August Break 2015 :: August was . . .

August was . . . 

a lovely month 

spent treasure hunting 

for everyday beauty . . . inside and out. 

I invited our two tween goddaughters 

to do it with me 

and it was lovely 

to connect with them 

in an everyday sort of way.

And!  

I enjoyed the small peeks into their worlds

and sharing a few into mine. 

.            *            .

August Break 2015 :: Smile

Remembering 

that I am companioned 

by beautiful angels 

and Grace 

always brings a warm smile. 

.              *             .

August Break 2015 :: Listening

When getting ready in the mornings, 

I'm currently listening to Mark Nepo's 

"Reduced to Joy." 

I am really enjoying his calm voice 

and gently wise insights. 

Another way I listen 

is by writing in my journal. 

.             *            .

August Break 2015 :: In My Bag

I made this blue tote bag years ago with no idea how much I would use and enjoy it!  It's the perfect size to hold my purse and whatever else I might need for the day. Tucked in today are a library book to be returned and some prescriptions to be refilled. 

.            *             .

August Break 2015 :: Favorite Recipe

When I saw today's prompt, I smiled warmly, knowing in a heartbeat which recipe I would use. 

Grandma's Banana Nut Bread was the first thing she and I baked together when I was about 9 years old. 

This recipe card, written in my Moma's handwriting, is one of my greatest treasures. Splattered and stained with notes of my own, it reminds me of both of these very dear women and the many hours we spent together in their kitchens. 

Whenever I bake, I always light a candle to remind me of the people I love and as a prayer for those who are on my heart that day. 

While these two dearly beloveds (and so many more) have passed on, I trust that they still gather around me to love, support, and guide me. The only difference?  These days we gather in spirit in my kitchen instead of theirs. 

❤️

.              *              .

August Break 2015 :: Door

This may just be my very favorite door, 

especially when the little yellow flag is up telling me, 

"you've got mail!"

.            *             .

Rising Strong

It's here!!

Yay!

.            *             .

August Break 2015 :: Green

When we were first looking at our house, 

I loved all of the blooming monkey grass.

This afternoon under the lush canopy of my beloved 4 Sisters. 

.               *              .

August Break 2015 :: At a Distance

.            *            .

August Break 2015 :: Water

Rain warms this farmer's daughter's heart.

.              *             .

August Break 2015 :: Curves

Charming Curved Cluster

.            *            .

August Break 2015 :: Real Life

The highlight of today's errands was

a Wendy's chocolate Frosty!

Yum.

.            *             .

August Break 2015 :: Two

Two terrific tween goddaughters

Both beautiful, too!

.                *               .

August Break 2015 :: Sweet Delights

Delightful, sweet little companions 

and very good company 

along my way. 

Each one a gentle reminder 

of loved ones 

and, when I need it, 

reassurance that all is well. 

My sweet little butterfly 

is from my Moma 

and the back says 

that she gave it to me in Jan. 1994 - 

almost 25 years ago! 

❤️

Smiling because 

I know she'd enjoy knowing 

that I am thinking about her today 

and sending love. 

❤️❤️❤️

Another sweet delight 

for this farmer's daughter's heart

is the blessing of rain.

.             *             .

August Break 2015 :: Looking Up

A crutches eye view

Our drive to supper last night.

The rain had stopped pouring

and there was so much beauty.

.             *            .

August Break 3015 :: Reading

The last book I finished was 

"The Beauty of Different" 

(loved it!) 

and I just started 

"Eyes of the Heart" 

(love her 

and especially 

the idea of photography 

as a contemplative 

(quiet prayer) practice!).

.            *            .

Lunch Date with Big Silly

After a nice Sunday lunch out,

thought I'd try to take a picture with hubby.

He was taking great pleasure in teasing me

by moving either *just* out of range

or so that only half of his face would show.

I kept trying...

.... and he kept moving.

So then I took pictures of just him!

Gotcha!

Gotcha again!!

Ok.  So now let's try again with both of us, shall we?

Slippery little sucker!

Oh well.

Grinning because it was 

still fun.

And I do love him so!

.            *            .

August Break 2015 :: Fire

Blessing the day

I so love 

sitting with a candle 

(and an angel!)

 in the morning.  

Intentionally 

creating this space 

in my day 

(when I remember) 

helps to quiet my mind 

and brings me peace,

 assuring me 

that I can be right here 

and rest in Grace. 

Just being is Enough.

.             *             .

August Break 2015 :: Art

Lighthouses have special meaning for me 

and this one at St. Augustine, FL 

is my very favorite one.

When I saw this beautiful piece, 

drawn by a local artist, 

during our last trip there a couple of months ago, 

it was love at first sight. 

It now hangs in a place of honor 

in our home 

where I can see it from right here in my chair. 

.            *             .

August Break 2015 :: Favorite Smell

The familiar, delicate cherry almond scent of Jergens lotion 

reminds me of my dear Moma. 

