The ABC's of Me

A is for ART. I love art--the ultimate expression of ones inner being.
B is for Babies. I've delivered more babies single handedly than I care to remember.
C is for Culinary, or here in the south, cookin'. One of my favorite things to do.
D is for Andi, the cutest little dog in the world.
E as in e-harmony. Note the lack of bold letters here. Been there, done that, don't need it.
F is for Faith. I have incredibly strong faith in God and know He will give me most anything I ask for, even it's the winning ticket for the hot tub at Shoe Carnival!
G is for GOD. God is always there, always ready, always on time.
H is for Hurricane. I stayed right here in my cozy cottage during Rita and will do it again if, God forbids, the event occurs.
I is for Israel. The grandest travel tour I've ever taken.
J is for John. A former boyfriend (and still great friend!) who is probably the best acoustic musician ever born.
K is for Special K with red berries. The greatest cereal on the shelf.
L is for Love. Without love life is but a dull, relentless episode.
M is for mountains, or Montana. Love 'em both immensely!
N for Needs. God supplies all my needs AND my wants!
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not WANT.
O is for Oscar de La Renta. A staple on my perfume tray that I dearly love.
P is for Pilot. I love my Honda Pilot and after 20+ years of owning an SUV, I can't imagine driving anything else.
Q is for Quilts. I love handmade quilts and have many which were stitched by my maternal grandmother.
R is for Red..an awesome color found sprinkled generously throughout the cottage.
S is for school! I love it, love it, love it! Although I have 2 degrees, I continue to take any class that piques my interest.
T is for Trust. Hard to earn, yet can be lost in a split second.
U is for Unless. "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain." Psalms 127:1
V is for Victory. I'm grateful to know I can life a victorious life through Jesus.
W is for Woman. Striving to be a Proverbs 31 woman.
X is for Xanax? Just kiddin'! I'm much too exuberant for that, but I'm glad it's available if the need ever strikes.
Y is for Yellowstone, the grandest sight I've ever seen here in the good ol' U.S. of A!
Z is for Zoo. Time for a day trip to the Houston's Hermann Zoo! Fun! Fun! Fun!

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 17

Happiness is finding one more luciously scented gardenia blossom when you thought they were long gone.

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 16

I've learned along the way that 'what is important to us is important to God too', and there's great happiness in knowing that He is not only involved in the big, monumental events of our lives, but He is very much interested in the little things too. A couple of years ago I mentioned to my friend, John, that it would be very nice if God would send a really good (and cheap!) painter my way, as I was--once again--ready to change some interior colors. That very evening I went to the track to walk my regular two miles, and as I was finishing lap 2, a Hispanic man that I had noticed there from time to time approached me. He spoke, I responded and he continued to walk. Then.....he slowed down, turned around, and with a thick Spanish accent said, "By the way, my name is Angel and I'm a painter. I work for so-and-so builder here in town, but I do side jobs too and I'll beat anybody's price." Wow. What a 'God thing.' And what reassurance to know He answers even when we aren't directing our desires to Him.

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 15

Rub-a-dub-a-dub. Three generations of babies in the tub, or sink. My, how I wish digital photography existed in former days! Nonetheless, lots of happiness abounds in perusing old pictures. And as most any mother can attest, lots of love and happiness is derived from a chubby, squiggly, sweet smelling baby straight from the bath. I'm not sure of my age here, but Justin and Savannah were both 10 months old.

Rhonda
Justin
Savannah
A baby is God's way of saying life should go on...

...and even more lubby dub's

Finding these special rocks really makes me happy, and sometimes I feel He intentionally sprinkles them along my paths. Though many may look similar, I know exactly when and where I discovered certain ones.

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!

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 14

What An Iris Says About You

You are incredibly hopeful and courageous. Even when you've been challenged in life, you have faith that everything will work out. Your feelings run deep, and you are a very grateful person.

What Do The Flowers You Pick Say About You?

Happiness is taking a few of the fun little quizes on the internet. Hey, I know this is dorky, but it's Friday, it's been a long week and I'm tired! But it really is fun and sometimes they're pretty doggone accurate!

39 Wonderful Nuggets of Knowledge

These wonderful tips were passed on to me by a dear friend and I thought I would share them. I love this!

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.'

5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

6. Play more games and read more books than you did in the year before.

7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, tai chi, and PRAYER. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend some time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water... Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.

14. 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 moment.

15. 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.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

26. FORGIVE EVERYONE FOR EVERYTHING!

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. GOD (or inner truth, for those who aren't spiritual) heals almost everything.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

33. The best is yet to come.

34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

35. Do the right thing!

36. Call your family often. (Or email them to Death!!!)

37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.

