Sacred Ruminations

Shadow Shot Sunday - Mosaic & Blue Monday

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:09:00 +0000

If you missed it ...

my Peace Globe is in the next post
Scroll down for Mosaic and BLUE Monday variations

Still sunny ... shadows
easy to find everywhere
in my neighborhood

Click to embiggen for better viewing
and for others participating in
Shadow Shot Sunday
at Hey Harriet

Inverted

Solarized

Click to embiggen for better viewing
and for others participating in Blue Monday

I love Photoshop
Elements and playing with
'filters' ... just because ;-)

Palette Knife

Stained Glass

Poster Edges

Click to embiggen for better viewing
and for others participating in Mosaic Monday

See my other 2009 Peace Globes at

Small Reflections
Happily Retired Gal
Blog Rolls, Bling and Blurbs

Thought for Today
"The sun is the epitome of benevolence - it is lifegiving and warmthgiving and happinessgiving, and to it we owe our thanksgiving." Jessi Lane Adams

Dona Nobis Pacem - 2009's Peace Blast

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:28:00 +0000

6th Blog Blast for Peace
November 5, 2009

Today I join Mimi Lenox and many other bloggers in the 6th Blog Blast for Peace ... and invite YOU to join the wave today on your Blog. Just click Mimi's link and read the directions for getting your own Peace Globe to personalize and publish. Then follow the directions to share with others through her official sites ... and visit others blogging for peace.

Click to embiggen for better viewing

If you missed them, click for links to my Blog Blasts for Peace:

November 2008
Sacred Ruminations- The Strength of Gentleness
Small Reflections-A Revolution of Music,
Blog Rolls & Bling - What if? (a Colorful Alternative to Bombs)
and June 2008:
Thirteen Thoughts on the Topic of Peace
Peace in Every Step

and on September 21st, 2009
for the International Day of Peace

Whirled Peace - We Each Can Make a Difference

Click for others participating in
the 6th Blog Blast for Peace!

See my other 2009 Peace Globes at

Small Reflections
Happily Retired Gal
Blog Rolls, Bling and Blurbs

Thought for Today
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. Mother Teresa

Monday Mosaics and Motivators

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:32:00 +0000

Variations on
Sunday's Shadow Shot collage
presented Monday

along with a few
thought-provoking quotes today
... Inspirational ;-)

"There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning." Jiddu Krishnamurti

Accented Edges

"Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you." Carl Sandburg

Poster Edges

"In the end it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." Abraham Lincoln

Solarize

Click any mosaic to embiggen for better viewing
... and for others participating in Mosaic Monday

Thought for Today
"Wisdom doesn't automatically come with old age. Nothing does - except wrinkles." Abigail Van Buren

Miscellaneous Mosaic Variations

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:33:00 +0000

Outdoor Wednesday is in the next post
Scroll down for Color Carnival

Still sunny ... shadows
easy to find everywhere
in my neighborhood

Click to embiggen for better viewing
and for others participating in
Shadow Shot Sunday
at Hey Harriet

Sharing colorful
versions of some earlier
mosaics of mine

Originals can be
viewed by clicking on the links
above each collage

Everybody knows
I love experimenting ...
just because I can ;-)

Pink Diplodanias - Inverted

Mellow Yellow Alaskan Views - Solarized

Wild Bear in Alaska - Solarize

Click to embiggen for better viewing
See also Oregon Coastal Skies Solarized
at Small Reflections and for
other Color Carnival
& Haiku Friday
participants

Click for a 2nd Color Carnival
this week at Small Reflections ... just because ;-)

If you're on Daylight Savings Time
remember to change your clocks
to 'Fall back' Saturday night.

Thought for Today
"What is now proven was once only imagined." William Blake

Bulb Shoots with a Mind of their Own

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:30:00 +0000

ShadowShotSunday
& Mosaic Monday are in the next post
ALMOST

These little bulb shoots
do not realize it's not
Spring ... rather crazy

to see them pop up
in October rather than
when they're supposed to.

