"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you.

Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."  

Christmas has been nice.  We spent a quiet day at home today before we make the 12 hour trip to Pittsburgh tomorrow.  We plan on visiting our family for a few days and then head to the ski slopes for some fun in the snow.  Hopefully when we come back I'll have a few good pictures to post of our trip.  Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays! 

College letters

Kelly looks calm here as she looks over the letters from two of the colleges that she applied for.  But, I think she is just worn out from dancing around in the kitchen after opening them!  She finally heard back from Emory and Wake Forest and they both accepted her.  Now comes the hard part in making up her mind which one to go to.  With pre-med as her major, either one will be a good fit, but Emory is definitely my top choice for her. She has to decide by the middle of January so we will know soon! 

Congratulations Kelly!!

  Yesterday I had to move this poinsettia from in front of my fireplace because it was replaced by a roaring fire.  I finally had my firewood delivered for the upcoming cold days.  I thought of how different things are from long ago.  I remember a time when we would scan the newspapers looking for "free wood you pick up" adds so we could stay warm  in our first home.  We would clear out people's yard of their cut down trees thinking we had the best deal.  I know now that they had "free labor" in us clearing out their yard!  But, I guess we both made out in the end.  As I wrote out the check yesterday for the wood, I thought how easy things have gotten.  The wood was cut, delivered and then stacked in the back yard by my oldest son.  Why though, do I look back and always think that those were the easy years??!  lol

Kelly's Dolls

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each year at Christmas I give Kelly a porcelain doll.  This year I put some of them below one of our trees and it looks beautiful.  I'm deciding whether this year will be the last time I give her one since she'll be turning 18 next month.  I know she is too old for dolls, but I see it as a collection to keep.   Having only one daughter, I always wanted to buy her dolls for Christmas.  When she got too old for that, I switched to porcelain dolls to display.  Maybe I should just ask her how she feels about it.  I might be surprised.  Maybe I was only appeasing my feelings all this time!  lol

 

 

 

 

 We had a Christmas dinner Saturday night at the Atlanta National Golf Club in Alpharetta.  The club was decorated beautifully for the season.  Dinner was good and occupied by entertainment that was even better.  It started off with a band of Spanish musicians, followed by a Mid Eastern belly dancer and later on a jazz band.  It was a variety of music that kept things interesting and had the dance floor moving.     

 

 

A fun night was had by all and everyone was waiting up when we got home even thought it was very late.  Once again Kelly took hold of the camera and snapped away.  As you can tell by this after party picture, it was obvious who the designated driver was.  lol

 

 

Our Christmas cards went out in the mail today.  Each year we do the family photo thing even though I hear grunts and groans from those who don't want to do it.  This year seemed to go a little easier and everyone was relaxed and smiled for the photographer! (And it was done without bribes!  lol )   
Merry Christmas to all my computer friends!

 

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta:  Festival of Trees

Once again our holiday season kicked off at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.  Each year we volunteer at this event that benefits children's healthcare.  The many displays of trees, gingerbread houses, wreaths, specialty shops and children's activities are on grand display this week. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This year we worked in the fishing booth. It  was so much fun seeing the kids surprised faces as they pulled out the "fish" that was on the hook.  They smiled when that fish was actually little toys put on the hook by the guys inside the booth. 

 

After the excitement of seeing beautifully adorned trees all around us, we came home to a fully decorated tree which Daniel had completed.  This jump started my efforts of getting all the lights hung outside and in.  I'm completed now with this task and feel ahead of the game.  I will have to say that our trees at home are just as beautiful as those at the festival. 

Writing outside the box

  Journal writing is a voyage to the interior.  --Christina Baldwin
 

This box sits in my bedroom.  It is filled with sheets of journal entries that consist of thoughts occurring within my days.  My heart and soul are poured out in these writings that only my eyes have seen.  As far back as I can remember I have kept journals.  In recent years they seem to be more about inner thoughts then events in my life.  They are writings that put a perspective in my  journey.  While some things are certain in life, others need replenishing with self discovery that only I can obtain thru those inner thoughts.  So far, this seems to work for me.  :)  

Writing outside the box.... but held within.

