Hunting Island, Beaufort SC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We returned last night from a trip to Hunting Island, Fripp Island and Hilton Head.  It was nice to get away and spend a few days  at the beach.   I sought out this lighthouse and "dragged" everyone along with me to climb it on our first day there.  It was built in 1873, is 132.5 feet tall and has 167 steps.  

 

They tried to use "there's a fee" as a deterrent to go up it.  Right.  Needless to say, the money was given to the attendant and we were on our way.  It was fun climbing the spiral staircase and looking at how the structure was built.      

 

Everyone seemed to enjoy the view from the top following the long haul up. 

Should I say that after all this, I was the one not able to look down and actually had to lean against the lighthouse as I looked out onto the water.   Why then, do I always seek out these lighthouses!  lol 

 

 

Hanging out

 

The path to our destination is not always a straight one. We go down the wrong road, we get lost, we turn back. Maybe it doesn't matter which road we embark on. Maybe what matters is that we embark.-- Barbara Hall, Northern Exposure, Rosebud, 1993
   

 I awoke with this little fellow hanging outside my front door window.  I had walked downstairs and caught the sight of him out of the corner of my eye.  Ever get a feeling that someone is around and watching?  :)   Well, It let me get close enough to take a picture as he climbed on the bricks and basked in the sun.  Pretty cool I thought.
Yesterday , Daniel invited his friend and mother to come hang out at the pool.  We talked, laughed, swam and basked in the sun ourselves for about 4 hours.  It was a fun afternoon that left me feeling a little worn out.  Something I probably shouldn't have done on tennis night.  But, we plan on having them over again next week.  It's summer and I'm loving it.  :)

What goes around comes around

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I remember being 18 and trying to "find myself" and thought at the time I had everything figured out.  Little did I know that it would take years before I looked back and realized that I like everyone else, made it through those times by trial and error.  I enjoyed my newfound freedom that we think comes at the magical age of 18.   I worked, studied and  even took a summer  just traveling the east coast.  If you told me I couldn't do something, then the next thing you know I was doing it.  My daughter is now at this age and I'll be watching  closely at her choices even though at a distance.  And it has already started.  A week after graduation, she decided to pierce her nose.  She told me hours before she was going to do it, which is more than I did at her age with different things.  I remember secretly piercing my ears for the first time at 16 when I was suppose to wait till 18.  (Yes, times have changed)    This little diamond on her nose will not scar if she  takes it out some day, but I see how like myself, she needed  to express herself.  I'm sure by the time she's a doctor, that little piercing will be out of there.  One can only hope. 

Book Club

  "I was, I realized, terrified of what was going on inside him, his monkness, the power of what had brought him to the abbey.  If we were going to be together-and I wanted this now with something close to desperation-he would have to want it, too, in the same way he'd wanted God, and I didn't know if I could compete with that. " 
 The Mermaid Chair  - Sue Monk Kidd  

 

The mermaid chair was this month's selection to read in our book club.  It was quite the discussion last night.  I enjoyed this book,  it's symbolism and deep thoughts that the characters displayed.  It inspired an earlier entry the other day in my journal that seems untouchable because of subject matter.  Are we too afraid of true thoughts and feelings?  This book was of a lady in  midlife who questions her conventional life with her husband and falls in love with a monk who is soon to take his final vows.   She is pulled in love between a newness and excitement and the ordinary life that she has made for herself.  Losing her "self" throughout her 20 years of marriage inspires her yearning for a true soul mate.   

 Life can illuminates a woman's self-awakening if sometimes we forge straight on.  This book is one that I would definitely recommend. 

 "But, I don't know what my cross is.  Is it doing without her now that I've loved her?  Or is it doing without the abbey?  Or is it the peculiar agony of being spiritual and human at the same time. " 
The Mermaid Chair  - Sue Monk Kidd    

My view

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You do not need to leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen. Do not even listen, simply wait. Do not even wait, be quiet still and solitary. The world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked, it has no choice, it will roll in ecstasy at your feet.
            -- Franz Kafka  