Originals above & posted edges below
(click to embiggen for better viewing)

Irises planted
thirty years ago beneath
this Korean grass

have bloomed every Spring
but I have no idea what
might happen next now ...

because it's October!
Do YOU?
This is what they looked like this past Spring!

Click to embiggen for better viewing
and for others participating in
Outdoor Wednesday
Midweek Blues
(Almost) Wordless Wednesday
See also little white butterflies at Happily Retired Gal

Thought for Today
"We are shaped and fashioned by what we love." Goethe

Shadow Shot Sunday - Mosaic Monday

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Forest shadows and
railings near Lake Arrowhead ...
Sunday mosaic

Click to embiggen for better viewing
and for others participating in
Shadow Shot Sunday
at Hey Harriet

These mosaics look
much the same until you click
to 'embiggen' them

Lightened

Accented Edges

Paint Daubs

Rough Pastels

Solarize Lightened

Click to embiggen for better viewing
and for others participating in

and Mosaic Monday

Site Meter Stats for ...
Sacred Ruminations

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Please accept this gift as a token of our appreciation
for stopping by and commenting ;--)

Thanks to everyone
who dropped by to celebrate
Blogoversaries

for my second year
at Sacred Ruminations
and Small Reflections.

If you missed them and
have the time just click below ...
Have a lovely day!

T-13 Celebrating my Second Blogoversary
at Small Reflections and/or
Sky Watch - Celebrating my 2nd Blogoversary
here at Sacred Ruminations

I've left two awards
featuring Ms Kitty and
Molly ... just because.

Thought for Today
"What are you being called to do? Stop, sit and listen for a while. The answer will come." Lisa Hammond

Haiku Sky Watch - Celebrating my 2nd Blogoversary

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:15:00 +0000

Who knew how much fun
blogging would be way back when
I decided to

start this second site
on October twenty-third
2007?

Today's post makes my
four hundred seventy-fourth
... rather amazing.

Please accept this gift as a token of our appreciation
for stopping by and commenting ;--)

If you have the time
click to celebrate with me
at Small Reflections.

Revisiting skies
shared previously in this
multi-mosaic

Click to embiggen for better viewing ...
and for others participating in Haiku Friday and Sky Watch

Thought for Today

"The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice." George Eliot

Taking a moment ... just because

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:39:00 +0000

Camera Critters is in the next post
Scroll down for Blog Your Blessings on Sunday
and Haiku Memories of my Brother

Fall photos from my
sister's U. S. travels back
in 2006

Palette Knife filter
blurs the details creating
an 'artistic' view

Distort - Pinch

Polar Coordinates

Poster Edges

Originals - Straight out of the Camera

Paint Daubs

Poster Edges

Click any image to embiggen for better viewing
and for others participating in
Scenic Sunday
Shadow Shot Sunday
Mellow Yellow Monday
Mosaic Monday

"Because time itself is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday each year: The same energy that God invested in you at birth is present once again." Menachem Mendel Schneerson

October 18th
birthday of my brother who
died just before his

65th birthday ...
Would be 75 if
he was still on earth.

In February
I'll be 65 myself ...
strange how quickly time

passes. I'm grateful
for many memories and
life-long lessons learned.

Generous and kind
loving son, husband, father
brother ... passed without

meeting 5 grand kids
each born after his demise ...
Lively legacy ;--)

"Don't let yesterday use up too much of today."
Cherokee Indian Proverb

See my Daily Gratitude List
in the sidebar at Small Reflections
and the lists I've transferred to Happily Retired Gal

What are some blessings in YOUR life currently?

For others who 'Blog Their Blessings'

go to My Blog Rolls and/or click on the
Blog Your Blessings logo
above Really Good Things.

For those who participate in Sacred Life Sunday
click the logo below:

Blessed Be ... and so it is!

