Tiny tots and grandmas too....

This morning, the Columbus Metro Park's Winter Hike Series began (http://www.metroparks.net/UserUploads/UserDocuments/Winter-Hikes-2010-schedule-rfs.pdf). A newbie, I pulled into Blacklick park a bit before ten and immediately knew that this "event" was unlike any other "hike" I'd been part of. There was a line of cars waiting to park. The lots were marked with three foot florescent yellow signs and I have never seen so many Rangers and Volunteers... ever... anywhere...

I literally laughed outloud and pulled into line. When I passed the Ranger standing in the road, I too rolled down my window and received a map and instructions. With a shake of my head and a grin, I parked my car. I tried to find the "guided" four mile hike but no one seemed to know where that group was. So, I decided to head out on the self guided path.

Hiking solo in a deserted park is not odd; I do not find it lonely. However, hiking alone when most people are with others... that is a different matter. I was hiking rather fast, as I was not wearing an extra layer under my jeans and I find it feels rude to walk too close to couples. (It makes me feel as if I am eavesdropping.) I passed several groups, wishing them a good morning as I did. About ten minutes in, I fell in step with an older woman, who was also hiking by herself. We started chatting and hiked the rest of the path together.

Back at the lodge, Volunteers handed out soup and big containers of hot water stood ready. I happily made myself a cup of instant coffee and snapped a picture of the turtles that stood, snow covered, outside. Bitty toddlers in snowsuits held parents' hands... the crowd was a friendly bunch. I smiled at the hikers who had patches covering their gear from amazing places. Someday... someday... that will be, God willing, me...

The world is a lovely place. Each day a new experience... new people to meet... new places to go... wonders to explore...

Even within our daily routines, there are bits of joy to find... the discovery by my eldest and I that anteaters ride their mother's backs... the happy greeting posted by a fellow hiker on my meetup profile... Good people... a beautiful world... pretty scarves... snow covered turtles... laughter shared between strangers...

Yes... I give thanks... We are blessed...

ordinary beauty

The other evening I was taking a walk by myself. My children were enjoying a visit with their father and I was enjoying some fresh air and the possibility of a tall cup of Tim Horton's. I went into the restaurant and no one walked to the counter. I stood there for a few moments and decided that it wasn't worth fussing over.

I had actually already had a cup of coffee on the way home from work and as it was only about seven in the evening, I supposed it was not actually a "necessary" purchase. I walked back out the door and noticed the staff taking a break out back. I mused that it was a good thing it was me who'd been ignored.

I honestly like the young adults who work there. Generally hardworking and always kind, I figured I'd just cut my losses and walk toward home. I was a bit disappointed as I strolled without my cup of joe. But, as I looked at the lights beginning to come on and listened to the busy night sounds in my suburb, I figured that the world wasn't coming to an end over my coffee.

Just then, I passed a landscaped island and something caught my eye. I turned back to look again. Sure enough, there on the ordinary looking bushes, were the most delightful lemony blossoms. I took out my phone and took a picture to share.

Like the friend who cleans their closet and shares hand me downs or the mother who calls announcing that she baked extra of her special casserole and she has some to share; the flowers were one of life's little miracles. Bitty jewels of joy that are sprinkled throughout life thus making the ordinary and perhaps dreary day into something better.

It is the small things,
the little "happinesses" that I believe keep us all going.

The blessings we never see coming,
the unexpected rays of sunshine.

I pray that something wonderful is headed your way,
a bitty treat to make you smile.

May your night,
your tomorrow,
your always,
bring you peace.

Have I mentioned lately that I love my parents?

With coffee and dessert in hand,

my father came on a mission of mercy last night.

We talked over life,

situations that were problematic and not remotely amusing.

In the end,

two heads were better than one.

Even the problems we couldn't "fix" weren't quite so heavy.

Before he left,

my father said a blessing.

Though I offer one everyday as I blog,

I must admit it felt wonderful,

if a little odd,

to have one offered for myself and my family.

Tonight and always,

I hope that you find yourself surrounded by those who love you.

That no matter what you face,

there is a hand outstretched toward yours.

And,

if it's helpful to you,

May it contain coffee and a yummy treat along with love!

May you feel the love of God in your life,

May you know that you are loved,

May you be blessed!

Making life just a little better!

Sitting in my freezer at any given time

is generally

at least one tub

of some form of whipped topping.

I am convinced

that almost anything

is made just a little more delicious

with a cool "cloud" of yumminess on top.

