A smile at the end of the day...

As my bus pulled into the circle at the K-1 building, I spied my two happy charges. They stood with wide grins and waved at me. Once on the bus we exchanged pleasantries and the little dear whose smile you see above plopped down behind me. I didn't even bother to resist the urge to snap a picture before we eased out of the driveway.

What a delight it is to love each other. This small child was overjoyed to see me... to see the end of her day of "big kid" school... to be heading back to our center where she'd see her little brother... In short... my former student was simply brimming with joy. I hope that whatever your day brings you that you are able to share innocent affection whenever it is offered.

Wandering on a lazy afternoon...

With eight children in tow, I walked the paths at Blendon Woods Metro Park today. We enjoyed the comfortable weather as we walked through forest and field. Butterflies, daddy long legs and even squirrels scurrying in the underbrush caught our fancy.

The kids, students at my school's summer camp, delighted in a scavenger hunt.
(Don't worry my students had to show me what they found, we did not collect anything.)

Along the way we took a break to play "Guess the animal" with a communal piece of chalk on a bit of paved trail and my charges drenched each other with the contents of their water bottles. I laughed and looked the other way. Water, after all, is just water.

I returned to the bus with a smile and a very satisfied feeling. I hope you have an opportunity to enjoy this wonderful season.

Now and always, I pray you are blessed with the peace that comes from the One who made the forest in which we played today.

A yummy surprise for everyone!

I got home first tonight and decided to have a cookout. Grabbing the bag of charcoal from my car, I lit the grill and commenced my plans. My son and I headed for the carryout for hamburger buns, a bag of our favorite BBQ spicy chips and some ice.

Back home there was just enough time to make deviled eggs, a relish tray and slice some onions before the coals were ready. The door chimed (It's alarmed so our son can't accidentally leave at night.), and I met my husband at the door with a glass of diet soda.

I returned to the kitchen and stealthily finished microwaving the bacon and cooking the burgers. Dinner was almost done before my guy figured out that it had been our house that had smelled so good when he pulled in the driveway.

Mission accomplished! Yay for me! What a good surprise! I must say that I usually give hints and give my secrets away before it is time.

Sigh... I love cookouts... love yummy treats... I love warm weather!

If you enjoy outdoor treats as much as I do, grab a bag of charcoal and share something tasty with your dear ones!

Dragonflies and wildflowers

Today my whole crew went to a family day

sponsored by a singles group I belong to.

We had a delightful time.

There were activities planned for all ages.

My daughters played corn hole in the children's tournament and I played with a friend against my sister and another single paired up with us for the fun.

I had never honestly played the beanbag tossing game

for grownups and other happy people.

My partner and I got into it,

high fiving and cheering when we actually scored...

not bothered a bit when we didn't.

Though I admit we were silly,

no one minded our exuberance.

We had cookout food, coffee and cookies.

I had a smile on my face

that was mirrored by those around me.

Happy,

innocent,

fun.

Our nature walk was led by an older gentleman with a great love of the outdoors. Though a tad serious, he was quite knowledgeable.

(Though apparently he was unafraid of poison ivy...yikes! I hope I don't have too many angry itchy welts tomorrow.)

Pointing out wildflowers and insects as we wandered,

he was pleased to have an audience.

We delighted in waist high wild flowers,

lady bugs

and dragon flies.

I shrieked at a surprise spider

and even got covered in mud

rescuing my nephew

from a particularly damp section of trail.

When my nephew reclaimed his flowers

and gave them to his mom,

a trail mate bent over and picked me more.

I smiled when my new friend

quietly picked buds off a tree

that our leader had proclaimed "too high" to reach

just so we could enjoy their fragrance.

I smiled

as I sipped my coffee

listening to the rain on the roof of the barn.

I smiled

as out in the field,

kind teenagers played ball with my nephew.

I smiled across the table

at the interesting quiet man

who shared the day with me.

Most of all though,

I smiled at my own daughters,

who enjoyed the nature trail,

entertained each other with Uno games

and congenial conversations.

It was truly a "Family Day".

Happy memories,

and need I say again...

smiles all around.

Tonight and always,

may the ones you claim as family

never be too far from your heart or your arms.

No matter where your trail takes you,

I pray,

that you will always find moments,

to enjoy what makes you happy...

Be it dragonflies,

offered wildflowers

or even mud.

