Camera-Captured Summertime Activities

Camera-Captured Summertime Activities
Sometimes we wonder where our time has gone, especially this summer. It is a good thing that we can record events with our camera so that we can answer that for ourselves. Here are some events I captured with family and friends--fun times and times for memories.1. My sweet aunt, Gladys (89), and I had a beautiful drive north to my sister, Kaye's, home. We helped her celebrate her birthday by taking her to lunch at a lovely restaurant up one of the canyons near her home. (I won't tell how old she is, only that she looks 25!).
This is the birthday girl complete with a darling apron and birthday crown. She is in her livingroom that is filled with all things memorable and fun including the family portrait mantle with it's inscription "Be Warm Inside and Out", two loveseats that she recovered from our mom's home, tea cup collections, hand stitched pillows, decoupaged Girl's Time (on the easel) and other fun and quirky things. Everything has a story. It is always a treat to go there to see what she has done lately. She is a very talented and fun sister.
Barbara and I took a little trip to an old Inn where my husband and I spent our honeymoon many years ago and enjoyed the gardens there. We took the plunge and sat in the natural mineral springs that are on the property. Something that neither one of us had done before. Doesn't she look amazing! She is an inspiration to me of perseverance and patience having stuck with her diet since last November!
I pressed her into service to redecorate the guest room while she was staying in it. So it went from French Country to Cottage Beachy in the course of one week. Of course, we found time to make some crafts before she went home too. She is making a Danger cosmetic bag out of danger tape and duct tape.
The craft room found cute Maddy making a banner for her bedroom back home too.
It is so nice to have spent time with those you love. I hope your summer is filled with the people you enjoy being with too.

Savoring Friendships

I received in the mail today a letter from a dear friend that I had made 28 years ago when she had 5 adorable blonde little girls and I had 3 adorable blonde, brunette and brown haired little girls. Her letter reminded me of what a wonderful thing friendships are. Even though we do not see each other often, just the sight of her handwriting made my heart happy and excitement filled my soul to open her letter, see her darling daughters with families of their own now and to be able to share in the tales of her busy life she is now experiencing.


Friendships begin in many different ways, some instantly, some unexpectedly, some after spending much time together and some with much effort. "That's how it is with people sometimes. When you least expect it, a common thread--golden, at that--begins to weave together the fabric of friendship" (Mary Kay Shanley)


I love that girlfriends can be of any age. When I was first married my "best" friend was 90 years old and helped me and give me such sage advice about raising children. I love to have friends that are younger than I am too. We help each other out. They help me stay young and I have experience that I can share with them. Each life that touches ours influences the way we see the world and handle our own situations. Even if we are separated by time and distance, and can no longer hear their voice or see their face, we never forget the impact that they have had on us. Friends stay with us in our memories and they are a part of our lives and continue to be.


I consider my friends to be my sisters--so close and extremely cherished in my heart. Maya Angelou has said, "In times of trouble, there are about seven women in the United States I can call at any hour and say "Now. Now, I need you now." And they will come. No questions. No objections..Nothing, nothing would keep them from me and me from them." I have special friends like this and feel blessed because of that fact and because of them.


Thank you to all my friends both old and new (and to those who will become my friends.) I never take our friendship lightly but feel eternally blessed because of it and you. You have given my life sunshine on a gloomy day!

By the way, if you'd like to feel balmy check out Jen's blog. She's in Hawaii and has a fun Hawaiian give away: http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/

New Year of Happiness and Love

It seems that January is the time we plan for the new year. Some people list resolutions, some set goals for themselves. I would like to suggest we live our life ready for Happiness and Love as set forth by Miguel Ruiz in his book The Four Agreements. The pictures accompanying his four steps below are from another book entitled Sisters by Judy Katschke that my own sister sent to me for Christmas.

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word

Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using your words to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don't Take Anything Personally

Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don't Make Assumptions

Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama.

4. Always Do Your Best

Your best will not always be the same; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

Here's to a wonderful and happy new year filled with love and happiness!