Hands Down

I have the best parents around.  Enough said.

On A Little Vacation

 Taking a little break from writing, but will be back soon.  With soccer and baseball and camps and friends and vacation in there, it might be a little bit, but come back and visit when you can. 

It won't be too long.

One Photo At A Time

Little Thoughts Big Joy

Why does the bird's song make you smile?  Why does the rain make you pause and be still?  Why do the majestic snow covered mountains take your breath away?  Why?

Why do movies about love make you cry?  Why does a baby kitten make you talk in a little kid voice?  Why does the smell of flowers make you close your eyes?  Why?

Why do we get excited to have a letter address to us in the mail?  Why do we tap our toes to the music? Why does seeing a child eat an ice cream cone make us laugh?  Why?

When we add up all the little things that happen in our daily lives, we find meaning.  Are the little things really the big things?  It's something I've been thinking about lately.  Joy comes to us in so many ways and most of them are given to us in tiny gestures by friends, a thoughtful word by a family member or a text from a loved one just when you needed a smile.    

In the little moments of listening to the bird sing his melody, watching the kitten chase the red yarn across the stair, or the breathing in the aromatic smell of roses, it's in these little moments that joy emerges for us.  Embrace that moment for what it is and remember that all the little things eventually add up to a big thing and give us meaning and connect us in so many ways.

Just thinking today about all the little joys that come in and out of my day and how they deserve to be held for a moment and appreciated.   

Pause today during the little things and smile that they are there for you.

I've Been A Little Hesitant...

A few months ago I started a photography site so I would have a place to post and share my photos. The only thing is, I didn't really share it with too many people. Well, today,  I've decided to share.  I hope you will enjoy browsing through some of my photographs as I continue to learn how to use my camera.  Yes, I actually am learning how to use the "M" mode on my camera.  Scary yes, but am slowly learning and enjoying the process of being in "manual". Thanks for stopping by again.  I so appreciate you being here.

You can visit my new photography site by clicking here...

http://onephotoatatime.weebly.com/

Here is a photo I took today of my sweet kitten, Nela.  I took this right before the bluejay flew inches past her nose.  She hasn't left my side since and is currently in my lap as I type this.  I think it was a signal (or a dive bomb attempt) for her to give him his space. Well, Mr. Bluejay, she got the message and is still scared of you.  One point for the bird.

You Are Not Alone.

When the stuff overtakes your morning...

When the right sized socks can't be found for the ten pair that don't fit...

 

When you step on the computer charger...

When the laundry baskets of clean clothes need to be folded...

When the trash is overflowing in the bathroom...

When the cat box needs to be emptied and you just keep forgetting...

When the books you want to read keep piling up...

When the warm breeze is perfect, but the windows are dirty...

Remember...

You are not alone in your day.....

Let the Countdown Begin...

It's May 10th.  It is the 130th day of the year. (Don't you love Google?)  

One hundred thirty days have come and gone this year and summer (if the weather ever decides to make up its mind) is going to be here in all its hot glory before we know it.  I'm not a summer girl, never have been, but do enjoy having a lighter schedule and freedom to head to the movies during the day or to the mountains for a hike before the rain hits in the late afternoon.   

Our summers seem so short, but we have 86 days to fill with some soccer camps, hiking, fishing, baseball, scout camp, camping, friends over, bon fires, sleeping in, and a vacation in there somewhere.  By the time we get into the grove of summer, we'll be off and shopping for new school clothes it seems.

This summer I want to slow down and enjoy each day as it comes and be more open to letting things just unfold throughout the day.  This is hard for a type A personality and control freak, mind you, but it is a goal (and so it gutting the boys' bedroom closets and dressers, but I'll keep that a secret for now).

As the countdown to the end of the school year begins, I hope you have plans for some iced tea or strawberry lemonade on the deck or front porch.  I hope you have plans to read your favorite novel again and plans to breathe in the warm air as the sun sets over your favorite spot, because before you know it, it will be time to put up the holiday decorations and shovel the driveway.  (For those of you wondering, you only have 228 shopping days left.)

The Beauty Others See

Why don't we see ourselves as others see us?  Why do we think our eyes are too small or too round?  Why can't we accept ourselves exactly as we are?   We are all beautiful and should believe it from the inside out.