May you be blessed,

Today,

Tomorrow,

Always.

Sweet teenagers

My nearest ATM is right next to my favorite coffee spot.

Tonight,

as I pulled in to do a bit of banking,

the window at Tim Horton's popped open and a smiling voice sang brightly in my direction.

Across the parking lot came an inquiry.

Was I coming for my regular cup?

I chuckled,

smiled

and assured the sweet kiddo

that I indeed was headed her way.

Walking into the store

to pick out a few cookies for my children's lunch boxes,

the teenager greeted me,

packed up my cookies and rang me up.

When it seemed my purchasing was over,

she looked a tad bemused and questioned,

"Aren't you going to get your blueberry fritter?"

I laughed out loud,

I visit for donuts about once a week,

for coffee a couple of times more.

What fun

to have my order remembered.

I loved regulars when I worked fast food.

How silly that now I am one!

May the kind people

who care for your wants and needs

be blessed,

may you find happiness

in the joys they provide.

May this day and every day bring you blessings and peace.

Graham crackers and frosting

After Mass today, a dear friend came home with us.

Her name is Cathy and she is absolutely one of the kindest women you could ever meet.

This morning she taught Sunday School (known affectionately as PSR in Catholic circles) and this afternoon she was volunteering at our parish's "People of God" program for adults with special needs.

Cathy is one of those people who would help you, even if she shouldn't.

Because she is soft spoken, I have seen bossier "Christians" mistakenly believe that she needs them to tell her what to do.

Without a doubt, Cathy is the one to call if there is something to be done.

But, if that is the only time that someone calls, they are missing out on a true friend.

A giver of cards on birthdays,

a baker of the most delicious bread,

an understanding ear to talk to

and a very willing participant in happy adventures,

Cathy is a treasure.

I am glad to call her my friend.

I am sure you know someone like my Cathy.

They bless the world by their very being.

Like the chocolate frosting on graham crackers, they make life special.

I pray that we will always know at least one "Cathy"...

that we remember to call her...

with fun,

not just work.

Everyone needs to relax...

to have that chocolate...

the cup of coffee in the kitchen...

May you be blessed with beautiful friends to accompany you on your adventure!

Now!

Always!

Forever!

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.

Gardening bliss...

Some of you may have heard of my love for fruiting plants before.

...Though the trees couldn't come with me when I moved,

the blackberry bushes surely did.

Tucked into the corner at the end of the flowers,

I grin when I look at them.

Green...

Four foot high...

and

guaranteed to scratch anyone walking past!

I dream of jelly and jam...

Of adding more plants over the years.

I freely admit,

I'm a daydreamer.

Late this afternoon,

as I shopped for groceries at Aldi's...

I walked past their general merchandise.

Always interesting to consider...

outdoor things....

gourmet candy...

you can never tell

just exactly what they may have...

One thing for certain...

in the spring...

the summer...

the early fall...

You'll find plants, seeds, bulbs...

I know this...

I love this...

So I wasn't surprised by the lovely display...

Just delighted

I stopped as I walked past...

I looked in reverent silence...

I sighed..

just a little..

I didn't really need anything they were offering.

But staring at the display,

a happy childhood memory of picking grapes

from a chain link fence

splashed to the surface of my mind.

warm sun...

bare feet...

laughing...

eating...

family

fun

life

With a swift and silent motion,

I placed a box under my cart.

Planting...

teaching...

raising children...

One moment at a time...

shaping the future.

Patience

persistence

perseverance

Life...

What a blessing...

What a gift.

May you find joy in the walk before you,

May the small actions

in your power

to make the world better...

bring you

joy...

peace...

happiness..

May you be blessed.

The Joy of Slippers

Soft and warm...

Cozy and satisfying...

A happy indulgence...

Slippers are such a treat.

One of my little students brought me these

along with a soft robe for Christmas.

I love to take my shoes off when I come home

and slip into the wonderful bliss they provide.

It's like walking on clouds.

Isn't it delightful that the simple habits we have can be so relaxing?

What is it that makes the end of your day better?

Tonight,

make time,

find your "slippers"

... that cup of coffee....

your favorite book...

a conversation with someone you love...

Allow yourself a moment or two to recharge...

to gain what you need to keep going.

Sometimes the walk of life,

even on beautiful days,

makes us tired.

May you be blessed.

Today,

Tomorrow,

Forever!