Motherhood Is For The Young

I've heard it said that motherhood is meant for the young, and I'm more inclined than ever before to believe this is true. Often times I see young mothers at the beach with small children. A day planned at the beach requires colossal amounts of energy and planning. On a recent trip to the beach these were my observations. Upon arrival at the beach, coins were placed in the meter and then the "high energy" mother went into an amazing plan of action. The back of the SUV opened, making visible, the inside, packed with all sorts of beach day paraphernalia. All was unloaded, and the mother began pulling a cart toward the water, while at the same time holding a small child. She had two toddlers walking along side, as she made her way through the white sand. She scoped the area, and eventually settled in a place, that to her, seemed the perfect location. Her concentration was a thing of beauty as she led her brood along. Without hesitation, she unloaded an umbrella, cooler, towels, beach chairs, beach bag and beach toys. On her person, she had a diaper bag that held pampers, wipes, baby bottles and dry clothing. After setting things up, she began putting suntan lotion on all children, carefully warning each not to rub their eyes. Hats and glasses were next, carefully placed on each child. They were given juice boxes and told to remain seated until "Mommy" was ready. Baby was tethered to a beach chair, carefully shaded and placed on a cherished family quilt. Radio music was heard as the mother brought out sand buckets and toys. A moment of hesitation was taken as she greeted an acquaintance, seemingly a girlfriend, with small children of her own. This mother, with focused concentration, in no time at all, made ready for her "little ones" and the beach day experience began. Whew!!!....Yes, motherhood is, for the young, or perhaps for the very energetic. click on painting for better look at what baby is doing.....

Homesick For The Mountains

I suppose I'm just a little bit homesick. You can take the girl from the mountains but you can't take the mountains from the girl. Each year at this time I start thinking about what all is blooming back home in the mountains of North Carolina, where much of my childhood was spent. Just about everything is coming to life I suppose after a cold winter. Rododendrons, some of my favorite should be making quite a show by now. I found myself standing in the kitchen this morning, humming some favorite old country songs. With just a little looking around on Playlist, I found some music that just plain ole made my heart happy.....enjoy, if you like.

Favorite Things For Spring

We all seem to have our favorite places to visit and Anthropologie is one of mine. These are just a few examples of what's in store this time of year. I'm thinking a trip to Tampa's Hyde Park is not too far off. Okay....it's a woman thing!
Spring Linens

Ibis Pillows

Gorgeous Lanterns

Tea Bowl Lanterns

I Want A Dog!

Upon retiring, I began almost immediately trying to persuade the mister, in allowing me to have a dog. In the beginning he tried reasoning with me, as to how this would be a burden for us. If we took the dog on trips and visits to see relatives, this would be assuming and disrespectful. If we left the dog behind, it would be unkind leaving it in a kennel. "Who is going to walk the dog and clean up after it, I'm not," he would say as matter of fact. He had many other sensible reasons, so to this day I continue on with my beseeching. This morning, while tidying up, I came across an old Country Home magazine. Looking through the pages, I came across a small article about Clumber Spaniels, titled "Baby Boom." Pictured were nine little Clumber puppies. "Oh my goodness, what do you think of these precious little guys Honey?" "This would be so much fun to have one of these." "I can't hear you, he relied." Oh, never mind him, I proceeded to do a little research, on the Clumber Spaniel. Oh my, maybe not for us.........but isn't he adorable?

A Clumber Spaniel my not be right for you if you don't want to deal with ......

*A Heavy dog who wants to sit on your feet, lie on your lap, and lean his weight against your leg.

*Stubbornness

*Regular brushing and combing

*Constant heavy shedding

*Slobbering and drooling

*Gassiness

Be Blessed This Lord's Day

Be Blessed This Lord's Day

Be Blessed This Lord's Day

Tent On The Beach

Wedding Tent.... Everyone enjoying themselves....

Guest still wearing wedding attire....

We could see the tent from a distance, and thought it somewhat of an exaggeration for a beach shelter. My first thoughts were Cirque Du Soliel. A circus on the beach? It had been late afternoon when deciding to walk on the beach. We've learned to expect only a few folks at a favorite remote location, especially in late afternoon. We looked forward to a walk of solitude, with little commotion other than what might be caused by a few noisy seagulls or ocean waves pounding the beaches. This particular afternoon, it would not be the case. With camera in hand, I hurried toward the direction of the tent, my curiosity having gotten the best of me. Who was here, and what was going on? Ah...it didn't take but a moment to realize this was a setting for a wedding. From the looks of things, the marriage ceremony had taken place much earlier in the day. At some point nearly everyone had changed into beach attire, for crowds of guests still in a celebratory mood, were enjoying the sand, water and socializing. Not wishing to intrude, I took a few photos and left. I couldn't help myself and snapped a few shots of some wedding guest walking in the sand still wearing formal wedding attire. The lady in the blue dress was wearing some amazing shoes and seemed to be having no trouble walking in the sand. Hmmm...."to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do us part." I do wish them well.click on photos....

Prayer America's Hope~Thursday May 7, 2009

*Government-Pray our leaders will act with wisdom and integrity.

*Military-Pray for divine protection and guidance for our armed forces. Intercede for military chaplains and loved ones at home.

*Media-Pray for fair and accurate reporting.

*Business-Pray that God will raise up His ambassadors in the workplace.

*Education-Pray for protection in all schools and morally sound instructions.

*Church-Pray churches will be strengthened and readied for revival.

*Family-Pray that God will build faith foundations in families.

Plumeria

Beginning of the transformation...small leaves.....

Soon it will have beautiful white blooms....

I've always thought of the Plumeria as the "ugly duckling" in nature. An odd sort of plant void of leaves all winter long, each spring it begins a transformation that is unbelievable. Already, it has begun.....click on photos