Captain Doug and I were having one of those lazy days on the lake when we drifted quietly into a cove and found ourselves watching a school of little fish being chased by a much bigger fish.

When all the excitement finally settled down, we realized we weren’t the only ones watching the cove. A four-year-old bald eagle had been sitting there all along.

We always give eagles—and all birds—their personal distance. But sometimes when you’re floating quietly, you don’t realize there’s an eagle nearby until suddenly there is.

This youngster certainly knew we were there. He just didn’t seem particularly impressed by the humans below him. Whatever was happening above our heads was apparently much more interesting.

Do you ever putter?

Not hurry. Not work your way down a list. Just wander gently through whatever catches your attention and enjoy where it takes you.

This week on Open the Door, I’m puttering through old letters, neighborhood memories, the shores of a lake—and five white-tailed deer who reminded me that not every beautiful moment needs to become a photograph.

Puttering — the joy of taking your time.

Listen or read Sunday morning:

docellen.substack.com/p/puttering

Sad Cake — lesson in imperfection

What makes a cake sad? My great-grandmother Granny knew. And Papa Big Jim knew something about sad cakes that has stayed with me for nearly 70 years.

Come through the open door with me Sunday morning.

🎧 New Open the Door audio story
https://docellen.substack.com/p/sad-cake

Mint-green announcement graphic for the Open the Door audio story “Sad Cake,” subtitled “lesson in imperfection.” A small vintage microphone appears beside the title. The graphic says a new story is released every Sunday and identifies the storyteller as Doc Ellen Tinsley, “from wherever she is perched.” It notes that the stories will always be free and that Grayced the Cat sends warm purrs to those who support the recordings with a paid subscription. The direct link is docellen.substack.com/p/sad-cake.

I was sitting quietly at the boat ramp, as I often do, when I sneezed.

Not a great big sneeze. Just one of those quick, sharp little sneezes.

I had no idea there was a Great Blue Heron on the far side of this pine tree.

Apparently, he had no idea I was there, either.

ACHOO.

And suddenly, there he was.

The door is open for my Labor Day Sale!

I’ve brought together some very different corners of my photography — a bald eagle launching into flight, a rather bemused osprey with dinner, a historic South Carolina farmhouse door, and sunlight spilling across a winding country road.

Fine art prints are 25% off.

Come wander through and see what catches your eye.

https://docellenimages.etsy.com

Nature’s door is always open. Come right on in.

What might be hiding in your pockets?

Mine have held everything from pennies and safety pins to treasures with stories attached.

Come through the Open Door this Sunday for Checking My Pockets.

A pocket can hold a lot of stories.

docellen.substack.com/p/checking-my-pockets