Backyard Sniffari

The narrator offers a glimpse into a moment of tranquility and calmness that envelops her as she unwinds in her backyard, taking in the simple yet enchanting details of the moment.

The narrator describes a tranquil, immersive experience in the backyard, where time seems to slow down and she becomes lost in observation of her surroundings.

As the sun bathes the backyard in warmth, the patio stones hold on to the heat. The narrator's cat, Marmalade, a fluffy orange companion, lies stretched out on these stones, purring contentedly, slightly lifting her head though keeping her eyes closed. Now and again, Marmalade extends her claws against the stones in a quiet sign of relaxation.

The narrator isn't sleepy but rather finds herself in a drowsy, half-awake state brought on by the gentle warmth of the sun and the soothing atmosphere of the surrounding air. This serene setting has slowed her pace to a leisurely crawl.

The narrator is in a relaxed, half-asleep state, watching her cat Marmalade doze in the warm sun and musing over the magazine photos of idealized home decor.

The sun's brightness and the comforting embrace of the warm air have a hypnotic effect, making moments stretch out as the narrator watches the sunflowers sway gently in the breeze and observes the rise and fall of Marmalade's sides ...

Kathryn Nicolai paints a vivid vignette of her pets' distinctive energies and characters that contribute to the serene backyard scene.

The narrator's pets, including her energetic dog Crumb, the calm and affectionate rescued greyhound Birdie, and the aloof but lovable cat Marmalade, each bring a distinct energy and character to the serene backyard scene.

Crumb, the mixed-breed dog with spiky fur, short legs, and big ears, brings vivacity to the backyard with his exuberant energy. He contrasts playfully with the other more laid-back pets, racing around and sometimes interrupting the tranquility, as seen when he affectionately licks Marmalade's face—a gesture she tolerates with a lifted eyelid as a gentle warning.

Birdie, the soft-hearted rescued greyhound described as part granddad, part Eeyore, adds a calming presence. He is content when the family is together, asking for nothing more than to sprawl out and sleep beside his companions, whether that's beside Crumb and the narrator or alone, stretched out in the narrator's spot on the settee.

The interactions between the pets, such as Marmalade's tolerant response to Crumb's attempt to play, highlight their unique personalities and the harmony of the blended family.

Marmalade's reaction to Crumb's playful attempts shows ...

Kathryn Nicolai cherishes her home life’s lived-in character and relishes the joy of her imaginative musings, even as she wanders through magazine pages filled with images of perfect, designer-crafted spaces.

The pleasure of imagination without the pressure of perfection

Nicolai likens her enjoyment of flipping through the home design magazines to the enjoyment she finds in other imaginative pursuits. Like gazing at museum paintings or browsing library shelves, Nicolai is stirred by curiosity and the fun of mental exploration rather than any desire to emulate the perfection on the pages.

She understands the elaborate preparation behind the magazine shoots, involving a "small army of designers," and harbors no illusion or expectation that her own house should emulate those unreal standards. Nicolai finds comfort in this cognizance; she doesn't feel the need to create a mirror image of these idealized spaces in her own home.

As she indulges in this visual journey, thoughts of minor alterations at home surface—a reflex of her daydreaming. She contemplates, what if the upstairs hallway were painted a pretty pale blue, or if the sofa found a new home against the opposing liv ...

The narrator conveys the joys of a simple but exciting adventure in the backyard with her beloved dog, Crumb, through a whimsical exploration they have come to call a "Snifari."

The narrator engages in a whimsical "Snifari" exploration of the backyard with her dog Crumb, discovering hidden treasures and delighting in the simple pleasures of their shared adventure.

The "Snifari" starts with Crumb, the dog, rubbing his tummy on the patio stones before embarking on an enthusiastic sniff adventure through the yard. The narrator and Crumb traverse the backyard together, with Crumb weaving through a patch of dark red lilies, emerging as a humorous sight with dried leaves in his hair. As they make their way to the back of the yard, Crumb's eagerness leads them to a forgotten toy—a floppy reindeer—buried under an elm tree, covered in dirt and exuding a particularly delightful scent to both dog and owner.

The narrator and Crumb embark on a playful "Snifari" (a portmanteau of "sniff" and "safari") through the backyard, with Crumb enthusiastically sniffing around and discovering a buried toy.

Crumb relishes the toy's rediscovery during their Snifari, prompting laughter from the narrator. The joy evident in both Crumb's demeanor and the toy's retrieval is a testament to the bliss found in the simplicity of their everyday life.

During their backyard exploration, the narrator takes care to gently move a caterpillar out of Crumb's path, demonstrating her attentiveness and appreciation for the natural world around them.

While traversing the side yard by the blooming lilies, a pretty green caterpillar found its way onto Crumb's back. The narrator attentively moves the caterpillar to the safety of a shrub, expressing apologie ...