Sometimes I think of my world....and the memories that hang on like a close friend.  Alone and together....those thoughts stay anew....on a fresh day....when wonder fills our world....with a glance of life....that seems so simple and sweet.        

22nd Anniversary

It has been 22 years since we said "I do" and I can say that one thing hasn't changed.  I still love that gown.   Every anniversary since that day, I have my own little tradition of putting it on.   My kids have gone thru these anniversaries saying how corny I was in doing it.  This year my daughter grabbed the camera and went crazy with the pictures.  I think she finally realizes that having it "fit" is an accomplishment in itself!  lol  But, we had some fun and the 10 minutes that I had it on brought back a flood of memories from that day.  It is quite amazing how fast time goes by.         Happy Anniversary Dave!

Spare time

 

I am a galley slave to pen and ink.
Honore de Balzac  (1799-1850)  French journalist and writer

My extra time this week has been spent reading short stories from Honore de Balzac who wrote the quote above.  I happened to stumble across his writings and have been devouring them every spare moment that I can find.  It's always neat to find a writer that is new to me, but obviously has been out there for quite some time.  I love the time setting of his stories and all that went with that.  I definitely will have to find a few of his 90 some novels that he had written and add them to my library.   

Well, it'sSaturday and I need to go start my day.  I'm thinking a walk, a little tennis and maybe purchase that coffee table that I saw last week.  Now where is that sunshine that I've been missing the past two rainy days?? lol

Soccer

 

Here is Daniel last week on the soccer field.  He is yet another generation of soccer players in our family.  Soccer has always been a part of my life.  When I was little, my Dad carted me around to his games as he played every Sunday for different teams in Pittsburgh.  He still played as I entered my teen years and I had him and my brother to watch on the field.  Some of my best friends at the time were soccer players and I still remember dating those in high school who carried our team to victory.  I looked back recently at my old high school web site and saw the children of those guys playing as they did.  Just like Daniel, they are running the field and enjoying every moment chasing after that soccer ball. 

Autumn

Today is a beautiful autumn day.  The sun is shining and the air is just right to be spending time outdoors.  I began today with my morning walk and ended up at the local coffee shop.  It seemed that others had the same idea, as it was filled with people inside and out relaxing and making plans for the day ahead.  I can't seem to stay inside on days like this and feel my best out in the open air.  This candle sits on my kitchen table as to bring some of that fall look inside.  It shows warmth and color that illuminates the feeling I want when I have to be indoors.  Well, the sun is still shinning.....time to get back out there!  :)

Carving of the Pumpkins

 

 

We had some fun this afternoon carving the pumpkins for tonight.  The weather is really warm today so we were able to get outside on the deck to do the carving.  They should look great tonight lit up on our front steps!

Kelly's vote

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's Kelly pointing to a picture of President Bush and his wife.  This photo has been hanging there since Brian taped it to the wall months ago.  It has been a conversation piece since then for anyone that visits.  Our dinner discussions also have been filled with politics from our budding Republicans.   Kelly is 3 months shy of being able to vote and she's mad that she can't.  She has some strong views and will tell anyone in her path.  It's good to see them wanting to cast their vote even if they have to wait until next election! 

Learning from experience

 

