Sweet Surrender

You Have Wings ~

2012-01-24T04:53:00.000-08:00

"You were born with potential
You were born with goodness and trust
You were born with ideals and dreams
You were born with greatness
You were born with wings
You are not meant for crawling, so don't
You have wings
Learn to use them and fly!"

- Rumi

I seen this on a fb page and immediately shared it. I love it!

An Hour ~

2012-01-20T15:14:00.000-08:00

An hour, one hour, can change everything forever. An hour can save your life. An hour can change your life. Sometimes an hour is a gift we give ourselves. For some, an hour can mean almost nothing. For others, an hour makes all the difference in the world. But in the end, it's still just an hour. One of many. Many more to come. Sixty minutes. Thirty-six hundred seconds. That's it. Then it starts all over again. And who knows what the next hour might hold.

Comicalness ~

2011-12-28T06:04:00.000-08:00

A Text Between A Daughter & Mother...

Baby Girl: Allow me to introduce you to the new man in my life... Mr. Coffee. He gets pretty hot. ;P

Mom: U r funny! Don't let him burn you!! LOL! Oh I crack myself up! :D

Baby Girl: Har har har. :P :)

Through A Child's Eye ~

2011-10-30T12:41:00.000-07:00

I don't particularly like Halloween and all the spooky, scary, totally over the top mix of horror and gore that goes with it. Although, I do enjoy looking at it through a child's eye. To a child, it is one day out of the year that he/she can dress up like their favorite hero or someone they would like to be. Or a day the children are free to express their imagination in a concrete way by becoming a beautiful flower or a giant piece of pepperoni pizza!

When my children were younger, we would discuss what they wanted to be and start making a list of items to gather or buy at the local craft store. We would also scour the racks of thrift stores for unique products that could be altered. The preparation of "the costume" was full of anticipation; just waiting to see the finished product. As the final touches were added, I can recall the expressions of sheer delight and glee that could be seen on their little faces. It was priceless!

The night of Halloween , with all the carved pumpkins lit and my little ones empty bags waiting to be filled; the kids could be seen skipping joyfully up to each door in the neighborhood shouting, "TRICK OR TREAT!"

*In the photos above are three of my nieces, Alexis, Deja and Denille.

All We Need Is Love ~

2011-09-08T21:53:00.001-07:00

I love how the universe sends me little reminders of how much I'm loved! Right when I need it too! Yesss... even through a strawberry!

;)

What We Crave Most ~

2011-08-18T14:50:00.001-07:00

Look at us, running around. Always rushed, always late. I guess that's why they call it the human race. What we crave most in this world is connection. For some people it happens at first site. It's when you know you know. It's fate working it's magic. And that's great for them. They get to live in a pop song. Ride the express train. But that's not the way it really works. For the rest of us, it's a bit less romantic. It's complicated, it's messy. It's about horrible timing and fumbled opportunities. And not being able to say what you need to say when you need to say it. At least, that's the way it was for me.

Look at us, running around. Always rushed, always late. I guess that's why they call it the human race. But sometimes it slows down just enough for all the pieces to fall into place. Fate works it's magic... and you're connected. Every once in awhile, in all the randomness, something unexpected happens and it pushes us forward and the truth is... what I'm starting to think... what I'm starting to feel, is that maybe the human race isn't a race at all.

To See The Beauty ~

2011-08-06T10:14:00.001-07:00

During a recent conversation, my mom shared with me early one morning, while the kids were still sleeping, she went in her back yard to drink her coffee. As she sat there, she couldn't help but think how much her life had changed since she took custody and guardianship of my sister's four children. As I listened to my mom talk, I could hear the sadness in her voice. She went on to tell me how even her back yard is in a complete disarray. I tried to encourage her and lift her spirits by pointing out what a blessing she was being there for my sister and the children. I also pointed out how the back yard has been a place of refuge and allowing the kids to be kids. It's a good thing.

Not long ago, I watched the kids for my mom and took some picture's that caught my eye while I played with my nieces and nephew. I love my mom's back yard. It's as if you are walking through an outdoor garden article in a Country Living Magazine. I sent her this collage and told her she may have to look at everything through different eyes to see the beauty.

The River ~

2011-07-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

I sat there and forgot and forgot, until what remained was the river that went by and I who watched. On the river the heat mirages danced with each other and then they danced through each other and then they joined hands and danced around each other. Eventually the watcher joined the river, and there was only one of us. I believe it was the river.

A quote from the movie "A River Runs Through It."

It's Been Ruff ~

2011-07-17T21:34:00.000-07:00

Our Simone has always had a distinct smell to her breath; not pleasant. When I thought that it could not get any worse than it was, it did. Her breath smelled of rotten fish. I noticed she wasn't eating her food, although when it was meal time, she was the first to come running to her bowl. The dots were not connecting. When wanting some kind of an answer, I google. Apparently, the "rotten fish" smell was probably a tooth with decay and infection. Our vet found a tumor growing on her gum and also an infection from an abscessed tooth. He gave her an antibiotic and we scheduled an appointment for surgery. Her tumor was sent away to see if it was cancerous and it came back benign. Simone had five teeth removed and needs to go back in six months to be rechecked for two more that are in question.

I am quite thrilled to be able to say, she is doing great and acts like a different dog. She has never been able to eat hard food and now she can. Simone is a sweetheart; full of love and wants to spread it around with wet kisses and fresh breath!

Ever since we have gotten our Miss Sophie, she has walked with a little skip in her left hind leg. We went camping two weeks ago and the second day in, she was keeping her left leg tight up into her. She loves our trips, but I could tell she was over it by Wednesday. I took her to our vet and it's what I expected... she has to have surgery on her knee. Apparently she has ruptured her Cranial Cruciate ligament. I dropped her off at the veterinarian hospital and her surgery is around 11:00 this morning... please say a prayer for her.

*UPDATE ~ Sophie is in recovery. She went through the surgery fine. They had to repair more than expected.... but she is good!!

:)

Hugs and a heart felt thank you!

Where I Belong ~

2011-07-15T12:21:00.000-07:00

Take time to smell the coffee!

I have wanted to go to The Queen Bean Coffee House for quite a while now and just hadn't taken the time to. In the past year or so, my daughter and her advisor would meet there to go over their research and other things on their agenda that needed to get done. She would come back and tell me about how the Queen Bean was decorated or what was going on and I would be oh so envious. We finally went to the Queen Bean and it is now a place that we catch up on what is going on with one another.

This charming little coffee house is indeed an old house located downtown that has been renovated into a business and has a BIG homey feel to it. In no time, you find yourself relaxed and not wanting to leave. On some evening's toward the end of the week, The Queen Bean will have poetry readings or a band come in a play music. Awesome, Awesome place!

I'm Tickled PINK!

2011-07-12T12:19:00.001-07:00

It's Texture Tuesday and Kim's assignment is PINK! I couldn't make up my mind on which photo to use... so I just used all three! :)

This photo was taken on one of my morning walks while on holiday in Monterey, California. I got up before the sun kissed mother earth on it's side and was able to witness it ALL in it's magnificent glory! And then I thanked them both for sharing it with me. I used Kim Klassen's texture sweettart.

When my daughter was a toddler, she would wear a pink tutu over her jeans or leggings and dance throughout the house. When she put this pink dress with tulle peaking out of the bottom over her jeans, it made my heart smile with how some things stay true to one self no matter how old you get. Sweet! On this photo, I used Kim Klassen's texture not too shabby.

This photo was taken in Monterey along Cannery Row while listening to a young musician playing beautiful music on his guitar. My husband and I had just learned that his test showed no trace of cancer for the first time after doing numerous rounds of chemo. We were both relaxed, sitting in the sun and sipping our coffee's. People who have survived a near death experience often say "life flashed before their eyes." I wonder if this moment, full of emotion, would be one that flashed before mine. On this photo, I used Kim Klassen's texture Aurora.

You can see more "Pink" textured pics by clicking here.

Kinetic Energy ~

2011-07-01T04:14:00.000-07:00

Life is like riding a bicycle.
In order to keep your balance,
you must keep moving.

They Are Made ~

2011-06-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life, that fills them with compassion, gentleness and deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.

Elizabeth Kubler Ross

Running Away ~

2011-06-29T05:17:00.000-07:00

It's been a little tense here lately. Recently, my husband finished the first phase of a beach house he'd been working on for five straight weeks. Companies he worked with on some of the orders were not following through and made the job difficult. Needless to say, Charlie was feeling exasperated. When he would come home after working 4/10 hour days, he would snap at me over the littlest things. Then there was also my daughter who graduated from college with her Master's going through a lot of emotions as well. Let me just say the phrase, "You hurt those who are closest to you," really hit home.

While my son Rob was at work he'd text me a quick, "Hi mom ~ how's it going?"
I replied, "Shh... Don't tell anybody, but I'm running away."
He replied, "I won't tell anybody. Where are you going?"
I replied, "I don't know yet, I'm thinking about an ole' fishing town with a diner at the end of a pier where I could serve clam chowder or a diner called the Whistle Stop, nestled in a small country town next to a train track, and I could bake pies and serve fried fish and hush puppies."
Rob replied, "Can I come?"
I replied, "Yeah, you can come with me. You can be my cook and go fishing whenever you want."
He replied, "Let me know when."
I replied, "Okay."

I didn't ask him what was going on at home that made him want to run away nor did he ask me. We just understood where the other was coming from.

Texture Tuesday ~ The Golden Edition

2011-06-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

It's Texture Tuesday!

2011-06-21T14:09:00.000-07:00

This weeks assignment has to be a photo with people in it. What girl doesn't like to play dress up? I know I did... and still do! ;)

I used Kim Klassen's texture called not to shabby.

The photo below is what it looked like before adding the texture.

Many people die with their music still in them. Why is this so? Too often it is because they are always getting ready to live. Before they know it, time runs out.

Oliver Wendell Holmes

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You can see more photo's by clicking on the Texture Tuesday badge below. Make sure you check them out!

I See You ~

2011-06-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

Dad,

Even though you're not with me anymore, I see you all the time. I see you in Jessica; the determination she has to figure out how to do something and ability to freely speak her mind. I see you in your grandchildren, Rob's mischievous smile and his sneaky cheating hand when playing any type of game. I also see you in him when he goes camping or fishing by himself. I see you in Diandra; a heart for research and the bow in her legs. I see you in Vincent; curious and observant nature. I see you in Evan, how he gets a particular look on his face right before he throws a fit. I see you in me, with the love for family.

I see you everywhere. Thoughts of you are always in my heart.

Temporal Arrangement

2011-06-17T07:24:00.000-07:00

There are times to be quiet, times to speak your mind, times to leave and times to stay. But whatever you do ~ do it for the right reasons and live without regret.

Tides Ebb And Flow ~

2011-05-26T05:32:00.000-07:00

Yikes! Where has the time gone? It seems like it has been forever since I last posted anything! I've been so busy with training someone for my current job and now I am being trained for my new job. I feel a little out of sorts and trying to get into the new groove of things. I hope I can get my mojo back! Not only do I have the job title change and the responsibility which comes with that, but my baby is graduating with her masters from college. It's been crazy with the end of year festivities and planning of celebrations. By the time I get home, I'm exhausted and just want to collapse.

Darn it, I missed the party last week and I'm a little late for this one. How does the saying go? It's better to be late than never show up! This week's Texture Tuesday challenge - our image must contain at least one layer of the 'yesteryear' texture. With the school year coming to an end and summer almost here, I thought this photo above, I took a few summers ago was not only appropriate but also welcoming. The ocean is calling my name!

My momma always told me to be sure to bring something to a party. So, what the heck! I'll bring my last week's image too! Last week's challenge was to post a photo that must be vintage inspired and contain at least one of Kim's textures; I think I used the texture silence.

I looked through my photo albums and came up with a vintage VW bug. ;)

You can see more photos by clicking on the Kim Klassen Texture Tuesdays badge below.

