Life

"LIFE IS A GREAT AND WONDROUS MYSTERY, AND THE ONLY THING WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE FOR SURE IS WHAT IS RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW.
DON'T MISS IT."







~Leo Buscaglia

Afternoon Delight

Afternoon Delight

Mourning Dove

This fellow has become a regular at the birdbath. He is there everyday eating, bathing and just strolling around. Most of the time his mate is with him. It was a surprise to me after doing an internet search, how many different types of doves there are. Actually, trying to learn all the different birds could be a full time job! The mockingbirds are still here, but they have calmed down. I have been getting visits from many bluebirds, yellowbirds and even some cardinals.

Pam's Giveaway

Make a visit to http://Yoborobo.blogspot.com and take a look at Pam's work. While there, enter her giveaway for "Gertie" and a signed print. Pam is an author of childrens' books, an artist and a doll maker.

Church Gardens

Since Anne commented on the statue photo I posted today, I thought I would share my return comment, and also more pictures from these gardens. I took many more photographs but the ones I have posted here will give you an idea of the beauty and tranquility.

The statue is in Mount Pleasant (Charleston), South Carolina, near the gardens of the Church of Christ our King. There is a garden on the grounds - a very large area nestled in some woods with a large pond, statuary, trees, flowers, birds ~ so very peaceful. While living there, I would sometimes go to this place to walk and clear my mind.

Today

"Nothing

is

worth

more

than

this

day."

~Goethe

Life

"LIFE IS A GREAT BIG CANVAS;

THROW ALL THE PAINT ON IT YOU CAN."

~Danny Kaye

Pages from my personal journal

A Beautiful Day

Today the sky is bright blue with light, white, puffy clouds, and lots of sunshine. The temperature is perfect, the flowers are swaying in the breeze, the butterflies are dancing, and the birds are singing their little hearts out. This is one of those days that reminds you that in spite of all the pain and ugliness out there, life still gives us beautiful days filled with hope.

Crimson King Maple

I am doing the "happy dance"! Ever since we built this house in 2006, I have envisioned a tree in the front yard close to the bird bath. It finally became a reality. I ordered this tree almost 2 months ago - a Crimson King Maple - it arrived and was planted on Tuesday of this week. I LOVE it!! I think the green/purple leaves will be a nice contrast to the green leaves on all the other trees around. The birds have discovered it and are flying back and forth from the tree to the birdbath most of the day. My camera is tired from taking pictures. The landscapers went to a tree farm in NC to pick it up. It looks to have a little bit of windburn and I think it is in shock from the move, but next Spring it should perk up with new leaves and be quite happy in its new home. It has already made me very happy.

Wordless Wednesday

Sandy's Give-Away

Sandy, at Forbes Farm Gifts is having a Give-Away! This beautiful copper bracelet that she made is the prize. Visit her Blog at http://forbesfarm.blogspot.com to get the details on how to enter the give-away. Sandy's beautiful jewelry creations are sold on Etsy.

Monday, Monday

Monday, Monday, so good to me
Monday mornin', it was all I hoped it would be
Oh Monday mornin', Monday mornin' couldn't guarantee
That Monday evenin' you would still be here with me

Monday, Monday, can't trust that day
Monday, Monday, sometimes it just turns out that way
Oh Monday mornin' you gave me no warnin' of what was to be
Oh Monday, Monday, how could you leave and not take me

Every other day, every other day
Every other day of the week is fine, yeah
But whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes
You can find me cryin' all of the time

Monday, Monday, can't trust that day
Monday, Monday, it just turns out that way
Oh Monday, Monday, won't go away
Monday, Monday, it's here to stay

Remember The Mamas & the Papas? Some of us do. I guess because it is Monday, that song popped into my head this morning. That was a long time ago......troubled times......wonderful times! Isn't it funny how, for no reason, a song will pop into our head from long ago? We remember the tune and the words, and it sticks with us for most of the day. Try to remember something that happened last week, though. LOL!
Perhaps this will bring back some good memories for some of you. I hope so.
Have a great MONDAY!!!
Audrey

Sunday's Sweet Nectar

Two friends lunching together or mates staying side by side throughout the day? These two butterflies have been dancing around together most of the morning enjoying Sunday's sweet nectar.

