Musings of a Mom

New Tile!

2010-03-31T17:04:00.000-07:00

Here is the new tile that I added to my collection under my kitchen window. On the back of my "donkey" tile it says, "Be stubborn in the belief that all dreams come true." L. Pizio (my sweet, artist extraordinaire of a sister). She knew just what to send...thanks Sis!!

Kitchen Window

2010-03-29T16:36:00.001-07:00

This is the view out my kitchen window. Look at the tiles made by my very talented younger sister...cow, bird and rabbits. The pig was made by my lovely daughter. My sweet Sis just sent me a tile to put in the middle. I'll put up a picture in the next day or two to show it off! Keep looking...

Light

2010-03-28T14:16:00.001-07:00

I am intrigued by the way the bubbles cling to the ivy leaves in the water.

Another one!

2010-01-08T11:11:00.001-08:00

My pretty winter Cardinals

2010-01-08T11:09:00.001-08:00

It snowed last night and this morning, which always seems to bring some birds that we don't normally see. I love bird watching, so I was happy to see these Cardinals.

Beautiful yarn

2010-01-04T13:20:00.001-08:00

My sweet sister gave me this yarn for my Christmas present! Beautiful! Hat, scarf, handwarmers...any other ideas?

Christmas

2010-01-04T13:16:00.000-08:00

My daughter took this picture of an ornament on our tree. I felt compelled to post even though the tree is now down and the ornaments packed until another year passes.

Fall has arrived!

2009-11-05T16:37:00.000-08:00

Yeah! Fall is here, and we are loving every moment. The colors, the crisp air, the rays of sunlight through the branches...everything.

Taylor Street

2009-10-13T17:00:00.001-07:00

A street near where we stayed in Savannah, which happens to be my son's name.

Tybee Island

2009-10-10T17:46:00.000-07:00

Tybee Island lighthouse and the beach beyond. A quaint, little island with a wonderful history and a beautiful beach to enjoy! So glad we did.

Another view of Savannah

2009-10-01T08:40:00.000-07:00

What an interesting staircase. We would pass this everytime we walked to Forsyth Park.

I wonder if it has been used in awhile?

Savannah

2009-09-20T14:57:00.001-07:00

This is the fountain at Forsyth Park in Savannah, GA. This city just seeps with history and beauty--all graceful and Southern.

Fun in the Garden

2009-09-05T12:53:00.000-07:00

Today while I was digging up flowers to transfer, this friendly butterfly let me take his picture! He just hung out and ate while I weeded and dug in the dirt.

Family Pizza Night

2009-09-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

Homemade pizza! I've been making pizza for a long time now, but after a long hiatus, I've just started to make again. It does bring me joy--the entire process. Doesn't food actually equal love? Dig deep and find that love--family, friends and time together--love!

2009-09-03T17:59:00.000-07:00

My absolutely most favorite view from uptop the beach house where we stay when we go to Oak Island, NC. The view is from a deck where I love to go in the early morning and at dusk to watch the birds and other coastal life. I can't put in words the love I have for the sea.

Call us the shell seekers!

2009-08-27T10:04:00.000-07:00

My love of collecting shells has passed down to my children. I have a huge collection of shells, and we are working on a way to use them. Here are various shell wreaths in progress. Let us know what you think!

Our Crepe Myrtles

2009-08-20T10:40:00.001-07:00

Our crepe myrtles provide such a beautiful canopy over our back patio.

Lots and lots of trimming make this possible. Nature, nature, nature...I'm always intrigued.

Another knitting project

2009-08-18T11:33:00.001-07:00

Imade these for my sweet Sis in NC. I like the way they turned out and the buttons look nice with the yarn I chose. Next, I look forward to making my daughter a pair! Let me know what you think.

Boat-tail or Common Grackle

2009-08-17T15:26:00.000-07:00

I just love watching these birds on the shore. Even though they don't look like they fit in with the gulls, terns, egrets, sandpipers, etc., these grackles just jump right in for the hunt just like the rest of them.

The name just suits these feathered creatures. There always seems to be at least one feather out of place and the way they move is just entrancing. They make me smile when I see them saunter in a sideways fashion along the shoreline.