Experience teaches slowly and at the cost of mistakes.
 James A. Froude      

I had an interesting conversation with my mother last night.  I had gone thru the years feeling that I couldn't compete with her in regard to having everything just right at home.  It seems that sometimes it looks like a tornado goes thru my home.  I can't remember seeing anything like that when I lived at home.  She always had things in order.  I have always thought that she felt I spend too much time running the kids around to their games, activities, etc., when I should have been at home "getting things done."  Well, last night she caught me off guard and I just listened without commenting.  She said that when she was younger, she shouldn't have worried so much about the house and keeping things in order. She added that she wished she would have spend more time with her kids.  Being the youngest and always craving their attention, I listened and finally understood that she only did what she thought was best for us at the time.  There is something to be said about experience being the best teacher, even if it does come slowly and with mistakes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love this time of year!  Yesterday I worked outside for a couple of hours getting some fall planting done and felt exhilarated.  My chrysanthemums are blooming and makes for a beautiful display on my front step.  The yellow flowers in my last entry are just one of a few different kind I have here in my garden that seem to come even more alive in photos.  With the leaves changing, its a perfect time to take that drive thru the mountains in northern Georgia.  I look forward to capturing scenery that seem to burst into life with the vibrant colors.  I think this has to be my favorite season!   :)

You came to me when I needed a friend
And now I find myself holding my heart in my hands
Looking up to you....
If someone has to lose,
I don't want to play.
But I can't seem to remember the last time
When the world looked so bright
And the air feel so good
What will keep us from falling?
And what will keep you by my side?  

 

There has been a chill in the air the past couple of days and I'm feeling the need to hibernate in front of a roaring fireplace!  This weather is perfect for snuggling up and relaxing after a long day.  I thought of this picture yesterday as I was freezing outside after our tennis match.  Everyone was talking of hot chocolate and hot tubs as the wind was swirling all around.  I was thinking bear rug and a hot fire to gaze upon!  I eventually got home and warmed up, but this thought has been on my mind since then.  I think this weekend is a perfect time to bring some wood up to the house.  :) 

Apple pies

 

Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field.
 
Dwight D. Eisenhower, September 11, 1956
 

 Here's Kelly learning the art of making an apple pie.  She took on this task last Friday afternoon.  At first, she was happily peeling the apples without a problem.  When it was time to make the shell, she was frustrated, funny, but determined to make it work.  I couldn't help but laugh as the girl who has to have everything just right, piece the pie shell together to get rid of the holes!  She went on to say that it didn't matter because one day she will have someone doing all the baking and cooking (and cleaning) for her.  (I used to say that!)  But, she did a great job and the two pies were consumed by the crew here in 2 days! 

Hiking

 

It has always seemed like I feel my best when I am outdoors.  This weekend was no exception.  We went on a hike at a nearby state park trail and enjoyed the fall weather that has been feeling good here in Georgia.  I found myself in touch with the surroundings and everything else in my life seemed far away.  I crave days like this and always leave with a plan for the next hike.   I was relaxed, refreshed and loved every minute of it. 

Book Club

    "But I have learned that you make your own happiness, that part of going for what you want means losing something else.  And when the stakes are high, the losses can be that much greater." 
                                                                        Emily Griffin  - "Something Borrowed"  

 The monthly book club was last night and about 9 people showed up.  It was a good discussion and, as always, I was interested and surprised at what others had to say.  We are a group that only see one another at these meetings, but it is so easy to figure each one out just thru their input of a book.  There are the members who can be swayed to another's opinion too easily instead of holding their own.  Others who didn't seem to grasp the content of it, and still other's who with every book say "I didn't like it."  Sometimes I sit there thinking if we all read the same book!   But, that is what the book club is all about and I'm having a good time reading some novels that I wouldn't normally pick out.  This month was "Something Borrowed" by Emily Griffin.  I liked it and I'm sticking to that opinion.  :)

Daniel's Birthday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daniel just had his birthday and enjoyed every minute of that day.  We had a party at home for him and celebrated this 11th birthday with gusto.  With the dinner of his choice and a homemade cake to please his request, he loved every minute of it.  The speed bike that was presented to him seemed to surprise him above all.  He told me that evening as I tucked him into bed, that he didn't want this day to end.  In my eyes, the mission was accomplished. :)  Happy Birthday Daniel!  We love you!! 

