Sunflower Gold

I put this vase of sunflowers on my deck railing for a photo shoot. When I downloaded my pictures from camera to computer, I noticed a hummingbird perched on the feeder near the sunflowers. What fun, especially since I like hummers and sunflowers a lot.

Hummingbirds fascinate me. One day I stood near the feeder with hand outstretched and a finger across a perch. Ignoring buzzing insects, I stood this way for what seemed like an eternity. And suddenly a female flew close. Her wings brushed my hair. She stared into my eyes, then actually landed on my finger. This was one of those rare "Wow!" moments for me. Prime Living Magazine published the article I wrote about this experience in their January 2004 issue.

As for sunflowers, I love their golden color, their texture and intricate designs, the way they bow their heads, provide nourishing food for birds and people.

And speaking of sunflowers, on August 25th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Diamond Hill General Store in Moneta, Virginia, will hold their 6th Annual Diamond Hill Sunflower Festival with the Biggest Sunflower Contest. Entries will be judged on size, best presentation and most unique presentation. Besides the contest, the Festival will feature music, wine tasting, an art show, gourmet food sampling, garden club stuff, refreshments, and book signings. And guess what! I will be there to sell and sign my Smith Mountain Lake mystery novel, Secrets at Spawning Run. Becky Mushko, humor columnist for the Smith Mountain Eagle and author of several books will be there, too, as well as Jim Morrison who wrote Bedford Goes to War. So if you want to have some really good fun on the 25th, come join us.

Diamond Hill General Store is located on Diamond Hill Road in Moneta. This unique store offers neat gift items, a large selection of wines, yummy food, gorgeous plants and flowers, and even gas for your vehicle. And the folks who work there are really nice.