* ~ Live In Peace ~ *

2011-05-09T22:21:00.000-07:00

It's Texture Tuesday! I love old barn's and the way the tin roof on this one looks like a pieced quilt. I added Kim Klassen's Peace texture and really liked the way it turned out.

Here is the photo before adding Kim's Peace texture.

You can click on the Texture Tuesdays badge to view more photo's!

All I Ever Wanted ~

2011-05-07T18:57:00.001-07:00

When I was in the 2nd grade, my teacher, Mrs. Galardie, asked us to write a paragraph on what we wanted to be when we grew up and draw a picture above our paragraph. I immediately drew a picture of me all grown up. I had a dress on with an apron tied around my waist, and was standing in front of a stove top/oven range with the door open to the oven, pulling out a pan of brownies. I also had a little boy and a little girl next to me with smile's drawn on all of our faces. Dad of course, was working.

As I drew my picture, all of the other children were busy chattering about what they wanted to be and drew themselves as doctors, nurses, teachers and astronauts. I recall a little girl sitting across from me, gasped when she asked me what I wanted to be. I said most proudly, "A momma!" All the children chimed in with the same sentiments as, "YOU want to BE A MOMMA?" My teacher was standing near our desks and said in a very nice but scolding way, "Now children, being a momma is one of the most important roles in one's life and there is nothing wrong with wanting to be a momma (I looked at the girl and stuck my tongue out at her)." As my teacher walked by my desk, she gave my shoulder a squeeze and said as she looked at my picture, "Angela, what a beautiful picture! May I ask what you are pulling out of the oven?" I said, "Brownies! My momma ALWAYS makes us brownies." When we are little girls, we want to be just like our momma's.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I've collected apron's for as long as I can remember. The picture below are just some of them.

Below are some apron's my great gram and grandma made themselves. When they learned that I had a quite a collection going, they quickly added to it.

Being a mother means that your heart
is no longer yours; it wanders
wherever your children do.

Not so long ago.
We give and take
And take and give
Along time's endless row.
Love is passed
And love received
To be passed on again:
A precious heirloom
Twice, twice blessed,
A spiritual cardigan.

I'll put it on
And treasure it,
The me I have received,
And when the roles
Reverse again,
I'll have what I most need.

So may our love
Go on and on,
A hundred thousand years;
Through joys and other tears.

- Anonymous

Happy Mother's Day!

Tea Time ~

2011-05-02T15:29:00.001-07:00

If I could take your Troubles,
I would toss them in the Sea.
But since I can't, I'm sending you,
My favorite cup of tea.

This week's Texture Tuesday challenge is to use at least one of Kim Klassens's texture's (silence) on a photo of a favorite tea cup or coffee mug. This tea cup is one of mine. It sits on a shelf next to my old fashioned claw foot tub filled with tiny opalescent sea shells.

Be sure to check out the other participants and their beautiful cups of love by clicking the badge below. We need to have a tea party! ;)

WHY?

2011-05-01T10:44:00.001-07:00

Screaming Why?

It didn't matter how hard I tried
I couldn't make you stay
You didn't care about the tears I cried
I knew you'd walk away

I saw the signs all over the place
The words "I'm leaving" written on your face

You slipped away in the night
Running fast from all that is right

Discarding the gift you were given
Fading into the dissolute life you're living

Lost in deception and fantasy
Refusing to live in reality

Why would you waste such a beautiful mind
Submit it to your world of lies

So consumed in your selfishness
While trying to fill the emptiness

Is this all you wanted to attain
Another high to kill the pain

Tell me, is this all that remains
Intoxication to drown your shame

Paint your smile, but you can't hide
From the guilt you feel inside

It's clear to me you've made your choice
How it kills me to hear your voice

You despise the truth when it's spoken
Prefer to live a life that's broken

Embracing your beloved addiction
Blind to your fatal affliction

Losing pieces of who you are
How will you know when you've gone too far

Will you want freedom before it's too late
Before time has sealed your fate

Or do you love those chains you wear
Is your life really not worth the care

Tell me, will I watch another die
Then stand at your grave screaming "WHY?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The author of this poem is Rachael Lund. I contacted her and she was not only kind enough to grant me permission to use her poem, but has also given me support and prayer regarding my sister. She knows through firsthand experience, the pain of loving someone that is a drug addict and the pain of losing them.

Thank you Rachael!

Truly A "Serendipity" Kind Of Day!

2011-04-26T09:55:00.000-07:00

Today is Texture Tuesday with Kim Klassen! I used her texture Serendipity with the photo above.

On Easter Sunday, between visits with our two oldest son's and their families Charlie and I took a drive in the hills (when they don't come to visit us, we go to them). We saw some steer in green pastures laden with spots of colorful yellow and purple wild flowers next to a stream. So beautiful! It's nice to drive along the roads less traveled! You never know what you will come across.

Make sure you scroll to the bottom of this post and click on the Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday badge to see more photo's!

You can see more photos of people who have participated in Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday. Just click on the badge below.

Spring Observations ~

2011-04-22T09:11:00.000-07:00

Birds singing their happy little tunes.
Doves cooing softly.
The sound of playful children laughing in the park.
The smell of cut grass.
Enjoying the warmth of the sun.
The fragrance of flowers wafting in the soft breeze.
People out and about; walking, riding their bikes or working in the yard.

How I love our Spring!
Joy of life ~
Joy of just being!

Silence Is A SweetTreat

2011-04-19T11:01:00.000-07:00

Today is Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday! I've enjoyed playing with her texture's and applying layers to my photo's. Here I used the texture's Silence and SweetTreat.

You can see more photo's below. Just click on the Kim Klassen Texture badge.

Growing Pains ~

2011-04-15T14:02:00.000-07:00

Breakaway

Grew up in a small town
And when the rain would fall down
I'd just stare out my window

Dreaming of what could be
And if I'd end up happy
I would pray

Trying hard to reach out
But when I'd try to speak out
Felt like no one could hear me

Wanted to belong here
But something felt so wrong here
So I pray
I could breakaway

I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly
I'll do what it takes til I touch the sky
And I'll make a wish, take a chance, make a change
And breakaway

Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget all the ones that I loved
I'll take a risk, take a chance, make a change
And breakaway

Wanna feel the warm breeze
Sleep under a palm tree
Feel the rush of the ocean

Get onboard a fast train
Travel on a jet plane, far away
And breakaway

I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly
I'll do what it takes 'til I touch the sky
And I'll make a wish, take a chance, make a change
And breakaway

Out of the darkness and into the sun
I won't forget all the ones that I loved
I gotta take a risk, take a chance, make a change
And breakaway

Buildings with a hundred floors
Swinging 'round revolving doors
Maybe I don't know where they'll take me but
Gotta keep moving on, moving on
Fly away, breakaway

I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly
Though it's not easy to tell you goodbye
I gotta take a risk, take a chance, make a change
And breakaway

Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget the place I come from
I gotta take a risk, take a chance, make a change
And breakaway, breakaway, breakaway

Lyrics to Kelly Clarkson song Breakaway

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Spread your wings baby!

Break Free & Fly ~

2011-04-12T11:38:00.000-07:00

For this Tuesday's texture assignment, we could use any of our favorite Kim Klassen texture's. Oh my goodness... how do you pick one? I love them all!

Today, I chose the texture "Break Free & Fly."
I just liked the sound of it.

;)

Enjoying The Warm Sun ~

2011-04-05T10:56:00.000-07:00

The Mad Scientist

2011-03-31T04:52:00.000-07:00

It seems that the wheels are turning and we are now in motion. My baby girl recently put her application in to graduate from college with her Master of Arts in Psychology. I knew this was coming, but to be honest, just not this soon. I really thought I would have one more year with her here at home. Or maybe I've been in denial. I knew she was looking at college's across the United States. I just told myself, it wasn't for right now. Later. It's been bitter sweet since she came home telling me she put in her application. Knowing that our time together is limited, I've relished every second we do spend together. I'm grateful she has chosen a college right here in California and will be less than two hours away.

[Because she doesn't want to be "googleable," I can't say her name. So I'll call her Sissy, which is what her three brothers, Charlie and I have always called her]. Sissy was accepted and is officially enrolled in a doctorate program at Palo Alto University this Fall. She is studying to become a clinical psychologist with a specialization in neuropsychology (called a clinical neuropsychologist). Clinical psychologists work with people who have different mental health disorders, like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and even trauma. She will also work with different developmental disorders, like autism, and ADHD.

As a neuropsychologist, she will interpret how the brain influences our behavior. She will be looking at how the brain is affected in dementia, traumatic injury, and rare brain disorders working primarily between the medical doctor and the neurologist to decide what portion of the brain a problem is occurring. In her words, she says, "I basically get to be Sherlock Holmes. Sleuthing out anomalies in none other than the greatest mystery: the BRAIN!" But Sissy also says that neuropsychologists aren't necessarily always interested in "problems" in the brain. Somtimes, she'll also be looking at "disorders" that are caused by "too much of a good thing" going on in the brain. So interesting!

For the past two years, Sissy has been working on her Master's thesis at CSU Stanislaus. Like most Master's students, she had to conduct her own research. But, because of her interest in neuropsychology, her project was more difficult than normal. She finished all her required curriculum in her first year, and for the past year has been... a mad scientist. Really. She has an an entire research team that she oversees with her advisor, along with all the minute details of the study. Her research is focusing on detecting the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer's disease using different neuropsychological assessments in an older adult population. The work she's started will continue on at CSUS for at least two more years, maybe even longer. She plans to stay 100% involved even when at PAU. Her passion for her study is fueled by the love she has for her grandma, who passed away from the Alzheimer's disease.

Oh my! How I love this girl!! I'm so proud of her!

Felicity ~

2011-03-29T17:29:00.000-07:00

A wise old man once said..

"There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right,... pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living."

Spam.. GRrrrr!

2011-03-28T10:46:00.001-07:00

I love Blogger's spam detection!

The way I have my Blog set up, I get a notice through my email account when someone leaves me a comment on any of my blog posts. I love this for three reasons:

1. When someone leaves me a comment, I know.

2. When someone reads my blog and goes back in my archive and leaves a comment, I know. Otherwise I wouldn't have ever of known.

3. I also love this because, when someone doesn't have anything better to do, than to leave spammy comments, I would also know and delete them as soon as possible.

Now that Blogger detects them, I don't have to do that anymore.

Thank you Blogger!!

Gratitude ~

2011-03-21T10:34:00.001-07:00

I'm thankful to God from whom ALL blessings flow.
For my husband, children, family, health, and a roof over my head and all it entails.
For the trials in my life to help grow and stretch me.
For clean water.
For my soul mates that have come into my life to reveal another layer of who I am.
For friends who have come and gone.

I'm thankful for my friends who have stayed with me and stood by my side, encouraging me to be everything I am and inspire me to strive for more, all the while loving me in spite of my flaws.
For the friends who have left, they were in my life to help me through a season.
You are all, and were, the wind beneath my wings to help me fly higher.

I'm thankful for the freedom of speech and religion.
For my dogs who love me unconditionally and are always wanting to snuggle with me.
For the promise that there will be a brand new day.
For coffee, green and chai tea.
For chocolate and chocolate chip cookie dough.

Welcoming Spring ~

2011-03-19T10:25:00.000-07:00

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.

~Anne Bradstreet

Searching ~

2011-03-18T11:23:00.001-07:00

Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves like locked rooms and like books that are written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will find them gradually, without noticing it, and live along some distant day into the answer.

~Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet

Silence ~

2011-03-12T11:20:00.003-08:00

There's been a storm going for awhile.
Coming to terms with...
Shhh.
No terms, no conditions.
I'm okay with the silence...

I'm okay with the quiet.

My Christmas Gift To Charlie ~

2011-02-12T22:44:00.000-08:00

When Charlie opened up his Christmas gift from me, he smiled and then looked at me. His smile proceeded to get crooked and he then said, "Hmmm... somehow I think your name should be on this gift too."

Where Is The Sun?

