Time Matters

 Almost every day there are terrible happenings. I'm sure you know about them.

But prayers continue, and hope remains. Small everyday things begin to mean a lot. Watering flowers, walking outside, finding a spot and purpose for this shelf  I've had for years, reading, sharing a meal, etc. 

So glad to share another birthday with Nicolas. He's now fourteen and a freshman in high school. Time marches on.

Tallulah was fascinating to watch whether awake or asleep. Rocking and holding her during her hour long nap was very special. She will soon be six months old. Time is moving on.

I want to appreciate the hours of each day since time means so much to me now. 

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. 

Celebrating

In spite of an unusual graduation ceremony it turned out to be a day of special memories. May 16, 2020 - an unforgettable day for Munford High School seniors that they will long remember.

Three brothers sharing a special day

CONGRATULATIONS, GUNNER!

Back to DES

It was nice to be back inside the school where I spent many teaching days. Drummonds Elementary School has changed a lot over time. I love the art that decorates many of the walls now.

We had a delicious Thanksgiving lunch with Lucas on Friday. The cafeteria had prepared dressing, sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, etc. for the adult visitors. The kids like Lucas were happy with chicken nuggets.

 Lucas surprised us by being so happy and confident and well-behaved. He took good care of us, showing us his hallway and classroom. He was also excited to leave early with us, thus starting his Thanksgiving break from school.

The treehouse had steps leading up to real books.

What a great wall display!

On Saturday some of the DES teachers and assistants met for lunch at a local restaurant to eat, catch up on one another, and recall our days together.

Painting and Tutoring

It has been a while since I carved out some time to paint. A visitor to my studio on Sunday is probably the reason I'm back at it. She liked many of my paintings. 

This painting of a barn I decided to redo. A happy childhood memory was the hayloft at my grandparents' farm in Louisiana. My brother and I would climb there to enjoy the view from up high. We also liked to climb trees for that feeling of being way up in the air. We had a lot of freedom in those days to explore. Miraculously we survived without mishaps. This barn painting makes me recall those wonderful experiences on the farm.

  

I picked up a small canvas at Goodwill for one dollar, painted over it, and tried this angel pose.

This one was quick and fun. I used cut up plastic pieces dipped in paint for the haystack and pitchforks and an owl that was cut from a magazine.

I emptied out the suitcase of old teaching materials. Now I'm using it as an end table for my coffee. This week I've been in teacher mode to help Lucas with a few of his third grade lessons.

A Day at Grams

This little guy was off from school due to sickness, but healthy enough to ask for his favorite breakfast at Gram's house - cinnamon toast and scrambled eggs. With that silly fox hat on his head I captured a picture.

Lucas and I read Christmas books. Two of them were pop-up books Ryan had received from Santa years ago. He added a bell to the advent calendar. We played the card game Fish. He and I played Hide and Seek with his green dinosaur. 

For lunch he only wanted ketchup on his hamburger. No cheese, onion, pickles or tomato. He has definite ideas about what he likes and doesn't like.

He was such a sweet buddy throughout the day. Very soon this stage of childhood will vanish. That's why today was so special.   

Childhood is fleeting

I was very fortunate because I didn't have any cares or worries during childhood. My early life was simple and carefree. My parents made sure we were fed, clothed, and loved. My older brother and I shared many adventures on a six acre site. The neighborhood provided playmates and security. 

Grandson Nicolas had a birthday celebration on Sunday. On Monday he officially became eleven years old. My, how fast those eleven years passed!

His young world is so different from the one I experienced. He will have challenges I never had to face. 

Hopefully his artistic ability will not fade. I chose art supplies as part of his birthday gift.

I was in the art room today, but creative juices did not flow. One art journal page received some paint and and a couple of cutout images for a collage. Left it in an unfinished state. We'll see what tomorrow brings.  

Celebrations

It was nice to view the royal wedding. Sitting in my own home on Saturday, it was a welcome television break from bad news.  A few images off  the television screen...

It was a lovely celebration, combining old traditions with present day

changes.

And then today we attended a Fifth Grade Graduation to witness Nicolas receiving his diploma for completion of grammar school.

Gee, I don't like to think about 2025! 

Congratulations, Nicolas!

Happenings

Jason's departure for Florida, work related.

He plans to be back Christmas.

Lucas had another birthday.

Grandad helping him read his birthday card

Lucas with his dad JoJo

In addition to toys 
Lucas got a wooden box 
for those things that
 little boys like to save.

Our happy Lucas

 He keeps us smiling.