Things of Beauty

“The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely.” ― Louisa May Alcott

A few years ago I was working in Pittsburgh. There were certain times of the year that my job became very heavy with responsibilities. I was thankful that I was occasionally able to leave on my lunch hour and have a change of scenery. At least once a week I tried to get out and meet a friend. If that didn’t work, I fell back on plan #2. I looked for things of beauty.

This was easy to do because I worked near Schenley Park. There was Flagstaff Hill, the Schenley Plaza, and Phipps Conservatory. A few times I took thirty minutes and walked through the displays of the Conservatory. Talk about rejuvenation.

Lately, I look for the beauty in every day life. It’s easy to find if you train yourself. While you are driving, glance at the sky once in a while. Look at the beautiful autumn scenery if you have it (it’s gorgeous here right now!). Are there flowers blooming near you? Is there wildlife? Are there children playing?

Don’t forget to take a break and live life. It’s really important. Here’s a few beautiful things I’ve found lately.

Can you see it? A turkey on my lane is beautiful.

Seeing my old friend Nita this past summer was beautiful!

This amazing sunset. — Sunsets are beautiful.

This farm is beautiful. Read more about it on my other blog. Click HERE.

What is beautiful in your neck of the woods?

July 24, 2014

The Beauty of Summer

Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability. Sam Keen

We are deep into summer and it seems I cannot get enough of this beautiful weather.

Given the past couple of years between menopause and my mom’s illness I was hardly one to relish, let alone, enjoy the summer heat. This summer feels different. I can tolerate heat in moderation and when I can’t, well, there’s air conditioning!

Here’s what I am truly loving. The sun. The longer days. The hummingbirds flying through my yard and settling on the beautiful flowers. Grilling delicious vegetables from the local farmer’s market. Loving these lillies that Michelene planted last year!

The roses are enjoying the sun too and the ample rain that seems to come on a regular basis. I take the time to water during dry spells and I trim the dead leaves and flowers when they are spent. My reward is that they keep coming.

I hope you are having a beautiful summer. Take time to enjoy it!

What’s growing in your garden?

March 15, 2014

Surrounding Myself

Rose by Christina, my cousin, via Monet's Garden NY — Rose by Christina, my cousin, via Monet’s Garden NY

Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher- Oprah

It’s been almost a year since I left my full time job. Hard to believe but here I am, Spring rapidly approaching and life completely changed.

How I can go from being employed full time only a year ago, to my now current state of underemployment (yes, that’s what I’m calling it!), yet still have a full plate of activities, boggles my mind.

I have filled my time with all the things I always wanted to do but had to squeeze in the time for before. Time with my mom, grandson and my own kids, phone and real time with friends, lunch with Jim, working on my business. I pinch myself daily and then say a gratitude prayer.

My event business is slowly gaining speed. I receive phone calls, follow up and then meet people. I have a couple of exciting things on the horizon and really, my cup runneth over. God is blessing me in many ways.

I’ve never been good with uncertainties but lately, I am learning to accept each day as it unfolds. Everything I need is being provided to me. I sometimes miss my full time income but in the next moment, I realize I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s really about what I can do for others.

Remarkably, the friends I am spending time with are lifting me higher. They so believe in me that even I wonder myself what they see. I have felt for a long time that God sees things coming. Perhaps (S)He is sending me the people who will guide me down this constantly changing path of mine. I know this- I will honor the path by keeping the faith.

Is there someone in your life who lifts you higher?

June 23, 2013March 12, 2014

Ah…..Summer!

“Bees do have a smell, you know, and if they don’t they should, for their feet are dusted with spices from a million flowers.” Ray Bradbury

There are flowers everywhere in my yard, and I am just loving it.

Our honeybees are pollinating the roses, larkspur, daisies, sweet peas, pansies, AND…there are green tomatoes in the garden! The tomato flowers are multiplying each day, as if by magic.

Ah….summer…..

Yes, it is finally summer in Pennsylvania. The sun is up early, around 5:30am, making its presence known through the (supposedly) room darkening shades in my bedroom. I don’t mind one bit, being wakened by the morning light….

It’s as if summer beckons me to rise, get up, come, let Jordan out, and enjoy my morning cup of coffee in the back yard. I usually give in.

There is so much grace in summertime. Summer invites me to relax, unwind, rest and reflect. Also to make some plans for this fall (wink wink), which I am working on and will tell you about soon.

Here are some other summertime graces I’m in love with:

The birds are singing early in the morning, their chorus loud, clear and happy.

The grass is so lush and green and filled with clover.

Fifteen hours of daylight is almost sinful, decadent and oh so awesome.

The chickens are loving the warm weather, the freedom to move about and scratch the ground for delicious bugs.