Wasilla and Green Thumb Sunday...

I noticed I had a visitor this morning from Wasilla, Alaska! It couldn't have been...well, I guess it may have been...I mean, I wonder if it really could have been HER?

One can only speculate and hope, but, I guess there's always the chance it could have been this wonderful powerhouse of a lady. Gee, what an incredible honor that would be!

Shifting gears...I used to participate in a project called 'Green Thumb Sunday' which was simply a group whose members would, each Sunday, post something on their blogs which was growing in their gardens. Well, life being what it is, that little effort sort of got lost by the wayside, but, today I am back at it!

A month or so ago I stumbled across a package of zinnia seeds in a cabinet which had been there for no telling how long. Not having a lot of hope for this little pinch of nothing, I simply tossed them in a front flower bed, never bothering to sow or tend them. As I recall, a fairly heavy downpour fell shortly thereafter, leaving me with even less hope that the seed would survive, much less prosper. I was pleasantly surprised when, last week, I noticed there were probably a couple dozen zinnia's sprouting up here and there, and I was even more elated this morning when I saw many of them blooming and, right smack in the middle of the multiple shades of pink and lavender blooms is one of the peppermint variety!



I'm utterly amazed at the will of these outdated and neglected seed which narrowly escaped the trash can, and their wonderful outcome has caused me to acknowledge just how much strength and determination is within us, those created after God's own image, we must simply draw from the well within.

Rambling

Meet Lamar, a pretty, flaming red cardinal that shows up outside my breakfast room window at the same time each morning, then again in time for the evening meal. Savannah named this fellow in honor of the Lamar Cardinals, our local college athletic team. Lately we've been sprinkling seed on the driveway, so most days he has a few feathered friends join him. This photo was taken through the kitchen window and enlarged, thus the lack of clarity.

42 Tips for A Better Life
==========================
1. When you wake up in the morning, always start your day with a prayer/vision.
2. And then, complete the following statement, My purpose is to__________ today.
3. Take a 10 to 30-minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
4. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
5. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
6. Drink plenty of water and fresh juices. Eat blueberries, salad, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds, etc.
7. Make at least three people smile each day.
8. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present.
9. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone, so give the best of your kindness.
11. Take yourself seriously.
12. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
14. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about. Don't compare your partner with others either.
15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you. So, be happy.
16. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
17. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; Responsibility for all your actions.
18. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
19. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: In five years, will it matter?
Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
20. Forgive everyone for everything.
21. Read more books and watch less TV than you did last year.
22. What other people think of you is none of your business.
23. God has everything you'll every need in life so hook up with Him.
24. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
25. In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the current situation; don't bring up the past.
26. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
27. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.
28. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
29. Keep believing that the best is yet to come.
30. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
31. Each day give something good to others.
32. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
33. Sleep for 7 hours every day or whatever your body needs.
34. Don't trust someone who doesn't close their eyes when you kiss them.
35. Remember that the best relationship is one where your love for each other is greater than your need for each other.
36. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a stroke of luck.
37. Do the right thing!
38. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for__________. Today I accomplished_________
39. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
40. Trust in God, but lock your car.
41. Realize that as you get older, you are not approaching death, but heaven.
42. Know that GOD heals everything.



(from my MountainWings daily e-mail)

Balance

The gathered debri left by Hurricane Edouard. Minor, indeed.
Today's harvest. The tomato vines are still producing like crazy. Pure, organic goodness.

God listens. And He speaks too. And when He said "That's enough," Hurricane Edouard calmed down and moved on, leaving hardly a trace of his early morning visit.

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 29

from the field to the market, a rainbow of colors, unimaginably fresh and delicious...

Happiness is summer time grocery shopping!

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 25

The little things? The little moments? They aren't little. ~John Zabat-Zinn

Happiness is realizing that sometimes the little things aren't so little after all.

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 24

Happiness is perusing old picture albums and reflecting on fun times shared with special people. This picture was taken a few years ago in Colorado Springs at the family reunion of my then fiance. Although I typically accompanied him to 2 medical conventions a year in Colorado (I think he really wanted to ski!), I remember the clouds as being breathtakingly beautiful this particular time. Thank you, Matt, for all the wonderful times and for the heart-touching and humble manner in which you have come back into my life.

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 20

Happiness is finding a garden full of 'volunteers'--new plants which weren't planted, but sprouted up from seeds scattered by birds, wind and rain. And, of course, a sweet little volunter to help you tend the garden further enhances the happiness.

A 'Vinca Volunteer'
Baby Vinca's
Savannah, my favorite 'volunteer' of all

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 18

Flamingos is Progresso, Mexico

Happiness is beholding the magnificent, wonderous creations of God which are ever present in nature. These flamingos were spotted during a ground tour which was offered when on a cruise to Mexico last August. According to the tour guide, these birds are not born with this vibrant, peachy-pink color but, rather, they acquire it through their dietary intake. The water where flamingos reside is typically extremely high in iodine, which is thought to be a great contributor to their spectacular color. Simply beautiful.

Another 'lubby-dubby' rock

A few years ago I accidentally discovered a unique, heart shaped rock and I've been on the look out for them since. While in Montana recently I found about half a dozen of them, scattered here and there throughout that glorious mountainland, in a variety of colors and sizes. I left them with my friend, who promised he would keep them safely for me (one can only hope!). This morning I ventured to the local conservatory and gardens and while strolling through the herb garden I spotted this lovely white specimen. I like to think of my new findings as 'God winks'. I sure hope I find lots more!