This view out my window from my desk keeps me smiling each time I look up while sitting at my computer.  This particular bird has steadily been at my feeder for over a month now.  It comes alone and is different from the other birds in my garden.  The Torenia hanging plant has brought humming birds as of late.  They seemed to disregard the hummingbird feeders and prefer the real thing.  I've had many finches, blue jays, cardinals and woodpeckers also flying around.  The assortment has been plenty and I relish in seeing them clearly this year with my corrected vision.  They bring a smile to my face each and every time.  :)

Preparing for the trip

Daniel and I started preparing yesterday for our trip at the end of the month.  We have many things to get ready, but the anticipation was present yesterday as we started marking things off our list of things to do.  I had given him this itinerary and saw the excitement in his eyes.  Hopefully this trip will be one that he will remember taking at the age of 11 with his mother.   :)  

June 25 —Day 1
17-mile tour of Buford Dam’s tailwaters, renowned as the southernmost trout waters in the U.S.—home to brooks, browns and rainbows. 50-degree water

June 26 —Day 2
14 miles through Atlanta’s backyard, the backyards of Atlanta’s upscale northern suburbs and country clubs where millionaires are almost as common as kingfishers. Here, the river offers more peaceful paddling, interspersed with a few lively shoals at Jones Bridge and Island Ford.

June 27 —Day 3
16 miles from Roswell to Peachtree Creek piercing Atlanta’s infamous perimeter highway and flowing through what is arguably the most beautiful stretch of the Chattahoochee’s 436-mile course through Georgia. Here, the Palisades’ high granite cliffs overlook playful Class I shoals. Day 3 also includes the trip’s only portage (a short one around Morgan Falls Dam).

June 28 —Day 4
15 miles from Peachtree Creek to Campbellton Road southwest of Atlanta. Class II rapid near the mouth of Peachtree Creek.

June 29 —Day 5
15-mile tour of mostly rural landscape along the Douglas/Fulton county line

June 30 It’s —Day 6 is a 15-mile tour through geological time. The Brevard Fault is the primary geological feature of the Chattahoochee through middle Georgia.

July 1 —The trip’s final day is the longest, but perhaps its most rewarding. The 20-mile paddle to Franklin takes you past Bushhead Shoals Islands (the river’s largest island complex), Daniel Shoals (the largest natural rapid ) and waterfalls at Hilly Mill and Redbone creeks.

Dreaming

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's amazing how we love. 
At times I look beyond what I need to see and my answers are always the same.  The love that surrounds us continues on with familiarity.   We look, desire, and dream, but come back to the love that settles in just right.  That all too familiar nestle on the shoulder that helps us drift off to sleep while dreaming of foreign territory, seems to fit in our world.  The exciting love of long ago replaced by the comfort of that same love.  Those same passions are not extinguished, yet on a different Plain.
I find myself this morning probably thinking too much, desiring too much and dreaming as I go about my day.  I need to get my act together.   :)

Class of 2005

Kelly is graduating tomorrow from High School along with over 500 other students.  The past two weeks have been exciting with end of year events and celebrations.  The accomplishments that Kelly has made throughout her high school years are staggering to me. 

 

 

 

Her busy schedule that she endured along with work and sports has made for one busy senior year.  She jetted to the nearby college for half of her AP classes to get a head start on her "long" college career as she would say. 

Entering Emory University in Atlanta for pre-med in August will definitely be a lengthy haul, but I know she for one will be able to do it. 

 

I look forward to tomorrow with mixed emotions. I am proud, yet sad that this phase of her life is over.  I am excited for her, but worried about upcoming college life.  

 

 

I also look forward to watching her accomplish the goals she has set in life for herself and hope that she continues to smile that bright smile that she so easily gives.   The years have flown by, but I loved every minute seeing her blossom.  Good luck tomorrow Kelly.  I love you!  :) 

Beauty

 

There is no need to go to India or anywhere else to find peace. You will find that deep place of silence right in your room, your garden or even your bathtub.
 -- Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Here is beauty captured in a moment.  This rose is just one of the many flowers adorning my garden this time of year.   It brings a sense of stillness and calm when I enter .  My love of gardening comes from my Dad and Grandfather, where tending to our plants were an everyday task.  One that we always looked forward to come spring.  My garden as of late consist of only flowers.  Over the years I replaced vegetables with different colors of beauty.  To me, this rose speaks for itself why.