Fun, fun, fun...

Time at the Beach!

2009-08-13T06:36:00.000-07:00

Every year we head to North Carolina's coast to spend our vacation. This year, especially, with the economy the way it is made our time spent even more meaningful. I felt wonderfully blessed to have this time with my family. Words cannot express!

Enjoy the day...

Basil=pesto

2009-07-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

Another view of my basil patch.

2009-07-14T11:48:00.000-07:00

Made a batch of fresh pesto today. Pictured left is my basil patch in the garden. Green, green, green...

2009-07-13T16:45:00.000-07:00

My other poinsettia with almost all the red leaves gone. I just love the green color of the foliage.

Poinsettia

2009-07-13T11:51:00.001-07:00

Poinsettias are fun to grow and don't have to be thrown out after the holidays. I have two from Christmas, and they are both doing well. They love the sun and heat. Just water when the soil is dry.

Beautiful!

2009-07-09T11:09:00.000-07:00

A beautiful, young, Italian knitter graciously shares her patterns on her blog--Creative Yarn. This handwarmer pattern comes from there!

Daisies

2009-07-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

Diasies from my two children!

Inside my mind...

2009-07-07T17:26:00.000-07:00

I was running in a state park this evening while my daughter took her swim lessons in the nearby pool. Before I reached the trail I noticed a tall man wearing a dark shirt, khaki shorts and a fishing hat. He set off my obsessive mind a'reeling. While running I thought about how dark the trail was, while just outside the trees it was bright with afternoon sunlight. I kept thinking what I would do if someone came upon me and tried to stab me. Then I thought about my sister's art and how she is using Ophelia as her subject for much of her art lately.

So here goes the scenerio...There is a beautiful creek at the start of the trail with running water over many rocks. The sound of course if very soothing. As I run across the bridge and onto the trail I imagine the man with the fishing hat stalking not far behind. I wonder if he stabs me if I'll have the strength to make it to the creek. I thought to myself maybe the cool water would slow the bleeding. Using my strongest side, I slide along the wet earth to the creek. Thoughts of Ophelia haunt my mind, and I can hear myself gurgle that last breath with my face towards the treetops.

Free your mind!

2009-07-06T17:07:00.001-07:00

My head gets clogged with cobwebs of self-doubt, insecurity and other emotions that overwhelm me at times. Getting out and running a trail and enjoying the beauty of it truly helped clear my head today.

I've been doing a great amount of soul searching lately and realize that physical activity must become a daily part of my life or I will succumb to the monsters in my head.

Yard Work

2009-07-02T12:04:00.000-07:00

I have experienced the most enjoyment from working in our yard this spring and summer. Implementing my latest mantra "No Fear" in everything I'm working on, whether it be knitting, chores, housework, yardwork, etc. has been key. Dig that hole (don't worry about the plant not establishing itself). It will or it won't, just don't get hung up on the negative outcome, which is my norm. It has completely changed my outlook on many things. It has brought the joy back into my yardwork. I'll let you know when it helps me find the joy in my housework:)

Beans again!

2009-03-17T13:55:00.000-07:00

See our little beans! It is amazing how fast these have grown. I might be able to move them to the garden this weekend.

We did find that earthworm for our terrariam.

Spring!!

2009-03-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

This tree was giving to me by my sister and was a stick when I planted it. Now it graces the side of our porch and is so lovely to look at as we enjoy our porch during the day.

Beans

2009-03-14T14:40:00.000-07:00

Look at these pretty, white blooms.

Beans!

2009-03-14T14:32:00.001-07:00

Taylor (son) wanted to plant some beans we had around the house. I soaked them and then we planted plain, old pinto beans. I'm going to try and put them in the garden just to see what happens.

Taylor's science experiment

2009-03-14T14:13:00.000-07:00

We are studying evaporation and condensation using a terrarium. We made this a few days ago and look forward to observing what happens next. I think tomorrow we will try and find an earthworm to add.

Wow! We're Back!

2009-03-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

We are going to give this blog thing another try. My daughter has been continuously blogging, but I found I lost time...anyway, we're back!

