No Pictures

 For some reason I didn't feel the urge to snap pictures. But two recent June days provided special memories. On Thursday we visited son Ryan at his rental house in Memphis and took him to lunch at The Arcade Restaurant. Then on Saturday my brother was here for a visit. Within both visits there were conversations that brought up parts of the past. Some recollections were happy, and others were painful. Our lives are definitely shaped by experiences with relatives and friends. With age I have a better understanding of family dynamics, the choices made, and the subsequent happenings. When you're little, it's impossible to know the full story. Even now there's much that is unknown. But my grandparents, uncles, aunts, and parents had interesting lives and formed the foundation of my own life story.  

If you're reading this I'm thankful that you have been a part of my journey. 

June Moments

Sometimes I desire to write and share, but other times I want to keep quiet. June is a special month for several reasons. First, it means our anniversary date rolls around. We have had thirty-two amazing years with both happy and sad times. Blending our families was a huge step for us because we had experienced the pain of divorce and didn't want to experience another failure. We are feeling very blessed on this anniversary.    

 Then there have been the fragile weeks of watching our newest granddaughter grow and develop through live video photos. We are looking forward to meeting and holding her in August. 

Also our oldest grandson turned twenty-one on June nineteenth. It is mind blowing how fast a child grows up! I told him to cherish being 21, for it's a wonderful time in life and will not come again.

Then recently there was Father's Day with phone calls, messages, notes, and visits. Even though we couldn't all be together it was still a precious day.

There's no doubt that time is moving forward. Though I want more time and years I'm well aware there's no guarantee. So the goal is to greet each new day with gratitude and live it as fully as possible. 

There's Nothing Like the Real Thing

 Even though I like to paint fanciful, colorful flowers, there's nothing like the real thing.

I miss my May blooms, but welcome these day lilies in June.

On the patio geraniums are blooming, too.

 

Sunday joys...sunshine, smiles, and soulful moments

Old Pots

 I was inspired by Natalie Kolter/ Vintage Porch on Instagram to try her amazing technique of turning cheap vases and glassware into old-looking pottery.

I chose this cheap vase at Goodwill to try this project.

After spray painting it black I added my first layer of color.

Adding salt or baking soda to the paint gives it extra texture.

I'm not sure what the final look will be like.

I am letting it dry between layers.

I do know Natalie's vases have a wonderful aged appearance.

I'm hoping to achieve that look.

Fast Times

 How quickly this year is passing! June is already here. I am clinging to May memories as this new month gets underway. It was hard to say good-bye to Les, Pennee, Kiera, and Chloe on Memorial Day. Our hugs were extra tight. Even Java will be missed.

Pennee snapped this photo after we made a memory walk through the white house.

Pennee and Les lived there when they were first married.

 Miss this sweet and playful dog who felt like a teddy bear.

Trying my best to appreciate each and every day because I know June won't be here for long.