Memorial Day

Thinking of the men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedoms.

Thankful for a beautiful and peaceful long weekend.

Looking forward to just 14 days left of the school year.

Grateful for the opportunity to finish up the year with a great class.

Planning a walk on the foggy beach.

Thinking of the men and women who put their lives on the line and make all this possible.

Peace!

Our Word View - Unexpected

This week over at Our Word View we are sharing photos that are somehow unexpected.  When I chose this word I had a particular image in mind but unfortunately could not locate that image in my ever growing collection of digital pics!  As I searched I came across this image.

It seemed fitting to share this image as I have been thinking about how quickly my children are growing up!  It is hard to believe that I have an 11 and 13 year old!  They are great kids but I feel like my time with them is limited.  They continue to enjoy hanging out with the family and for this I am so grateful.  When I came to this image it took me back to the days when I was a stay at home Mom and we spent hours outside playing.  Sometimes with our favorite stuffed friends!  Can you tell what phase we were in when I shot this picture?

Peace!

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...it bright and crisp.  The sun is just kissing to tops of the trees.  

I am thinking...that I have my work cut out for me over the next several day in order to get all the assessments done at school.   

I am thankful for...the beauty of this day. 


From the kitchen...well it's been a crazy week,  two evening shows at n's school as well as a couple of impromptu jaunts to town so the kitchen has suffered a bit this week.  


I am wearing....my jammies until I change into my black cropped pants and top for school.  

I am creating...plans, plans and more plans...

I am going...to get things done today!


I am wondering... if their is a possibility that the principal will move things around in order to hire me for next year.  Not sure.... we'll see. 

I am reading...The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan finally!  I have not been reading much lately but I will get back to it hopefully this weekend.  A great book out in the sun on the deck sounds like a good plan.

I am hearing...the news.  


I am hoping...and praying that my friend M, who is fighting cancer, remains strong.   


I am looking forward to...seeing the lawn come in over 40 M.  We visited yesterday and much of the seed has germinated, but it hasn't really grown in yet.  It will be absolutely gorgeous when it truly grows.  Yay!


I am learning...again how crazy and stressful the end of the school year can be!   

Around the house...  things are a bit messy.  Such is life! 


A favorite quote for today...


"Happiness always looks small while you hold it in your hands, but let it go, and you learn at once how big and precious it is."
– Aleksei Peshkov



One of my favorite things ...is  breathing in the cool crisp air of a Spring morning. 

A few plans for the rest of the week: hanging with the kids, yard work in the way of purchasing some plants and getting them in the ground this weekend,  going to the movies, walking the beach, grading, planning and prepping for going back to school next week.  


A photo I'm sharing:

Peace!

For Judy :)

Peace!

Our Word View - Growing

The next picture is one of my all time favorite shots and I think that it completely epitomizes the word growing.

Peace!

Saturday...

It is so peaceful in my home right now.  Sun is streaming in through the open windows, the birds are singing outside and all else is quiet with the exception of the occasional passing car.  Even the street noise seems peaceful.  I love this calm.  It washes over me and illicits a feeling of coziness like a soft blanket on a brisk fall evening.   Moments like this one come few and far between due to the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  Excuse me while I go and soak in this precious time.

Peace!

Wordless Wednesday

Peace!

Time Flys!!!

Ok I just have to say that time has just been zooming by!  Since I began working full time in the 4th grade I feel like the world is spinning faster than before.  I guess I was completely spoiled having Mondays and Fridays to myself for so long.  I didn't think I would miss my commute to my old job but I do!  It was a good time to wind down and get in a call to my dear friend C!   I miss my daily conversations with her.  Soon it will be summer and hopefully that will allow for time to connect with my friends.  26 more wake ups!  Bring on summer!

Peace!

Our Word View - Inspire

This week we are sharing images that lend themselves to inspiration.  The dragonfly represents inspiration in so many ways.  I find them beautiful and mystical.  My daughter is a dragonfly whisperer.  When they return to our gardens in the warm weather all she has to do is stand in their path and they will light on her finger.

Visit us at Our Word View to see Liz's interpretation of the word spring and check out our Flickr page if you are interested in seeing more.

Peace!

Mother's Day Weekend

Ok, I'll admit it.... this has never been my favorite weekend.  Even when Mum was still living it was always difficult to live up to the expectations of this Hallmark holiday.  Now that she is gone as well as my MIL and the children's great grandmother the day/weekend is a sad reminder for me.  I know that I should celebrate my own motherhood but honestly I celebrate and am grateful for that gift every day!  So I think tomorrow will just be a peaceful day spent outside in the sun, on the beach and working on artistic creations.

