Lilacs, Memorial Day and My Dad

On Memorial Day, I always think of my Dad who served in England during World War II. He went overseas to fight when my brother was only two. My Mom said she cried all night the night he was leaving and my Dad snored all night. What could he do?

The picture is of my parents on their wedding day. Brides wore a dark color if they got married during the war to show unity with the war effort. I think my Mom said her dress was a dark purple. But I think they were a handsome couple .

My lilac bush always comes out around Memorial Day, too. I love their sweet fragrance, and cut a few so their scent can fill the room.

I miss my Dad, and my Mom, too. They both sacrificed so we could have our freedoms.

Thanks, Mom and Dad.

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Robin on Her Nest

A robin has made a nest and laid eggs on my outside light. I’m very glad to see it, and go through the garage so I don’t disturb her. The only way I can take a picture is at night, because during the day she flies off as fast as she can. The robin is a r minder of spring and of life itself. I’m so glad she’s making her home here!

Spring has Sprung!

A few weeks ago, I saw a crocus in my yard. That crocus seemed to herald the beginning of spring. Today, as I was cutting back some dead growth from an annual, I saw the bleeding heart emerging.

Everything is beginning to blossom. I love the shades of green, from lime green to darker shades. Verdant shades, making everything alive, and carrying everything in its wake. It’s good to be alive!

Lilies of the Valley

My Lilies of the Valley have come out. I almost missed them in my busyness. I’m so glad I took the time to notice them. Their small white blossoms remind me of little bells. I love their beautiful sweet fragrance, too. I take the time to lift them up as I pass the table to smell their fragrance.

In a world that has sometimes gone crazy, the Lilies of the Valley reminds me to take notice of the beautiful little things in nature that are all around us. Enjoy the lushness of spring.

Lilies of the Valley

My Lilies of the Valley have come out. I almost missed them in my busyness. I’m so glad I took the time to notice them. Their small white blossoms remind me of little bells. I love their beautiful sweet fragrance, too. I take the time to lift them up as I pass the table to smell their fragrance.

In a world that has sometimes gone crazy, the Lilies of the Valley reminds me to take notice of the beautiful little things in nature that are all around us. Enjoy the lushness of spring.

A New Year

Today is New Year’s Day. A day of hope, of possibilities for the coming year.

However, we are faced with some things that may cause us to pause and wonder if we should be optimistic. The number of people affected by the new variant is continuously rising. Fires are raging in Colorado. As my sister so aptly put it ” Mother Nature isn’t so happy with us.” Every time I turn on the news, there seems to be another shooting.

I do have hope, though. We have a vaccine against the virus, when we wondered a year and a half ago whether it would be developed. It is now safe to be amongst our family and friends in small groups. We can hug again. And there is always the wonder, beauty and stillness of nature to find comfort and solace in.

As Mary Oliver writes, “into the world below like stars, or the feathers of some unimaginable bird that loves us, that is asleep now and silent-that has turned itself into snow.”

Take in the beauty of everyday. You are a gift to the world, and a gift to each other. Happy New Year.

Geysers and Gushes of Wonder

Recently, I was blessed to visit Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. It has been on my “bucket list” for quite some time. So, I did it.

I love nature, I love hiking. But in Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, the grandeur is amazing and full of wonder every place you turn.My cousin and her husband met me for part of the trip, and then for the other part of the trip I was on my own. We had planned it that way. My cousin Mary is quite knowledgeable about how to be safe in the woods. and knows so much about animals and plants. So often during the trip, I thought, can it get any better than this?

One of my favorite parts of the trip (and there are many) is going back to Yellowstone by myself. I loved the feeling of adventure, not knowing what the day will bring. I drove in and stopped at a pull off stop. One man I talked to said he had seen a bear about a mile down the road, in the stream looking for fish. I thought okay, let’s be careful. He left, another family came in who spoke another language who were very happy to be in the park. I asked if they wanted their picture taken. They were happy that I asked, and scurried into the picture. They took my picture, and off they went in their van. I was alone at the spot, and wonder of wonders, there was a trumpeter swan swimming, gliding in the lake. I watched, and smiled to myself. The ballet “Swan Lake” came to mind. There she was. I basked in her beauty, and left her to be alone to enjoy the day as much as I was.

Archangel Gabriel and The People’s Church

Archangel Gabriel on top of the People’s Church

On the way to Harpswell, Maine one of my favorite places to vacation, I stopped in Newbury Port, Massachusetts. I love to stop at the People’s Church which has a beautiful Gabriel weathervane.  I look for the archangel  Gabriel weathervane when I can. I also have one in my backyard, where I sit and ponder. The archangel Gabriel means G-d is my strength in some religions. It is also my youngest son’s name, and my beloved Glenn’s Hebrew name.

Here he/she is giving me strength, and pause to wonder.

Walking in the Woods and My Spa

Today was hot. About 90 degrees. A friend and I decided to walk later in the day to avoid the heat. We went for a cool walk in the woods behind Maple Ave. School. Most of the spring flowers have blossomed, but I enjoyed the lovely leaves. I can still picture the fairies dancing under the may apple leaves

When I went home, I decided to have my own personal spa with the lawn sprinkler. It was wonderful. Cold well water spray squirting on me, and then spraying back to the flowers. On a hot day, what could be better? Not much. A felt like a kid dancing in the rain. I have to admit, I had a slight grin on my face.