Passions

 

 

  Make it a rule of life never to regret and never to look back. Regret is an appalling waste of energy; you can't build on it; it's only for wallowing in.
   -- Katherine Mansfield
 

 

 

Unfolding or closing up?  For me, life definitely continues to unfold before my eyes with a newness everyday.  At times, such as lately, I seem to have way too many things that I want to do and too little time to do it.  When I look back at a journal entry that I wrote at a young age of 17, it describes a person with many passions in life.  They continue to be similar today as then, but with a more realistic touch to it.  I continue to look at the brighter side of life and enjoying each moment along the way. That kick in my step and smile on my face will keep the passions of long ago fresh in my life.
 Don't ever throw away those basic needs.  :)

PhotoStamps.com

It was interesting for me to learn that we can take our own photos and turn them into real US postage.  Photo Stamps have been around since 1999.  Where have I been?  I became aware of it the other day in a news release about someone using questionable photos that passed the scrutiny of the policy terms.  Last year I became interested in collecting stamps and in turn received a box of about 3,000 old stamps and album won by my husband from EBAY.  Needless to say I was overwhelmed with the amount and haven't looked at them since the initial surprise.  I have since been collecting the new stamps that come out all the time at the post office.  Much easier than sorting thru all those stamps!  lol Finding this website to make your own postage will be quite fun.  The question is though, just what would YOU put on the postage?  Just remember, whatever you use could be floating around the world for years to come!

Music

 

I merely took the energy it takes to pout and wrote some blues.
  -- Duke Ellington  

Today was such a gorgeous day.  After the last storm that went thru here in Georgia, the sun shone again like it never left.  My morning walk felt good with the puffy clouds hanging in the sky.  The music I took with me today was again a mixture of favorite songs that I have put together for this month.  I have been making CD's for a few years now and have a collection of all different kinds.  Music fills my days, whether it's top hits, classic rock, classical or the blues.  You can always find me at least once a day dancing to the beat.  When I hear a song from long ago it will always bring back a memory of that time.  This Eric Clapton song that I'm playing is one of them.  I remember going to his concert long ago, the friends that I went with, and the fun that we had.  Good times?  Yep.  Good music?  You bet.  Well.....gotta go dance!  :)

Imagination

When I examine myself and my methods of thought, I come close to the conclusion that the gift of imagination has meant more to me than my talent for absorbing absolute knowledge.  ~  Einstein ~      

 Needless to say my imagination runs wild. It has always been like this and I have considered it a positive directive in my life.  Sometimes I find myself absorbed in dreams that evoke me at night and then in turn sparks my imagination during the daylight hours.  They seem to pop into my thoughts with every turn.  As complex as some can be, I seem to implant them in my everyday happenings.  I do view this as a gift, as it also makes me realize that others don't have that same thought pattern.  To imagine is great, but to implement those thoughts is what brings a smile to my face.

 

Some  listen to what is not said and hear the truth.
Others hear but don't understand.
Expressing all would make one vulnerable....
Should that be attempted? 
Stand back...
For  to know my heart...you have to know my mind and body.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I  was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence, but it comes from within. It is there all the time.
            -- Anna Freud

  Today is one of those days when I need to dig deep inside for my strength and confidence and let it come out and do it's thing.  New situations can stagger my thoughts with doubts even though the ability is there.  Today I will give it all and not worry of those around me. 

Weekend at the Lake

 

We spent the long weekend at the lake and had a fun time.  The weather was actually beautiful even though we were anticipating rain from hurricane Francis.  I guess it was the calm before the storm because this morning Atlanta is being drenched with water.  But, the sunsets were beautiful and the night air was great beneath the trees with the only sounds being the crackling of the campfire and the cicadas in the background.  It was a relaxing time that everyone seemed to need and enjoy.  I anticipate some more trips this fall as it is the best time to camp here in Hotlanta.  Maybe next time we will be lucky in catching a fish for dinner!  lol 

My Flower Garden

I captured this butterfly in my garden.  It continued to fly around and taste the sweetness of the flowers as I sat there marveling it's beauty and lightness.  I can't help but feel good about this place.  My flower garden has been a retreat this summer when I needed to escape.  From the sound of the flowing water in the pond to the fresh smell of the herbs, I came here and found the calm that I was looking for even if I only had a few minutes.  In fact, I think I can spare a few right now.  :)

The Moving Wall

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"IN HONOR OF THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES WHO SERVED IN THE VIETNAM WAR. THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES AND OF THOSE WHO REMAIN MISSING ARE INSCRIBED IN THE ORDER THEY WERE TAKEN FROM US."

