The Wonders of Nature. . .

These beautiful roses greet me each morning as I look out my window. I love to sip a cup of HOT coffee (nothing lukewarm for this girl), eat my toast and enjoy the wonders of nature.

Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal, Mr. and Mrs. Bluejay always join me for breakfast, too. Sometimes it looks as though they are breaking open their sunflower seeds and feeding each other. I think that is sweet.

I saw my first hummingbird yesterday. My heart always skips a beat when I see my first one of the spring. You see, I have been waiting for him all winter.

I am feeling very grateful this morning for the wonders of nature and the beauty of God's handiwork. . .

"Gratitude is the memory of the heart."~French Proverb

I am also feeling grateful for each of you. . .The lovely tag and romantic journal were created by the very talented Maria of "Under the Night Moon" from etsy. Don't you love her soft touch with her creations? Have the best of days, dear friends!

A word of encouragement. . .

Ever felt sad, lonesome, discouraged, just a little blue?

I have, too.

And it is just at that very moment when God steps in and says, "I am here for you. I have been here all along. I love you!"

Thank you, God, for your tender mercies shown to me each and every day of my life.

Dear friends, just a word of encouragement for you this day. . . May you feel His Presence today and every day! He sends us a love letter each day!!

My Cottage Garden. . . Spring 2010

Ever since I could remember anything,

flowers have been like dear friends to me,

comforters, inspirers,

powers to lift up and cheer.~ Celia Thaxter

Sending some flower bouquets to you, dear friends,

with hopes that they will comfort and cheer!!

Cowboy Days

Happy trails to you, until we meet again. . .

Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then. . .

Who cares about the clouds when we're together? Just sing a song and bring the sunny

weather. . .

Happy trails to you, 'til we meet again. . .

My grandson, Luke, celebrated "Cowboy Days" at his school today. A great time was had by all. I dedicate my post today to Dale and Roy, the ultimate cowgirl and cowboy. May all of your trails be happy ones! Enjoy your day all of you cowboys and cowgirls. . .

To you, my friends. . .

May you be blessed with. . .

warmth in your home. . .

love in your heart. . .

peace in your soul. . .

and joy in each day. . .Wishing a blessed and happy day for you, dear friends. . . Are you looking forward to spring? I am having daffodils, day lilies and iris coming up!! I can hardly wait until my hummingbirds return. . .It won't be long now.

Some enchanted evening. . .

Some enchanted evening. . . You may see a stranger. . . You may see a stranger across a crowded room. . .

And somehow you know. . . You know even then. . .

That somewhere you'll see him. . . Again and again. . .

Is one born a romantic? Somehow, I think so, yes. . . I can remember as a young girl seeing the movie, "South Pacific", on the big screen and being absolutely in love with this wonderful love story, actually love stories. . . And as long as I can remember, I have never met a love story that I didn't cherish with all my heart. The lovely and romantic "smile" tag and precious "faithful words" journal were created by a very talented lady found at "Under the Night Moon" on Etsy.

Wishing "smiles" and "faithful words" for you my dear, kind and faithful friends . . .

Please enjoy your weekend. May it be full of sunshine. . . and love.

A lady of faith. . .Ms. Lilian

She was one of those ladies who influnced me greatly all through my childhood, teenage years, and young adulthood. She was a true Southern beauty with a peaches and cream complexion and silvery white hair. I never heard her say an unkind word to anyone. Her voice and words reflected her kind, kind heart. She helped me sing my very first solo in church. I was probably about four or five years old, and I sang for our church's Christmas program. I can't recall the song entirely, but it was about the star that shone on the night of Jesus' birth. I can remember feeling a little frightened until I looked down and saw Ms. Lilian smiling at me reassuringly, telling me I could do this, not to be afraid. Later, when I was a teenager, Ms. Lilian spent many a Saturday afternoon at her home helping my friend, Pam, and me find the perfect song to sing as a duet at church the next day. We would look through her countless song books until we found just the right one. Then she would untiringly play the song for us until we knew our parts perfectly and were ready to sing our duet. I am sure she could have found quite a few more exciting things to do with her Saturday afternoons, but she seemed to take great pleasure in helping two teenage girls prepare not only for singing but for life itself. Ms. Lilian has gone on to be with God, but today I say, "thank you" Ms. Lilian for your kindness and the care you showed to me my entire life. You always showed me the way and because of you, I am the person I am today. Dear friends, I know we all have had special angels in our lives who have helped and strengthened us along life's way. Perhaps in some small way, we can be that special angel in someone else's life. That is my prayer for today. God bless you and keep you!!