This three minute video by Dove, will make you think.  It will make you remember to say thank you, when someone says you have beautiful hair or a smile that won't stop.   Beautiful from the inside out.

Sometimes, No Always

Sometimes the love for your family is overwhelming

Sometimes it's just perfect

Sometimes, no always

I'm grateful for my family

I love these beings with my every breath

Tender Heart

walking to the sea

the day’s breath lingers behind

sound filling within, so deeply

hurting almost

tender sun dips its toes into the blueness

setting the waves aflame

the edge is singing its invitation

to come and rest once more

resting in the wet

the cool and clear

tender heart is softened

beating now in tune with the blueness so vast

one by one they glide

ever so slowly down

falling from the skin

now wet with the day’s last breath

nothing remains of the warm glow

and time that once was, is no longer

a new breath fills deeply within,

almost hurting

Resting My Thoughts Here

So many things have been swirling around in my head over the last few weeks and really need a place to just let them rest for a bit rather than hold onto them.  My mind needs some space to breathe.  Really breathe.  Deep, meaningful breaths.  

So, today, I am laying my thoughts here and may come back to a few of them later on, but for now, they need to just sit, so I can breathe.

Doing what is right for your children isn’t always easy and isn’t always popular to the rest of the world, but fits for your needs and values.  As parents, we have to make sure our kids are respected and treated kindly and fairly.  Sometimes that means you have to speak up and sometimes more than once.  You can’t be afraid of what others may think, because what is right for you may not be right for someone else.

It’s ok not to have all the answers.  No one really does and if they say they do, they are lying and you should run the opposite direction.

I don’t like tv.  I really find it offensive most days and when I saw a commercial for a new show called “Bet On Your Baby” I about lost it.  Are you kidding me?   Bet on your 2 year old child to complete a task and win money?   What?   Trying to soften the premise by saying they are trying to win money for their child’s college, is not soft enough for this mom.   Come on ABC.   What in God’s name are you thinking?   This is what our world has come to? This really explains why the rest of the world sees the U.S. as money hungry, walk all over your friends and family to get what you want type of country.  I don’t have words.   It’s not enough to just love your children anymore.  You must make them stack a 10-story block house better than other two year olds for them to feel they are worthy!  Unbelievable.

God is God.  God knows all.  God knows your heart. God knows what you think.  God is God.  God sees what you do, both good and bad.  He sees and knows. 

I’ve been participating in Deepak Chopra and Oprah’s 21 Day Meditation Challenge for the last few weeks and am finding it to be a soul care item that brings great calm to my morning.   I’ve wanted to try it for so long, and this was the perfect way to try it.   It’s been enlightening on how it has changed my thought process and world view.  Really it has.   I have to try and find time each morning so I can make this a new habit.


I need bifocals.  Enough said.   I need to make an eye appointment, soon.

Clutter bothers me something awful, and my spring cleaning list is now five pages long.  Five pages.  I  made the list last night and it feels good to  mark off one or two things each day (dust ceiling fans and blinds upstairs). It may be winter before the spring cleaning is done, but…..that’s ok.

I keep coming back to these two phrases over and over in my mind……

“People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.”

“Before you judge me, make sure you’re perfect.”

Thank you for letting me rest my thoughts here today.

The Papal Conclave

The Papal Conclave is about to begin and have been watching it for a little while now.  The Cardinals have been ushered into the Sistine Chapel under a layer of prayers and singing  and blessing of the saints. It's quite a beautiful site actually.  I am not Catholic, but find the traditions and pomp and grandeur surrounding the election of the new Pope quite intriguing. Each of the 115 Cardinals are reciting the pledge and promise to keep the oath as I write this.  Their red robes and white underlay are so elegant and they carry themselves with such grace and peace.   They will vote today to see who will be elected as the next Pope, the 266th Pontiff to be elected. It is unlikely they will elect him today, but there is always that possibility. They must have a two-thirds plus one vote in order to elect the man who will wear the next pair of red shoes.  Shoes, which are in boxes sitting feet away in the Room of Tears, where the next Pope will be dressed for the first time.   Three sets of clothing, in three sizes (as they don't know who is going to be elected) awaits in the small room next to the chapel.  Prayers have been said and more are to come on behalf of those making this most historic selection.  Historic because for the first time in over 600 years, the previous Pope is still alive. The votes will be cast, once this evening and then two each morning and afternoon until the decision has been reached.   The votes are counted by three Cardinals and the third passes a needle through the counted ballots and then are burned.  Black smoke is seen from the chimney, signifying no election has been made, while white smoke indicates a new Pontiff has been elected.  It's quite a tradition and a time filled with great hope for the Catholic Church around the world.  It's very interesting and makes me appreciate the beautiful rituals and traditions of all religions around the world.   There is something awe inspiring about it for me and brings out a sense of calm for me to witness these beautiful customs.  

