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!"

.            *             .

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!).

.            *            .

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. 

.            *             .