"Just living is not enough," said the butterfly. "One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower." ~ Hans Christian Anderson
The times I've felt suffocated, crowded out and completely invisible are the times it helps to be taken away by the beauty of places I've been. Like a butterfly, I spread my wings and fly.
I do agree--just living is not enough.
Mom turned 80 on June 10th. We had a party for her last Saturday (the 12th) and ended up with 26 family members there! You can imagine how much fun we had. It was wonderful to see Mom smile and watch her enjoy her company. She has never been much of a talker but used to be such a hostess! She always made sure everyone had tea, another serving, another biscuit, etc. But now with her illness, we love making sure she has everything she needs.
Daddy baked a ham and a pork loin on Friday and my nieces, Cricket and Mindy and my sister, Melba, pitched in and helped with the side dishes. Due to circumstances beyond my control, John and I were not able to make it there until Saturday morning. I was very disappointed but sometimes life just takes a different turn than what we had planned. We made the best of it though and arrived with half of a sheet cake decorated for the birthday girl with a big "80" on it! I can hardly believe she is 80! It doesn't seem possible. Where have the years gone to???
Doesn't Sis look good? She still tires easily from all the chemo and radiation but is doing so much better! We had to stop and "strike a pose"!
Nate, Mindy and Cricket! Sorry about fading you out, Cricket!
Daddy at the table with one of his great-grandchildren, Lexi, and one of the twin brothers, Lynn. Daddy is the oldest child and the twins are the youngest.
Mom and Melba as she's opening her gifts.
Kylie Grace, one of the great-grands "helping Nan" open her presents. She was as excited as Nan to see what was in the packages! But little ones are like that, aren't they? Always excited to see what's inside! Mom had a good day and although she doesn't remember who everyone is, we all know who she is and that's one fine lady! Her favorite scripture has always been Proverbs 22:1 and to this day she can still recite it! Happy Birthday, Mama and I love you very much!
Am I the only one that has numerous drafts in their "list of posts"?
My husband says I am bad at starting things and not finishing them.
Well, I do finish some things. I just need to get the rest of my volunteer hours in to become a "Certified Master Gardener".
I've got to work on that!
Like Edie at Life in Grace, I cannot seem to find my "mojo". If you run across it, would you please tell it to come back home. I promise I will appreciate it more if it will just PLEASE COME HOME!
Well, I'm off to find some of my endearing qualities that I left in Moultrie with Mom and Dad.
I'm still here! Sorry I haven't been posting lately. A lot has been going on and I have not been able to make myself sit down and write. I have been working on a post though that I will publish later. I think it's important to share this part of myself with you.
My darling husband had a banner made and placed it in the front yard this morning. We live on a very busy 4-lane street that is used a lot and as most towns, the mornings and quitting time are even busier!
Horns have been *honking* all day! I'm scared to go outside for fear that I will be embarrassed beyond belief!
Could someone please come get the mail for me? I thought about getting in the car and driving to the mailbox. At least I wouldn't have to walk down the driveway to it!
I took several pictures of very different things the other day. Just thought I would share them with you. It seems that my life has been going this way, too. Just randomness--nothing major (which I'm thankful for).
I got a Fire King blue bowl from eBay. Yay! Isn't it pretty? I've also acquired several of the Jadeite ones, too. I love old things! They make me happy!
I cooked some peas and turnips from the freezer (with ham hocks). Shhh...don't tell anyone. I know it's not healthy but it sure tastes good, doesn't it?!? I don't usually cook my vegetables like this but I found some in the freezer I put up a couple of years ago. Every now and then I splurge and cook us up something very Southern! Yum, very good!
Jacob, my great-nephew stopped by with his mom and dad to bring me some pictures. He's a doll, isn't he? Look at those blue eyes. He gets them from both parents.
This may or may not be his cute little baby butt! By the way, it wasn't one of the pictures they brought me! LOL
After Rentman got home, we sat outside on the courtyard and rested after a long day. Mr. Luke must have had a tough day, too! He's chillin'!
Maddie played some ball while Lizzie watched.
She did not want to share her ball with Molly either. She can be so stingy! I guess that's what happens when you have extra-short legs. You become grumpy and don't like to share your toys. At least that's what Maddie says!
We also had crushed ice! It's so good when it's hot outside! The Min-Pins and the Poms love it. They always have! I'm not sure when or how I discovered that. Probably one day when I was crunching ice from a cup. I love to do that, too! I just don't like to share a bowl with them. They get rather slobbery at times!
This is a pretty little zinnia that was left over from a couple of urns I planted for the front porch. It's just hanging out waiting for its place of honor.
Here's a big-leaf Coreopsis. It's going to go in the back perennial flower garden. I'm waiting for its root system to get a little stronger. I got it from a dig I did with the Master Gardeners. That was so much fun! I love to play in the dirt. It's good for the soul!
This is a petunia I got from Lowes. I could NOT resist it! I love red and I love petunias...so it was a no-brainer! It has also tripled in size and is lovely!
This is a knock-out rose I got probably 2 or 3 years ago. It has quadrupled in size (at least) and really needs to be cut back but I can't do it right now. There's way too many beautiful roses on it.
Just look at all the little rose buds there waiting to show their pretty little faces!
This picture sort of reminds me of life. Some of the roses have lived full lives and are now all but a memory while others are just beginning their lives and are full of promise just waiting for the right time to open up and bring joy to those who take time to enjoy their beauty!
Stop and smell the roses today and if you get close enough and slow down enough, you might even get a whiff of the wonderful fragrance that clings to them.
By the way, Happy Earth Day! Let's take extra good care of her. She's been good to us!
© Birds and Friends by The Courtyard Gate 2010
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