2011-01-07T15:22:00.000-08:00

For the last four days, there has been a blanket of fog and it is very cold! To make the most out of this weather, I have the fire going, lit the candle's and turned on all of my accent lights. I think it's time to make a hearty soup loaded with veggies, with a crusty loaf of French bread and afterwards, pop a movie in and get snuggled on the couch with someone I love.

Hell Hath No Fury Like A ....

2011-01-05T20:02:00.001-08:00

Beautician Scorned!

There is this weird thing that happens, when you get your hair cut by someone other than the person who cut it last and then return to have it cut again by the original hairstylist. The conversation is cut and dry (no pun intended). They aren't as gentle when combing your hair out or it gets cut too short. I would say it takes about three cuts to feel the chill disappear.

When women see a hair style they like they ask that person who and where they got it cut. It's just the way it is. If I'm not happy with my hairstylist, I try someone else. I think that is what we all do or have done from one time or another.

Here are some little quirks I have:

* I don't like when it takes two weeks to get an appointment when I call to get my hair cut.
* I like when I bring a picture in to show what I am wanting, the beautician is honest with me and tells me what they think and what I can expect from it.
* I call when I can't make it way ahead of time in courtesy of the hair stylist's time when they could make money other wise.
* I don't like it when I ask for my hair to be cut a certain way, and they cut it the way they wanted to and I walk out of the salon with something totally different than what I asked for.
* If I am happy with my hair, I will take extra calling cards and give them out when someone asks me who cut my hair.
* I don't think my hair cut should cost as much as a utility bill.

In November, I got my hair highlighted a little teeny, tiny bit. I thought it was too much and then colored my hair myself. Over winter break, I made an appointment to get my hair cut. The problem is, and shouldn't be, I had it done by two different hairstylists. Three if you count me. Just like doctors, I think each beautician has their specialty: some who cut short hair, some style long hair better, and others who color it just right. Why shouldn't I be able to go to as many different specialists as I want? And why shouldn't they understand? Doctor's do!

I admired a girl's hair where I work and asked her who cut it. She referred me to Dora and explained to me she speaks very broken English. The first time she cut my hair, I was thrilled! It has been difficult for me to find someone who styles long hair well. I was so relieved I finally found someone with whom I am happy. She has been cutting my hair for over a year now. Needless to say, I don't think she liked that I got my hair highlighted by someone else. When she cut my hair recently, my hair was being pulled up over my head to get cut and all I know is I saw about 6-7 inches fall to the ground. I thought I was going to start crying. I didn't though. I talked myself through it; it was a new year, a new hairstyle. Hair grows.

I left the salon upset, although she never knew it. I've had time to think about it every time I run my hand through my hair or try to do something with it. I honestly believe my hair strand is in shock and wants to know where the rest of it is. It won't do anything. I feel naked and have realized how much I identify myself within my hair. I'm getting off the subject of what I was thinking. I thought about what it must be like being in their shoes. You see someone who you have done your work on, and know they have been with someone else. I'm sure their adrenaline spikes a little and then they are supposed to cut your hair? They probably feel like they have been betrayed. Where is the loyalty? It would be hard. I'm not upset anymore, well... not as much. I don't like my hair, and can't wait for it to grow.

I will go back to Dora. I think this time... I will bring her a peace offering. Learning some Spanish might help too.

; )

* Photo by Google images.

Building Bridges ~

2011-01-02T08:09:00.001-08:00

Over winter break, my sister and I planned for my nephews to spend some time with me. I was so excited about their staying with me and also a little nervous; this would be our first time doing something like this. Although we missed each other like crazy, would they think their Tia was boring?

The first day was great! We played games, watched a movie, and made sugar cookies. The second day, Evan got the stomach flu. Poor guy. At one point, I called my sister and we were talking about how and what we should do. Evan listening to us, started to cry, telling me he didn't want to go home and how he wanted to stay with me. At that point, my heart melted and I knew whatever I was nervous about, also melted away. We did have to cut our visit short by one day. We were all bummed, but I felt worse for Evan. His stomach flu finally subsided by the next morning with his mom.

The boys were in the car for two hours and we needed to stretch out our legs so we decided to take a walk along the garden path and check out the plants and bugs. In the background, you can see a blue tarp which is the beach house Charlie is working on.

There was a break between the storms and when the boys dad showed up, we all decided to take a walk on the beach. The ocean was calm. I love this picture; my little guy, Evan, looking out into the great big sea. I wondered what thoughts were going through his mind.

Vincent loves taking videos of what is happening around him. He also likes taking pictures. Uh humm (clearing throat)... I had to delete a couple of me. You never knew where he was when you thought you were alone. Ha! Ha! As I looked at his video's and pictures, I loved looking through this young artist's eyes; I could see what he saw... through his eyes.

The sand was smooth as glass.

The boys were posing for their dad.

After the boys left with their dad, Charlie said it would be about another hour before he was finished, so I decided to take a walk on the beach again, this time alone. I thought about the boys and what a year this has been for them with their parents splitting up. I cried for this family and also felt my own grief; I wanted Eric to still be part of ours.

I'm glad that Eric and I took the boys for a walk along the beach. It gave Eric and I time to talk and show the boys, we still can be a family. When my parents split up, everything was divided; mom's side of the family, versus dad's side. It doesn't have to be that way and I won't be a part of that. Love can build a bridge.

Here I am alone... a la naturale, on the beach.

Christmas Time ~

2010-12-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

Sharing some moments with you, that caught my eye.

My Annual shopping trip to San Francisco.

My sister Jessica and my two nephews, Vincent and Evan were here for a quick visit before heading back to the bay area. How they have grown!

From this angle in our home, you can see both of our trees.

Little Miss Simone is never too far from me. She is my little shadow.

As I walked into the living room on Christmas morning, there was an extra Christmas stocking from Santa, and it had my name on it! I almost cried as I opened each little gift. Santa put so much thought into each one. I still giggle and tears come to my eyes as I think about the detail. Charlie would chime in as I opened the gifts how what it was made out of was only the best; such as the stainless steel metal, and a bamboo handle. Too cute!

There were back-to-back movies featuring Cary Grant on TMC. He kept me company as I put the Christmas ornaments away; the good man he is/was.

Another Christmas come and gone. As the saying goes, "Until next year."

Asked For The Takings ~

2010-12-28T13:39:00.000-08:00

I was asked to take some pictures of a wedding held in the evening. I was nervous to say the least. I don't have my red eye down or low lights for that matter and started practicing taking photos up until the event. I am used to taking pictures of butterfly's and flowers or people during the day. It was a good experience.

Charlie will ask me from time to time to take some pictures of his work. Later, he will ask if we could print them to show some clients. Afterwards they will either get thrown away or the clients will keep them. I decided to create a blog for him and post photos of his work so that his clients can see and read first-hand what his recent clients thought of his work. It is a work in progress but, I have had fun working on it.

This is an addition he just finished. It is the part higher than the other two that he added. If you didn't know, I don't think anyone would ever know this house was added onto.

This is the back side of the finished project.

And this is the finished work on the inside of this particular area. He also added a wine cellar and a bathroom, did the wood floor and changed/added some windows.

Christmas Poinsettias

2010-12-23T20:18:00.000-08:00

We have our very own Poinsettia Greenhouse Nursery in the town I live. Every year I have gotten a Christmas card from where I work, with a gift certificate in it for a Christmas Poinsettia. They aren't my favorite flower, but I do have fond memories of them from when my grandma was alive. I would walk into her living room and it would be full of these flowers on a table next to her great window. She would also have a collection of flowering forced bulbs. The sun would shine through this window and you could feel the warmth from the sun. A perfect spot for these flowers.

There are red wagons ready outside the door to load the poinsettias. During the month of December, the platforms of churches are loaded with these flowers. It really is beautiful!

The door is painted with Poinsettias welcoming you.

When you walk in, the warmth of the nursery rushes in on your face and then you understand why everyone is running around with just a t-shirt on.

There are rows and rows of tables loaded with a variety of colors and poinsettias.

I always choose a white one with a green hue to it, as it will match with my decor better than the red or pink would.

December Views

2010-12-22T20:31:00.000-08:00

My niece and nephew in their Christmas program at church.

Santa riding in on the fire truck.

These guys are great! : )

A little slumber at my house.

My days are spent trying to get ready for the holidays.
How many days do I have left to wrap this up?
Yikes!

Family Tree

2010-12-19T16:58:00.000-08:00

About six years ago, we started getting a extra little Christmas tree to put in the family room, in addition to our big Christmas tree that goes into the living room in front of the house. The tree is adorned with silver balls and a silver sterling star tree topper. My favorite part is the ornaments which are picture frames with black and white photos of each member of our family. It starts with our great grand parents, to our parents, to us and our children, our siblings and their children, and last but not least, our grand-children. It even has some of the pets we have had throughout the years. I would like to add our aunts, uncles and their children to the tree someday. I have to tell you, it is a process finding small enough faces to fit into the small picture frames (I have not learned how to shrink a picture to fit... should probably learn).

When we gather for the Christmas holiday, I've noticed everyone gravitates to the family tree. Right now, it is a five year generation tree and with time, our little tree will grow as our family does.

I look forward every year to put this tree up!

Meet Me By The Mistletoe!

2010-12-18T09:01:00.000-08:00

"I'll just be hanging round the mistletoe, hoping to be kissed."

Love Actually

My great gram had a walnut tree in her front yard that had green bushes of mistletoe in it and she asked if Charlie would cut it out. She suggested we tie red ribbon around single bunches of the cuttings and sell it. I asked her why she wanted the mistletoe cut out and she explained that it was killing her tree. She went on to tell me that it came from bird feces. I had no idea and was shocked to say the least. I will never forget the smirk on her face when she said to me, "I bet I know what you'll be thinking about the next time you get caught under the mistletoe." She was right. Every time. Well... It may start out that way, but I have gotten lost in some of those kisses and forgotten all about the bird poop.
; )

I did tie a red ribbon around single bunches and bagged them as she suggested. We put them all in a basket and sold every single bag for a dollar each.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

•The growth of mistletoe had little to do with the bird droppings, and a lot to do with the birds themselves. Mistletoe seeds are extremely sticky and often latch onto birds’ beaks or feathers or the fur of other woodland creatures, hitchhiking to a likely host tree before dropping off and starting to germinate.

Information on mistletoe can be found here.

Longing ~

2010-11-30T14:23:00.001-08:00

the smell of you lingers
wearing your t-shirt
missing you...

Sports

2010-11-22T16:08:00.000-08:00

When Charlie is away working on a beach house, he gets poor reception on his cell phone. We have discovered in order to talk, he has to stand in this one spot and without moving, we then, can talk. He also doesn't have a computer there and without computer access, he has no way of knowing how he is doing on Fantasy Football . Right now he is 9-1. That is nine wins and one loss! Last Wednesday he called me and walked me through his Fantasy Football team page to see if he had any players playing on Thursday. I told him he only had players playing on Sunday and Monday. He asked, "Are you sure? Because I will be upset if you mess this up!"
I said, "Oh no pressure felt there, my love."

He made it home late Friday night and went and checked on the computer if I had read it right.
I teasingly told him, "The Jets played the Cubs Thursday night." as he walked into the office.
He yelled back, "Well, we are in trouble then!"
I got nervous and ran into the office and I asked, "Why?"
He said with a grin, "That would mean a baseball team played a football team. Sheesh Angela, get your sports right at least." and then kissed me on the forehead.

I guess that would help a little.

;)

*Fantasy Football image from Google images.

The Color Of Fall ~

2010-11-21T15:57:00.000-08:00

Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.

- Elizabeth Lawrence

I've been feeling a little blue lately and decided to do something that always cheers me up. I have been admiring the trees all dressed up in their fall coats and went for a little drive and took their pictures.

;)

Too Good Not To Share ~

2010-10-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see?" Her daughter replied, "Carrots, eggs, and coffee."

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?"

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

You might want to send this message to those people who mean something to you (I JUST DID); to those who have touched your life in one way or another; to those who make you smile when you really need it; to those who make you see the brighter side of things when you are really down; to those whose friendship you appreciate; to those who are so meaningful in your life.

