House of Memories

I woke up to such a beautiful day, the sun was already brightly shining through the bamboo shades. It was a glorious day for a walk and run with Goldyn. He was just as eager as I was as we started out. The views were clear and invigorating, and I felt like I could run forever. . .

The warm sunshine was a long-awaited welcome for summer days ahead. I savored everything I did in the sun, watering my flowers, planting the freshly sprouted cucumbers, and pulling out the cushion for my favorite lounge chair so I could completely stretch out. The best part came toward the end of the day, when a gentle breeze swooped in and slowly dimmed the sun. I love the twilight air, I sat down with Goldyn by my side and then let all the memories pass before my very eyes . . .

A couple of days before, the 27th of the month was my Mom's birthday. It has been eight years since she has passed, and it seems so long, but then not really. I still see her wonderful grin and the brightness of her eyes. She enjoyed my backyard and sitting outside on beautiful evenings like these. Somehow it was fitting that on her birthday, the moon was round and full, because she loved to gaze at moons. It was as if she got a birthday gift from God on her very special day. Of course, Dad was there sitting by her side, and even our former dogs, Brawny, Quasi, and Bandit, all frolicked in the scene before me. . .

I tried to brave the pool, but could only get a toe and foot in as the water was still a bit too cool. I settled in the warmth of the jacuzzi bubbles and once again relived my memories. For sixteen years, this house and yard has been the structure for our times of living, for family dinners and events, for times of sharing love, shedding tears, voicing hot discussions and debates, for practicing our listening skills, and offering forgiveness, and always holding one another up. I'm blessed to be a part of such a special place and to have had so many memories that still are as fresh as if they just occurred. It's just like being able to savor the sunshine of this day . . .

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Hummingbird Lessons

My eye caught a small round mound stuck upon a branch. Looking closer, I found indeed it was the start of a hummingbird nest. And yes, I now had the mother hummingbird buzzing around my head, reminding me that I was in her space. I have been able to witness at least 3 other hummingbird families come to life, and I was always mesmerized by these "tiny vulnerabilities" becoming resilient birds in only a matter of five to six weeks. The nest was right out my patio door, and I had the best view to watch them daily. I was smiling. I had a hunch that babies would be coming soon, because our hummingbird feeder had been especially sucked dry only a few weeks earlier. One day I found at least 4 hummingbirds at one time feeding, which is highly unusual because most times they come one at a time and don't seem to want to share the space. If they would share, it was two only at a the bar and of course on opposite sides. I was filling that feeder at le...

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The thunder resounded with a loud clap! Certainly, it came as an afternoon surprise. The expected rain seemed less than what was forecasted, but with the thunder came a bucket of heavy raindrops splashing against my kitchen window. I wanted to take it all in, the fresh aroma of falling rain and the beauty of water drops hitting the leaves of my nasturtium and petunia hanging baskets. Unfortunately, the rain cloud quickly fled, running away into the eastern sky. But then the sun made its way onto the scene, and I was drawn to a thick band of rainbow colors shining up at me. The western sky was magnificently orange, completely bound up tight with that solo color scheme. I went outside to catch it all before it would disappear. Creation again was causing me to pause in awe and wonder. . . Awe is that reverential wonder, that even includes fear and respect. It is only a 3 letter word, but it takes bigger and grander words to define it....

Complicated Relationship Living

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Mary's Heartbeats

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