Alright...

maybe,

just maybe,

spaghetti isn't better...

but I think you know what I mean.

:-)

My kiddos will happily eat a somewhat "boring" dinner without too much complaint,

if they hear our featured desert is frozen fruit with Cool whip or

if they're especially lucky...

ice cream!

If you think Cool Whip is fantastic,

Don't get me started on the absolute state of Nirvana

that a sprinkle of chocolate chips delivers.

I think happiness in life is a little like that dollop of whipped cream.

It is the small things.

The call from a friend.

The dessert made and shared by someone who cares.

That make life beautiful.

Blessings are found all around us.

Sometimes they are "serious"....

...like when we are given

a warning instead of a ticket...

Or when we've wronged someone

and they offer forgiveness and understanding instead of anger.

Other times our blessings come in simpler,

even silly forms...

A text message from a friend that lifts our spirits.

That extra quarter you discover so you don't have to spend "real money"

to get that small treat you desire.

The pen and paper you find when someone calls

and you honestly need to take a message.

Small blessings.

Daily silver linings to counteract life's craziness.

May your day,

your night,

your life...

Be filled with glimmers of goodness...

moments of small joys...

and

tiny happy surprises.

May you be blessed.

Tomorrow is moving day!

Tomorrow is the big day.

I'm sitting here for a moment or two pausing and trying remain calm. I have so much to do that I'm a little stressed... All right, a lot stressed but let's not tell anyone... it can be our little secret!

My favorite packing tools at the moment are white garbage bags. There is nothing like the last "rush" to make you rethink what you really want to keep.

Do I really need those old candy molds? What about that cute dust catcher that sits on the top of the t.v.? Nah... At almost nine at night I'm becoming almost Spartan in my outlook. It's a good thing all the important stuff is already packed because I just might rethink it as well.

I am so grateful for all my family and friends who are coming to help me tomorrow.

Good, loving people who have so many other things they could be doing with their weekend.

They are generous and kind; I am overwhelmed by their friendship. I pray that I will be the friend they need as well.

I hope for you tonight, that you are blessed with loving friends who reach out and help you even when it is not convenient, even when the task at hand is not easy.

I pray that your life may become a beautiful adventure.
That you are never without a map to guide you.
That you always have company for the road.

May you be blessed,
Today...
Tomorrow...
Forever...

Make a Book Day!

Today was a wonderful day to be a Kindergarten kiddo!
(And, a great day to be their teacher as well!)

We started our day with Ms. Tammy, a wonderful woman from Zones for Youth who leads the children in gym class every other week. Sincerely gifted at her job, the children are always eager to see her arrive and leave her class with big smiles and a relaxed demeanor.

We continued our morning by creating some simple books for ourselves. The kids also enjoyed a first look at the two class books I compiled last night from their collected themed writings. My students really enjoyed reading what they had written and checking out their classmates' work as well.


At reading group time no one complained and everyone did a good job on our short vowel review!

Lunch was yummy sloppy joes and it was warm enough to play outside.

After recess we used our rulers a little more and then we did something very satisfying.

We discussed what books have looked like through the ages and I talked to them about scrolls. Most of the children had seen the simple rolled books before and they were very excited about making one for themselves.

Before class began, I had made up several simple sentences about a wonderful Kindergarten class that was beloved by their teacher. I gave every child a strip of paper with the "story" printed on it. The children could decorate their story any way they wanted to.

I decorated mine with kids and flowers!

After coloring, the kids could choose what color craft sticks they wanted and I helped to tape the scroll together. The activity was complete when we rolled up the scroll and tied it with a ribbon of their own choosing! All the children honestly enjoyed the activity. It was a wonderful prelude to our librarian's visit.

The rest of our day was spent with the amazing librarian from the Gahanna branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library! Ms. Amy was wonderful! Not only did she come bearing the expected books, she brought interactive music. She even told a story entirely with puppets!

The children were delighted and I couldn't stop smiling.

Today was the type of day that makes for happy memories.

I think we all need days like my kiddos had.

Days when the mail brings unexpected happiness
or when everyone loves the dinner we prepare...

Tonight as sit here blogging, I must confess that my own children complained about my dinner...
...something about too many veggies in the casserole...
And, they've been fussing at each other since I walked in the door.

However, I love them and fortified with the satisfaction from the day... I might not sell them to the circus!

I wish for you this night...
peace...
happiness...
good memories...