Smiling fondly as I think of her 

smoothing it on her hands after washing a sink full of dishes 

in our farmhouse kitchen. 

(And gingham reminds me of both her and my dear Grandma . . .
sweet angels still watching over me.)

❤️

.            *           .

August Break 2015 :: Last Year

  

This is my very favorite mandala 

that I made last year.

(And it was a very happy surprise!)

I so love the notion 

of Grandmothers watching over 

and caring for our earth, 

holding us all 

in their circle of love and prayers. 

.            *             .

August Break 2015 :: Yellow

It surprised me last year to find 

Hope 

snuggled up next to me, 

asking to be my word for 2014. 

Turns out she was 

very good company indeed. 

To my delight, 

I found that she is often 

gently nourished 

by both friendship 

and sweet little angels. 

.            *             .

August Break 2015 :: Edge

Growing Edge

.            *            .

August Break 2015 :: Talisman

Welcomed and gently quiet reminder for me:

by Grace alone

❤️

.           *            .

August Break 2015 :: Earth

Earth

dappled by sunlight 

(my favorite!) 

and a few leaves that have already turned. 

Fall's a'comin'. 

Yay!

.          *            .

August Break 2015 :: Smooth

We shared a slice 

of chocolate mousse pie 

at lunch 

and not only was it smooth 

but, gracious!, 

was it yummy! 

.            *             .

August Break 2015 :: 5 Things About Me

Angel Gatherer

Crutch Walker 

Simple Beauty 

Peace Pilgrim 

Big Silly

.           *             .

August Break 2015 :: Notebook[s]

.            *            .

August Break 2015 :: Citrus

.           *           .

August Break 2015 :: Numbers

My "official" photo

One of my goddaughter's birthday is in August

so I made this one to surprise and delight her.

(Tickled to say that it did)

.             *            .

August Break 2015 :: Skin

My hand to my heart

.         *         .

Sweet hubby's hand.

.             *             .

Gratitude for Bridges and Honoring Crossings

I drew this picture featuring a poem I wrote two years ago, not long after a painful (and very right) decision.  The imagery of a bridge had just come to me and was an especially powerful and so incredibly helpful metaphor (a lifeline, really) for me at the time.

As I thought about them and what they might mean, bridges spoke to me of Hope, which I was in desperate need of.  Right as I was leaving something behind that was no longer working for me, I deeply resonated with the idea of leaving where I had been to cross over a bridge into a new place in my life.  While circled in grief and fear, and feeling very alone, the other side was calling out to me with promises of refreshment and new growth.  Alls I had to do was to step onto the bridge.  At first my steps were heavy and awkward and slow.  But, with practice, patience, and persistence, they became more steady and sure.

With time, as happens in life, it felt right to turn the page in my art journal and continue on in other areas of my life, too.

A few days ago the timing felt right to take a moment to turn back to my picture and sit with it, basking in and honoring my journey of the past two years.  I took this photo including my feet and crutches on Friday morning as a way to acknowledge Grace and Peace, and the few kind angels (human and spirit) lighting the way ... my way .... across the bridge.

Smiling softly because as I take the time to remember and honor my pilgrimage today, I am also intentionally and ever-so-gently reaching back to that battle-weary, grief-stricken, and fear-soaked woman I was.  As I do so, I am tenderly whispering in her ear, "yes, dear-heart, leaving was exactly the next right thing and I'm here to let you know that you will survive what felt so unfathomable and very brave (because it was) at the time.  Promise."  

(hmmmm.... tears)

Yes.

  

After taking a few pictures like this one, I wondered if it wouldn't speak to me more if I was standing on the other side of the bridge so I turned my art journal around and snapped a few more photos.  In the end, it just didn't feel right.

And now I know why.

With my photo framed the way it is here, I see (and feel!) very clearly the me of today standing firmly behind and supporting the struggling me of then.  This picture speaks to me on so many levels of my taking my place among the angels and wise souls that were there for me during An. Excruciatingly. Difficult. time.

(I love that about faith and mystery .... 

it isn't tied to chronological time at all!)

Smiling softly because it also reminds me of how, more and more, the little girl who still lives inside my heart is able to lean back on the me of today in complete trust.

Yes. 

This is exactly the way my photo is meant to be.

It's such a gift to take some time today to bask in gratitude 
for how far I've come and honor where I am now.  
 I am thankful for your witness. 
(and kind words are always welcome)

❤️

Before closing I'd like to add that, once again, I am so, So, *SO* very grateful for the encouragement and role modeling to practice seeing and loving myself thru selfies!!!  Gracious, who *knew* what a difference that could make!!

 .              *              .

August Break 2015 :: Summer's Ceiling Circles

(so tickled with this one)

.            *             .

August Break 2015 :: Breakfast

Woke up with an upset tummy this morning 

so starting slow with saltines and water, 

with a little hope and love tucked in.

.            *           .

August Break 2015

Looking forward to this.

And!  Two of my goddaughters

are going to do it with me.

Yay!!

.             *             .