August Break :: August was . . .

. . . my third year to participate in the August Break 

which really feels like play. 

I so enjoy the treasure hunt and creativity of working with prompts, 

looking back at the everyday moments captured over the past month, 

and sharing the journey with others. 

❤

Thanks for tagging along!

#augustbreak2016

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August Break :: Evening Light

#augustbreak2016

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August Break :: Favorite Mug

This morning it's my sweet Peace mug.

Between my refreshing cup of cold milk 

on a warm summer's morning 

and a lovely, affirming conversation with a dear friend, 

I am indeed resting in Peace, 

feeling grounded in Grace 

and Abiding in Love. 

Blessed be. 

💕

#augustbreak2016

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August Break :: I am . . . .

. . . . enjoying a late Sunday evening from my porch swing.  

With the welcomed, more indirect sunlight, 

it feels a lot like early fall. 

Ahhhhh. 

#augustbreak2016

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Autumn Ambrosia

I've been playing with my pressure cooker again!  

Perfect late Sunday afternoon snack. This Old Gal's recipe for yogurt topped with her 

oh-So-delicious Dutch Apple Compote and a drizzle of caramel sauce (sweet tooth here!) 

with a granola bar dipper for crunch. 

Ahhh.... Feels like fall!  

Yay!

Grinning because a woman in one of my pressure Coker groups is calling us "Pot Heads". 

(I like it!)

😉

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August Break :: Little

It's the little pleasures 

like the steady stream of smiles 

from a new sparkling falling stars case. 

✨💫

(And glitter is always a good idea to boot.)

#augustbreak2016

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Oranges 2

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August Break :: Oranges

Magical morning light on a small part of a branch 

that tends to turn first. 

(Most of the rest of her leaves are far from this far along)

See?  

🍁🍂🍁

#augustbreak2016

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August Break :: Peaceful

.              *              .

Still Abidin'

.            *             .

August Break :: Three

Three sweethearts

#augustbreak2016 

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August Break :: My Face

.           *             .

August Break :: Squares

A Square of Squares

Our bedspread 

Chicken wire on my shadow box

Cooling rack 

Work carpet 

#augustbreak2016

.           *             .

August Break :: Today is . . .

Making yogurt in my new toy.

Catching up with a dear sister.

Late Sunday lunch 

while watching rain showers

after a much-needed nap.

Quiet Abidin' at home.

#augustbreak2016

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August Break :: Clouds

Clouds # 2

Driving to dinner last night, hubby and I spotted this beautiful rainbow. Well, she says with 

a grin, it was a little hard to miss as it was huge and right in front of us. When looking at the 

pictures, I was delighted to notice the cute, wrinkly cloud man looking back at us. 

#augustbreak2016

Retreat Refreshment

Went to a lovely day-retreat today at an old house that has been remodeled to be a cozy 

retreat center with lots of beautiful windows 

.

From the wise, compassionate, and always a little playful speaker, to the gift of "just 

happening" to sit by and get to share with a kind, resonate soul, to the yummy summer's 

bounty lunch eaten in silence, this warm, welcoming home held us all. 

.

I am so grateful this evening, feeling content and refreshed in body, mind, and soul. 

💕

August Break :: My Hands . . .

. . . holding a handsome harvest harbinger 

that was waiting for me by our mailbox this morning. 

#augustbreak2016

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August Break :: 5 Years Ago

Capturing my heart from the start, 

my sweet niece arrived on January 26, 2011. 

She has already gifted me with oodles and oodles 

(and oodles!) 

of warm memories and 

I will always treasure this shared, quiet moment 

after her baptism in particular. 

The whole time I held her, 

my precious blonde angel 

kept looking up at me, 

her beautiful blue eyes 

wide and rarely blinking. 

And with all of the love overflowing from my heart, 

I met and held her sweet baby gaze 

and kept looking right back at her 

for as long as she wanted. 

Ah, such a holy, cherished moment, this one. 

Is there such a thing as love at first sight? 

Yes. 

Oh, *heavens* yes. 