Thought for Today

"Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see." John W. Whitehead, The Stealing of America, 1983

Rainy Day Walk - Coots and Pigeons

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:45:00 +0000

Almost

Unusual bird
near Alice's Restaurant
on a rainy day

Click any image to embiggen for better viewing.

A Coot Invasion?
As I walked around the park
these birds followed me.

Do you see the rabbit in the photo above?

One of these birds is not like the others ;--)

Originals

Poster Edges

Click to embiggen for better viewing ...
for others participating in Haiku Friday, Camera Critters
and (Almost) Wordless Wednesday on Friday

Thought for Today
"What are the good things in your life? Write down all of the life choices or gifts that you are grateful for and want to celebrate today." Gail McMeekin

Lake Arrowhead Views and more ...

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:05:00 +0000

Scenic Sunday and Color Carnival
are in the next post

Last weekend I drove
a friend up to Arrowhead
where she used to live

"I think that I cannot preserve my health and spirits, unless I spend four hours a day at least - and it is commonly more than that - sauntering through the woods and over the hills and fields, absolutely free from all worldly engagements." Henry David Thoreau

"No man should go through life without once experiencing healthy, even bored solitude in the wilderness, finding himself depending solely on himself and thereby learning his true and hidden strength." Jack Kerouac

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul." John Muir

"A lake carries you into recesses of feeling otherwise impenetrable."
William Wordsworth

"A lake is the landscape's most beautiful and expressive feature.
It is earth's eye; looking into which the beholder
measures the depth of his own nature."
Henry David Thoreau

"Never be afraid to sit awhile and think."
Lorraine Hansberry, A Raisin in the Sun

Click to embiggen for better viewing
and for others participating in Blue Monday

Outdoor Wednesday

Watery Wednesday

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

Midweek Blues
See more blue watery outdoor photos in my Mosaic Monday post
at Small Reflections

Thought for Today
"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul." John Muir

Scenic Sunday & Color Carnival - Whittier, Alaska

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 17:55:00 +0000

Scroll down for Color Carnival

More photographs from
my sister in Alaska ...
Whittier area

Once upon a time
they traveled in this 5th wheel
towed with Chevy truck

but they got tired
of the 'hassles' ... trading it
for this Pleasure Way

I don't know how they

manage sharing this small space,

but somehow they do.

Originals - Tweaked a bit and Lightened too

These mosaics look
much the same until you click
to 'embiggen' them

Poster Edges

Spherize

Click to embiggen for better viewing
and for others participating in
Scenic Sunday

Civilization
in the wilderness provides
conveniences

Accented Edges

Solarize

Click to embiggen for better viewing
and for others participating in
Color Carnival

Thought for Today
"Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes." Mahatma Gandhi

T-13 Haiku Sky Watch Friday - Alaskan Skies

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:16:00 +0000

Blue photographs from
my sister in Oregon ...
RV traveling

I don't know how they

manage sharing this small space

but somehow they do

Alaskan Marine Highway Skies

"Enjoy when you can, and endure when you must."
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"Pick battles big enough to matter, small enough to win."
Jonathan Kozel

Click to embiggen for better viewing ...
and for others participating in Haiku Friday and Sky Watch

Thought for Today
"If you have a dream, give it a chance to happen." Richard de Vos

Mosaic Blue Monday - Oregon Coast

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:16:00 +0000

Blue photographs from
my sister in Oregon ...
RV traveling

I don't know how they

manage sharing this small space

but somehow they do

Original Mosaic
created by me with photos from my sister
slightly 'tweaked' by me with PSE6

Poster Edges

Accented Edges

Click to embiggen for better viewing
and for others participating in
Mosaic and Blue Monday

Thought for Today
"I have found out that there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them." Mark Twain

Scenic Shadow Shot Sunday plus BYBS

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 16:06:00 +0000

Scroll down for Blog Your Blessings on Sunday

More photographs from
my sister in Fairhaven ...
RV traveling

I don't know how they

manage sharing this small space,

but somehow they do.