Tennis Team

The high school tennis team finished up the season with a sports banquet last week.  The team this year went into the playoffs for the first time in the school's history.  They lost out in the second round but everyone was very proud of  how far they went.  With Brian just finishing up as a freshman, we have a few more years of watching him on this team.  He is an excellent player and I for one don't like to be on the other side of the net of him! 

Congratulations Brian!  Can't wait to see you playing in the summer league!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In my deepest thoughts
imagining you near,  
I close my eyes
and like slow motion rain 
you appear before me.
I see your smile
and go to a place that I want to stay....  

If this world revolved around us
with heartaches exiting in the wind,
there would be no room for wondering
just the clearing of the mist.  

I shiver with the thought...  

Mother's Day

A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.
- Tenneva Jordan

I grew up thinking I was so different from my mother and that I would do things my way when I had gotten older.  I did grow up to do things the way I wanted, as my mother stood by in amazement.  She would always say "Carol does her own thing"! 

Am I different than her?  Yes, but not really. Probably more like her than not.   I think we all come full circle in learning this.

I found myself cleaning up the dishes at my son's apartment the other day to help out and realized I'm just like her!  She would always come and visit and start cleaning my house.  I would take it as "don't I do things right?"  while she's thinking of just relieving my workload.

I see now that I follow her in the important things that really do matter in life.  The unending love and support that she gave us is now passed to my own children through her teaching and example. I have her faith, her strength and her will to help others.  I have her nonstop work till you drop attitude, her always putting her family  in front of herself way of doing things along with the comfort that we felt  just knowing that she would be there no matter what. 

I can finally say "Yes, I'm like my mother, what's wrong with that? "

Happy Mother's Day Mom.  :)

Retreat Weekend

Brian and Kelly went on spring retreat last weekend about 3 hours north from here with 50 other teens from our church.  This was Kelly's last retreat with LifeTeen since she will be graduating this year and it was Brian's first trip.  She has tried many times to get him to go but he always refused.  I think this time changed everything for him as he plans to continue with the youth group in the fall.   

This cross of stained glass was made that weekend for them.  Each teen wrote their name  on the front of a stained glass piece, and also what they struggle with in life on the back.  This was in conjunction with a session group focusing on life's struggles and how they can be overcome.  Kelly and a couple other seniors carried this cross into church for mass when they returned from the trip.  It was beautiful. 

Academic Team

Dan and his Academic Team had their final competition last Saturday.  This group of nine students were picked from over 500 classmates to represent our school at the Academic Bowl.  There were 18 schools participating in this event.  It was exciting to see the students answering questions and trying to win 1st place.  Our team did extremely well, although missed being in the final rounds by just a few points.  But, watch out for next year, we will be back strong and ready to achieve the goal at hand.  Congratulation team!

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!

The sand in my shoe

Be master of your petty annoyances and conserve your energies for the big, worthwhile things. It isn't the mountain ahead that wears you out - it's the grain of sand in your shoe.
            -- Robert Service
 

Monday I had my wood floors refinished.  What an ordeal that was.  They were supposed to be here between 9 & 9:30 but didn't show up till after 12:30.  I paced around the house all morning waiting, then paced some more as the sanding was vibrating the house.  I thought that was bad enough until the staining and sealing occured.  I have a  sore throat and lost my voice from the smell of the fumes.  Seems like everyone's throat has been effected but since I was here all day, mine is the worst.  This can't be good for us.  I finally was able to open the windows yesterday because it is nice outside and that helped with the air flow.  Today the second coat will be put on. 
I never thought I would be resurfacing the floor of a fairly new home of 6 years old.  Goes back a month and a half ago when we had one of the bathrooms overflowed upstairs and water ran all night. The water preceded down to the kitchen and then down further to the finished basement. (And no one heard the water running. ??)   Not a good thing.  The wood floor is only one of the repairs that needed to be done.  Thank goodness for insurance!
Now, where are they?  They were supposed to be here at 9:00!