The Moving Wall visited Atlanta this past week and I had the opportunity to see this memorial that has been traveling the country for almost 20 years. It is the half size replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial display.  The names of the men are listed who gave their life and of those missing in action.  With the addition of ten names added in 2004, the total is now 58,245 names listed on the Memorial.  This was an emotional visit for me as I looked at names of those men who were the same age as my oldest son is now.  Anyone that has the chance of seeing this display should definitely go, support and remember those who gave their life for our country.

The Scream

 

All those interested in the art world know that this painting is missing in action.  Munch's anquished expression of isolation and fear is one of his most familiar paintings.  How does it come to happen that a painting worth over 59 million gets taken right off the wall during the day in front of visitors, and is able to be walked out by those taking it?  No alarm sounded as witnesses stood watching.  One would think or hope that priceless paintings would be more secure. 

Fun in the sun

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a fun time we had on the lake tubing off the pontoon.  I was being whipped around for what seemed like forever, but loved every minute of it.  I wonder if the speed of how fast I was traveling had anything to do with it!  We also found a cove so that we could jump and dive off the boat into the water.  It was a nice day  spending time  with the kids , a picnic lunch in tow, and feeling the warmth of the sun.  Can't wait till next time!

 

If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere.      -- Frank A. Clark

Just when I think something can't work, my mind is jarred into thinking that maybe there is another way to make things happen.  It can go a hundred miles an hour with different thoughts in ways to figure matters out.  I recall a memory of the nun who taught me in 7th grade.  She would say "can't... means you don't want to."  That line seems to pop into my thoughts at times even after all these years. Maybe that is why I never seem to give up on what I'm doing.  Why I work to figure it out if only for my satisfaction.  Determination has always been there for me, with or without obstacles in the way.  But it seems that striving harder is what makes the outcome along the way more enjoyable.

Moving out my son - Phase 2...with tears in my eyes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Sunday we moved our son to his apartment at college for his sophomore year.  He called this move phase 2 and worried how I was going to handle once again him going off to school.  Last year was bad enough.  This time it would consist of all his bedroom furniture and leaving an empty room for me at home.   My oldest, who is not afraid to tell me anything that is on his mind, is just like me.      

How is it that this child of mine is old enough to be out on his own when I feel it was only yesterday that he came into the world?  This is not to say that he lacks independence, for this has always been his strong point.  Maybe what I feel is that I am not ready.  Mixes feelings of being proud along with loss is something harder than I ever imagined. 

 

 

The grass is not, in fact, always greener on the other side of the fence. Fences have nothing to do with it. The grass is greenest where it is watered. When crossing over fences, carry water with you and tend the grass wherever you may be.
             Robert Fulghum

Here's an updated picture of Fluffy.  She's getting bigger by the day and loves running around the house.  Except for bite marks on my plants, she's been staying out of trouble lately!  I would say this pampered rabbit has the good life!

 

Solitude

 

 

There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.
            -- Willa Cather, The Song of the Lark, 1915

 

 

 

 

 

Sometimes solitude does wonders for my well being.  It opens my spirit and forces me to look inside for external solutions.  On this particular morning, the smoothness of the water and the quiet in the air let me do just that.  I spent a couple of hours alone just gliding thru the stillness while others were tucked away in their dreams.  My surroundings were intoxicating as I waited for the sun to present itself in all it's beauty.  It was a great start to my day and I felt a clearness appear in my thoughts and a calmness in my heart. 
I loved this time alone......but........ why is it that other times solitude can have me run as fast as I can in the opposite direction?

