Over Mother's Day weekend I took a look back at my humble blog. It was a fun moment when I checked my first post, and saw that it took place over the same weekend-serendipitous! I wrote it May, 2014, Mother's Day Weekend.

Kid's are older, I'm older, my mother has passed on. Time does so much. I can now see clearer what mom's eyes saw. Things I didn't agree with at the time have come to fruitation, and her wisdom prevails. I think the strongest force on earth is a mother's love. It is still capable of moving hearts even when mom's are gone. A Mother's love is that fierce!


Here is my first blog post:

"Since it is Mother's Day weekend, I thought I would salute the women in my life with excerpts from a column I enjoyed in the Oprah Magazine, 2007.
"HARMONY and BALANCE
Harmony is the agreement between what you think, say and do.
and is the state of stabilty in which you are able to make sound judgements.
WISDOM and COURAGE the ability to make sensible decisions that respect your needs. Courage is the catalyst uniting our thought and actions.
GENEROUS and HAPPINESS True generosity must benefit BOTH parties! No woman can control her destiny if she doesn't give TO herself as she gives OF herself.
CLEANLINESS and BEAUTY Removing clutter and chaos from our lives brings clarity. "

It seems a good read is often hard to find...my amazing cousin recommended this book-and although I was doubtful when I read the Amazon write up- IT IS WONDERFUL!

JOYFUL is written by an artist and industrial designer, and it is not only interesting, all is backed up by scientific data. A TOP TEN read this year! I was able to check the book out at our local library.

If you are a grandparent you know what the best thing in the world is...
Sharing time with your grandkid!

My grandson and I made chocolate dipped strawberries. Will scattered ALL the sprinkles himself. Ever the neatnik, he wiped down the floor when we were done. Needless to say, there were a few sprinkles there!

Will took home his VERY OWN strawberry plant to plant with his mommy and daddy so he can grow his own berries this summer. Can't wait to harvest the berries with him.

​ More sprinkles, please!

“I have noticed that when all the lights are on, people tend to talk about what they are doing – their outer lives. Sitting round in candlelight or firelight, people start to talk about how they are feeling – their inner lives. They speak subjectively, they argue less, there are longer pauses. To sit alone without any electric light is curiously creative. I have my best ideas at dawn or at nightfall, but not if I switch on the lights – then I start thinking about projects, deadlines, demands, and the shadows and shapes of the house become objects, not suggestions, things that need to done, not a background to thought.” Jeanette Winterson.
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/oct/31/jeanette-winterson-night-guide

Inside Out
Connecting to the balm that is our center takes tenderness.
We might need to turn ourselves inside out, to give light to dark.
Do this gently.
Then take a deep look, that is where the nuances live that create the whole.  The soft, muted texture, shine and matte will guide us. 
I’m thinking of those of us who need
courage to search intentions
in our lives, and send out in this painting soothing, healing light.

44 Orange is a liqueur that is  popular on foodie sites. I’ve made it in the past and have really enjoyed it as a sipping liqueur or in ginger beer. When I taught high school, the Latin teacher suggested we call it the Latin name Quattro Quad for 44 rather than 44 Orange which is it’s common name. I’m not sure how this recipe originated but it is tasty.