If you don't send it, you will just miss out on the opportunity to brighten someones day with this message!

May we all be COFFEE!

Missing you ~

2010-10-21T19:01:00.001-07:00

I have more room to stretch in bed.
I can stay up as late as I want.
I don't have to make dinner.
I can read as long as I want without any interruptions.
I can get a pedicure in the middle of the week during dinner hour.
I don't have to share the bathroom sink while brushing my teeth.

:(

I'm counting the days until he comes home!

And today, he asked, "Do you miss me?"

*Our first week apart while he is working on a beach house.

Addiction

2010-10-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

My name is _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _. I'm an addict. And this is what addicts do. You cannot nor will not change my behavior. You cannot make me treat you better, let alone with any respect. All I care about, all I think about are my needs and how to go about fulfilling them. You are a tool to me, something to use. When I say I love you, I am lying through my teeth, because love is impossible for someone in active addiction. I wouldn't be using if I loved myself and since I don't, I cannot love you.

My feelings are so pushed down and numbed by my drugs that I could be considered sociopathic. I have no empathy for you or anyone else. It doesn't faze me that I hurt you, leave you hungry, lie to you, cheat on you and steal from you.

My behavior cannot and will not change until I make a decision to stop using/drinking and then follow it up with a plan of action. Until I make that decision, I will hurt you again and again. Stop being surprised. I am an addict and that's what addicts do.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I feel like I have been walking through a war zone, not knowing where the next bomb is coming from or when it is going to hit. I am having difficulty sleeping, and when I do, my dreams are nightmares. I also have a hard time concentrating. I find myself worrying about my sister and wondering how her problem escalated to an acme point of such self-destruction. I feel like I am often in shock and am having a hard time believing that this is really happening. When I do sleep and wake up, it feels like it's a constant hangover that won't go away.

On top of dealing with my sister's self-destruction, my mom and I have been filling out guardianship papers for my sister's four children and when we aren't with them, our time is spent at the court house or trying to catch up on our chores; something always needs to be done. Our whole family pitches in where they can and helps support one another when it's least expected. The children's ages are 19 months, 3, 5 and 8 years of age. The well-being and security of my nieces and nephew are the matter of utmost importance right now.

It has been hard to watch my sister disappear and become someone I don't know anymore. Addicts base their truth on a bed of lies. I love my baby sister so much. I find myself sad, angry, frustrated, and grieving these days. I know her recovery has to be her choice. I pray to God, she will hit rock bottom and come to her senses very soon before it is too late. I pray that He will prepare our hearts for that and will continue to give us strength to get through it, and wisdom to know how to handle it. My mom says this addiction is so much bigger than we realize. It must be so hard, as a mother, to watch and not be able to do anything.

Right now I'm trying to understand the difference between helping and enabling (I don't want to love someone to death)...and also learning not to let her addiction run my life.

I've come to understand that love doesn't hold a candle to addiction.

I feel emotionally bankrupt...

How do you just walk away from someone you love?

What's For Din Din?

2010-10-08T16:55:00.001-07:00

Baby Bella mushrooms (I use two packages; we fight over these), green bell pepper, white onion, peas, yellow, red, and orange sweet peppers, broccoli, and celery.

Added one package of bean sprouts for more crunch... some chicken for Charlie, and some KIKKOMAN Teriyaki Spicy Miso sauce.

Mmmm ~ sooo good!

What are you having for dinner?

The Call ~

2010-10-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

As I was making dinner, my daughter kissed me goodbye and left for a meeting. About five minutes later, my phone rang. I thought immediately it was my son calling as he drove home from his bay area commute. My heart skipped a beat when I saw it was my daughter. I thought to myself, 'Oh she just forgot to tell me something.' When I heard her voice say, "Momma?" I knew. She sounded like she was trying not to cry, and definitely scared. She said, "I got into an accident, I'm okay, but I'm scared momma, there is a man on the ground, please come quick."

Charlie was on his cell phone, and I told him in a panic stricken voice, our daughter got into an accident, and where... to go now. I had to turn the stove off and put the dogs up, and find my shoes. I thought it would be quicker for Charlie to leave and get to her than to wait for me to take care of everything around the house that needed to be taken care of.

My heart started to race even faster as I heard every siren start blaring in the little town where we live. It seemed as if they were on forever. I jumped into the car and turned the corner to where the accident was. I could see they had the whole street of Hatch road blocked off and there were fire trucks, sheriff cars, and ambulance vehicles everywhere. I couldn't see my daughter anywhere. I needed a visual! I had to park a block away and started running to where the emergency vehicles were gathered. I heard someone call my name and looked to see who it was. She happened to be the mother of one of my son's best friend's (a second mom to our son), who also happens to be a nurse; she walked up to the accident with me. Jana was a great comfort as she checked the accident before I was able to see anything, making sure I wasn't going to see anything that was going to throw me into shock greater than I started to experience.

As I saw our daughter standing next to her dad, my heart calmed a little. Then I saw the gentleman who hit our daughter, on the ground (my heart sank). I saw our daughter's car. As I looked around trying to take everything in, I then saw the big rig who had to pull over, it looked like in a rush, to the side of the road. There was also the big four wheel drive who pulled up after the accident and immediately blocked the road so that the other drivers could not go any further.

Our daughter told us, as soon as the accident happened, people stopped, it seemed out of no where and accessed the situation and mentioned they were nurses, paramedics that were off duty. She felt as if they were angels. They are angels!

The driver of the motorcycle spent one night in the hospital and wasn't badly hurt. Our daughter has to pull her seat up very close to the steering wheel, but the air bag didn't blow out luckily because the hit wasn't straight on. When the passengers side view mirror flew into the back seat of her car (she had the window down) it missed her head. My friend, the nurse, called later to check on all of us. Our neighbors and friends also came by to see how we were doing. My heart was full as I said my prayers before going to bed. I am very thankful and feel so blessed.

Sirens in our little town are always a harbinger of talk. What we all do when we hear those sirens go off: we start praying. After all, besides the people who are directly involved in the accident and the emergency crew, there is someone who will get the call.

I Have Butterflies...

2010-10-01T18:18:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago, the California Native Plant Society had a plant sale and I bought some plants. They were drought tolerant and also attracted hummingbirds and butterflies. The plant basically looks like a weed and my husband begs me if he can pull it out almost every time he works in the yard. He tells me so often that I got suckered into buying some weeds that I started to wonder myself. The first year, my plant didn't do anything and I was really disappointed with it. The next year, my plant had some fuzz on it and didn't flower; not a butterfly in sight. However, this year my plant is in full bloom and everyday I find a different species of butterflies. It has been a blast photographing them and trying to figure out what type of butterfly they are.

Patience ~ Good things come to those who wait.

;)

Below are three photos of the Monarch whom are strong fliers.

Ummm... I don't know what this one is.

I believe this butterfly is a Painted Lady.

In this photo, I liked the way the butterfly is a fluttering blur ~ kinda dreamy.

I think this one is a Clouded Sulphur.

I can't figure out what this butterfly is. I do know it is pretty!

While I was waiting for the butterflies to land and bask in the sun, I took some photo's of other's who were visiting my garden.

If you know what any of these butterflies are, please do share your knowledge with me. I find them so fascinating!

Little Doggie ~

2010-09-28T16:18:00.000-07:00

Here, my little Simone doesn't feel good... she had a little surgery. She is on the road to recovery and is feeling much better. She was so cute trying to get around with the cone collar around her head.

Our pets are such a big part of our family. When I see they do not feel good, it pulls my heartstrings.

:(

My sunshine doesn't come from the skies,
It comes from the love in my dog's eyes.

Unknown Poet

Under The Harvest Moon

2010-09-26T14:50:00.001-07:00

The days are growing shorter and the nights are getting cooler. I am welcoming the season of Fall.

Does anyone happen to know what the name of the shinning dot to the right hand corner of this photo is?

As I was driving home from one of my classes I took this Fall, I noticed this red tractor with the corn field behind it and the sky with it's purple and pink hues. I thought it was pretty and stopped to capture the rather picturesque moment.

Pumpkins almost ready to be harvested.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've been quiet...
There has been a lot going on (Charlie is okay ~ smile) and I am trying to process so much. I have remembered and recited The Serenity Prayer, time and time again these last couple of months.

I would like to ask you to pray and think positive thoughts for my baby sister (she is currently in rehab; for the third time) who is thirty years old and her family; she has four children ages ranging from eighteen months, three, five and eight years old. Also for my mom... she has a grieving heart which is broken into pieces and is dealing (as you can only imagine) with so much right now. We haven't learned anything concerning my niece Deja, as of yet. Hopefully soon.
Yes... we need a BIG prayer!

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me
the SERENITY
to accept the things
I cannot change,
COURAGE
to change the
things I can, and
the WISDOM
to know
the difference.

Matthew 11:29-30

Weekend Rendezvous

2010-09-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

A long anticipated camping date with some friends of ours finally arrived.

When we first drove into our camping site, I put our little dogs Sophie and Simone, on the picnic table and helped Charlie back the trailer in. I noticed a movement in the tree just above the table and looked up to see a huge bird that looked very similar to an eagle. I went to get my camera to take a picture and then remembered my girls on the table and turned around, screamed and watched it fly away. I immediately put the girls into the trailer. This should have told me how the weekend was going to go.

Later that evening, as we sat eating our dinner around the picnic table, I watched a bat fly above us and tried not to react in fear of scaring my friend Anita who is 90 years old. Apparently, it was time for bats to fly because when we would go to the store to call our daughter a bat would fly right next to me and get closer every time it made its way back by me. Needless to say, it cut my phone call short.

In the 25 years Charlie and I have gone camping in the Sierra mountains, we have never had an encounter with a bear. Although we have heard stories about sightings and how they would run up to picnic table's and grab a loaf of bread and then run away. When Charlie and I would hear this, we would exchange a look that would say, "Uh huh. Right." But, this camping trip everyone saw the bear... except me. Nessa even went to show me a picture she took of it (I couldn't believe how BIG it was) and then Rob started hysterically busting up and said she also got a picture of a lion. I realized it was pictures she had taken from a recent trip to the zoo! Ha! Ha! Joke was on me! Our last night there, I got so spooked, I believe my imagination got away from me because I heard...a growl. That was it for me and I said, "Goodnight!"

Charlie actually saw a bear standing on it's hind legs looking into a window of a trailer one early morning. Can you imagine? I think with the season changing, the bears are getting ready to hibernate. Have you ever seen a bear in it's natural habitat?

All in all, not counting the excitement we had, it was nice getting together and sharing a long weekend with good friends and family. Nothing beats telling stories around the fire at night and appreciating the great outdoors!

Summer's Song

2010-09-16T04:54:00.001-07:00

Sunshine to warm the heart ~

;)

Daddy's Girls ~

2010-09-14T05:17:00.000-07:00

"The words that a father speaks to his children in the privacy of home are not heard by the world, but, as in whispering-galleries, they are clearly heard at the end and by posterity."

~Jean Paul Richter

This is one of my favorite photos of my sister Jessica and I with my dad.

My sister is still pretty small in this photo. I am about 2 1/2 years older than my sister and I am trying to figure out how old I was in this photo. Jessica was born on September 7 and my dad's birthday was September 14th. I must have been three or four months shy of turning three years old. I just look so long for being that old! When I look at this picture I see two little girls with a young father. The love already speaks volumes to me. NOTE ~ It came to me later and I couldn't help but smile, 'Well... my dad wasn't that tall and had short legs, which could be why I looked so long laying on them.'

My dad lost his fight to cancer. He was only 59 years old. My dad had made it through a year and two months with this disease. Without chemo, they told us he had maybe three to four months to live. There are moments in a person's lifetime that stand out more than others. It's details are penetrated to the core of your soul and are absorbed. That is not to say those other moments don't mean as much. The last week of his life was like this for me.

