Simplicity

Everyone should carefully observe which way his heart draws him, and then choose that way with all his strength.
            -- Hasidic Saying  

My favorite flower is the daisy.  These particular ones were given to me last week and they look beautiful on my counter.  Yesterday as we were heading out to dinner, I noticed on the side of the highway that there were thousands of wild daisies.  They too looked beautiful in the sunlight.  There is something about this simple flower that always made me smile for as long as I can remember. 
Let's see now.....he loves me, he loves me not....he loves me  :)

Earth Day

 

 

 

 

This  photo was taken yesterday after a quiet afternoon rain.  It left the flowers crisp with freshness and shining beautifully  in the sun.  It's no wonder why I love to be outside after a rain.  :)

Speaking volumes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I cannot live without books.
            -- Thomas Jefferson  

They say you are what you read.  I do think you can tell a lot about a person by the books that they acquire and read.  I thought of that they other day as I walked thru my bedroom and scanned my books quickly.  This basket is filled with some recent material that I have read the last few months and  is constantly  replenished as weeks go by.   They consist of  art, religion and inspirational books,  novels,  Einstein's letters, Health, More and National Geographic Magazines, along with one of my favorite books by Mitch Alborn. 
This short list describes my likes and interests.  A quick glance that  speak volumes. 

 

The day we took this picture last  Fall, Dan and I had talked about taking an extended trip with the canoe.   Talk has become reality, for our plans have been made.  In June, he and I are going on a week-long, 110 mile canoe adventure on the Chattahoochee River.  The  starting point is Buford Dam and 7 days later we should be in Franklin.  We will camp along the way with other paddlers who will be making this same trip.  We will leave everyone else at home as he is the only one that has the same interest as I do when it comes to the water.  This  should be a great learning experience for him as well as for myself. 
 I can't wait.  :)

Afternoon Tea

Yesterday, Kelly and I went to Tea Leaves & Thyme for our Friday girl time together. This is a traditional English Afternoon Tea Parlor in the historic downtown Woodstock, GA.    We had their famous scones, tea sandwiches, tea desserts and of course the freshly brewed tea of the day.  It was a nice afternoon spent talking and catching up on what's going on in her life.  This bonding time has become very good for us.  When she goes off to college next fall, I know we will both miss it.  In the meantime, I will enjoy the time we have now and start planning on what we will do next week!

 

You can make those promises with just as much passion the second time around. Such is the regenerative power of the human heart.
  -- Marion Wink  

 

 I found this tulip growing in what I thought was an empty pot from last year.  I had dumped it out in the fall, and what remained was the little bit of dirt that was stuck to the bottom.  Needless to say, a tulip bulb was forgotten in there also.  This container  was thrown in the corner of the yard with other discarded pots.   Of all the beautiful tulips that are in my front yard, I found myself drawn to it and captured this shot.   I thought of the care I gave to the other ones, while this one stood as if saying, I can do this on  my own.   :)

Brian's Birthday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My third child turned 15 last week.  Brian has grown into a teen that I'm very proud of.  He is thoughtful and bright, humorous and fun to be with.  He is the one that would give the shirt off his back without a blink of an eye and not let anyone know that he did along the way.  He would let you win at something just so you wouldn't feel bad if he thought that you would.   Brian is in the 9th grade and waiting to get his driving learner's permit. He loves to play tennis and is on the court every chance he can get.  I see him growing up faster than I can keep up with!  Where is the time going?!  Happy Birthday Brian.  I love you!