Fairhaven, Washington

Once again I share
photographs from my sister ...
Mosaic by Me ;--)

Poster Edges

Click to embiggen for better viewing
and for others participating in
Scenic Sunday
Shadow Shot Sunday

"Don't let yesterday use up too much of today."
Cherokee Indian Proverb

See my Daily Gratitude List
in the sidebar at Small Reflections
and the lists I've transferred to Happily Retired Gal

What are some blessings in YOUR life currently?

For others who 'Blog Their Blessings'

go to My Blog Rolls and/or click on the
Blog Your Blessings logo
above Really Good Things.

For those who participate in Sacred Life Sunday
click the logo below:

Blessed Be ... and so it is!

Thought for Today

"Good things happen to those who hustle." Anais Nin

Blue Views from Alaska - Outdoor and Watery

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:55:00 +0000

Mostly

More photographs from
my sister in Alaska ...
RV traveling

Original Mosaic
created by me with photos from my sister
slightly 'tweaked' by me with PSE6

These mosaics look
much the same until you click
to 'embiggen' them

Paint Daubs

Poster Edges

Accented Edges

Pinch

Click to embiggen for better viewing

and for others participating in
Mosaic Monday

Outdoor Wednesday

Watery Wednesday

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

Midweek Blues
See also some creative & colorful variations
at Happily Retired Gal

Thought for Today
"Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with your talent is your gift back to God." Leo Buscaglia

Scenic Shadow Shot Sunday plus BYBS

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:20:00 +0000

Scroll down for Blog Your Blessings on Sunday

Photos from the road
taken by a friend of mine

... 'tweaked' a bit by me

Click to embiggen for better viewing
and for others participating in
Scenic Sunday
Shadow Shot Sunday

"Don't let yesterday use up too much of today."
Cherokee Indian Proverb

See my Daily Gratitude List
in the sidebar at Small Reflections

What are some blessings in YOUR life currently?

For others who 'Blog Their Blessings'

go to My Blog Rolls and/or click on the
Blog Your Blessings logo
above Really Good Things.

For those who participate in Sacred Life Sunday
click the logo below:

Blessed Be ... and so it is!

Thought for Today

"The most effective way to do it, is to do it." Amelia Earhart

Watery Wednesday with Words of Wisdom

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:19:00 +0000

Mostly

Click to embiggen for better viewing ...

Polar Coordinates

Click to embiggen for better viewing of the differences
see also my other Wednesday post at Happily Retired Gal
and for others participating in
Outdoor Wednesday
Watery Wednesday
Midweek Blues
Mostly Wordless Wednesday
Wordless Wednesday

Thought for Today
"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." John F. Kennedy

Whirled Peace - We Can Each Make a Difference

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 12:06:00 +0000

Click for Camera Critters, Pet Pride, & Monochrome Mania
Scroll down for Blog Your Blessings on Sunday
and information about the next
Blog Blast for Peace

Imagining Peace
Photobucket images
in my Mosaic

Click to embiggen for better viewing
and for others participating in
Mosaic and Blue Monday

Bobbie of Almost There brought the Pinwheels for Peace project to my attention and I'd like to share with you because ... "in today's world, peace needs to become more than just a word."

"Pinwheels for Peace is an art installation project started in 2005 by two Art teachers, Ann Ayers and Ellen McMillan, who teach at Monarch High School in Coconut Creek, Florida, as a way for their students to express their feelings about what’s going on in the world and in their lives. The project was quickly embraced by their students and the entire school community and by millions of art teachers, teachers, parents, children and adults who desire peace in our world.
The first Pinwheels for Peace were installed on Sept. 21, 2005. Since then, we have grown from 500,000 pinwheels planted the first year, to 2 million pinwheels in 2008!"

September 21st, is International Day of Peace ... and I hope you'll participate. Check out the site for Info & Ideas, Pinwheel Locations, Template, Directions, Gallery, and more. To learn more about International Day of Peace, visit Peace One Day and International Day of Peace.