Thanksgiving for some reason landed on the 29th of November. I remember checking and rechecking the date to make sure I wasn't reading it wrong (My mind was all over the place back then). I thought it was strange for Thanksgiving to be the last Thursday of the month of November.

My dad fell down twice that week and I remember having to tell him as I was sobbed, he was going to have to be patient and wait for me to help him when he wanted to move; I was also watching my nephew who was a toddler at the time. My sister and her boyfriend were taking a break in their relationship and she decided to move in with dad and help me take care of him. My dad expressed to both of us how important it was that he stay at home. His home. My dad needed constant care. She had a baby and the only way we could both take care of him was to do it in shifts. While I was at work, she was with dad and then I would get off work, I would pick up my nephew at the daycare and then go to dads, Jessica would then be at work. We were like passing ships in the night. While I was with him, he would periodically go over his wants and wishes with me.

That last week, the doctor (Who happens to also be my husbands doctor) told us there was nothing else he could do for my dad. Hospice was to come in on Monday after the holiday. Our son Rob had an appendicitis attack on Monday night (the same night my dad fell down), and then surgery on Tuesday morning. We were all in the hospital standing around Rob's bed after the surgery and I can remember following Rob's eyes to the door and seeing my Nina wheeling my dad in a wheel chair into the room. I couldn't believe it! My Nina said my dad was quite persistent and not taking no for an answer, he wanted to see his boy (Rob). My Nina also shared with me in private, she felt by some of the things dad was saying, he was afraid he wasn't going to see Rob again. Without saying anything, I understood. Later, when I had time to think about it, my dad did pass away. He must have known or felt his time was running out. Rob did get to come home on Wednesday and was very careful traveling to be with my dad on Thanksgiving.

Friday was interesting. My dad was very talkative and towards the end of the night, he was hallucinating and then just like that, he seemed fine. Charlie decided to stay with him and told me to take the kids home and try to get some rest. I did. Charlie came home about 4:00 in the morning and no sooner he got into bed and the phone rang. It was my sister telling me daddy woke her up telling her he didn't feel good and to unlock the gate, he called 911 and the ambulance would be there any minute. I threw on some clothes and drove to my dad's to get my sister. When I got there she thought it would be better if we took separate cars and I went on to the hospital.

As I drove to the hospital, so many thoughts raced through my mind and I remember feeling like I couldn't get there fast enough. When I walked into the emergency room, my dad was sitting up wanting a cup of coffee. The nurses were trying to take his vitals and were whispering to each other how low they were. The phlebotomist couldn't get any blood from him. They came in to take an x-ray and I remember telling them that my dad had cancer, and trying to catch them up to speed. Someone else tried to take some blood from him and I remember telling them calmly to just quit. I could see my dad's body was shutting down. The nurse asked me if I wanted them to resuscitate my dad in case his heart stopped beating. I said, "No." My dad watched me as I gave them my answer and he gave me a smile. Another nurse asked me the same thing later and again, I said, "No." My dad smiled and reached for my hand and squeezed it. It was one of the things that my dad went over with me. I had my instructions.

All the while he kept asking for a cup of coffee. I had to leave the room so that my sister could come in. The emergency room had a one visitor at a time policy. It was my turn and I brought him a cup of coffee. Apparently he asked Jess to get him one too and she did against her better judgement (My dad had heart problems and coffee was a no-no). Daddy thanked us for the coffee, although he had difficulty keeping it down. I cleaned him up and felt Jess's turn had come up and we switched places, I no sooner sat down in the waiting room and she screamed for me. I ran into the emergency room and dad had a heart attack. As he died, without even thinking what I was doing, I immediately looked up (as if he could see me as he left his body) and said crying, "I love you daddy." Jess and I stood there holding each other for a while. I then took the oxygen tube off of his face and took his glasses off and shut his eye lids.

I have wondered if that cup of coffee and the caffeine had a significant role in his heart attack. Did he know? It's interesting how the mind starts the "what ifs," and takes a life all of it's own.

We stayed with him in another room for almost five hours until the rest of the family could get to the hospital to say their goodbyes (My dad wanted to be cremated as soon as possible). I held his hand and felt the warmth that his body did have at the end dissipate. I looked at his hand and knew that would be the last time on this earth that I would see it in the flesh, it would only be in pictures or my mind after we left him. It was so hard leaving....

It was about four years later, Jess called crying and said she had something to tell me that was eating her alive and she felt horrible. It was about the day daddy died. As she sobbed, she told me the nurse came in and asked her if she wanted them to resuscitate him in case he had a heart attack and she didn't want me to be mad at her but she said, "No." I couldn't believe she had carried that around for years after daddy passed away. I could see how heavy it weighed on her heart. I felt so bad for her and told her that was what daddy wanted. He didn't want to be put on machines or connected to tubes. Dad held on as long as he could at home and I think he knew when it was time to go to the hospital. He made that call because he didn't want us to have to do it. I explained to Jessica that I had two different nurses ask me the very same thing. I told her that dad smiled at me the first time I was asked, like he was proud of me. The second time, he smiled again and held my hand and squeezed it as if he was letting me know, he knew it was hard for me telling the nurse that, but at the same time, again, he was proud of me. My sister and I cried together on the phone. She had no idea. I apologized to her for not talking about it afterwards. I just knew it was what he wanted.

As I look at this picture, seeing the three of us sleeping peacefully and then jumping forward to the day we lost him... it was also just the three of us. My dad with his two girls and all the memories in between. No suffering or tragedy nor deeply seated pain could ever over shadow the bond that we retained. He will be in our hearts... always in our hearts. We're together though apart. How lucky are we that we have those wonderful feelings and memories. We are lucky, lucky daughters. And to have husbands that are such great fathers too! We are blessed!

Focus Focus

2010-09-12T20:14:00.000-07:00

Count your blessings ~ not your troubles!

A Happy Contribution ~

2010-09-10T14:18:00.000-07:00

My daughter is currently doing some research studying healthy aging and asked me if I would like to help her with a presentation she and her research team are giving. She needed pictures of the residents she's working with having fun.

I'm not at liberty to post pictures of the people without their permission.

Bingo!

Bingo cards for sale and a book of records.

Wine hour.

A glass of wine.

I noticed as I walked around, the women were a little reserved and really didn't want their picture taken. I hope they will start to trust me as time goes by and let their hair down around me. The men on the other hand were more open and well... hams around the camera.

Too cute ~

I have never really given much thought into what my life will be like when I get older or what I will be like as I age, until now. With the research my daughter is doing, I realize what an impact how we live now will have on the quality of our lives later. There are so many choices that we make every single moment of a given day that affect us, from what we choose to eat, how long we sleep, how much we laugh, and whether we interpret a stressor as a challenge or a threat. It goes further than that, according to my daughter. The actions we make affect every aspect of our life and our BRAIN health. And it is our brain that makes our body, but without our body our brain can not continue to grow and be nourished. That's why it is essential to exercise both.

It's how the saying goes: "Use it or lose it."

A Sweet Surprise ~

2010-09-09T11:07:00.000-07:00

I got a call from my son Rob letting me know Nessa would be receiving a special package. I also had special instructions to "please put it in the refrigerator as soon as it arrives." He also asked me to call her and let her know she got a special delivery. He is so cute... he sometimes needs me or his sister to pull his surprises off and Nessa has right away become suspicious when I call her with news such as this. She has learned we are always sworn to secrecy and our lips are tightly sealed.

The front of the card.

Inside inscription.

Nessa turned three shades of red and gushed, "I can't believe he told you!" We immediately explained to her, he hadn't told us anything. She smiled and didn't care to share.

A sweet surprise. An inside joke... secrets kept.

I can only guess and read between the lines.
;)

I love watching their love for one another beautifully unfold as it grows. It brings a smile to my face.

Eyes Wide Open

2010-09-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

My daughter would like to start her career as a Neuropsychologist in San Francisco after she finishes the doctorate program. She plans to go to the city as much as possible to get familiar with and overcome the fear of driving in the city. I have to admit, becoming comfortable with the route would be beneficial to me too; I'll need to drive it to see her. It has been fun to look at the map and pick out what part of San Francisco we want to explore and see what it has to offer. When we go it is with an agenda but nothing set in stone in case we see something or come across something that is off the beaten path of interest. I have to admit, my daughter is getting to know the streets, that is, even if we drive down a bus, taxi, or bike lane... It always turns into a learning experience.

When we walk the streets of San Francisco, I can't help but be a looky loo. There is always so much to see! We took advantage of this past Labor day weekend and took one of our day trips to the city.

I thought this tree stump was interesting. Notice the carvings?

Jimmy Hendrix painted on the side of someones home.

The store's always have the neatest signs. I thought this one was pretty.

Since I have been going to San Francisco, I have noticed this artist has quite a few murals painted throughout the streets. I think they are neat.

This lady obviously is a little bit of an exhibitionist... OR maybe she is sneaking out. ;)

This window covering reminded me of a window to a bedroom Charlie and I shared when we were first married. Sweet memory ~

I love the children's parks I've seen in the city. There is always a mural painted with bright colors full of imagination on the walls. Here at this park, the gates are made of artsy iron.

My daughter's advisor told me about a bead store in San Francisco to check out the next time we were visiting. It is down a beat up side road and if you didn't know it was there, you would miss it. The General Bead store is now one of my favorite places. It's crazy to learn the variance of prices in the city vs. in the valley; it's much cheaper in the city.

My daughter told me about a grocery store she went to on one of her visits without me. It is called Rainbow Coop., an all organic store and Eco friendly store (yes, everything!). A great place to pick up ingredients you wouldn't find else where for that wonderful recipe you've been wanting to try. I loved it! We're planning on making a trip for soup ingredients to welcome Autumn. One thing about San Francisco, everywhere you look, there is something that catches my eye! This table was outside of the grocery store. Notice it's made out of all recycled materials.

This is my baby girl the day after our trip to the city.

A Soft Whisper ~

2010-09-07T12:03:00.001-07:00

~ Warm tender feelings
Embracing love ~

The Alternative ~

2010-09-04T07:41:00.000-07:00

Joy requires one to be awake,
Adjusting the heart's ambience to bright.
Some prefer the dark, as is their right,
On grounds of agony, and to forsake
Not only bliss, but all that's blessed by light.

~ Nicholas Gordon

Complete Care For Gold Bond ~

2010-09-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

Charlie fell asleep in his chair while I got ready for bed. I used the last of the toothpaste and forgot to put the extra tube in the drawer. I went to wake him up, nudging his shoulder, "Charlie, come on... let's go to bed." He said groggily, "Okay, coming." Half an hour later, he came into the room half asleep, I could hear him taking his clothes off and then started to brush his teeth. I heard the shower start and next thing I knew, he was giving me a hug and a kiss goodnight. Charlie said smacking like he was tasting something, "Honey, I brushed my teeth, but I don't think it was tooth paste... I have a funny taste in my mouth." I said sleepily, "Huhhh?..." Out we both went.

In the morning to follow, as I got ready for work, I opened the drawer and noticed I needed to get the extra tube of toothpaste out. It came to my mind what Charlie said before we went to sleep. I looked to see what he brushed his teeth with and started busting up laughing. It was my Gold Bond Anti-Itch cream I use on my hands from the constant washing working in a Cafeteria. I could see why he used it, the color of the tubes are very similar. He didn't get extra whitening but on the other hand, his mouth didn't itch.

;)

Ocean ~

2010-09-01T05:03:00.001-07:00

here, hope, sea, cleanse,

leap, grace, soul, fly, home,

wonder, refreshed, bloom, path,

journey, mend, open, now, love,

joy, magic, breathe, letting go

Pleasing To The Eye ~

2010-08-30T12:08:00.000-07:00

I walked by this window and seen this antique green settee. It stopped me in my tracks. I think it was calling my name, "Angela, I would look lovely in your home. Please take me home." ~ Sorry, my hubby won't let me or really... I would. :(

I would like to try to make one of these hanging baskets with succulents some day. I think they are so pretty. A soon 'to do' project.