💕

#augustbreak2016

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August Break :: Bedroom Window

Even with 

(maybe even "especially with") 

the shade drawn, 

Grandmother Oak 

watches over us as we sleep. 

#augustbreak2016

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August Break :: Breathe

.          *             .

August Break :: Unicorn

 Don't have one so thought I'd try drawing one!  

🦄

#augustbreak2016 

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August Break :: Love is . . .

. . . a cheerful Christmas tree spatula. 

Thoughtful sisterly surprise 

sent to assist with my holiday baking. 

And years later?  

It still brings oodles of happy sighs 

while stirring up all sorts of yummy treats. 

💕

#augustbreak2016

(Love is also playing with my new electric pressure cooker. 😉)

.              *               .

August Break :: 6:00

Evening Vespers

#augustbreak2016

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August Break :: Secret

Just looking at my carefully curated cup collection 

warms me to the soul, even before filling 

one with a warm, soothing beverage. 

And sometimes?  

When I need a little lift and it's too hot outside?  

I'll still allow one to choose me 

and fill it with either cool water or icy cold milk. 

#augustbreak2016 

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August Break :: Green

More desk drawer delight! 

🙃  💚

#augustbreak2016 

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August Break :: Yellow

"Live courageously in the arms of Grace." 

~ Bonnie Jensen

This precious plaque's place is behind my chair so, while it may not register every single 

time I face it before turning to sit down, it's quiet wisdom is always there, ready and 

waiting to softly shine the way home. 

💛

#augustbreak2016 

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Present Over Perfect

45 pages in and I already love it. 

Off to tuck into bed and read more. 

Nightie night. 

💕

#presentoverperfect 

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August Break :: Red

Paper clip and heart mandala

(Simply stand still and shine)

 ❤️

#augustbreak2016

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August Break :: Favorite Taste

Have I mentioned lately, 

she asks with a mischievous twinkle, 

that ice cream is my favorite food group?  

🍦🙃🍨

#augustbreak2016

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Already!

As I drove by the twin Dogwood tree sisters, 

Grace and Mercy, 

this morning I was surprised to see 

that they've quietly started 

their glorious dress change for the Annual Fall Ball. 

🍁

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Twinkies

Two sweet little marigolds 

greeting us on our way home

from lunch.

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August Break :: Beneath my feet

My feet (and me!) happily anticipating a leisurely soak 

in a warm, Sunday morning bath.  

It's the first in a long while 

... way too long for this water baby. 

🛀🏻

#augustbreak2016

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August Break :: Mid-morning

(Yesterday's prompt 😉)

#augustbreak2016

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August Break :: What I'm reading

"The Book of Forgiving" 

by Desmond Tutu and his daughter, Mpho. 

What I'm so loving - and deeply resonating with - about this book is they don't sugarcoat 

the difficult process of forgiveness with platitudes. 

They speak of unspeakable acts, acknowledge what a tough, uphill road this journey can be 

and still offer Hope that, with time and prayer and working it through (including feeling alllllll 

of the feelings), forgiveness can happen. 

And what a holy gift - to ourselves, to the other 

person(s), and to our world. 

❤️

#augustbreak2016 

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Quiet Light (and Love)

Thinking of my family,

missing them and sending love.

Thinking of my aunt in particular

(who is really suffering)

and holding her in the Light of Love

and Peace.

.             *                .

August Break :: Sweetness

Summer Soul Sister

Silently, Softly Strengthens

#augustbreak2016 

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August Break :: Handwriting

Sometimes, when awake in the early hours, I'll start my journal page with a quote.

Grinning with a shrug because my handwriting can be hard to decipher at times, even for me. 

I can type so much faster so unless I'm really concentrating (and feeling patient) or wanting it 

to look nice, long gone are the days of beautiful penmanship.

'sides, she adds with a mischievous twinkle, with so many fonts out there?  

I enjoy playing that way. 

😉

 #augustbreak2016

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August Break 2016 :: Leaf

Wee yellow beauty winking from the rain soaked cement. 

Quiet reminder that the seasonal wheel continues to turn. 

💛

#augustbreak2016

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August Break :: Morning Light

'twas a cloudy one here today

#augustbreak2016

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