Evening Thoughts

Seeing the destruction of homes from tornadoes moves me to appreciate my home all the more. So often it's the little things in a home that are comforting.
I have had the two hearts for a very long time. The reading rabbit is a more recent find. I like having small mementos around that remind me of people and places.

Painting brings me extra comfort these days. It frees my mind from worrisome thoughts. I especially enjoy the angel paintings.

From the reports today the coronavirus is expected to get much worse. We will be spending the month of April at home. May we look for joys during this difficult period and try our best to stay safe and healthy.

   

A Sunny Day

Oh, my goodness, today was so warm and lovely. Taking a walk around the yard I discovered these blooms in one of the flowerbeds.

Mary, do you remember this planting?

I was happy to see this familiar guy.

#hangaheart

Thanks to Erin @cottonstem(her Instagram account) I learned about hanging hearts on windows and doors to honor medical workers for their dedication and service.

To pass time and to relax I have been adding to my art journal.

And then there's one new canvas.

When this coronavirus is gone, we will REJOICE.

Also there's the change I made to the mantel.

 For years my mom saved eight Arthur Singer bird prints. She probably intended to frame them once upon a time. I'm glad to have them, and I like the way they look in these vintage trouser hangers. I believe she would like them, too.

Calm

As each day brings more distressing news about the coronavirus, I pray for calm and cautious behavior for myself and others, for those trying to solve this deadly outbreak, for nurses and doctors working tirelessly to ease the suffering, and for world leaders to make wise decisions during this crisis.

This book came into my hands at the right time. It reminded me of another time when people endured hardships and survived.

Adding pages to my art journal helps me pass time in a pleasant way.

My husband would rather I use a dusting rag than a paintbrush. 

I do have time for household cleaning and decluttering, but just haven't been in the mood.

Thinking of you, our country, and world.

Being At Home

We all may be spending more time at home due to the coronavirus.

Reading and painting keep me happy on most days.

The cover of this novel attracted my attention. The story held my interest, but it won't be a book I'll keep on my bookshelf.

I continue to go through memorabilia. Yesterday I returned to my college days by reading old letters I had written home to my mom and dad and also those my mother had written to me. My dad's handwriting only showed up in one.

For a little while I visited a much sweeter time. Oh, how much phone calls and letters meant during those years. It was a time of dresses and hose, lengthy reading assignments and papers to write, bowling and movie dates, campus activities, and dorm fun. One day I may do away with the letters, but not yet.

They allowed me to relive a very special time in my life. Little details I had forgotten were brought back to life. 

I took so much for granted in my twenties, thirties, and forties. 

I am trying to cherish each and every day now that I am older. I have been blessed beyond measure to have made it seven decades.

Houses Through the Years

The houses I'm about to show were places I lived with my parents.

I do not remember my very first home in Bastrop, Louisiana.

The first home I do remember was built by my dad in Swartz, Louisiana.

Carpentry work was one of my dad's many talents. But he decided to change jobs and became a dispatcher for Texas Gas Company.

Many happy days were spent riding bikes, playing basketball and softball, swinging, exploring on our six acres, attending school functions, and being with neighborhood friends.

 My dad was transferred to Eunice, Louisiana. It was the hardest move because  my brother and I loved our Swartz school and friends.

 At first we rented this L-shaped house and enjoyed the neighborhood.

But we were to leave Yukon Street and move to another rental across town.

This photo on North Eighth St. was taken years after we lived there. 

There were once trees along the sidewalk, and those trees were such fun to climb. And the sidewalks were ideal for roller skating. I made new friends in sixth grade and hated to leave them.

The next transfer brought us to Memphis, Tennessee, to a subdivision called Westwood. This time we did not rent. Our Parkrose house was home throughout my junior high and high school years.

After my graduation my dad was transferred to Covington, Tennessee. They would live in three different places in Covington while I was away at college in Jackson, TN, and later living in Dyersburg, TN. 

Fleming Drive

Highway 51

Highway 59

Their last home in Covington was located on Walters Street.

Weekend Message

Hooray for this sunny and pleasant weekend. Enjoy!

Gave It A Try

I tried the open, loopy wings, but they didn't look right so I ended up filling them in. Not happy with that way either. Oh well, it was worth a try.