Summer Endings

Cooler

evenings

locusts

singing

grasses

drying

earlier

sunset

arriving

harvest

moon

shining.

August Wedding

Anticipation
Groom waiting
Crowd showing
Mom floating
Groomsmen joking
Candle holding
Music pouring
Bridesmaids flowing
Dad slowing
Bride glowing
Grandpa tearing
Grandma handholding
Minister starting
Vows reciting
Rings shining
Kiss finally
Crowd cheering
Hugs outpouring
Glass raising
Friends praising
Kids chasing
Stars appearing
Laughter sharing
Dance overflowing
New life beginning.

Real Beauty

Happy smiles

Beautiful faces

Book bag swinging

Little ones clinging

As the bus arrives

Mom tries not to cry.

Smile and the World Will Smile At You

My thoughts are with my niece today who is starting her first day of college classes. I wish her good luck and must send an extra measure of happy
thoughts to her parents and sister who are surely missing her.
I remember the feeling of finally being independent as I moved into the dorm.
Apprehension, joy, fear, and the exhiliaration of meeting new friends!

My prayers go out to all the parents who are experiencing their
first "empty nest" experience.

Special thoughts to all who are experiencing something new this week, please
remember that when things get stormy, just smile ...
and the world will smile back!

The World is Your Oyster!

A short update and photo of the baby robins in the cherry tree. They are growing every day and the big Mama Robin has been working hard to keep them fed. The babies got a good soaking with the wonderful rain we had last week.



I'm so surprised my big cat hasn't visited the nest...thank goodness!!!

Reach Your Highest Potential

(Picture caption: Back to school sunrise!)


With a heavy morning dew,
it's back to school!
How do you reach your highest potential?

Believe in yourself.
Believe in your colleagues.
Believe in smiles.
Believe in your family.
Believe in trained experts.
Believe in homework.
Believe in structure and daily routines.
Believe in your child's teacher.
Believe in your profession.
Believe in laughter.
Believe its OK to make a mistake and say "I screwed up".
Believe every child can be ready for society.
Believe in being on time.
Believe that practice makes perfect.
Believe in love.
Believe in being prepared.
Believe in kindness.
Believe that trust, responsibility, and humor will build trust.
Believe in your school.
Believe in your child.

Wisdom Throughout the Ages

(Picture caption: Miniature rose bud blooming amidst the stones.)

My special friend and Aunt has been missed for more than 10 years. She had a green thumb, growing just about anything. Many flowers and plants around my farm were transplanted with a little start from her yard.

Several words of her advice have stayed with me over the years:

"You can do anything if you know there is an end to it."
"What doesn't kill you, just makes you stronger."
"There's nothing better than a little drive in the country to refresh your soul."

"Nothing wrong with a bowl of cereal for supper."

"Appreciate your husband, they could be gone in an instant."

"Faith is a personal relationship with God."

I miss those drives in the country, hunting elderberries or choke cherries for jam, gossiping on the telephone, quick lunches shared, and reminiscing over old stories and photos. Your strength and wisdom have sustained me through many a dark hour. Thank you dear friend.