A Rabbit's View of Our Garden

2008-06-26T16:24:00.000-07:00

Here is a rabbit's view of our garden!
Aren't they pretty?

Our Garden Has Grown!

2008-06-26T16:14:00.000-07:00

Here is our garden! I will show you the BEFORE and AFTER pictures.

Before

And After^^

We happen to be in an area affected by drought, as you probably can tell by the picture of our garden and surrounding grass. However, we love our little plot and the sanctuary it provides for birds and sometimes butterflies; and, of course, for the vegetables and flowers!

I am weary of swords & courts & kings. Let us go into the garden... Mary Johnston

Busy Summer

2008-06-25T19:04:00.000-07:00

Wow, we have really been busy--camps, swimming lessons, chores, yard work, catching up with things around the house that don't get done until school is out, etc. We have a beach vacation coming up, and we can't wait to enjoy the sun, sand and just all around relaxing. We look forward to posting pictures from the beach...

I know this quote doesn't fit the post, but it speaks to my heart at the moment:

Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly. Robert F. Kennedy

Life's a Beach!

2008-06-09T19:14:00.000-07:00

My smiley, sweet-faced daughter and her best friend are frolicking on the beach together this week. I'm getting daily updates, and it sounds like they are having great fun together. I look forward to all the pictures and commentary from each of you!

Time Together

2008-06-03T20:15:00.000-07:00

As you can see by the pictures, we had a wonderful time together in Gatlinburg, TN. For those of you who have not experienced Gatlinburg, well, think tourist spot in the mountains. Great place to people watch. All kinds of shopping abounds--from airbrush t-shirts, old-timey photos and candy, as well as speciality shops and great restaurants.

We love the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg boarders the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It's a lovely spot to get away and enjoy the sounds of nature; however, amongst the noise of traffic. If you want the action, settle in Gatlinburg. If you want quiet, enjoy all the beautiful houses for rent throughout the mountains above Gatlinburg.

All thoughts aside, my daughter and I had a great time experiencing our love for each other in a setting away from home life. I look forward to many more times like these!

Even if a day should go by when I don't say "I love you..." May never a moment go by without you knowing I do -Daniel Haughian

Gatlinburg!

2008-05-29T10:16:00.000-07:00

We had soooo much fun in Gatinburg for my birthday! (daughter's birthday) We spent 2 great nights in a hotel and shopped around town. (I bought a lot!) Here are some pictures!

The view from the hotel on the right.^^

View from the left. ^^

Trolley^^

I was sitting in this HUGE rocking chair outside a store! MOM^^

(There was a pool at the hotel too!)

Garden Days and Friends

2008-04-28T18:08:00.000-07:00

Because of a cool front bringing rain and cool weather, we have not been able to set out some of our plants in the garden. We did, however, get some seeds planted last week: three types of lettace, basil and sunflowers. Can't wait to see sprouts!

I was able to spend some time with my best friend this weekend. My daughter was able to spend time with her best friend too. It was great to vent, laugh, solve all our problems (we pretend!) and just enjoy each others company. Friendship is a great and powerful force. May we all be so fortunate as to have and love a friend.

A true friend is one who knows all about you and likes you anyway. Christi Mary Warner

Hey this is the daughter!

2008-04-23T14:49:00.000-07:00

Hey this is the daughter and mom told me to take a picture of our garden before we get started. Here it is!:

Back to reality

2008-04-21T18:58:00.000-07:00

We just returned from a beach vacation! My husband and I were able to go kid-free, which we don't do very often. Transitioning from fairytale land back to reality has not been easy. I've let it affect my mood and actions, but tomorrow I'm hoping to get some vegatables planted in our garden, go for my walk and join society once again.

..."The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient...Patience, patience, patience, is what the sea teaches. Patience and faith."

Gift from the Sea
Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Trees in Bloom

2008-04-08T17:27:00.000-07:00

We have been celebrating spring the past two days! The weather has been beautiful and all thoughts are of outside. We are going to take pictures of our small garden plot and keep a visual record. My daughter wants her own section of the garden this year. We should have fun!

Nature does nothing uselessly. -Aristotle

Finch

2008-04-05T08:28:00.000-07:00

This is a finch in one of our trees in the front yard. The daughter wrote some fun facts about finches below....