Easter Day

 

We had a nice Easter yesterday even though we were in a tornado watch most of the day!  After Sunday mass, we had a brunch here with a ham that tasted so good.  Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and I would have to say ate too much chocolate.  Me included!  But, it was all good.  :)

  To will is to select a goal, determine a course of action that will bring one to that goal, and then hold to that action till the goal is reached. The key is action.
            -- Michael Hanson
  It seems as if the days are passing by with a vengeance.  I've had pictures and ideas for posting entries that have sat at the wayside as time slips by.  At the end of the day when all is done, I sit exhausted and writing is the last thing on my mind.  I am a morning person.  I wake at the crack of dawn with bright eyes and an energy that goes strong throughout the day.   My daily morning walk of over 5 miles just feeds that energy even more.  Today being Thursday, changed that schedule.  I had to be on the tennis court with my partner at 9am.  I contemplated walking half of what I do as a warm-up before the match.  I think I should have done that.  Today we lost.  Needless to say  I am also very competitive and that in turn made for a long day after the match.  Tomorrow I will find myself back on the court to work on  reaching my goal.   :)  

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Daniel and I made a trip over to the  Fernbank Museum in Atlanta during winter break from school.  We went to see the special frog exhibit.  They have over a 100 live frogs from around the world in life-like habitats. 

 

 

This slimy green looking one is a Chinese Gliding tree frog.  They have webbed feet that help them jump through the air and then stick to trees with their adhesive toe pads.  To me they sort of looked like frogs made out of silly putty!   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This colorful creature is a Poison Dart frog.  The secretions are so dangerous that they are used in Columbia to coat  blow darts that are used to tranquilize prey.  These were my favorite of the exhibit because they were just so beautiful to look at.  Most of the frogs  blend into their habitat to survive.  These frogs seem to be saying  "I'm here,you want a piece of me?"  lol

 

Can't leave out the American bullfrog.  :)  I remember as a child going camping and catching these frogs.  One time in particular, I attached  a string to the back leg of a bullfrog  and walked it around like it was one of my pets.  Needless to say I wasn't allowed to take it home!  

 We also went to the IMAX showing of "Bugs, A Rainforest Adventure" and enjoyed that.   I'm feeling the urge to visit a rainforest on the next vacation!  :)  

 

 

This was a fun day for Daniel and I.  We both left the museum  wanting to own a frog to go along with the turtles and fish we already have at home.  Now, where's that string?  lol

 

 

 "If I could just see him, I could change his mind.  Even though he loves me, he can't give up his calling, he says.  All this time, I've known I wasn't a match for God.  Now God's making sure I pay for daring to think I could be."             The Sunday Wife - Cassandra King  

Our book for this month's reading club was The Sunday Wife by Cassandra King.  I enjoyed this novel with all it's different characters and was engrossed in reading  how their lives intertwined.  It was a witty, skillfully written novel that quickly became one that I would recommend.  It showed how destructive addictive love can be and left messages that we all could learn from. This novel made for a long and interesting discussion at the meeting. 
Oh, and the social part of the night was fun also.  :)

Snow in Hotlanta

Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.
Eddie Cantor
 

I awoke to a dusting of snow here in Atlanta.  Being a northerner and missing the snow, I ventured out on my early daily walk and took in the beauty of the flakes falling from the sky.   It's not the snow our family up north are getting(or my friends in Salem:), but it's unusual here and I'll take it.  All bundled up and smiling, I returned home with rosy cheeks and in a great mood.  
 What a way to start my busy day.  :)

Alpine Helen, White County GA

We took a ride about 2 hours north last week to go hiking.  We fell upon this unique alpine village nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the  Chattahoochee River.  This little tourist trap in the middle of nowhere was filled with people.  They had German restaurants,  wineries and many specialty shops along with the "alpine look" of the buildings and hotels.   I made a few purchases in the homemade candle store and the Nora Mill Granary that had stone ground whole grains.  We did the wine tasting at the Habersham Winery and visited the Nacoochee Village Antique Mall.  It was a nice little discovery for us on our way to the trails. 

The sweetest gift by surprise...

I sit here in silence listening and feeling my heart beat. The house is quiet and everyone tucked into bed. It's in times like this that I am compelled to write. I crawled out of bed after sleep refused to show and found my way here. My time to just quiet the mind.
As I sit here, the moon is beaming through the window. It has been beautiful as of late with it's fullness shining brightly in the night sky. Much noticed as always by me , it sits there alone as I do here now....but surrounded by all.
I smile with the thought.

