Headed Home

Another pillar in hubby's church has passed.

This was our beauty-filled view

on our way home from her visitation.

May Reba rest in peace.

.          *            .

Southern Summer Treat

My favorite partner, who's Love Language is Gifts, 

left another treat for me on my desk this morning. 

🎁

When he stopped by later, 

he said they received 3 identical copies this month 

so he thought I might enjoy one of the extras! 

♥️

.           *           .

Moana

A good way to spend an evening. 

❤️

.         *           .

Morning Greeters

May this house be blessed with gentle hearts.

Amen.

.          *          .

           

Blessing Basking

On my way in this morning, 

I pulled over close, 

stopped for just a minute, 

rolled my window down

 and allowed my 4 Sisters 

to love on me a little bit. 

Our weekdays together are numbered 

as our office will be moving soon. 

(No date yet)

..

Blessed be. 

🌳🌳🌳🌳

.         *             .

Wonder Woman

A very good way to spend an afternoon.

.          *             .

Saturday Snippets

Rode along with hubby on a gray, rainy Saturday. 

☔️   .   🌫   .   💜

When he finished up with his treasurer duties

we shared a late patio lunch

and then went for a short walk

to check out the bakery next door.

.          *           .

All of these little lovelies called to me as we walked by

.       .      .

.       .      .

.      .       .

.      .      .

While Hubby did a little more exploring,

I was enchanted with these lanterns.

It was a good day.

.          *          .

Follow Grace . . .

. . . with my face, 

(Just like a beautiful Sunflower does.)

🌻

.             *           .

Morning Freshness

Hurricane Cindy brought 

a lot of gray, rainy days our way this week. 

This morning it was so good 

to see cheerful blue skies 

and to breathe in the freshly laundered air. 

Even the way the sun shined 

made it it seem like everything was sparkling clean. 

✨

.           *           .

Back to the Basics

Restin' and Abidin' 

in Grace, Mercy, Hope, and Peace. 

💕

.         *          .

A Gentle Reminder . . .

Be Here, Love

. . . 

Even when it's hard 

. . . 

And when you remember?

Return to what you know.

All will be well.

.         *          .

Sweet Surprise

So this little darling 

has been sitting in our amazon cart for awhile now, 

patiently waiting for me to decide.

. 🌸. 

In the meantime 

hubby placed an order 

and, rather than "save her for later" 

as I fully expected, 

he invited her to come home and live with us.

. 🌸. 

Blessed be. 

#HisLoveLanguageIsGifts

.          *            .

Pop-Up Pond

It rained cats and dogs this afternoon 

and we had a flood warning. 

 Sure enough... 

this little area off of our carport isn't usually a pond. 

 😉

.          *          .

Time for Refreshment

Feeling nauseated since yesterday morning, I went to see my doctor this afternoon. After 

the blood work (and letting the unanticipated tears fall that were rising), I was in the 

bathroom washing my hands having just collected a urine sample. 

Both the soft spraying sound and the way the water flowed gently over my hands was an 

unexpected moment of refreshment.

Being the last appointment of the day, I knew folks were waiting on me so I almost didn't 

notice. When I did notice, I almost didn't allow myself to take a moment to stop and let 

the water soothe me and my weary spirit.

Almost. 

In a moment of Grace, I reminded myself that it would only take a minute or two.... it 

really was ok to take time to tend to myself... and I stopped and let the water caress my 

hands.

Turns out, it was one of those things that 

this water baby didn't even know she needed....

... until the invitation to quench my parched soul 

presented itself.

Blessed be. 

💦

.          *            .

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

I'm so grateful for this picture, taken several years ago by my sister. 

Hubby and I are on our way home and, 

as usually happens, 

I'm so filled with emotion that I've lost my words.

My dear Daddy is just holding and gently patting me 

while softly telling me it was good to see us, 

thanking us for coming, 

and telling me he loves me. 

 See there? 

 It still brings me to tears.

I love you, too, Daddy!

Blessed be. 

❤️

.           *              .

Saturday Snippets

Reclining

Gloaming

✨

.              *              .

Delightful Care Package

I'm really enjoying this care package offering 

by Liz Lamoreux. 

Along with a small silver, hand-stamped talisman 

that can be slipped into a pocket, 

each box has delightful surprises 

tucked in to support the month's practice. 