Did you know that finches are often seed-eating birds and are found chiefly in the northern hemisphere and in Africa!

Spring has Sprung!

2008-04-03T17:40:00.000-07:00

I love violets! My sister and I were reminiscing not too long ago about picking violets for our Mom. She had a special, cut-crystal vase she would put them in, and we would always put it on the kitchen counter or in the kitchen window to brighten our spring days. I remember this like it was yesterday. Memories, sometimes they catch you by surprise!

My best friend gave me this violet last year. I was so excited to see it bloom. I'm hoping it will spread along the edge of my patio; especially where the dirt has settled.

I moved these three hostas from a too sunny spot to a shady spot last spring. I was thrilled to see the shoots, and I can't wait to see how they do.

Connectedness

2008-04-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

Our day began with the blessings of flowering trees and sounds of the birds getting ready for their upcoming broods. It was warm enough to leave the door open and feel the breeze. However; after schooling for the day and maybe (okay, really) getting on each other's nerves, there was a loss of connection between us. We went our separate ways for awhile and reconnected in the garden.

I love knowing that our love transcends the strife we must endure as we get older and not always wiser.

Where there is great love, there are always miracles. -Willa Cather

Robin facing the Other way

2008-04-01T06:19:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture taken by the daughter this morning. The one of two robins found in our garden. (Our neighborhood cat was scaring most of the birds away in the front yard.) And a swallow almost landed on the daughter because she was standing so still while she was taking pictures!

Bradford Pear trees at Sunset

2008-03-31T16:46:00.000-07:00

A Sunset, and some bradford pear trees below.

Another sunset from our front porch.

Mom's Musings

2008-03-30T15:49:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by an article in the magazine "skirt!" by Patti Digh. Ms. Digh writes about her to-do list and how overwhelming it all can be. Boy, can I relate! I do this all the time, create the list, check off a few to-dos, and then beat myself up about what I don't get done. Eventually it all falls by the wayside (at least until the next list).

Ms. Digh relates a story in which Toni Morrison felt the same way with her list looming in front of her. Then Ms. Morrison asked the "question: 'What is it I must do or I shall die?'" She was left with "two things left on her list: 1) Be a mother to her children. 2) Write." Maybe we should rethink our lists!

The future depends on what we do in the present. -Mahatma Gandhi

Mom's Musings

2008-03-28T19:25:00.000-07:00

Today was another slow homeschool day. My mind was rambling all over the place, so I was not the best teacher. A little defeated but still afloat--I must keep the positive force alive! Come Monday...

My talented, techno daughter spent too much time editing our blog site, but we like the results. She has some beautiful pictures to show off. I used to love photography when I was younger--maybe she'll take it farther than I did.

"...I find reason to believe in my daughter's eyes." James S. Slater as sung by Martina McBride

Vacation Florida Pictures (from daughter's spring break)

2008-03-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

Sunset & Beachwalk Above are some clouds from the plane. (2007) >^

Here is a pretty palm tree in Florida. (2008)> >>

These are some pictures taken by the daughter on her anuual spring break Florida beach trip. :)

Daughter's Pictures (taken outside)

2008-03-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

These are pictures of butterflies from my Dad's office, a humming bird from our house, and a sunset from our front porch.

2008-03-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

We had a very slow homeschool day due to a wonderful music and dance production that kept us up late. And we had the joy of a lovely spring day all abloom.

I smile when I think of the love that radiated over the phone lines as my daughter talked with her grandparents. And her sunshiny smile was also in full bloom. Love, love, love...

"In my daughters eyes...I am strong and wise and I know no fear..." James Slater sung by Martina McBride.

Pictures of our dog

2008-03-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

There once was a dog named Maggie. Who had no tail for to waggy. She lived in a house without a cat or a mouse. And with her owner played taggy.

(This is our dog maggie)

2008-03-27T08:43:00.001-07:00

My daughter wanted to start a blog after seeing her Aunt's site. So...I thought why not create a mother/daughter site. Thankfully, my daughter can do all the techno stuff and I can add my thoughts here and there.