The Sistine Chapel
photo credit

Thursday (With a Dash of Stuff)

Our youngest is growing up so quickly.  Texting friends has become an activity as of late.  Going to girl/boy parties hasn't happened before - until now.   We are entering a new little world with our baby, who I thought was really going to stay four forever, but it seems he has other plans.

I bought my first photography magazine and can't wait to have some time to read it cover to cover.  I've been stepping out of my "smile for the camera" box and snapping all kinds of photos and testing the waters with the manual setting.  It's a little intimidating, but someone's got to do it. 

I'm reading a book for book club right now called, Sister of My Heart by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and it's got me hooked.  Secrets of family history right off the bat are revealed.  May end my laundry routine early so I can read fifty more pages.  I haven't read a novel in quite some time, so am enjoying the little book escape.

Our oldest is on his first overnight school trip for baseball these next few days.  They left this morning at 4:15AM.  Yep, early!   But, he got up right away when I woke him up so know he was looking forward to it.  Bags were packed with hand warmers, sweatshirts and flip flops and swimming suit and batting gloves and the like.  I hope he enjoys the trip and hits a double.

My husband is so handsome.  (Just thought I'd throw that in.)

This kitty drops and sleeps where ever she feels sleepy.  She walked into the room and just stopped, rolled over and closed her eyes.  She's a funny girl. 

I'm not much of a tv watcher (except for Downton Abbey of course) but love having The Chew on while I'm doing house stuff.  I adore all of the hosts and find them to be real people on tv talking about food and the like.  You'll have to check it out one of these mornings.  I know you'll enjoy it.    

I hope you take a few moments today to take some deep breaths, roll your window down (except if it's snowing) and let the fresh air fill your being and be grateful for all that is ours.   Enjoy your Thursday (With a Dash of Stuff).

Today is the Day

Today is the day...

to open the door for the stranger behind you.

to breathe during rush hour and enjoy the song on the radio.

to watch the sunset until it disappears.

to read ten pages of your latest book.
to take a hot bath with candlelight.
to turn off the tv.
to unplug for an hour.
to write a letter to a friend.
to listen to the sounds that surround you and really hear them.
to eat a new food.
to say your prayers.
to listen to your heart and go for it.
to wear your favorite socks even if they don't match your outfit.
to hold your children.
to love those around you.

Today is the day.

Listen to the Whispers of your Heart

Her car was jutting out from the driveway into the street.  Obviously not where a car belongs.   We drove past her, me looking back at her all the while we drove into the next driveway and pulled into the garage.  Something just wasn't right.  I didn't really know her other than the once or twice I was introduced to her when she was visiting from college.  Her body language in the car showed hurt and with her head bowed, my instinct knew something wasn't right.

We pulled into the garage and told my husband I was going to walk over and see if she was alright.  He followed a few steps behind me.  She got out of the car as I headed her way and just stared at me, saying nothing really.  I asked if she was ok, and already knowing the answer to the question, I walked right over to her and gave her a big hug as her tears fell.   Her car was stuck on the ice and couldn't get it into the garage.  That's not why she was crying though.  I didn't ask why, but told her everyone has one of those days now and again and that she would be ok and get through it.  She looked at me and just smiled.  I hugged her once again as my husband tried to move the car up the steep ice rink.  I told her I'd go get some cat litter and she'd be in the house in a few minutes.   

Sure enough, a cup of the deodorizing magic grains onto the ice in front of the tires, and my husband was on his way up the mini Mt. Everest of a driveway.   She breathed a sigh of relief and said thank you.  We told her if she needed anything to come right back over to our front door and knock and we'd be there.  

