ... it's French for fluff ... elegant? Manly? Sophisticated? Hugs, Anita :)

Carole said...

We do miss you and your quirky posts and fabulous cards. Thanks for sharing your joyous communion with the charming humming bird...the pics are great as well as the card. Hugs

Patti said...

Hi Darnell : ) Great card!! and outstanding photos of your flying friends!!

Word has it that Hitler, whose father was illegitimate, carried on the tradition by having an illegitimate son of his own named Jean-Marie Loret.

http://jezebel.com/5886412/did-hitler-have-a-secret-son

Poor man was pretty upset when he learned who his dear ol' Dad was : ( but he was doubtless a nicer bloke than his old man - even fighting against him in WWI. anywhose!

Charlotte Lobjoie was the offspring's teen mother so perhaps you could name your little hummer after her instead of that scoundrel Hitler. With your creative word-smithing I can see you finding a great pronunciation in Lobjoie like.. for instance... "Little Joe" LOL

Great card!! keep the fab posts coming friend!

(((Hugs)))
Patti

Brenda in IN said...

Your hummingbird pictures are lovely. I've never seen one up close like that. Can't wait to see the new one perched on your hand. The image on your card is beautiful and what a great way to recycle.

Helen F. said...

What a gorgeous card, Darnell. Your notepad cover bird is beautifully recycled.
Your 'pet' hummingbird is awesome! I love that Hitler's offspring allows you into his world and you are so much a part of his life (hopefully for many years to come).

MaryH said...

Loved the lace doily & the beautiful hummer on this tall card. Very elegant in its simplicity. Thoroughly enjoyed the read about your little friend. He's much prettier & more colorful than the hummers we have around here. Mr. stood by our feeder one afternoon, very still for about 15 minutes, and one fella 'almost' landed on his hand. It takes patience & quiet. TFS your hummer adventures with us. Hugs

Greta said...

Hope you're having a wonderful time away, Darnell! Love your card--great upcycling! I so miss my hummers we had before moving here 20 years ago, so I live vicariously through your posts! It's so neat your new little fellow is friendly--mine used to buzz me to get away when I was tending my roses. Big hugs, Greta

Sharron said...

Gorgeous card and absolutely awesome photos! Love hearing your tales about Hitler and his family. I would love to live where we had more hummers. Do you have a variety of kinds? Ours are usually ruby throated.

Monika Reeck said...

How clever you cut the doily on your card wooowww and the little bird there so lovely colored...I love the long card you made and the soft green color there...are you still have much sunshine there..in Germany nearly 4 days grey and so less sunshine..I miss sunshine..hugs, Monika

Lynne Mizera said...

Dear Darnell, You've done it AGAIN! WOWed me with your awesome-ness... I am grateful every time I read another of your blog posts that I have found you to inspire and motivate me. Thank you for sharing about Mr. Hitler and his replacement, and that you regularly commune with your birds... It makes me hapoy to know that there are moreif "us" out there! ((((hugs)))) from Canada

Cris G. said...

Your card is a perfect tribute to the hummingbird "Hitler" (sorry to hear). The doily is absolutely fabulous, and I always love repurpose/upcycled items.
Funny that you already have a substitute, and being family of "Hitler". Now the name... what about "Hummy"? But that could lead to a confusion of identities, since you already have a "Hammy". So, to distinguish his Zen personality from the former confrontational "Hitler", could be "Dalai Lama"... or "Fluffer", sounds good to me :).
P.S. - Love how "Hitler" said goodbye, showing his appreciation for many years of (distant) friendship.

Leslee said...

Beautiful hummingbird photos and I love the story that goes with them. Glad you were able to recycle an item to make your beautiful card!

Manuela said...

I am sorry to read this about your feathered friend, it sounds like a wonderful friendship between you and him. The birds are looking so beautiful!

Cat Craig said...

I loved your card, Darnell, and too reading about hitler and his offspring. I like fluffer as a name and I think it is quite normal to try to tame a hummingbird...but then I talk to the deer in the back yard when they visit to eat corn! Happy days!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous card and photos Darnell! Thanks very much for mentioning me on your blog and for introducing the other ladies...what a great idea. I will be sure to visit their blogs. After reading your post I realised an update to my profile was long overdue....lol.

Kim S said...

Lovely card - I'm glad you repurposed the notebook! Beautiful photos! We have quite a hummingbird population at our place in the mountains. I love to sit on the deck and watch them at our feeder, but I'm not there enough to get to know any of them personally. I had come to the conclusion that they were all little Hitlers, or at the least, insanely protective of their "personal" feeders, because the angry chatter and dive-bombing of interlopers was quite intimidating. I was quite surprised that these exquisite little creatures were so darn mean. I look forward to seeing if you can befriend Hitler Jr. Let us know when you name this one!

Taunya Butler said...

YOur card is what I am amazed at!! Love the delicateness and the hummingbird itself is just so well done!! I do miss you but hope you are having fun!!!