My Birthday Toast

I never feel age...If you have creative work, you don't have age or time.
            -- Louise Nevelson, 1980

And yet another year of celebrating this life that I have.  One that is rich in family love and happiness.  One that awakes me in the morning with a smile on my face and a kick in my step.  I look forward to another year and hope that I continue to be blessed with the positive outlook that I have so easily grown into.  I will continue to keep busy in work that is important to me, and I will make sure that I definitely stop and smell the roses.  :) 

Salem, Virginia

 

My trip back to Salem Virginia was short but sweet.  As I approached closer to the area, the views that I have missed seeing had once again taken my breath away.  This picture was taken on top of McAfee's Knob.  It had been one of my favorites spots on the Appalachian Trail.  It is the tallest mountain in the area surrounding Catawba.  I stayed with my friend in Catawba and felt relaxed and happy.  I had a great time visiting them and have already planned another trip this fall.  There is just something about this place that keeps bringing me back.  :)

Vacation mini golf game

The vacation is never complete without a competitive mini golf game.  The stakes were discussed and set as always and the game began with anticipation.  Some of us played around, some were looking at the boys on the next green, and then there were the ones who took the game seriously.  I won't share who the most competitive were!  lol  But the game was fun, enjoyable, and for some reason I found out that the winner bought Dairy Queen after.  What was up with that?  lol

Jacksonville Beach

 

 

While making plans 2 days before we left for vacation, I changed the beach we were going to visit.  I found this place called Jacksonville beach which I had never visited before.  Some here had reservations about going to a place unknown to us, but I am always one for seeing new adventures.  Thus, being the plan maker, that's where we were going.  It ended up that we loved this place with the beautiful beach and the laid back atmosphere that was much needed after fighting the crowds of Disney.  We went to some seafood restaurants that had mouth watering fresh seafood.     We spent the day on the beach and much of it for me was swimming in the water and playing in the waves.  It was so refreshing that I didn't want to leave.

 

 

  

 

 

 

 I walked the beach, listened to the roar of the waves and dreamed of having a place on the water so I could be out in a boat anytime I wanted.  I  buried my feet in the hot sand and it felt good to play.  I sat at the edge of the water with my eyes closed and just listened to my surroundings and felt at peace.  This was just what I needed.  :)

 

 

After we left Orlando, we spent some time touring St. Augustine.  This is the nation's oldest city first sighted by Don Juan Ponce De Leon who claimed the land for Spain.  It was founded 42 years before the first colony in Jamestown, Virginia which makes this the oldest permanent European settlement in North America.  We  saw the old narrow streets of long ago and the buildings of that time and took the trolley guided tour to get the most out of seeing this city. 

 

We visited and did the wine tasting tour of  San Sebastian Winery and brought back a selection of wine that appealed to us.

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument stood out for me during this tour.  I spent time inside and out learning the rich history of this oldest masonry fort in the US.  It is a great view from on top looking out onto the land and water.  We also fell upon the reenactment taking place at that time of firing a canon out into the water.  From there we wrapped up the day visiting St. Augustine's lighthouse, but I couldn't persuade the crew to climbed the 219 stairs to the top!  At that point exhaustion had crept in and climbing into bed was the only thing on their mind!!

Universal Studios - Island of Adventure

 

 

 

Universal's Island of Adventure was a lot of fun.  From the Hulk coaster to the  water rides which had us soaking wet, this park kept us busy all day long. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, the lines were long.  About a 90 minute wait for the rides, but it was well worth it in my book.  I love going to the parks and seeing everything that can be seen.  I think my favorite was the 3D Spiderman! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We stayed at a hotel right there at Universal.  It was nice after a long day of walking to just be able to crash as soon as we were done.   Can't wait to go back!!