It was my gut that told me something wasn't right.  That instinct that whispers in your head, "do something, don't sit."  I only share this because that little voice in your head, is there for a reason.  It's purposeful. It's meaningful.  It's your heart telling you to act in a compassionate way.  When you act or make a decision out of love, rather than fear, there can never be a wrong choice.   Listen to your heart when it speaks to you.  Listen to that whisper that finds its way into your ear.  Listen and listen well.   What may seem like a simple action to you, may be the huge difference in someone's day.   Don't be afraid to act, but simply act out of love and listen to your heart.

I'm Blushing....Thank You

I was recently nominated for the Liebster Award from my sweet blogger friend, Ginger, over at 
The Amateur Writer and just now have had a few minutes to sit down and say, thank you.  I'm blushing and tickled pink you thought of me.

The award comes with a few rules:

The Rules
Share 11 facts about myself.
Answer 11 questions from my nominator.
Nominate 11 followers (with less than 200 followers) for the award.
Create 11 questions for the nominee to answer.
When the Nominee is finished you must link it back to me (as I did above) in your blog post.

So, without further adieu, I happily accept this award and am honored you have come by today to share in all my beautiful blow award glory.

Here goes...

11 Facts About Me

1. I have been happily married for 22 years and am mom to two amazing boys, 16 & 12.
2. If you call me to meet for tea or pie, I will drop everything and meet you, no questions asked.
3. I could sit in a boat on a lake for hours and hours without talking.
4. I am a photographer, a poet and a writer, yet never call myself such things to others.
5. I believe God has plans for me and continue to ask for hints from Him daily.
6. I don'l like dogs. We, here, are cat people.
7. I am a morning persona and have troubles staying awake for movie night.
8. I have a secret desire to be on Broadway on day (or off-off-Broaday is ok too).
9. I believe everything happens for a reason and do not believe in coincidence, ever.
10. I have 7 books on my nightstand, all started and not one finished.
11. I believe everyone is inherently good, when it comes right down to it.

Answer 11 Questions From my Nominator

1. What's your favorite date night activity?    - Order in and watch a movie together. Pretty simple.
2. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?  -To be more patient.
3. What would be your dream job?  - A magazine writer/editor or photographer or a research guru.
4. What bones have you broken?  -Zero
5. Name one thing you've always wanted to try. -Living in New York City
6. Chocolate or vanilla?  -Vanilla
7. Why do you blog? -I blog as a creative outlet and to hopefully inspire other to be true to themselves.
8. What's your favorite hobby? -Reading and learning about any and every thing.
9. What season of the year do you like most? - Fall because of the cool crisp weather and the smell of ripe apples.
10. Would you consider yourself a dreamer or realist? -My heart is a dreamer and my head is a realist and most often act as a realist.
11. What household chore could you wish you would never have to do again? - Duh, Laundry!

Blogs I Nominate for a Liebster Award

Daytons Day to Day

Clumsy Crafter

Finding Joy

Finding Beauty in the Ordinary

Questions for my Nominated Blogs to Answer

1. What is your favorite book of all time?
2. Where do you go when you need to be quiet?
3. Do you run in the rain or watch from inside?
4. What do you do when you're "in a mood" and need to get out of it?
5. Do you Pinterest
6. What is your favorite vacation sport?
7. Are you a morning person or night owl and why?
8. Do you play an instrument?  Which one(s)?
9. What music do you always turn to to energize you?
10. If you were a fish, what kind would you be?
11. If I asked you to pack your bags, where would you hope I was taking you?

Thank you so much, for stopping by today.  I love that you spent a few minutes in my corner of the world with me.  It's like blogging chocolate (or vanilla in my case)!  Happy Sunday.

I am a Soul Seeking

I am a soul seeking truth

   truth that sets you free of worry

   truth that opens the walkway

   truth that breathes lavender into your heart

  

I am a soul seeking love

   love that sets your feet firm

   love that opens the window each morning

   love that breathes sweetness into your ear

I am a soul seeking joy

   joy that sets your heart soaring

   joy that opens new doors

   joy that breathes warmth into your toes

I am a soul seeking peace

   peace that sets your mind on everything

   peace that opens you to others

   peace that breathes gold into your being

I am a soul

seeking

truth

love

joy

peace.

