A simple lesson

Posted on September 30, 2018 by

Love the ones that encourage you to bloom.

Hibiscus-growing credit: My Mom!

Friends, I wish you a blooming good start to your week.

Posted in Friends and Family, Positive Thinking | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Shine on

Posted on September 13, 2018 by

Every second I can, I want to enjoy the gorgeous weather we have been experiencing. 

Marigolds

Watching Hurricane Florence’s path makes me count my blessings for our delightful weather, while praying for those affected in the myriad of ways a hurricane can cause damage. Right here in Shelbyville, Illinois – our Shelby Electric Cooperative is sending crews to help with restoration efforts.  Godspeed.

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What a summer it has been. It has not been a summer for blogging. It has been a summer of significant change and reflection, coming to terms with change, and always, always, digging deeper for personal strength … while relying on the support and love of family and friends.

CuriousDoe

The changing of seasons can be a catalyst for a fresh slate.  Why save resolutions to make a better life for January 1? I don’t believe in pretending failures do not happen to each of us.  I do believe in using lessons from failures to grow wiser.  You have to shake the negativity from your head.  You have value and beauty.  Don’t hide it.

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Shine on.  Shine for yourself.  Shine for those who deserve and need your light.

LateSummerMorning 

Posted in Friends and Family, Positive Thinking | Tagged | 8 Comments

Backyard Paradise

Posted on May 1, 2018 by

Spring is slowly, daintily, tiptoeing into the dance of seasons.Apr29TreeFringe

Sunday, I chose to explore, enjoy, and try to express the wild beauty of my backyard.Apr28Vine

I hoped to even find morel mushrooms, just as I’ve hoped this property is home to Redbud trees.

I found the Redbuds …. way at the back edge,Apr29Redbud

and a box turtle,Apr29Box_Turtle

and a beautiful hill of these blue, timber flowers, that I don’t know the name of.Apr29BlueFlowers

Here is a close-up:Apr29BlueCloseup

I had songs and company, too.Apr29CardinalApr29Nuts

No ‘shrooms, though.

Hmmmm, have to think about that.Apr29Robin

For today, friends, I hope you enjoy something in your own backyard!

Posted in Country Living, Positive Thinking, Small town life | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

Rain Delay

Posted on March 29, 2018 by

This spring has been delayed due to chilly, rainy weather and lack of sunshine.

I last posted an optimistic blog about spring whispering.  Since then, winter yelled back.

A little snow, a little ice, a lot of cold rain.

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It’s been a make-chili-and-cookies kind of spring.

Cookies2018

A take-a-nap kind of spring.

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Which, I guess, isn’t all bad.  It’s just that in Illinois, if we don’t get some nice spring days early …. it will turn into hot & humid summer over night!

Tune back in soon, friends.  I hope to continue this blog after the rain delay.

 

 

Posted in Old home, Positive Thinking, Small town life | Tagged | 9 Comments

A whisper

Posted on February 13, 2018 by

Spring whispered to me this morning from my backyard.Feb13Sunrise

It was a very quiet whisper.  After all, it is February 13th in Illinois.

Whispers are good.  Hope is better!

For today friends, have hope!

 

Posted in Country Living, Positive Thinking, Small town life | Tagged | 3 Comments

Puttering

Posted on February 11, 2018 by

Today was a putter day.  One of my favorite types of days.  It was icy and slick out; so the world slowed down and we stayed home.

As I was reading some blogs, I remembered that I had Happy photos to show you!  A couple of weeks ago, I visited Happy.  He is doing quite well!  Even spoiled a bit, I think.  When I offered him an apple he didn’t seem interested.

Seriously?

His pets said they cut his apples up for him…

Sure enough, Happy humored me by eating his apple slices.

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Friends, I hope you have it your way today!

Posted in Country Living, Friends and Family, Happy the donkey | Tagged | 5 Comments

January thoughts

Posted on January 24, 2018 by

Hi friends – I’ve missed ya! BubblesTheCat

The deck is craving some coffee, don’t you think?

Snowy_rocker

To fill some winter hours, I can waste a lot of time looking at Pinterest.  Where else do you find recipes and pictures of the most decadent desserts next to diet plans and exercise regimes?  In case you are looking for inspiration, here is a pin that I saved:Sharing 20 quotes to inspire you to live a vibrant life. These are travel quotes, quotes about love, quotes about strength and quotes about moving on // Hey There, Chelsie

Better to ponder the quotes than the dessert recipes.

Do something to make yourself feel vibrant soon, friends!

Posted in Positive Thinking, Random Thoughts | 9 Comments