"The pacifist's task today is to find
a method of helping and healing which provides
a revolutionary constructive substitute for war."
~Vera Brittain, 1964

"Don't let yesterday use up too much of today."
Cherokee Indian Proverb

I'm blessed with many wonderful friends ... and am grateful for the serendipitous chain of events that led to me discovering this 'virtual' world known as the Blogosphere. A widget in my sidebar reminds me that I'll celebrate my 2nd Blogoversary in just about a month.
I had no clue back then what would unfold, but I appreciate the connections with so many others throughout the world who not only share thoughts on their own blogs, but visit & comment on mine. Each is a blessing and I'm delighted to have encountered all.

Today as I reflect on my life and share about 'Whirled Peace' ... I'm reminded of my gratitude for Mimi Lenox who conceived of a wonderful idea in the Fall of 2006 and followed through ... encouraging people from all over the world to join her in a Blog Blast for Peace.

On June 4th of 2008 I joined her and others, creating my first two Peace Globes and posting twice ... once at Sacred Ruminations and also at Small Reflections. On November 6th of 2008 I created three more. In case you missed them and you have a bit of time to spare, here are links:
Sacred Ruminations- The Strength of Gentleness
Small Reflections-A Revolution of Music,
Blog Rolls & Bling - What if? (a Colorful Alternative to Bombs)
and June of 2008:
Thirteen Thoughts on the Topic of Peace
Peace in Every Step

This seems like a good chance to announce
that the next Blog Blast for Peace launch is
November 5th 2009
I'd like to invite you to participate.
You can click here for more information at Mimi's
and the badge below to get your peace globe.
here to see globes created by others

I hope to see your Peace Globe and Blog Blast this year.

See also
my Daily Gratitude List
in the sidebar at Small Reflections

What are some blessings in YOUR life currently?

For others who 'Blog Their Blessings'

go to My Blog Rolls and/or click on the
Blog Your Blessings logo
above Really Good Things.

For those who participate in Sacred Life Sunday
click the logo below:

Blessed Be ... and so it is!

Thought for Today

"Let us love the world to peace." Quoted in The Angels' Little Instruction Book by Eileen Elias Freeman, 1994

Monochrome Review of Molly's Adventures

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:54:00 +0000

Molly in Monochrome

Recently Molly's
best friend Jenke moved away ...
Here's their last playdate

(Click mosaic to embiggen for better viewing
or here for a color version)

As I've shared before
this is where her friend Jenke
lived for sev'ral years.

Often no one's home

but occasionally the new

neighbors have the door

open and invite

Molly in to check things out.

Of course, Jenke's not

there any longer,

but that doesn't keep Molly

from checking again

until startled by
a little Dalmatian pup
and her companions

(Click mosaic to embiggen for better viewing
or here for a color version)

(Click mosaic to embiggen for better viewing
or here for a color version)

Skittish at first, she
soon followed Moll everywhere
as Molly still searched

(Click mosaic to embiggen for better viewing
or here for a color version)

for Jenke ... It's been
sev'ral weeks and they've become
'buddies' as you see ;--)

(Click mosaic to embiggen for better viewing
or here for a color version)
See also Molly & Layla in Transition - Camera Critters
today at Small Reflections.
Click for others participating in Haiku Friday,
Camera Critters, Pet Pride and
Monochrome Weekly

Thought for Today
"A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be." Douglas Pagels

Midweek Multi-tasking - Outdoor Watery Wednesday

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:56:00 +0000

ALMOST

More photographs from
my sister in Ketchikan ...
RV traveling

I don't know how they

manage sharing this small space

but somehow they do

Originals collaged
Straight Out of the Camera

The rest of these views
may look much the same until
clicked to 'embiggen'

Watercolor

Paint Daubs

Poster Edges

Solarize

Click to embiggen for better viewing

and for others participating in

Scenic Sunday (sorry to be late but life's been BUSY)

Outdoor Wednesday

Watery Wednesday

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

Midweek Blues

Thought for Today

"The sea pronounces something, over and over, in a hoarse whisper; I cannot quite make it out." Annie Dillard

Window Views with Reflections and Color too

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:13:00 +0000

Scroll down for Color Carnival

Window reflections
captured in a few of my
photographs today

with flowers and some
shadows too ... one COLORFUL
window with turquoise ;--)

Straight out of the Camera

Click mosaics to embiggen for better viewing ...