"Find your center" 

feels like another invitation 

to practice my word for this year, Grounded. 

This was such a wonderful way 

to spend some Christmas money 

and how fun that the gift keeps on giving. 

💕

.          *          .

Evidence of Where I Came - 2017 edition

. gingham because it reminds me of my Moma and Grandma, and black and white in 

particular because that was the color of my dress when Grandma made smocked dresses 

for all of her granddaughters. In doing a quick count, I think she made about 18 of them.

. a yellow rose, one of dozens given to me by my dear husband, because I love him, roses,
and the land of my birth.

. Grandma used to give us holy cards for special occasions and I chose this one of 

St. Joseph in honor of my Daddy, his namesake. My brother was named after him and we 

girls were often fondly referred to by our first name followed by "Jo," which is part of most 

of our middle names.

. a journal because I do so love to write and because I have no doubts that I would Not be 

where I am today without this constant, faithful companion, always there to catch my 

thoughts, feelings, tears, fears, joys, and dreams.

. my Grace cross speaks to my cherished faith and honors the gift of my family by 

marriage

. a rose quartz heart to remind me of all of the love in my life - both given and received

. the small metal filigree case holds the rosary my confirmation sponsor, a beloved teacher, 

gave to me on that special day.

. the little decoupaged plaque of a girl sharing a picnic tea with her doll is inscribed on the 

back in my Grandma's beautiful cursive handwriting: "Debbie, 1972"

. the pink bookmark reminds me that Debbie means "Seeking One." Smiling big because 

nothing could be farther from the truth.

. a sweet pillow case delicately embroidered for me with a little lamb reminds me of how 

wonderful it was to grow up on a farm.

. and, of course, my constant crutch companions, Bert and Ernie, who have been standing 

by and supporting me for decades.

Blessed be.

💕

.            *            .

Afternoon Respite

 🌻

.           *          .

Sisters Hemmed in by Grace

We had a lovely visit with my sister, her hubby, and their 6-year-old granddaughter 

yesterday and this morning as they were driving thru town.  We moved here almost

30 years ago and this was her very first time here. 

At my request, we took this one of she and I last night, hemmed in by Mama Grace, 

angels, *and* twinkle lights. 

 ❤️😉

May they all continue to watch over, guide, and bless us and our family, especially 

as the children of my sibs are beginning to move out of their nests and form families 

of their own, just as it's meant to be.

(Growing old isn't always so easy or graceful, is it? ❤️)

It was such a delight to get to spend some time connecting with her, always my girl, 

away from all of that and in the comforting warmth of my home. It meant a lot to be 

able to return some of the thoughtful hospitality that she has always so willingly 

offered to us over the years during our trips back there.

Blessed Be.

❤️

.           *         .

Happy Birthday Tree Love

Lookie at the birthday love that arrived today's mail!! 

My dear artist sister-friend, 

who has been hearing me speak fondly of them for almost 9 years now, 

painted a picture of my beloved 4 Sisters for me! 

Plus! 

The Dogwood Twins are there too 

and, just like in real life, 

are standing a little ways from their big sisters, 

down on the right.

And!

It brought *such* delight 

to notice that all of their shadows 

are angel wings!

Her sweet thoughtfulness couldn't be more perfect! 

Blessed be. 

💕💕💕

#ABirthdayGiftIsNeverEverLate

.             *             .

Rest and Be Here

One of my sister's and her hubby is coming through town this weekend. We moved here 

almost 30 years ago and this will be her first visit here so that's exciting!

I've been doing some cleaning in the evenings this week and it is very good to sit, rest, 

and just be for a bit. 

💕

.          *          .

Silly Amazon

These 3 things were all that were in this h-u-g-e box. 

Well, along with a whole big pile of plastic shipping air bags. 

 🙃

.          *          .

I'm a Georgia Voter

Grateful for both the privilege and right to vote. 

 And Big Yay for being able to vote early! 

🎉

.           *           .

Little Help

Always grateful for the motorized carts that so many stores provide. 

Especially on a full list kinda day.

.                  *                 .

Soothing Sabbath Soak

.           *               .

June's Tree

A new month brings a new tree friend. 

I'm already smitten with 

this one's graceful invitation to dance. 

🌳      🌿     💚

.             *             .