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#AtoZChallenge: Bouquets or garden flowers?
One thing that I look forward to in the spring and summer is the variety of flowers and plants that spring up around our house. We have several rose bushes, iris, lilac, lillies – all make for a beautiful, fragrant bouquets inside. However, the dilemma is that once I cut the flowers and bring them inside, they don’t last very long. And, they aren’t visible and make for a barren landscape outside. I also struggle a tiny bit with the question, “Who am I to think that I should cut these blossoms and hurt the plant, just so I can have beautiful flowers in the house for a few days?”…
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#AtoZChallenge: A mouse’s point of view
Actual note found in outgoing mouse mailbox. The tenants asked that we add the stamp… Dear mom, My move to Indiana has been great! I found a deluxe apartment on the north side of town. I have many roommates, so I’m never lonely. It’s furnished and we even have daily food delivery, although the variety is a bit sparse. The landlords deliver cheese and peanut butter to us in black plastic food stations. It’s so nice they are covered so our food stays fresh. They seem new but already the front doors are broken. When we eat, one of us has to hold the door open for the others, as…
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A to Z Challenge: “E”ncouragement
We have so many sources of encouragement! It was hard for me to focus on the 300-500 word limit of a blog. I am encouraged by friends and family, God’s Word, prayer and music. Some days it’s how the light filters through thick, green foliage at the park, like God is warming my heart with a big “hello, I’m here!” To keep this post a readable length, I decided to list a few of my favorite Bible verses that consistently lift a drooping spirit. My favorite translation is the New American Standard Bible. Ps. 103:12-13 – “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed…
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A to Z Challenge: “C”oloring books for adults
I first learned about adult coloring books at the gift shop, Linden Leaf Gifts, where I work. I like to doodle but I don’t have any particular artistic talent in painting or drawing. I liked the idea but to be honest, I thought it would be a waste of time. After all, I’d only be doing it for me, not to sell or even benefit anyone else. The reviews I read about them recommended them for relaxation, getting your mind off of worries and people even use them for/during prayer, to help focus your mind. I need something to do in the evenings while my husband, Joe, and I watch…
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A to Z Challenge: “B”log has a new look
I haven’t written much on my blog since last year so I thought the Blogging A to Z Challenge was the perfect way to 1) begin blogging again and 2) redesign my blog and get feedback. I enjoy writing. Most of what I do is for a nonprofit that I work for, so while it can be creative, it’s mostly informative. My blog enables me to have a more personal voice. And, I’m comfortable with photography and enjoy it as well. Since those were the two elements that I wanted to highlight, I chose a WordPress theme (by Sculpture Qode) that was more visually appealing. I even have a slider…
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Blogging A to Z: G-enes or “Who’s your daddy…?”
Genes are a miraculous thing. I know for example that I received my green eyes and red hair from my dad’s side of the family. And, I’ve got my love of learning and my bad temper from my mom’s genetic pool. There are probably a lot more gene combinations in my make-up that I don’t even realize. Hershey, our 5-year-old puppy. Take our adopted dog, Hershey, for example. He’s a beautiful black and brown color with a touch of gray on his chest, tummy and chin (which you’d see if his tongue wasn’t in the way). He’s 70 pounds of pure muscle with a German Shepherd tail and what I…