Poster Edges

Click for others participating in Window Views

Straight out of the Camera!

Click to embiggen for better viewing ...

Click for others participating in Color Carnival

Thought for Today
"A goal is a dream with a deadline." Napoleon Hill

Tennis Shadows and more ...

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 18:45:00 +0000

Scroll down for Blog Your Blessings on Sunday

I'm a tennis fan
watching the US Open
on television

occasionally
snapping photos from the screen ...
Shadow Mosaic

Cropped - straight out of the camera

with Poster Edges

Solarized for a 'kewl' view

Click to embiggen for better viewing
and for others participating in
Shadow Shots at Hey Harriet
Mellow Yellow Monday
Blue Monday

"Don't let yesterday use up too much of today."
Cherokee Indian Proverb

1. It's been HOT and HUMID in Southern California at the beach, but when I've been able to stay home I've been watching as much tennis as my DVR will record. Please bear with me as I'm a dedicated tennis fan ;--)

2. Until last night the Americans were doing better than usual this year. I admit that it was hard to watch Andy Roddick get upset by John Isner in a 5th set tiebreak after coming back from losing the first two sets ... but, of course, the win was a HUGE break through for John. Hopefully the tall man will recover from the 5-set match well enough to do well in the next round.

3. Watching young Melanie Oudin take out Elena Dementieva in the previous round and upset Maria Sharapova last night helped make up for the disappointment of the James Blake upset and Sam Querrey's loss yesterday. What an incredible competitor this young gal is!

4. The amazing run of qualifier Jesse Witten had me on the edge of my seat hoping he could extend his run and defeat Novak Djokovic ... just because.

5. Watching Taylor Dent win his match in a 5-set nail biter felt even more exciting realizing all the physical challenges he's faced after having THREE back surgeries. What a recovery and amazing run so far. He'll play Andy Murray in the next round and I'll be watching ;--)

See also
my Daily Gratitude List
in the sidebar at Small Reflections

What are some blessings in YOUR life currently?

For others who 'Blog Their Blessings'

go to My Blog Rolls and/or click on the
Blog Your Blessings logo
above Really Good Things.

For those who participate in Sacred Life Sunday
click the logo below:

Blessed Be ... and so it is!

Thought for Today
"There is no greater loan than a sympathetic ear." Frank Tyger

Ruby Tuesday - More OC Fair Performers

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:16:00 +0000

Two weeks ago I
shared acrobats performing
at the OC Fair.

Below jugglers
demonstrate their skills in my
Tuesday Mosaic.

Originals - straight out of the camera

Posterized

Spherized

Click to embiggen for better viewing
and for others participating in Ruby Tuesday

Thought for Today
"What really matters is what you do with what you have." H.G. Wells

Scenic Sunday - Today's Flowers - Mellow Yellow

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:07:00 +0000

Scroll down for Blog Your Blessings on Sunday

I don't know how they
manage sharing this small space
but somehow they do

Once again I share
photographs from my sister ...
Capitol Building

with yellow flowers
Olympia, Washington ...
one beautiful shot!

Cherry trees in bloom
near the Capitol building
lovely pink blossoms

Click to embiggen for better viewing
and for others participating in
Scenic Sunday
Today's Flowers
Mellow Yellow Monday

"Don't let yesterday use up too much of today."
Cherokee Indian Proverb

1. Although my sister continues to travel with her husband in their RV (and doesn't DO email), she does call regularly from the road and her husband has sent me a stack of DVDs with photos from their travels ... so I can 'see' where they've been after the fact. One of my good friends just left on an extended RV trip with her husband in their Montana 5th wheel and will 'hook up' with my sister and her husband in a week or two around Laramie or Cheyenne. I'm happy they'll be able to connect and since my friend DOES email, I should see photos in a more 'timely' manner for a month or two.