Every time I walk into this garden shop, I gravitate to this green shelf next to the stain glass. It has antique bottles with ocean motif bottle stoppers. Charlie will come up and as I am standing there and say to me, "What are you doing?" I always answer the same answer, "Just looking." He thinks I am strange sometimes.

I love the color of these succulents. It is called Echeveria 'Haagal Tolimanensis' known for its chunky olive green leaves suffused with amethyst and grey. I bought the only two the garden shop had. A Aeonium 'Kiwi" came home with me too. I will have to take another picture of them both. They are thriving and the succulent shown in the picture above has turned into a deeper purple amethyst! Simply beautiful!

The owner of the garden shop knows I love succulents and showed me this succulent garden in a pot. She said they flowered over night and it must have been that they were expecting me to come, and therefore, flowered for me ~ she is so sweet. :)

This garden shop has a huge enclosed gazebo with two french doors. I gravitate to this window also. Honestly... I could stay there all day.

I love the contrasting colors in these plants. They make me think of the next season to come... Fall. My favorite.

A Beautiful Sunday ~

2010-08-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo

On our previous visit at the coast, we made a stop at this mission. It was really beautiful. I could have stayed longer, but Charlie didn't want to. He was too eager for lunch. I will have to make a point to go there when I am alone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yesterday we celebrated our son Rob's 26th birthday. Rob has been in the Military for the past four years and has spent his special day either alone or with his wife Vanessa. It was a real treat to spend this day all together. His best friend even came from Los Angeles to surprise him. We had a BBQ and cake with ice cream. Right down to the weather, the temperature was in the 70's which made everything seem like it couldn't have been more perfect.

This Sunday is on the quiet side after our festivities we had yesterday. A little too quiet for me. I am a little surprised with how I am feeling; I'm usually okay with quietness. Our daughter made chocolate chip cookies this morning and I even called the kids trying to bribe them into coming over.

I hope your Sunday, quiet or filled with business is all that you want it to be.
:)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I will leave you with this passage taken from Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.

But suddenly it was like a lion was roaring from within my chest, drowning all this claptrap out. A voice bellowed in me like nothing I had ever heard before. It was so internally, eternally loud that I actually clamped my hand over my mouth because I was afraid that If I opened my mouth and let this sound out, it would shake the foundations of buildings as far away as Detroit.
And this is what it roared:

YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW STRONG MY LOVE IS!!!!!!!!

The chattering, negative thoughts in my mind scattered in the wind of this statement like birds and jackrabbits and antelopes- they hightailed it out of there, terrified. Silence followed. An intense, vibrating, awed silence. The lion in the giant savannah of my heart surveyed his newly quiet king-dom with satisfaction. he licked his great chops once, closed his yellow eyes and went back to sleep.
And then, in that regal silence, finally ~ I began to meditate on (and with) God.

To Do ~ To Do List...

2010-08-27T12:52:00.000-07:00

Anybody who knows my husband Charlie, can testify to anyone else that he is a very busy-bee or a workaholic. Take your pick. Even when we get away, he brings some kind of work with him. Here he is checking his list for the umpteenth time on a beach house project's order of supplies. I on the other hand, watched The Joyce Meyer show on television.

The hotel we stayed at had this wonderful magnifying mirror. I looked in it and let out a gasp not realizing how bad my eyebrows were. No one told me I had a Frida eyebrow going on. I jokingly (*key word ~ JOKINGLY, would never do this) asked Charlie while he was still going over the beach house plans, if he could take the mirror off the wall so I could bring it home. He promptly said laughing, "Oh that's nice... maybe you need to watch another Joyce Meyer's show." Oh how he is quick to keep me sharpened.

I picked one of these mirrors up at Bed Bath & Beyond the very week we got home. I won't have to look through my eye glasses, lower them and then try to pluck my eye brows anymore.
Woo hoo!

For Eternity ~

2010-08-25T16:30:00.000-07:00

Love is not written on paper,
for paper can be erased.
Nor is it etched on stone,
for stone can be broken.
But it is inscribed on a heart
and there it shall
remain forever.

Seaweed ~

2010-08-24T15:51:00.000-07:00

Love is like seaweed;

even if you have pushed it away,

you will not prevent it

from coming back.

Nigerian Proverb

Ever drifting, drifting, drifting
On the shifting
Currents of the restless main;
Till in sheltered coves, and reaches
Of sandy beaches,
All have found repose again.

Excerpt from Seaweed
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Gettin' Down ~

2010-08-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

After we got settled in our room, we walked down to Cannery Row and had dinner at Sly McFly's.

Nestled near the bay, in Monterey's world renowned Cannery Row, Sly McFly's has earned a reputation in Monterey as the place to hear blues. Colorful stained glass windows with antique race car motifs brighten up the place, and the view of the Pacific is nothing less than spectacular (The web page for Sly McFly's couldn't have said it better!).

After dinner, there was dancing to some live oldie but goodies; Boogie Oogie Oogie, At Last, She Used To Be My Girl, Move It On Over, Respect, and I Remember. In that order!

After we left Sly McFly's, we got a drink at Starbucks and sat out by the ocean under the stars. What a great way to end our first day!

False Advertisement ~

2010-08-21T16:41:00.000-07:00

In order to understand what we were expecting please take a peek here (click on the red "here") first before reading the rest of my post.

Charlie and I came across an advertisement for the Asilomar Beach Resort in Monterey that looked like a rustic charming little room. It is one of their historic rooms and on the picture you see a bed next to a rock fireplace. As I looked at the photo, I could imagine candles placed throughout the room and being able to take long walks holding hands with my husband and watching the sunset. So romantic! We made our reservations and we both looked forward to our little get away. My first impression as we drove into the resort was so disappointing. The grounds were absolutely dead. Dry as a bone. I thought to myself, 'Uh oh. I will not complain.' Charlie parked the truck and got directions to our room.

Another 'Uh oh,' entered my head as we had to drive out of the resort and across the street, which meant we were not on the ocean side. I couldn't believe how dead everything was. I prayed that who ever smoked would not throw their cigarette down or we would be goners. We got into our room and my heart just dropped into my stomach.

I think I said out loud, "This is a mistake," as I looked at two twin beds. Charlie went back down to the office to tell them we had a queen bed with a fireplace and they said they would push our beds together and all of the rooms come like that AND there are no fireplaces in any of the rooms. How can they do that? I started reasoning and trying to convince myself and Charlie that we really wouldn't be "in" our room very much, we spent most of our time on the beach anyway and it would really be okay (I'm really not a snob! I promise!). Charlie walked outside again to get more of our luggage (I thought).

My stomach started hurting as I took pictures of the room and bathroom to show our son, who would be staying at this resort the following weekend. I knew he would also be disappointed and I didn't want him walking into this thinking he would be getting something like the advertisement displayed. As I started unpacking, Charlie walked in and said, "We aren't staying here, I got us another room." I thought I was going to cry as if my man rode up on a horse in shining armor, scooped me up, and saved me!

As we drove out of the parking lot, Charlie said boldly, "This IS WHY I am a creature of habit!" I called the front desk at the Asilomar Resort to let them know that we were leaving and immediately called our credit card service that held the room.

As Charlie and I checked in to our 2nd hotel (which by the way, was where we spent our honeymoon), the lady who checked us in knew our story and was so nice! As I was put on hold with the credit card company fixing the fiasco from the hairy-moldy hut we were going to stay in, the receptionist at the 2nd hotel quickly told me they were serving wine, fruit, assorted crackers and cheese in the dining area, and to head that way to try and relax and unwind. Which was what I did. Oh my goodness, yes... I had some cheese with that whine!

;)

What a prince!

Pawsability?

2010-08-20T10:46:00.001-07:00

Sorry girls ~ not this time.

First Day Of Shool~

2010-08-16T14:32:00.000-07:00

School is back in session.

This picture is of me on my first day of Kindergarten. The towel that I would lay on during rest time is in the brown bag I was holding. My teacher would give us graham crackers and milk before rest time.

My mom parked the car at the bus stop and stood outside with me while I waited. I remember how excited I was trying to climb up the big bus steps. She cried and smiled waving goodbye to me as I took my seat. My mom put my sister in the car and they followed the bus to school. She met me in my classroom to see how I was doing and I can remember telling her I was okay and to go home. She gave me a kiss and after a few minutes, I caught her in the window watching me. I gave her a look like she was embarrassing me and waved her away like I had a magic wand in my hand. After she saw I was truly okay and eager for the day to begin, she finally left.

I love this picture of my little sister and I squinting with the sun in our eyes. I remember her being very upset that I was leaving her and me telling her I would come back and teach her how to read.

I also remember being so disappointed that first day of school. I thought I would have learned something and we had basically gone over the rules. At the end of the day, I went up to my teacher Mrs. Stout before leaving the classroom and asked her if we could please learn something tomorrow when we come to school. She gave me a quick hug and said, "Yes, I promise."

The Lab ~

2010-08-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

In the morning my daughter and I quickly discuss what our rapidly changing, individual plans are for the day; it's what you do to keep the communication flowing when you have busy schedules. Although she consistently says she is going to the lab to go over tests or work on data. I recently went to "the lab" and saw where my daughter spends a lot of her time. It is a windowless room little bigger than a big walk-in closet; I can see why when she gets home, she takes a walk. There were anatomy and brain posters adorning the drab yellow walls, an occasional framed picture of art that had different colored ceramic mugs placed next to them. I admired a green pouring pitcher sitting by this huge sink and thought it looked familiar, until my daughter said, "Oh... uhh, I need to bring that back home. I borrowed it for a research meeting." HMmmmm... so this is where it was all this time.

Notice the black statue. It's actually a neat example of our visual processes, according to my daughter. She says, "We see the gestalt, either the foreground or the background of the statue as faces." Can you see the two faces? If you focus on the black rather than the white, you will see two faces, rather than a vase-like statue. My daughter says you can be aware of both images, but your brain can't ever see both at the same time; it constantly toggles between the two. The wheel the statue is on turns and it actually looks like they are laughing as it spins. It's all about exercising the brain.

;)

Vision ~

2010-08-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

When I am in a bead store, I will look and see what has been clearanced out and usually come home with some cool finds. I came across some shell beads made by a company called Organic and thought they were so pretty. I envisioned them in a strand and when I got home made the necklace I kept seeing in my mind.

Last week, Charlie and I got away for few days and when I was going through a book in our Hotel room, I came across a picture of a lady with a necklace on that looked similar to the one I just made. Look how sweet the model made it look! I love it! I took a picture of the picture on my cell phone and sent it to Nessa, who has had her eye on my necklace since I made it. Shhh ~ I am making her one too.

Seeing the picture after making the necklace affirmed that I still have a sense of style all of my own (I question myself at times). It was a good feeling!

Down By The Seashore ~

2010-08-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

“I have always loved the beach. The smell of the salty water, the wind in my face, the gentle roar of the waves all combine to create a sense of peace and calm.”
--Anonymous

“May your time be filled with relaxing sunsets, cool drinks and sand between your toes."
--Anonymous

I've Tried... But Me No Likey ~

2010-08-09T03:40:00.000-07:00

I've tried sushi several times because everyone has raved about it and it actually does look really good. I will never forget the first time I experienced this type of food, it was at my sister's baby shower. I took a bite and it came right back out and onto my napkin. My mom and I did it almost in unison. We both immediately looked around to see if anyone saw us.

The thought of raw fish doesn't sound appetizing to me, so that doesn't help. But then I came across a vegetarian Californian roll that looked good. It consisted of brown rice, cucumber, carrots, and avocado. I just knew this was the one! I would officially be able to say, "I like sushi!" I took one, put it in my mouth and it came right back out. I couldn't eat it. I am trying to accept it; as pretty as sushi is, I feel my taste buds do not want anything to do with it. Confusing. I was disappointed to say the least. Maybe I am eating it wrong? I probably should go with a group of friends to a sushi restaurant, so that I could watch them and then try it myself. I must be doing something wrong! Do I need to smother it with Tamari sauce or wash it down with a swig of Sake?