Morning Time Has Come

I guess you could say I'm an early riser. My body clock goes off at 4:25am each morning with a glance at the clock and then I gradually fall back asleep just as the alarm goes off for the day.  The morning is my favorite time of the day. 

Our oldest and Grandpa have headed out once again on a fishing excursion to catch the winter "big one" and I am sitting in his room with the window shades opened and can hear the three little wrens chirping to their friends.  Our youngest's music is playing in the next room at a level fairly loud for sleeping music and my sweet husband, still recovering from his cold, is tucked under the covers with a cat at his feet.  I love this quiet of the house.  

The morning offers me time to gather my thoughts and prepare for the day ahead. I have read a page in my "The Book of Awakening" by Mark Nepo, read the headlines and am contemplating a cup of hot blueberry tea and some blackberry jam toast.  Too bad, mornings don't come with room service.

I'm looking forward to our youngest's soccer game this afternoon and then possibly a nap later.  Yes. The type of nap where you turn off the lights, close the blinds and get under the blanket.  A true nap.  It's important to slow down when you can.  We don't do it often enough and when the weeks are filled with soccer, basketball, scouts, homework, on-line classes, friends, and so much more, it's good to start the morning slow and plan a nap.  It's good for your soul, at least my soul.

It's supposed to be in the low 60's today.  A little out of the ordinary for us, but good fishing and soccer weather for certain.   I hope you will take time today to slow down a little, enjoy the sunrise, your hot coffee (or Dr. Pepper) and enjoy a slower pace today.  Listen to the birds, feel the breeze on your cheeks and embrace your day. 

Day 13 & Day 14: 14 Days of Love - Photo Challenge

Enough love for two days.

Day 12: 14 Days of Love - Photo Challenge

I'm addicted to Instagram.  Completely. Totally. Addicted.  I love the way a simple photo can instantly become a portrait and just cannot get enough of this app.  If you don't have Instagram, you can get it here.  I have taken more pictures than ever before with this app and L.O.V.E. it.  So many options to play with. You can never have enough pictures. I don't know if I could love an app more.   

Until...

That is...

PostalPix came along.  The perfect marriage to my Instagram addiction.  You see, I have all these wonderful pictures that I've taken on Instagram, problem is, you can't print them at the store very easily.  The edges get cut off and the finish just doesn't look right because Instagram finishes the photo in a 4 x 4 format. What is a girl to do?

Well...

PostalPix to the rescue.   This little app, which you can get here, is the vanilla to my chocolate, the cream to my coffee, the bubbles to my bath....need I go on?

PostalPix is genius.  Download the app, upload your Instagram photos, click order, click pay, and voila, four days later you have beautiful 4 x 4 prints in your red hot little hands.   My addiction may require me to attend Instagram and PostalPix Anonymous.  Seriously.  You think I'm joking, don't you?

   

Here is my first order of PostalPix prints that came in my mail today.  Totally in L.O.V.E.

Day 11: 14 Days of Love - Photo Challenge

The one behind the camera, even takes photos of themselves behind the camera.

You have to do it.  It's important to document yourself in photos too, even if you're the one that likes to take them.  Drop the camera and get in front of the lens.  

Show yourself some love and remember you are part of the daily events too.  

Love yourself and photograph yourself.

This is a self-portrait.

Me.

The photographer wanna be.

Love on yourself today and ease into all that lies ahead of you and your schedule.

Enjoy your Monday.

Day 9 & 10: 14 Days of Love - Photo Challenge

Love is purple

Love is clear

Love just is.......

Love

iced over river flow

Day 8: 14 Days of Love - Photo Challenge

Love shows itself in strange places:

a stranger opening the door for you...

a card in your mailbox...

the sun shining when you feel down...

a phone call from a loved one...

smiles from your kids when you make their favorite meal...

your kitten purring in your lap...

but,

what about on the bottom of your brownie?

I found this candy heart on the bottom of my brownie yesterday.

Definitely made me smile.

Happy brownie eating.

May you find love in unexpected places today.