2. The US Open Tennis Championship begins tomorrow in New York so there will be TENNIS to watch for a couple of weeks before my Adult School classes begin again on the 9th of September. I'll be learning to use Power Point on Monday & Wednesday mornings and am hoping to learn to create some 'kewl' slide shows.

3. My Jury Duty has been postponed until mid-November when my Adult School class will meet in the EVENING rather than during the daytime.

4. Molly continues to look for her fur-friend Jenke, but hopefully will eventually find the Dalmatian puppy, Aloha, a fun playmate once she grows up.

5. I continue to enjoy swimming daily with my friend Susan in the lovely pool at the complex where she lives ... about 5 minutes from my home. It's great exercise and the weather has been wonderfully clear & sunny this past week.

6. Even though it's drier than dry in Southern California, my 'Just Joey' rose bush is in bloom ... it ALWAYS lifts my spirits and generates conversations with those who pass by ;--)

See also
my Daily Gratitude List
in the sidebar at Small Reflections

What are some blessings in YOUR life currently?

For others who 'Blog Their Blessings'

go to My Blog Rolls and/or click on the
Blog Your Blessings logo
above Really Good Things.

For those who participate in Sacred Life Sunday
click the logo below:

Blessed Be ... and so it is!

Thought for Today
"Do you know the difference between education and experience? Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don't." Pete Seeger

Haiku Friday-Looking at the Sky & Morning Musings

smallreflections@gmail.com (storyteller) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:54:00 +0000

Scroll down for Morning Musings

I watch the sun rise
in the east from my front yard
whenever I can ...

Capturing the moon
while holding my camera ...
challenging at best

taken from my deck
one evening not long ago ...
almost got it right ;--)

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Looking at the Sky and Haiku Friday

Morning Musings ...

1. It's been a while since I've taken time to share Morning Musings ... and I'm planning to swim in 30 minutes, so this may be cut short. Perhaps I'll add a bit more when I return? Yup ... I'm back and making a few additions before I head out to run errands and will visit others later this afternoon and/or over the weekend.

2. I've been watching ESPN2's TENNIS coverage on weekends throughout the summer whenever time permits and am looking forward to the US Open coverage beginning on Monday. I've done some writing in my journal about the matches and intend to photograph those pages to share ... perhaps later today.

Images added at 10:20am

3. The weather most of the summer has been cool & cloudy, but this week HEAT has arrived with clear blue skies. Unfortunately at the same time a number WILDFIRES have broken out in Southern California ... a couple in the Angeles Forest, one in Palos Verdes, and another near Hemet where my SIL lives. I'm grateful the Santa Ana Winds aren't blowing, and am praying fire-fighters will be able to contain these fires quickly before they spread. We've had so little rainfall that conditions are exceedingly dry and that makes fire even more dangerous.

4. My heart & prayers go out to the Kennedy family on the loss of 'Teddy' ... the last of the four brothers ... the only one who lived long enough to become grey-haired. Their personal family history is so much a part of our own public history and I find myself reliving the tragic events of the 1960s ... reflecting on what might have been, if only ... cognizant of what is and what might be even now.

5. to be continued ... after my swim
It's 9:56am and I'm back from swimming ... have showered & washed my hair and am enjoying a cup of coffee as I finish typing this post before I head off to REI with a friend. Their sale starts this morning ;--)

6. Guess Molly will have to settle for an afternoon ambulation because I'm running out of time this morning. Life's like that some times. It feels as if it's going to be another HOT day ... I guess I'll run the air conditioner in the car ... something I almost never do.

7. Here's wishing everyone a fantastic Friday and a wonderful weekend ;--)

Thought for Today
"If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never truly be fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you." Lao Tzu