38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

May your troubles be less, May your blessings be more, May nothing but happiness come through your door!

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 14

Happiness is seeing this...
Transform to this...
or this.

I never cease to be amazed by what is birthed from the joining of a few tubes of oil, a pallette and a few brushes. Happiness, ahhh, true happiness.

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 13

'...for the battle is the Lord's...' I Samuel 17:47

Happiness is seeing my statue of young David with his sling. A daily reminder that the bigger the 'giants' in my life get, the harder they will fall. Have faith!

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 12

"There is no drop of water in the ocean, not even in the deepest parts of the abyss, that does not know and respond to the mysterious forces that create the tide." Rachel Carson

Happiness can be found in enjoying a work of art when I have the blues. I felt like I was all alone on a big, big sea this day. But the sun still shines and GOD IS, therefore, all is well.

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 11

Happiness is a homemade baguette filled with 'just picked' veggies from the cottage garden!

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 10

"Good morning Andi! What doin? I'm hungry! Praise the Lord! C'mere Andi! Close that door, Andi! Where Andi go? I want kiss."

Happiness is being awakened bright and early every morning by Rita-baby, my African Grey parrot who talks without ceasing! Rita-baby was hatched during the chaotic early days following Hurricane Rita, thus her namesake.

The Cottage Garden...

Birds eye view from the fence...

Approaching the entry.
The fish pot, my favorite.
Corner of right front bed.
Front yard resident rabbit.
Blooms at the entrance.
Gotta plant the marigolds today!
Sweet potato vine...
Oops, got to fill the birdfeeder!
Sweet pink geraniums.
Society garlic in another favorite pot.
Need to spiff up the mailbox a little. Always a list of 'to do's.'

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 9

Happiness is surprising a friend with their favorite dessert.

Biking on the 4th!

The good ol' southern style sweet tea is made, the beans are baked, the potato salad is made and the Honey Bun cake is fresh from the oven. Got fresh tomatoes and crispy banana peppers from the garden as well as loads of roasted garlic for the homemade bread. Just waiting a few friends who will be bringing the meat for the grill. In the meanwhile, I think I'll take a quick ride through the neighborhood and check out the gardens. The weedeaters and mowers were humming bright and early this morning. Gotta have it spiffed up for the 4th.

Home of L.C., my friend and former POW. God bless our servicemen!


Freshly mowed, nice and neat.


Sweet little garden of my friend and neighbor, Hetty.


A nice little elderly couple live here, octogenerians, I think. You'd be hard pressed to find a blade of grass out of place.

Same home, different view.


We're a flag waving bunch around here...and not just on the 4th.


Back to my little cozy, eclectic cottage. Yes, the gardens do indeed need attention.


An old pressed back chair I salvaged from the curbside. Needs a little work...think I'll call my good neighbor L.C. for that task.

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 8

Bubba's bible, with one of my favorites--I John 4:15--circled in red

In his glory days the packed stadium always cheered, "Kill, Bubba, kill!" "Man, I didn't know white girls could cook like this!" Comment by Bubba Smith after the first of many meals he had in my home-- smothered steak & gravy, rice, speckled butter beans, fried okra, sliced tomatoes & cornbread with REAL butter....with sweet tea, of course! Oh, and I forgot to mention the fresh strawberry cake with berries from my garden.

Happiness is reading the notes in the Bible of my friend, Bubba Smith--a real, tried and true Christian. Bubba, former Baltimore Colt and two time Super Bowl star, really knows the word! His mother, Georgia, was my homaking teacher in high school and was truly a mentor for me.

July 4 Colors of My Garden..

Red...
White...
Blue...

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 7

Sweet little heart shaped rock found by my friend, Stephen, while we were vacationing in Livingston, Montana.


Happiness is knowing that for every love there is a heart ready to receive it.

Family Pic's...Priceless

Hard to tell who is the proudest..


Savannah, Justin and, uh...Portus (I didn't name him!) That girl loves her daddy.

Some tired peeps...

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 6

"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace." - Milan Kundera

Happiness is ordering a new Visa with your sweetie's picture on it!

More Than One Side To A Mountain

"Little did I know that as I faced a mountain of insurmountable sorrow, and during the days and weeks and months I spent grieving beneath the weight of my monumental grief, God was bringing up joy on the other side." excerpt from Rex Johnson, With A Palm And A Willow

There is more than one side to a mountain. The same side of the mountain that shrouds us in darkness prematurely is also the side that first welcomes the sun. God works as well with darkness as He does with light.

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 5

Happiness is finding relief for the mid-life crisis.

Can you spell power surge?