Undertone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

caught in the undertone
and thinking this is crazy

could it be they just don't know
as I sit here watching them
that they pull themselves down
just by speaking their words?  

would they save face if only they knew
and care if they found out?

the exchange of spoken words
unaffected in utterance

Pink Floyd

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The love of music AND art  rubbed off onto my son, as I saw this poster hanging in his apartment.  Yes, he had Picasso, Dali and some movie posters, but he also had the Pink Floyd Back Catalog poster.  Each woman has art from a different Pink Floyd album painted on her back which is "Atom Heart Mother", "Relics", "Dark Side of the Moon", "Wish You Were Here", "The Wall", and "Animals".  Quite interesting I thought. 

College visit

  [Time is] the most valuable thing a man can spend.
            -- Theophrastus
I went to visit my son this past week.  It seemed like we talked nonstop during this time.  I couldn't be prouder of how he is doing with his school and how he matured these two years at college.  He commented on how we taught him well in knowing what he needs to get done to survive out on his own.  How the years of talking with him openly helped him.  I couldn't believe what I was hearing.  All the tough decisions we had to make while he was growing up seemed to have paid off.  The times that he was mad because of not being able to do something to the times when moving for his benefit seemed like the end of the world to him, all seemed to be worth it.  Even though he still has a way to go before he is fully independent of us, he is definitely on the right path to success.  What more could a parent ask for?  :)

Clairvoyance

Something that was lost
is now in the light
shining brightly with a smile  :) 

 

Today was my first day out and about since my eye surgery last Monday.  I had the second lens implant put into place and I will have to say that I see clearly now.  :)   It's amazing how things look to me with it's clarity and brightness.  I feel like I have everything new to see and explore.  It's no wonder that I wanted to go hiking on this day. The skies were as blue as ever and the warmth from the sun seemed like spring was already here. I had picked a hike close by instead of heading north.    It wasn't the mountain view that I always crave, but the skyline of Atlanta.  I picked this hike because I actually wanted to "see" the skyline which had always been difficult before to make out.  I wasn't disappointed.

I sit here now at my desk with a glass of wine at my side and a smile on my face.  It was a great day.  :)

 

Say what you feel
no one is listening...
just when you think you have it right
the ball falls upon
and you look as if you might need to keep going
just for you....  

18th Birthday

Kelly celebrated her birthday with a dinner especially made for her.  These 18 years have gone by so fast.  She has grown into a beautiful girl inside and out and I am extremely proud of her. 

Happy Birthday Kelly.  We love you!!

Amaryllis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
             Martin Luther King Jr.

In the midst of the chill in the air that we are having, my Amaryllis flower is blooming.  It brings a bright and fresh atmosphere on my counter.  I was given this bulb over the holidays and can't believe that it is already flowering.  It shows that with a little care and attention, things will thrive.  :) 

Kelly #32

This has been a good year so far for the girls varsity team.  They are currently 1st in the district and things are looking good for them with the upcoming games.  With 3 games a week, they have an  extremely busy schedule but they seem to get through it.  It has been fun watching Kelly play as always, but not fun seeing her bumps and bruises after the game.  Last night she had 2 goose egg bumps on her forehead from taking a charge!  Hopefully tonight's game won't be as rough.  Keep up the good playing girls!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She made this shot.   :)

High Museum of Art

"I certainly hope to sell in the course of time, but I think I shall be able to influence it most effectively by working steadily on, and that at the present moment making desperate efforts to force the work I am doing now upon the public would be pretty useless."   Vincent van Gogh

Yesterday, Kelly and I visited the Art Museum to see the works of van Gogh.  This was art from the Kroller-Muller Museum in the Netherlands and had been on display since late October.  There were over 20 paintings and drawings by van Gogh.  The highlighted painting of this exhibition was "Cafe Terrace by Night".  It was exciting to see the original of this famous painting.   For a Friday afternoon,  the museum was filled with art enthusiasts waiting to see a glimpse of beauty.  I was able to take some pictures, but not in the special traveling exhibit.  I few of my favorites were the marble sculptures and this exotic piece that captured my attention. It was a nice afternoon spent  with Kelly and seeing her enjoy these masterpieces also.

 

 

 

 

"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.  :)