Vacation

"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play,
than in a year of conversation." - Plato

Our first day of vacation was spent at Blizzard Beach in Disney World.  We stayed from morning till night and had a blast going on all the water slides. My favorite was the last ride where I was in a covered tube the whole way down. I screamed from when I entered it until I was plopped in the water at the bottom.  It had taken me by surprise because I didn't expect it to be so dark.  Needless to say, I loved it.  Kid at heart?  Definitely!   :)

Trip

 

Another trip tomorrow!!    Sometimes it feels as though I need to get away and often think of this place in Key West that I visited last year, where looking out across the water I felt a sense of adventure that I long for.
So,  I will look forward to a  week of enjoyment, relaxation, wonder and most of all quality time spent with my kids.  I will return with lots of pictures!  Bon voyage!!  

PLAIN TRUTH

 

"If your afraid of everyone leaving you, what do you do?" 
"Make them stay"
"And if you can't do that, or don't know how to?"
You leave first, so you don't have to watch them walk away."  

"Just because you love someone doesn't mean the Lord has it in His plan for you to be together."  
PLAIN TRUTH  by Jodi Picoult  

This was the latest book that I read and a good one I would say. The passages that I have here in my entry were ones that stood out to me .  It kept my interest from beginning to end.  I found myself engrossed in the characters and understanding each one and their reason for acting the way they did. The setting was the all familiar Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in Amish country.  This story tells of the complex choices that the heart has to make.  Choices that sometimes seem unlikely, but are heartfelt. 

Notre Dame University

 

Below is Kelly's speech that she wrote after spending a week at Notre Dame University for a leadership program.  This is only a small part of what she wanted to share.  She was sent from our church to represent the teens from our parish.  I continue learning from my children every day.   
"True courage is not the absence of fear, but the absence of self."  My name is Kelly and this past week I learned what true courage really is.  Along with 3 other teens from this church and 500 nationally, I had the privilege of attending the Life Teen Youth Leadership Conference at Notre Dame University.  We spent a week on the beautiful campus learning more about what it really means to be catholic.  By the end of the week I had so much more knowledge about our catholic faith and the desire to share it with anyone and everyone.  But most importantly,  I realized that the youth of the church is responsible for the future of the church.  With this responsibility, I encourage everyone to learn a little more about their faith.  But most of all,  embrace all of the wonderful teens of this parish because we are the future.

Sky blue

 

 

"Promptly prepare a provision of taffeta and ropes, and you will see one of the most incredible things in the world"
Joseph Montgolfier of the Montgolfier Brothers - Hot Air balloon inventors

The sky has been beautiful as of late.  Big puffy clouds have been set against the summer blue sky in what makes for a spectacular dream.  It is days like this that catches my eye as I do my morning walks.  They are as splendid as flying above the clouds and looking down to what seems like puffs of cotton laying in the sky.  How lucky I am to see and notice such beauty. 

Swim Team

Here's Daniel holding his trophy from this season's swim team. They did great this summer and were league champs.  Daniel enjoyed the swim meets and also receiving the placement ribbons that went along with it.  He had lots of fun swimming with his friends and is thinking of joining another team that swims year round.  Way to go Daniel!!

 

 

Sometimes tenderness comes from pain
when love has shown it's way to others
While forgiving those who sent you that way  

That love is kindness... without boundaries,
and always a welcome blessing
that gets you through
while struggling
And never leaving your side

Fluffy

 

Look whose getting big fast.  Fluffy  is about 8 weeks old now and just the cutest little thing.  She runs around the house and tends to get into trouble here and there.  One day I found her in the fireplace covered in soot from the ashes.  She ended up being a bit gray for a few days!  Now she's back to her fluffy white and looking for something else to explore.  This picture of her sitting funny was a site to see.  Rabbit don't usually sit like this and I just had to capture a picture.  It's a little blurry though because I was laughing so much at the site of her that I couldn't keep the camera still! 

Puzzled thoughts

 

The doubts I have
 come crawling in when I'm alone
and my heart seems heavy ...
if I had an angel whisper in my ear and tell me things will be all right then maybe I'd believe...
but baby I need your love
to keep me strong
and to feel how it would be
with my heart given to you.
I just can't help myself...  