I guess what baffles me is if I can eat calamari, why can't I LIKE a vegetarian Californian roll?

Did You Know?

2010-08-07T23:02:00.001-07:00

the
Kiss
of life

Regular smooching
can stave off stress
and beat the blues.

By Christian Millman

Splish Splash

2010-08-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

Listening to children play ~

* a good belly laugh that stays with you
* aware of wonder
* creativity
* stress reducer
* improves life

Here Comes The Sun ~ Do Do Do Do

2010-08-05T05:26:00.000-07:00

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right

Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...

Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been clear
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right
It's all right
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I couldn't help post this video with the lyrics... it's how I've been feeling.

I hope it adds some sunshine to your day!

:)

Carmel By The Sea ~

2010-08-04T07:33:00.000-07:00

Carmel is known for it's story book cottages, but you won't find Walt Disney characters here.

;)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Do you see the girl?

A lady has a shell up to her ear listening to the song of the sea.

Day Trippin' ~ Carmel

2010-08-02T05:31:00.000-07:00

I was so grateful that I was able to spend some time with both of my girls on the same day. It is hard to get time to do this, coordinating three schedules. We went to Ocean Avenue in Carmel and shopped a little, walked two beaches, and then planted ourselves in the warm sand and just listened to the ocean waves sing us a melody that almost put us to sleep. It was so relaxing.

My daughter and I have wanted to take some things to the consignment stores and got to do that as well. So we had some business to take care of. I asked the girls what their favorite part of the day was and they said, "Walking on the beach hands down... and then shopping. Mainly spending time together." I had to agree.

:)

My two girls ~

Wave washing in.

Walking on the beach.

This seagull likes the sound of the ocean too.

The sweet ocean.

Ahhh ~

Never Mind The Cold ~

2010-07-31T13:48:00.001-07:00

It's funny, after viewing my photo's of Oakland, I realize now, how nice it really was. Let me explain. The majority of our day, I was freezing and that is pretty much what Nessa and I focused on; my fingers were freezing and my toes were numb. I had only brought a light-weight thin sweater. This was only because the week before while my daughter and I spent the day in San Francisco, it was very warm and at times I felt like I was melting. I didn't want to have another day like that. While Nessa and I were walking, I kept my eye out for a shop I could buy a light jacket, sweatshirt, or anything for that matter. At one point, I was so desperate I didn't care what was on it. It could have had a picture of a skull with a ring in it's nose, I didn't care. There weren't any clothes shops anywhere! Although, I did see a lot of food shops... in fact I couldn't believe how many there were. I guess all of those people working in all of those buildings have to eat somewhere and really don't have time to go shopping.

Close to where Rob works, there was a lake where you could walk around to get to a park. There were morning joggers and people speed walking that whizzed by us as we took in the sights .

I couldn't believe all the shapes and sizes of the buildings! Some with great detail and some made of almost all glass. You have to remember, I am just a country mouse visiting the big city.

Nessa and I thought this cross walk was neat and a little confusing. Which way do you go when the light turns green?
I loved the movie The Joy Luck Club and Nessa pointed out the sign above the restaurant.

I love old painted signs that can still be seen on brick buildings. Charlie and I used to drink MJB coffee when we first got together. In fact, he got me hooked on coffee. He made my first cup with lots of cream and sugar. Now I drink it without sugar and with fat free half-and-half (the color of caramel); one cup every morning. Once in a while I will have two. During the summer on really hot days, over ice shaken. If I drink it with desert, it is just black. This is a total tangent...
I thought the pigeons next to the painted green light were sweet.
I enjoy browsing through old books store's. You never know what you will find. Some books have autographs and some have an endearing note in them.
I like how in the older part of cities, there are usually shops that go down below the street.

You seldom see anyone with a yard in the city. Although you do see lots of potted flowers on the steps and maybe a garden on top of a roof.

The building where Rob works could be seen in the distance almost from any street we walked.
Nessa and I liked the reflection of an old building in the windows of the new building.
As we walked around, there were little area's where one could come out and take their break. I noticed how calming they appeared to be; maybe to help with the stress level one might be experiencing?
The Veterans Memorial Building.

Whatever we focus on expands.

;)

What Does F U N Mean?

2010-07-31T07:23:00.000-07:00

F is for friends doing stuff together.
U is for you and me.
N is for never ends.

When Nessa and I get together, we always have fun. Regardless of all the mother-n-law/daughter-n-law jokes and innuendo that goes along with the stereotype. I always hoped to have a good relationship with my daughter-n-law and I can't help but notice the surprised look when people find out how we are related after they have observed us for a while.

We both brought our camera's to Oakland and would stop to take photos periodically. Every time I would stop to take a photo, she would look to see what I was taking a photo of and then take one too. We ended up with almost the same photos. Although she did take some I couldn't because of the lens I had on my camera.

Old ironing boards used for tables and painted black stools and benches outside of a sweet cafe in downtown Oakland.
What a neat idea!

I love old theaters and their signs ~ Lights, Camera, Action!
Here is the Fox Oakland Theater.

Painted mural ~ Always Faith.

During the morning, it was overcast and cold. Nessa and I went inside a beauty supply store hoping we could warm up. This store had wigs and she decided to see what she would look like with short hair.

She doesn't even look like our Nessa! I took a picture and sent it to Rob while he was working because he has been wanting/teasing Ness to cut her hair (we can't figure him out).

No matter what Nessa and I are doing; making dinner, painting nails or going to a beauty supply store, the fun never ends.

Lunch In The Park

2010-07-30T14:10:00.000-07:00

While Nessa and I were in Oakland, we met Rob for lunch in the park-like setting in front of the building he works. Rob seemed very happy we were there with him. I am sure it was a change from sitting alone on the very bench we sat on. As we opened our insulated lunch bags, Rob and I noticed we packed almost exactly the same thing; cottage cheese, assorted veggies, Trisket crackers, fruit, trail mix and water. Nessa mentioned she has noticed Rob and I do that a lot. I thought it was cute. As we ate our lunch, a little bird with dots on it's breast caught my eye. It seemed it wasn't only our lunch time. It was theirs too! Or should I say hers? Rob, Nessa and I were trying to figure out if she was a baby being fed (I thought she was too big to be a baby) or wife/mother and the husband/father was helping the wife/mother gather food for their babies. We couldn't figure it out. Does anyone know what is going on here.
I bet Abraham Lincoln could!
;)

Life In Transition

2010-07-28T21:50:00.000-07:00

I got a call from Nessa last Monday asking if I would like to go with her to Oakland. She had our whole day planned; we would do some sight seeing and then meet Rob for lunch and then do some shopping and then meet Rob to go home. I thought that sounded nice. I have wanted to see where Rob works for quite some time. Have you heard of "Bring your kid to work day," well... this was "Bring your wife and mom to work day." The only drawback to all of this was that we would have to get up early so we could leave with Rob. It is a good thing I had a week to recuperate from my day trip to San Francisco.

As we walked up the stairs from the Bart, all you could see was this impressive big building, The Oakland Federal Building. This is where Rob works.

As I looked up and around at all of the surrounding buildings, all I could see was the detail.

The Tribune tower. It was a little overcast in the morning and still early as you can see by what time this clock said it was.

Clocks everywhere telling you what time it was and where you needed to be.

As we crossed the street to where he worked, he pointed to a lady getting off a bus. I noticed she was blind. She had dark glasses on and a walking stick. He told me he sees her every morning and has helped her in the building he works in and then another time he bought her a drink at Starbucks. I have noticed he takes note on what is happening around him. He was like this growing up, but I think even more so now and in a different way since he served in the military.

As we entered the building where Rob works, there was a park-like setting with benches and artsy sculptures. I wasn't allowed to take any pictures inside the building, but everywhere you looked there was granite and polished marble. As Rob, Nessa, and I cleared through security to go in the building, I was trying to process all of the events prior to entering the building and then trying to take the building itself in. I thought, 'This is what our son does every day when he goes to work. No wonder he is exhausted on the weekends and I hardly hear from him during the week.' It made me appreciate the texts I get periodically during the week telling me good morning, he loves and misses me or he was thinking about me.

He showed us what floor he works on and where his desk was. It was interesting to me, to see the pictures he had and what significant importance they had to him. He also had a collage of pictures of him and Nessa that I had never seen before, discreetly placed on the wall close to his computer. My son wears slacks, shirts and ties to work or an occasional suit, and by the collage of pictures a person could definitely get a different feel of who he was when he wasn't at work. I later told my daughter, I also noticed there were no photos of anyone else... just Nessa and him. I immediately thought about when I was his age or now for that matter, I don't have any photos of my parents up at work either just Charlie, my kids and our dogs. I also couldn't help but think about what it says in the bible, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined (cleave) with is wife, and they shall become one flesh" ~ Genesis 2:24. The parent-child relationship is a temporary one and there will be leaving. I've always known this is what happens, is natural and the way it is supposed to be, although I felt it for the first time that day in Oakland. It kinda made me sad and happy all at the same time.

He took us to several huge rooms and showed us row after row of shelves with files on them and explained that each file represented a veteran. I stood there in awe and have such deep respect for each and every file. They with many others have fought for our American freedom. Rob explained the files date as far back as World War One. Wow ~ I shared what I was thinking just standing in that room and Rob felt the same way. He works for the Veterans Benefits Administration Department and really loves his job. He just wishes he lived closer to work and I don't blame him.

A Slightly Bruised Ego ~

2010-07-26T18:12:00.000-07:00

I have tried to donate blood three times now, only to be turned away. Apparently my numbers aren't good enough for the blood bank to take. It has gotten to the point, when I walk in, they test my blood, instead of my having to fill out all the paper work first. My number is so low, they have given me information on how to improve my numbers by what I eat. I have always had a problem with being borderline anemic or just plain ole' anemic. I enjoy my veggies, but the problem is that I don't get enough iron from them. Eating red meat would satisfy my bodies needs, but I just can't do it! A person can only consume so many veggies in a day!! And, even with all the greens I eat, I'm still unable to hit an acceptable number. I have tried taking the iron tablets and even gentle iron I have a problem with (you know what that does...). The ladies down at the blood bank tell me not to be discouraged, to keep trying and that it's more common than you'd think, especially to women.

Since receiving my Phlebotomy state license, I have applied several times, only to be notified the job position had already been filled or that I have not been selected for an interview. In the past, when I have applied for a job, I have always been hired. Well, to be honest, there was this one time, it was "in house" and I didn't get that job, but understood why. There is something else upsetting me. In "my day," you walked into a place of business to apply. Now-a-day, you apply online...How do you make a real first impression? I really don't like or get it.

My husband and kids have told me it is a tight job market right now and not to take it personal. Charlie has seen how down it has made me and told me I really do not need to get a job right now, that I have worked hard enough going back to school for the past two years and to just have fun... which I have. It's just hard for me to know we had a plan and with the mindset that I have had, I would like to see it through.

So I sit with a slightly bruised ego, basically feeling not good enough.

Funny... I just noticed it all has to do with blood; bruised ego-unable to donate blood-a Phlebotomy career.

I know, I know... wahh! I keep telling myself, in the BIG picture, like Charlie would say, "It's all good!"

The Streets Of San Francisco ~

2010-07-25T08:20:00.001-07:00

I started to post each street we walked, but realized this could take a week. As I looked at the map wanting to post each picture with accurate information, I also understood why I was utterly exhausted from the trip and it took me literally four days to recuperate! After I figured out where our feet took us and understood the why I had a huge one inch in diameter blister on the bottom of my foot at the end of the day. I walked into my daughter's bedroom and said, "What were you thinking?" I had to explain to her what I just came to realize after my excitement of our "day trip" had worn off. She started busting up laughing, saying "I wanted to see the streets of SF!" as I walked away limping.

This was in the Golden Gate Park.
The details in this building were absolutely beautiful!
I would love to see something play in this amphitheatre.
The statues made you feel like you were from another place and time.