Today however we will be heading down to Connecticut to see R's cousin get married.  It is refreshing to be getting together with family for a happy occasion.  Over the past decade to many times our gatherings have revolved around death.  N will stay home with the dog and mind our house but be in constant contact by cell.  It will be a fun day...long but fun.

To all my Mom friends and readers Happy Mothers Day.

Oh and a quick note to my readers who are spiritual.... my friend M is back in fighting mode with her cancer.  She is going to have surgery.  We are all concerned for her well being.  Please add her to your positive intentions and prayers.  Thanks!

Peace!

Wordless Wednesday

Peace!

Texture Tuesday

This week was a free and easy week at Texture Tuesday.  The only guidelines were to use two textures on the image.

At this time of the year my heart sings at the sight and aroma of the beautiful lilac.  I had the opportunity to take a few shots of the lilac over at 40M this past weekend.  I added yesteryear and annabelle to all of the following images.  I think they look a bit dreamy.

Peace!

Our Word View

This week Liz chose the word 'flare' for our interpretation pleasure.  When I hear the word flare I think of two things.  The first image that comes to mind is one of fire.  My second thought is of someone or something fancy.  I have not had an opportunity to photograph 'fancy' so I went with fire for this weeks post.

This is a picture of a roaring fire that we had in our indoor fireplace last year.  I love sitting by the fire on a cool night.  

Peace!

Remembering...

I saw the following on FB tonight.

Letter from a Mother to a Daughter: "My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago”... Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep. When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl? When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way... remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life’s issues every day... the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If I occasionaly lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you. And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked. When those days come, don’t feel sad... just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love. I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you... my darling daughter. "

It made me think of both of my parents.  I know that I did the best I could as my parent 'got old' but I wish that I did better.  I miss them both so very much.  

Peace!

Friday Fill Ins

And...here we go!

1. After a while, the gray days get old!

2. It's Friday at least.

3. Well, anyway, the weekend is upon us and hopefully the sun will make an appearance.

4. The quick passage of time is amazing to me.

5. I always look on the bright side!

6. My family keeps me going.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing and maybe going to the movies, tomorrow my plans include getting an outfit for next weeks wedding and more landscaping at 40M and Sunday, I want to get my plans done for the next several weeks!


Peace!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...it is once again gray and cool.  I'm hoping it burns off as we are going on an outdoor field trip today!   We shall see. 

I am thinking...that 32 more days of school is just enough.  

I am thankful for...the promise of Spring. 


From the kitchen...well R has been trying a bit harder in the kitchen these days.  He made a pasta dish, submarine sandwiches and chicken and salad.  Tonight is pizza night and we shall see about Friday and the weekend.


I am wearing....my jammies until I change into my jeans and sweater.... jeans today for the field trip yay!

I am creating...organization in my assessment binder.  It's a good thing.

 

I am going...to work on Flicka's area in the side yard this weekend.  It needs a good clean up and some new wood chips.  


I am wondering... if the teacher I took over for will be coming back next year.  If not it may open up a position for me.... we'll see. 

I am reading...The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan finally!  It is a great book and a fast read. I didn't finish it before the break was over.  Time just goes too quickly. 

I am hearing...the weather forecast.  


I am hoping...that the refinancing process works out for us so that our debt is decreased and more manageable.   


I am looking forward to...working in my own yard once landscaping is finished at 40 M.


I am learning...again how rewarding teaching can be... and that we should remember to teach the student rather than the subject.  the reader, the writer, the scientist, the mathematicion.  

Around the house...  things are a bit messy.  Such is life! l


A favorite quote for today... 

One of my favorite things...is  enjoying my first hot cup of coffee each morning.  It is always the best cup of the day!

A few plans for the rest of the week: hanging with the kids, yard work, finding an outfit for an upcoming wedding, going to the movies, walking the beach, grading, planning and prepping for going back to school next week.  


A photo I'm sharing:

Peace!

Landscaping at 40 M!

For the last several weeks we have worked with our tenants on improving the landscaping over at 40 M.  It is the last big piece of that puzzle.  We had to let it go in the fall because quite frankly we ran out of funds!  Now we have graded the yard, removed all the brush from the side yard.  This was a huge job considering that the side yard has never been cleared.  We have spread fill and loom and now are ready to have the entire space seeded!  I can't wait to see grass growing.

Peace!