Thursday, July 30, 2009

Use Your imagination...


It's another warm, humid midwest day and what a perfect day for strolling through the amazing flower beds at Shaw Garden. One can get lost for hours just meandering, taking pictures, watching people, relaxing and enjoying those wonderful cooling breezes - when they come.

When I turned the corner and saw this, I immediately reverted to my childhood and
thought of a Dairy Queen Swirl Ice Cream Cone.
Come on, use your imagination...or was it just me?

Or perhaps the heat and wishful thinking!

A Rose By Any Other Name ...

Warm weather is taking it's toll on the flowers
yet, this beautiful rose remains
strong and showing it's beauty.


Wednesday, July 29, 2009

So many blogs - So little time!

As someone recently said, I'm one of "you" now. I log on to check out a few things and a few hours later, I'm still going strong. Please tell me everyone started like this!

Little Red House hosts Mosaic Mondays, The Gypsy's Corner hosts Three or More Tuesdays, and Between Naps on the Porch hosts Tablescape Thursdays. There is an activity or event for every day of the week with so many to choose from. Please share ones you find fun and interesting!

Lori at Family Tree May Contain Nuts has details on a great Poster Print Giveaway! And there are multiple opportunities to enter the contest - it's one you won't want to miss.

Have a great day!!


Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Dragonfly on a Lily Pad

One of the many amazing things about joining the blogging world is that I've begun putting my oh, so many, pictures into a catalogue. In doing so, I realize I must really like Lily Pads since I have so many. What is it about certain things that draw you to them?

Thanks to all who have viewed my mosaics! You have given me the courage to keep on keeping on!

And a special thank you to the ladies who have graciously and freely offered their assistance.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Mosaic Monday: San Diego


San Diego - total relaxation and not enough time to take it all in. The experience of my first hot air balloon ride - and I would do again in a heartbeat! The ocean is always calling my name. Gaslamp Quarter - neat boutiques, unique resturants, artsy shops, the wharf, boats, ships, and the trolley rides. Balboa Park - with 15 museums and 9 theatres and performing arts centers, Balboa Park is San Diego's cultural heart. The Old Globe Theatre, many museums, and weather to tickle your fancy!

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Support Your Local Growers!

It's Saturday and time to visit and socialize at our local Farmer's Market. Have you ever noticed people carefully selecting their items, the expressions on their faces, the idle chatter about recipes, herbs, ripeness of products, while chatter with vendors and trying to squeeze through isles, filled with strollers and old friends, that are simply not big enough. One vendor has ballons he passes out to the kids to keep them entertained and allow Mom plenty of time to shop. Patience is never short as there are too many things to interest us: homemade pies, jellies, jams, gourmet mushrooms, breads, herbs, and so many goodies. Can you pick up a tomato or peach without giving it a little squeeze?

These markets always make me smile!

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Where Did Friday Go?

Where did the day go? I started off reading blogs, checking out gadgets, sorting through pictures, the domestic stuff, and suddenly the day is gone and my only real accomplishment on the blog is a Flickr badge that contains some pictures for future posts. My head is spinning with ideas - does that count?

I hope everyone has a wonderful, relaxing and peaceful weekend!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Exploring the Dunes

Aren't these pictures calming - there is just nothing like the water to reach your inner soul. We recently explored the dunes and came upon a lighthouse nearby. It was a perfect day, sun shining, with family, sand under the bare feet, another perfect adventure.

And best of all, I finally figured out how to upload the pictures. A big Thank You for the tutorial!! I feel like I can now spread my wings and soar!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

It's a Challenge!

I'm learning as I go - and finding out there is sooo much I have yet to learn! Adding pictures seems to be my latest challenge......so many things I want to share....and haven't yet been able to post any. Creating this blog has been frustrating, challenging and rewarding (when I finally figure something out!) I've spent my life working, typing documents and getting things done.
Retirement has provided the opportunity to tackle the "things I want to do someday!". Perhaps a class is in order! How long did it take you to figure things out??

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Life Happens!

Where does the time go? I've been reading your blogs and yet when it's time to update mine, I seem to be unable to find something worthy of writing. Like you, I'm busy and have much going on....unlike most of you, I am at a loss for words. Bear with me, I'll get the hang of this yet!

We had a wonderful July 4th celebration with family and friends - tossed bags, ate to much, played board games, laughed, roasted marshmallows, set off fireworks (never buy the discounted ones missing a fin!) and had a lovely time. This year it really hit when everyone left just how quiet everything becomes. As much as I love sitting on the deck with a cup of hot tea first thing in the morning and listening to the sounds of the birds and leaves rustling in the trees, I also miss the laughter and joking that comes when families get together. The laughs at too many cooks in the kitchen, the favorite foods, reasons why that particular game was lost, and so forth. How lucky we are to share those times and make those wonderful memories - they sustain us un
til we are able to gather again!

Someone recently sent me the following and I am sharing with you. I do not know the author...

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.. So love
the people who treat you right.. Forget about the
ones who don't. Believe everything happens for a reason.

If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.
If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy,
they just promised it would be worth it.