Home from trip

Back home and back to reality.  This trip was nice but didn't know how things would be when we got home after leaving the two older kids at home.  Glad to report that they AND the house survived.  But, our welcome home was one wrecked vehicle in the driveway (no injuries thank goodness), one broken door knob that fell to the ground as we tried to enter the house (which had us ringing our own doorbell to get in and left me wondering how many kids actually walked through that door the passed week), a (broken) window screen laying on the ground in the back of the house because our daughter apparently got locked out and decided to take things in her own hands, and reports from the security company that our alarm went off 3 times. (??!!)  Other than that, seemed liked they were healthy and glad to see us (they ran out of food)!

 There's just no place like home.....  :)

Day 6 continued - Nascar 3D IMAX, Chattanooga

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To win without risk is to triumph without glory.

Pierre Corneille (1606 - 1684), 'The Cid,' 1636

Felt like we were in the driver's seat for this Nascar 3D film.    It started with the history of race car driving which led to what Nascar is today.  It was amazing to see the aerial view of the track and all the fans as it was larger than I thought it would be.   This film was interesting, exciting and full of speed.  I would recommend it to anyone that ever wanted to sit behind a wheel of a car and feel what it would be like to go 180 miles an hour!

 

Day 6 of trip - Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga

Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy. Anne Frank (1929 - 1945), Diary of a Young Girl, 1952

 

We enjoyed visiting the Tennessee Aquarium and all it's beauty.  The freshwater and  saltwater fish plus all the other displays were so pretty to look at.  My favorite were the water and land turtles in huge natural habitats that really made them interesting to watch.    I spent most my time there and they had to pull me away to visit the next floor!  I saw the workers in the tanks feeding the fish and wanted to be in there with them.  I think it's time to plan another snorkeling trip to get the more close-up view that I like!  

 

Day 5 of Trip - New River Gorge, West Virginia

 

This is a favorite area of mine and we decided to stop on our way back to do a little white water rafting.  Unfortunately the weather had been bad and the river was brown.  This was not good to take the kids on.  We ended up hiking instead.  This bridge is the longest steel-arched bridge in the world and is pretty cool to ride over and look down.  Way down!  It's 876 feet above the New River and is the second highest in the country.  The Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado is the highest.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I spent a lot of time looking out at the mountains which reminded me of our view we had living in Virginia.  I miss that view.....  Anyway, the place was beautiful and a highlight for me of the trip.

Day 4 continued - Primanti Bros. Restaurant

 

  Couldn't let this trip go without a stop to the Primanti Bros. Restaurant.  It has been a Pittsburgh tradition for close to 70 years and is well known to anyone that lives there.  It's located in the strip district where the trucks go to unload the fruits and veggies for the city's restaurants and stores.  These sandwiches are stuffed not only with meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomato, but also has the cole slaw and french fries right on it between the Italian bread.  It's the best late night place to eat in Pittsburgh.  And yes, it's way to big to bite into it, but somehow everyone manages to squish it together and eat every piece!

Day 4 of trip - Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

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NONAME
Komodo Dragon  

My intention today was to post a cool picture of a familiar animal from the zoo.  Some of my favorites were the giraffe and the zebras, but I kept going back to this picture of the Komodo Dragon.  I have never seen anything this different at the zoo.  This is the world's largest lizard and is found on the Indonesian Islands of Kmodo, Rinca, Flores, and Padar. His mother was a gift to President Reagan from the President of Indonesia in 1988.  It's a skilled hunter and scavenger and can eat up to 80 percent of its own body weight in one sitting!  He also locates prey up to 5 miles away with his sense of smell.   He's as huge as an alligator but had a head and tongue like a snake.  He looked very mean and kept showing his tongue like he was ready to attack.  I was glad to be behind the glass that protected us!

Day 3 of trip - Rangos Omnimax Theater

 

 

 

We saw Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in the IMAX theater at the Carnegie Science Center.  It  has a four story high screen with digital surround sound.  This is only one of seven institutional museums to premier the IMAX version and we were lucky enough to be in town to view it.  It was  another great Harry Potter story with lots of imagination to keep one totaly interested.  Recommend this movie?  Of Course!!