Don Drumm Sun Sculpture

As promised, here are photos of the Don Drumm sculpture that I own. It is made of aluminum and is 18.5" x 20.5" in size. It is titled "Southern Sun". Don makes many different sun sculptures as well as birds, horses, angels and some other things. It is a wonderful piece that I love! Here is the link to the Don Drumm Studios and Gallery site. Of course, the actual studios are a wonderland but the site will show you some of the art that is showcased there.

http://www.dondrummstudios.com/

Thought for The Day

"LET US BE GRATEFUL TO PEOPLE WHO MAKE US HAPPY; THEY ARE THE CHARMING GARDENERS WHO MAKE OUR SOULS BLOSSOM."

~Marcel Proust

Beautiful Sky

Fortunately, I was outdoors this evening and I witnessed this beautiful sky.

Thought For The Day

"WE MUST NEVER LOSE THAT SENSE OF ADVENTURE, THAT THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE ~ OR THE DETERMINATION TO EXPLORE THE OUTER LIMITS OF OUR OWN ABILITIES."

~Ronald Reagan

Wordless Wednesday

Back From Ohio

Hello.

*****I've returned from my trip to Ohio where I visited with family and friends and I enjoyed some much needed R & R. I would like to share just a couple of things from that trip.

*****Notice the clouds in the Ohio Welcome Sign picture. The average number of sunny days in Ohio is somewhere in the 66 range. That leaves 299 overcast and cloudy days. In spite of that, there are many beautiful areas in Ohio ~ open spaces with trees, fields, cows, horses, lakes, etc. I was born and raised in Canton, Ohio - home of William McKinley. The McKinley Monument is at one end of Monument Park and something to see. There is a great barn that you pass while traveling on I-77 ~ you always remember the Ohio bicentennial celebration each time you pass by it. There is another wonderful barn in Dalton, Ohio, showcasing a tobacco advertisement. Canton is the home of Sancta Clara Monastery where the Poor Clare Nuns live. The monastery sets on a large, beautiful piece of land. I like stopping by there on my trips back home. The lush, green hills with many, many rolls of hay is something you see often while traveling I-77 and the back roads. While I was driving on one of those back roads, I needed to make a U-turn and suddenly Mr. Cow was there looking at me with those big eyes. I'm not sure why he was in a cage. Every trip back home takes me to the Donald Drumm Studios and Gallery in Akron, Ohio. (Right next to the University of Akron). This is one of my favorite places to relax, get filled with inspiration, and purchase a wonderful piece of art. When you walk through the door, you enter a magical place that allows you to shut out the world and enjoy the true beauty of art. Don Drumm opened the studios and gallery in 1971. It is one of the earliest galleries of contemporary craft opened in the United States. Don Drumm is world-renowned for his use of cast aluminum as an artistic medium. His work is represented on five world continents. (I proudly own one of his many sun sculptures - I will post a picture of it later this week). There are three courtyards filled with outdoor art and windchimes.... 5,000 square feet filled with the finest jewelry, glass, sculpture, ceramics, metal and graphics created by the most talented designer-craftsmen in North America. There is also a Secret Garden which houses large garden sculptures and windchimes. I am usually in the studios for several hours when I visit there. If you are ever in the Akron, Ohio, area, it would be well worth your time to stop there.

*****My sister has a pot of unusual flowers on her patio - white with purple polka dots - had to share that. And my dear friend has a beautiful hydrangea bush in her yard with large blue flowers.

*****These are just a few of the things I saw while in Ohio. It gives you only a taste of what is there to see.

*****I had a wonderful visit but it is always comforting to be back home................