Missing My Bro

Two years ago today you left us, Bro.  I still cry when I think about never seeing you again.  I hold you close in my heart with the memories of all the time we spent together.  I think you know how much I cherish those memories.  My fondest ~ all the laughs we shared.  All those nights we talked, you sure could make me laugh ~ loud and hard.  God, I miss that.  This photo was taken at Smith Mountain Lake.  We took a quick ride up there to look around.  I remember our walk through the art gallery and how amazed you were at all the talent hanging on those walls.  We walked down to the Lake, watched the fish jumping in the water, and enjoyed the beauty all around us.  
Today, I need to ask you to watch over our sister, Patty.  She is in the hospital with Pancreatitis ~ the same condition that took you from us.  Her case is not as severe as yours was, but she still needs our prayers so she can recover from this quickly and get back to better health.  I truly believe you hear me and you will do what you can.  I love you, bro. ♥  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Carol !!!!

 I hope you have a Texas size celebration down there today.  I will be thinking of you. ♥

My Daily Dose of Joy

This little guy brings me 6 pounds of JOY every single day!!!!

RIP

Andy Williams

1927  ~  2012

Nobody will sing "Moon River" like Andy did.

Eery Sky

  Late yesterday afternoon, I took Jake outside and when I looked up at the sky, it took my breath away.  I ran in the get the camera and took way too many photos.  I have never seen clouds like this before.  They were swirling with darkness and lightness, were going in and out, and seemed to be very low.  They were fascinating, but frightening.  Once they moved on, it started to drizzle. I've tried to keep the photos to share with you to a minimum, but it was difficult.   

 This last photo is what the sky looked like last evening.  Such a pretty scene after the turmoil that was swirling up there just a few hours earlier.

Fall Quote

"How beautifully leaves grow old.  How full of light and color are their last days"

~~~

~John Burroughs

~Photo by Audrey

Fall Quote

"Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile."

~~~

~William Cullen Bryant

~Photo by Audrey

First Day of FALL

It's here!!  My favorite season!!  I LOVE the cool crisp feel in the air, the smell, the colors, pumpkins, mums, apples, cinnamon, cider, hot tea, the breeze, burning leaves, fire pits, the beauty on the Parkway, the sunsets, the anticipation of things to come... EVERYTHING about FALL...  How blessed we are to experience the joys of Autumn!!

HAPPY FALL !!!!

Jake's 1st Birthday

Jake's 1st Birthday was the 14th but I was out of town, so we celebrated last evening.  I don't know who was more excited.   

 He had to know it was a special day ~ nobody EVER gives him cake!!

 SO GOOD!!

 Now we move on to this bright mysterious package left here for his birthday by his Aunt Pat.

 I was getting a little too close, so he dragged it into another room 

so he could be alone to open it.

 This bright red soft yarn seemed to be his favorite thing!!!  We finally had to take it from him because he was shredding it and I didn't want him to choke on the fine threads.  (Just like a Mom, right?)

 This cute blanket was the gift.

 Jake claimed it as his own and wouldn't let anyone touch it.

After all the excitement, Jake was ready to play his favorite game ~ chasing this bright pink rubbery, squeeky bowling pin.  He LOVES this thing ~ carries it EVERYWHERE!!  I can't believe he is 1 already.  I hope the next year doesn't go by as fast as the 1st one.

I LOVE YOU, JAKE!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Amanda !!!!

Sending hugs and love, wishing I could be there to celebrate with you.    

  Jake sends a big special hug!

♥ ♥ ♥

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Sue !!

Many many years ago, you extended your hand in friendship... How blessed I have been ever since that day... You have been by my side through my life journey.  Today, I celebrate the day you were born!

"Blackbird" by Seth Apter

 I purchased this art, Blackbird, from Seth Apter recently and it arrived this week.  I LOVE it!!!  Seth created this piece during the filming of the workshop DVD "Easy Mixed Media Surface Techniques" from North Light Media.  I think it is very special and I am thrilled to own it and display it.   

I had to show you how this piece arrived.  Seth's packaging is a work of art in itself.  I almost hated to unwrap it ~ just held it and looked at it for a while until I couldn't contain myself.  How clever and beautiful, Seth. 

This is Blackbird on my mantle.  Beside it is another piece by Seth, Find Your Voice.  I love his use of layering and texture, making even a simple statement into something bold and beautiful.

Our area was threatened with severe storms this evening.  We were fortunate to only experience a little wind and some rain, but the sky gave us a display of interesting clouds that caused me some worry for a little while.  There was a definite pinkish yellow glow everywhere and the dark clouds were moving over the mountains quite fast.  It wasn't too long before things looked normal again and I could sigh with relief.