Welcome to my newest followers, Tammy and Jennifer, and a hearty hello to all my favorite blogland friends.
On
May 1, I shared some photos of blooming plants. It has been 6 weeks, and maybe you will enjoy seeing what Mother Nature does in such a short period of time here in central Florida. We have gone from "mild and enjoyable" to "hot and humid" in a short period of time.
No new card share because still not sitting up for long periods, but I do have June's Blog Candy and a few before-and-after photos to share!
(below is the "before" photo, taken May 1)
The caladiums were just beginning to pop up. We do not dig our caladiums up during the winter. It's so fun watching the ground come to life with these colorfully leafy plants. It's the closest thing Florida can offer to crocuses and tulips.
Notice (above) the Chinese Fringe Flower bush to the far left is no longer blooming, but the leaves are turning a bright burgundy. They will stay that way all summer, and bloom periodically, too.
Here is the before photo just 6 weeks ago:
The geraniums are already in disstress from the heat and sun. The large caladium leaves provide a little shade during the summer. When Autumn comes, the geraniums will be happy again, and the caladiums will be gone.
Here's my WHINE (do you have any cheese to go with my whine?) Still not able to sit up much, and definitely finding it difficult to make cards, but that won't stop me from June's Blog Candy share. Thank you for sharing the lanai portion of my back yard.
These "after photos" were taken at noon - the sun was brilliant in a clear blue sky.
Awwww, you have been so patient. My June blog candy is intended for friends and visitors who truly share themselves on my blog. I cannot thank you enough for your dear friendship. Welcome to any new visitors if this is your first visit. You don't have to be a follower to qualify for my blog candy, and as long as I can find your e-mail address in blogger, or if you e-mail it to me, I can notify you if my husband pulls your name out of the basket. The blog candy is just for fun to share with others. If you are reading this from an e-mail, just click on the title at the top of your e-mail and it will bring you to my blog post.
The Candy this month is a brand new - never used - watercolor floral Stampin' Up! hostess set of 7 stamps called "Two Step Stampin' Botanical Blooms", with the sentiment:
"to thine own self be kind"
To qualify for the set,
please leave a comment about the sentiment. It is all about inner strength. Has there been a time in your life when you were not particularly kind to yourself? Or have you always done what is in your best interests, regardless of the cost. Share anything that comes to mind regarding the quote. It will be so inspiring reading your comments. Thank you in advance for caring enough to share that part of your heart with me, and all my other blog visitors. The drawing will be on July 1.
My self-unkindness is that I often strive to do too much, or I might allow others to take advantage of me or inflict guilt upon me when I should not allow it. So the word "no" is coming into play more often. Also I am being as honest as possible with people in the most gracious manner possible, by choosing my words carefully and not taking things personally, remembering that if my actions displease others, it may not have anything to do with me, but it simply is not what others want from me for whatever reason. Carefully, I try not to assume that I understand what others are going through, or what they are thinking. That is liberating. And finally, I do my best, and my best may vary from hour to hour. These are the kindnesses to myself (and others) that I am working on daily and makes for a strong soul.
Submitted to the following inspiring challenge blog:
Path of Positivity - #3 Strength (last paragraph of my post)
Grateful hugs for you,