"You cannot perceive beauty, but with a serene mind." - ~Henry David Thoreau

"We can all be angels to one another.
We can choose to obey the still
small stirring within,
the little whisper that says,
Go. Ask. Reach out.
Be an answer to someone's plea.
You have a part to play.
Have faith.......'
We can decide to risk that He is indeed there,
watching, caring, cherishing us as we love
and accept love.
The world will be a better place for it.
And wherever they are, the angels will dance."
-Joan Wester Anderson
Used with permission from the author Joan Wester Anderson
from her website ~ Inspirational Stories Thank you!

Her Note.....

This child is just too funny. She loves to read and write [what a glorious thing] and she has been into writing 'notes' lately.....I find them everywhere.

This is what I found today...do you think she is feeling better? [she has had a stomach bug and hasn't really kept food down, and I've not been out to the store, so we are running out of basicis.....I guess she figured she'd leave me a note so I didn't forget we need food.



Now bless her little soul....the soda is really for her Momma, as I love Fresca, and we've been out for a few days, so I've been drinking way too much coffee!

The cool thing is that she is really getting good at spelling. A month or so ago, 'Ice Cream' was spelt 'Ice Creem' so she is really learning lots!!!!

Thanks for sharing in my joy!!!!! These notes truly tickle me pink!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Emma Sage so enjoyed my cousin's babyshower......as we all did, as it was a precious time with family and friends and the anticipation of a new little soul on our family tree.

Generations.......my children and Mamie. We stopped to visit Mamie on our way to Florida to take Katrina back to college this past August. I can't believe it is coming up on six months since the last time we saw Katrina. Thank goodness for cell phones and the ability to call free.....as we talk daily [and most times 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 times a day]

Sadly, we won't be seeing Katrina until she comes home to volunteer for Camp PALS in June. Yikes, I can't believe it is still so far away.

There are times when I feel like my heart will burst.....from such joy! This was one of those times, as Emma Sage was just in heaven at this wedding as was I, as we were all together as a family. With Katrina away at college and not seeing her for so many months, I was looking back at this moment and treasuring the precious time we had together.

Our friends over at Daniel Drinker posted about this series from Australia that is being picked up by HBO called, Summer Heights High. I am looking forward to watching the series. Thanks Dan and clan!!!!

Wordless Wednesday......

Wordless Wednesday

To be with this child is such a joy.......we were outside on the pond when I took this, and she was captivated by the snow on the ice, when I took this shot. She had just brushed the snow off the frozen pond and could see how thick the ice was and the leaves underneath......

"Peace is always beautiful" ~ Walt Witman

"Peace is always beautiful." ~Walt Whitman

Quiet Reflection.....

I have been spending the last few weeks in quiet reflection.....hibernating in a way, cocooned ~ surrounded by everything precious and familiar to me. I have been cherishing this 'alone' time.....listening to beautiful music, reading, baking and cooking warm nourishing food ~ watching the wonder of nature, as we have had beautiful snow falls that keep my scenery blanketed in white, giving a perfect backdrop for birds to come to my feeders and my children to squeal in delight sleigh riding and ice skating.

We have had some unsettling news [and I know so many in our great nation are experiencing the same feelings in this shaky economy] and I have been searching deep ~ re-examining my comfort zone and praying that Rick finds a job in his industry soon.

During this time, my dear cousin Beth has been battling a beast ~ and all through her fight, her spirit and resolve have given me strength and clarity. She recently shared with me an essay she wrote about her 'Easter Basket' and how, even through 38 moves in her lifetime [yes, you read that right - 38 moves] this basket found its way with her in each move.....a basket that held memories more valuable than any materialistic object could hold. It had a resounding effect on me, as so many thoughts, scenarios and "what-ifs" have been racing through my head, but after reading this essay and learning about Beth's life journey in greater detail has made me realize that change and uncertainty are fine - as it is just part of the ebb and flow of our lives and that we need to feel and experience all of our emotions....but what is most important is how we ultimately respond to these emotions.

So while hibernating this winter - I have realized the core truths of myself - that I need very little - that I have the world in my children, husband, family and friends - that if I must change where I live - where I work - it is just an external change, it does not change who I am, it only strengthens me.

While I've been quietly reflecting......my little imp has been busy celebrating her life. This child is truly the most incredible little thing I have ever known.....as she has this way about her that just sparkles and puts everything into perspective.

A sweet comment from her: At Christmas we traveled to my brother and sister-in-laws upstate New York. At dinner, she was telling friends gathered at the table about herself.....she told them she is in First grade, that she models, she swims and that she is a 'Cupcake!!!'......laughing, I realized she meant to say 'Brownie' Girl Scout.

That is my little girl.....she is the sweetest 'Cupcake' around!