As we walked out of The Golden Gate Park.
I have told you in the past, I seem to see hearts everywhere I go.
My daughter who is next to a Ginkgo plant. Taking a picture of her next to it seemed only fitting. She is so cute! She says Ginkgo helps with memory (although she also retorted a long term study just found it doesn't have any lasting effects, but helps with other things, like depression too).
Wild berries and succulents.
Park filled with daisy's.

Oh the feel of Ashbury.
The Summer of Love.
Bohemian subculture.
The Hippie movement.
Peace.

Colorful Delores street.
Hilly, quiet and lined by grand old Victorians.
I loved the old houses and how the steps were lined with pots of colorful plants (it is the only front yard they have).
The detail in every house was unique and begging to be noticed.
While walking by one of the houses, a young man driving into his garage under his house noticed a big brown shoe in his driveway. The look on his face was like, 'What the h***?'

Ahhh Valencia... had a whole feel of it's own.
Farmers Market.
Wonderful boutiques.
Charming little cafes.
All natural stores.

The Clarion Alley Mural Project.
Amazing ~

More awesome murals continued...

As we got off the Bart, my daughter took the stairs motioning to me and saying, "Come on." I looked at her and said, "I am taking the escalator, thank you very much!" As we both had to take the stairs going up to Market street, I was rather slow. She looked at me like, "Are you alright?" I said out loud hoping someone would take me up on it, "I am getting ready to pay someone to carry me up these stairs!"

I love the old buses they use for the muni!
People playing the game of checkers.
San Francisco Capital.

After we went through some of our favorite shops on Market street, I went into a hotel lobby bathroom to freshen up the best I could. I took one look in the mirror and lost all hope. Ran a brush through my hair, powdered my face and freshened up my lipstick. Oh well... that was as good as it was going to get.

We then went to a Starbucks and got a double shot of espresso to get us through the rest of the night.

Now, this was the BEST!!!
I loved the Broadway show WICKED!
I laughed and cried and just loved every minute of it! My daughter is still belting out lyrics from her favorite scenes.

We got home at 1:10 a.m. and like I said, it took me four days to recuperate, but it was well worth it. I will say this though, San Francisco is too much to see in one day (AND so much more still see). We have several day trips to SF in the near future and it won't be jam packed full as this particular trip.

As we walked the streets of San Francisco, I couldn't help think about my baby girl being apart of this beautiful city some day as she would like to work at one of the hospitals when she finishes her Doctorate degree.

Next Garden

2010-07-24T04:27:00.000-07:00

As we headed to our next stop in the Golden Gate Park, this little girl with blond hair caught my eye. Oh how it brought back memories of when my daughter was that small! From the back, it was as if I was following my daughter; the little girl dressed the same way I would dress her and she would at times have one of her three brother's rubber snakes, lizards or frogs in her hand. In fact, my daughter begged me to take this photo. She seemed to have recognized herself in the little girl, or vice versa rather.

The Japanese Tea Garden

My daughter plans to study abroad in India...and I hope when she does, I'll get beautiful pictures of such relics as this.

As we walked through its lushness, I couldn't get over its beauty and the serenity it offered. I couldn't help but feel at peace. We ended our walk through the garden with a cup of sweet jasmine tea.

Reflecting on our whole entire day, If someone asked me, "What was your favorite part of the day?" This would have been one of them.

*For those who are interested in the history of this garden you can go here.

Scene On A Muni ~

2010-07-23T02:52:00.000-07:00

While we were in San Francisco, we took full advantage of traveling by bus (muni). On one of our rides, I sat next to a man reading, while his little boy (about four years old) sat next to him. Diandra stood over me holding on to the rail and smiled as she read what he was reading. The chapter's title was, "Be Thankful Always." I looked to see what book he was reading and noticed it was Start Your New Life Today by Joyce Myers. At that very moment, he jumped as his little boy hauled off and hit him in the arm hard yelling, "SLUG BUG!" Diandra and I couldn't contain our laugh. The man leaned over to me as he rubbed his arm and said in a low voice giggling, "And he looks all day."

San Francisco Botanical Garden

2010-07-22T05:01:00.000-07:00

My daughter and I have wanted to visit San Francisco for quite some time and decided to just do it. She got on the Internet and looked up points of interest. We woke up fairly early to leave at 5:30 in the morning to get on the Bart by 7:00ish, in order to get us off the Bart into S.F. by 8:00 and on the Muni. My daughter is quite the navigationalist; she had an itinerary with buses to catch and places to see. Our first stop was The Golden Gate Park and headed right to the Botanical Garden's (admission is free right now, but I understand they will start charging in August).

While we were there, a group of kids were drawing sketches of the surrounding. Diandra and I were so pleased to see children of all ages spending their time like this and made us wishing we were a part of the class. There were also people meditating, and doing a form of exercise called Tai Chi. The smoothness of their lines and moves were somehow calming just to watch.

There were volunteer's busy gardening in area's throughout the grounds and I thought how if I lived in the city, I would like to volunteer. It is so beautiful there, I could only imagine how they must feel during and afterwards. With that in mind, I thought about how I could volunteer for something similar in my own town but then thought, 'Where would I find time?' It made me admire their dedication.

Simply beautiful!

SAN FRANCISCO BOTANICAL GARDEN VISION STATEMENT
The San Francisco Botanical Garden will be cherished locally and recognized internationally for beauty, diversity of plant collections, educational programs and dedication to conservation.

MISSION STATEMENT
The San Francisco Botanical Garden Society builds communities of support for the Garden and cultivates the bond between people and plants.

Unsettling News ~

2010-07-21T14:16:00.000-07:00

While we were camping we received some unsettling news. My niece Deja has been passing blood when she has a bowel movement. She had an MRI and it showed that she has three small tumors in her colon. Her blood work came back and apparently they are concerned that she may have a rare cancer called Pollock (I don't know if I am spelling this right) disease. Her little colon is too inflamed right now to go in and take a biopsy. The doctor's prescribed a medication to help get the swelling down so they can get this biopsy. Hopefully it will be at the end of this month.

Until then, I am asking that you will lift up this precious little girl in prayer. Her name is Deja and she just turned three last month. Red heads are usually described tending to have a spitfire characteristic as part of their personality. Well, let's just say she doesn't disappointment us in this domain. Right now I consider it a blessing.

Thank you ~

My Old Soul ~

2010-07-18T18:02:00.000-07:00

Rob and I wanted to show Nessa Kennedy Meadows and some areas that are sentimental to us since we have been camping there for 23 years. While we were driving, Rob would slow down and point out something to me that was interesting and say, "Mom, that would be a good picture." It melted my heart; Rob showing me he cares, taking an interest in what I like to do.

Rob is such an old soul. He has always been wise beyond his years. It's funny, watching him grow up, he loved the forest, wrote poems, loved learning how to play the guitar, loved fishing and had such respect for our fish and game. I always pictured him growing up and working as a Fish and Game Officer/Forest Ranger/Fireman and living in a rustic cabin like I posted in my previous post, and now I can picture him snapping photos inspired by Ansel Adams. He has done the total opposite. He commutes to Oakland, working in a tall building that looks at a back drop of the Golden Gate Bridge and wears a suit everyday. I have mentioned this to him and he sighs while he says, "Mom, you have to have a good knee (he has had three knee surgeries) to climb mountains and move fast after poachers. It just wasn't in the cards. God had a different plan for me." What can I say to that? He is right. I immediately think of the stories he tells me of his encounters with people he meets on the Bart, or the homeless and sharing his lunch with them. If he can tell they don't want to be bothered he just gives them his lunch. I don't know how many countless Bible's I have bought for him because he gives them away to people he meets after having a conversation with them. I have noticed Rob has stopped telling me of these encounters, only because I think he sees the fear that shoots across my face and then is tired of the lecture's telling him to please be careful! God is in control.

It has been a pleasure watching him grow into the man he is becoming and I am so proud of him.

With the help of Rob, here are some photo's of our camping trip.
:)

Rustic Cabin ~

2010-07-16T17:03:00.000-07:00

There are many cabin's up in the mountains. A lot of them are for rent and have the bare necessities in them (e.g., a bed, table, chairs and a couch). You have to bring the rest. Although some cabin's you can tell are owned by families because of extra care and thought put into them while they were being built.

Every year this paricular cabin has caught my eye and I have always told Charlie as we drive by it, "If we had a cabin, I would want it just like that one (pointing at it)." Sometimes he finishes my sentence for me and other times he just looks at me and says, "Uh huh."

I have always wanted to get a closer look at it. While I was with Rob and Ness, I pointed it out to them.
Rob nonchalantly said, "Oh, well we will stop on the way back so you can get some pictures."
I said, "Really?"
Ness said, "Yeah, why not?"
I said, "Well, sometimes Charlie gets irritated when there isn't a place to park." Rob said, "Ah mom, no problem, I will look for one close enough and then you can walk in."
I was so happy!

It turned out there was a drive way that led up to at least three other cabins nestled along the river that, being so fixated on the cabin itself, I'd never noticed before. So it was no problem getting to them. Nessa wanted to see it too and got out with me, although we went our separate ways.

The fire chimney has always been the first thing I noticed from the street.

And then the back of it.

This is when I whip my head around as we drive by it to see it practically on the river. Can you imagine drinking your coffee on the back porch in the morning? Or listening to the constant sound of the river flowing?

Okay... then as I am walking back to the truck and find Nessa, she says, "Hey, take a picture of me on the porch!"
I look at her and said, "What?"
She says it again.
I am shaking my head no and she is looking at me like 'What is wrong with you?'
I look back at her and said, "Ness, what if someone is there?"
Nessa said smiling, "I will just tell them how beautiful their cabin is and would it be okay to get a picture by it. Besides, no one is there, I already looked in the window."
My eyes were the size of dollar coins.

Oh my ~

Grateful ~

2010-07-16T16:07:00.000-07:00

This is our first summer with Rob since he served four years in the Air Force. While he was away, we would miss him terribly and reminisce around the camp fire at night about the good ole times. It left us looking forward even more to when we could go camping as a family again.

This year, we were all so grateful Rob could get some days off from work so that he could join us. I was a little nervous the day we expected them to arrive. I straightened up our camp space, hoping it was just the way Rob remembered it from previous trips, and hoping Nessa would enjoy her first time camping with us, so much, it would have her coming back each and every year we went.

The second night Rob stood by the camp fire and got teary eyed saying he had been gone way too long and he had missed so much. I knew he wasn't only talking about camping. It was also all that our family has gone through in the time he has been gone, too. I gave him a hug and told him I loved him. He said, "Everything has changed.... it's good to be here." He was right, it just felt so good to have him there with us. Our time together went way too fast.

My Diandra and Ness are my always ready to strike a pose. Anyone wanting to take a photo of me, cringing... I run and hide.

Nessa and I decided to go on the Giant of the Columns trail. She has never seen it before and wanted to experience this hike.

Here she is at the top of the trail where all the broken granite rocks are piled. She is a character! I love that girl!

Having some "quiet time," Rob and Ness in the tent...

Their dog Pookie ~ "HEY! Get me out of here!"

Nessa getting a snuggle in with Sophie.

Summer Moments ~

2010-07-14T12:25:00.001-07:00

I think this is the first summer I can recall, we haven't had any camping trips planned. We are being very spontaneous; when it happens, it happens. We were able to go camping last week. I enjoy getting away from the computer, television, and turning the cell-phone off (there are no towers). Being still and taking in what surrounds me. The sweet air, the breeze on my skin and through my hair, bright blue skies, sound of the birds and river. It's a time to let go and think about nothing; being still, breathing in and being thankful.

We had a couple of thunder storms and rain showers while we were there. The smell after the rain was wonderful. During the night, there was a blanket of brilliant diamonds, lighting the sky. At times, it looked as if you could reach up and touch them. It was breathtaking. It's moments like these, I want to slow everything down and take it all in. I don't want to miss a thing.

I am finding as much as I want to slow down, there is no stopping the hour of time.