Feeling Blessed

The weekend weather was severe and caused terrible flooding in parts of Tennessee. Although we had strong winds and heavy rains, we only had branches to pick up at our place after it was all over. Some families had to evacuate their homes due to the high water that ruined their furnishings. Therefore, I'm feeling especially thankful as this new week begins. Today is calm and lovely, and new flowers are blooming after all that rain.

April's End

I'm having a hard time realizing that another month has passed by quickly. I try to appreciate each and every day, but days are slipping away so fast. I am really glad my journal saves many precious days for me. In fact, I am motivated to write more because of the speed of time. I know it's not any faster, but it just seems that way because I am older. Before I sign off tonight and April leaves us, I want to share a favorite quote that Lauren, Les, and Ryan will certainly recognize. They each have this quote in a graduation gift I made for them several years ago.

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." Albert Schweitzer

Untitled

Rain, wind, and sunshine

Our weather is very cool today. I took an exercise walk this morning and managed eight laps. The pebbles on the wood post helped me count them off. After each completed lap I placed a pebble from the driveway on the log. My goal is to continue with these daily walks and lose ten pounds. I hate to admit how long I've been trying to lose these same ten pounds. Thank goodness, we put stakes in the ground to support the peonies. I think they will have gorgeous blooms in a few days. The irises are blooming right now. A few of them were toppled to the ground due to the strong winds. Winds probably contributed to a fallen bird's nest in the front yard and a broken egg shell in the back. Now that I'm inside I should do some cleaning, but...my feelings are like the message below. I don't know who wrote it, but I sure like the writer.

Dust If You Must

• Life is short. Enjoy it! Dust if you must, but wouldn't it be better to paint a picture or write a letter, bake a cake or plant a seed, ponder the difference between want and need?

• Dust if you must, but there's not much time, with rivers to swim and mountains to climb, music to hear and books to read, friends to cherish and life to lead.

• Dust if you must, but the world's out there with the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair, a flutter of snow, a shower of rain. This day will not come around again.

• Dust if you must, but bear in mind, old age will come and it's not kind. And when you go - and go you must - you, yourself will make more dust!

• Remember: A house becomes a home when you can write "I love you" on the furniture.

Self Awareness

There are times when I want to fill a blank page with my own words. Other times I choose to fill it up with pretty images clipped from magazines. I have two notebooks with simple journaling entries. They reveal a lot more about me than I realized. Glancing through them today was like taking a refresher course on the subject ME...showing favorite things, quotes, wishes, projects, thoughts, and ideas. You really do have to like yourself to be happy.

Luscious Blooms

When I park to visit Mom, I marvel at the roses in bloom. There are numerous rosebushes along the building's front sidewalk. You are greeted by an array of colors. There's also a lovely central courtyard with all sorts of plantings. My mom has a large window view of this area. She has loved gardening throughout her life so this view of nature's changes and beauty means a lot to her.

Come Sit A Spell

We have a small patio that we really should use more. Spending this late afternoon out on the patio with a good friend would be extra nice. Thinking of you...so glad you came by...

Sandy