little things :: 2

I know, I know.... I featured flowers last week in my first installment of 'little things'. I wanted to do something completely different for this week, but then I saw these sweet little english daisies practically begging me to photograph them. I couldn't resist. And, since they are another of my favorite things about Spring, I felt like they deserved a little time in the spotlight. Honestly, could they be any cuter?? Spring has been putting on a fabulous show this year, and I'm trying to soak in as much beauty as possible because I know it is coming to an end soon. Within the next week or two, they will all be gone and my summer planting will begin. It's been a cool, crisp Spring this year and the result has been beautiful vibrant flowers. Hope this little splash of pink and purple has brightened your Monday! 

pretty in pink

Ahhh..... all of the sunshine we are having this week has caused my cherry tree to break out in gorgeous pink blossoms. I'm giddy!! Things like this thrill me to no end. To make matters even better, this tree sits right outside my kitchen window where I can see it every time I'm in the kitchen. (which tends to be often) I thought I would just share this little photo today. Hope it brightens your day as much as it has mine.

single shot saturday

for right now

I just love conference weekend. It's so necessary once in awhile to sit back and take a moment to reflect on the really important things in life. General Conference helps me do that. The talks yesterday were so uplifting and inspiring. You can't help but feel good about life in general. I'm sure today's messages will be equally wonderful. So, I think I'll throw on some comfy, cozy clothes, flip on the TV and just soak it all in... and make carameled apples while I'm at it :)

final harvest

I'm a little late with my post today....I've been in the garden all day harvesting the remaining veggies in my garden, and these cute little munchkins that will be gracing my front porch for the months of October and November. There is nothing cuter than a little splash of orange on the front porch to get you in the autumnal spirit. (I've always wanted to use that word in a post) :) And now, I will retire for the evening, before I turn into a pumpkin. haha 

t.i.l.t.

t.i.l.t.

fresh-picked pancakes

What do you do when your daughter gives you delicious fresh peaches and your friend gives you scrumptious fresh raspberries from her backyard?

You make whole wheat pancakes with fresh fruit filling. Mmmmmm. Give it a try.

through his eyes

Lately, I've been noticing him watching me more. Really paying attention to the things I do, and how I do them. He does the same thing to his Mom and Dad, and his Grandpa. He's only two, but I find him mimicking my every move. I've decided the impressionable years have begun. I have to watch everything I do .... because he is. I want to be a good example. I want to be kind, fair, brave and honest. What I do now will stay in his mind forever. Talk about pressure! When I had my own children I didn't realize it. I didn't know just how much they paid attention. How much they would retain. But now that I'm a grandma, I am so much more aware. It's a little scary to think about the responsibility of it all. Because it's huge and it's sitting squarely on my shoulders. I only have one life in which to influence him. I want it to be a good one, because he's watching...

peter piper picked a peck

Okay, they're not pickled peppers...but they sure are pretty. I'm enjoying the gorgeous peppers from my garden this year sooo much. They add color (and flavor) to everything. The red and orange are my favorites. Fajitas anyone?? 

tomato tomahto

My first few varieties of tomatoes have been ripening up nicely in the garden. I couldn't resist doing a little photo shoot as I harvested them today. I'm not sure which I like better....photography or gardening. To tell you the truth, I think it's photographing my garden. You will probably be seeing a lot of veggie pics in the next few weeks. There's something about them that just screams 'get the camera'. It's possible that I could just be imagining this, but I 'm pretty sure my garden vegetables talk to me...just kidding...sort of :)

they're here

I have been waiting all summer for them, and they are finally here. Delicious, red, juicy tomatoes, ripening on the vine, have finally made an appearance in my garden. They are the reason I plant a garden each year. They make all of the effort of putting in a garden worth it. My mouth was just watering today as I walked past each plant and searched for the ripe ones. In about a month, I will be canning my little heart out and cooking salsa for hours on end. I will get to the point where I am almost sick of tomatoes .... but right now, I can't get enough of them. 

single shot saturday

life is a bowl of cherries

I love fruit. One of the things I look most forward to in the summer is eating some fruits that aren't available year-round in the grocery store. Sweet, juicy cherries are one of those fruits. Not only did I want to eat them last night, after reading this post on another blog, I wanted to photograph them. It was a great chance to use my macro lens and practice making a storyboard. It's also fun to look at. Enjoy your weekend....go eat some cherries!! 

still learning.....

I made a mistake today. A mistake from the grandparents 101 book of life. I should have known better, but it was my first offense. At least I think it was. My daughter came to me for support. She was dealing with a "raising a two year old" issue and just needed a listening ear. Instead I gave her a speaking mouth. She had already decided how to deal with the issue, but because it was a foreign idea to me, I questioned it...sending her into a bit of an emotional episode. I had forgotten what it was like...you know, making decisions as a capable adult, only to realize that you still care what your parents think. Having one hand grasped firmly on your plan of action, only to have your mother suggest something completely different. Questioning if you are a good parent because you can't do it like your mom did. Wondering if things will ever get easier. I wish I had a do-over. Times change, and so do parenting styles. I don't want her to be torn between what she feels is right, and pleasing me. She pleases me no matter what. I should be there as a support, not another obstacle. Just so you know, she is a wonderful mother and I am always so proud of her. Today I have learned a lesson. It's good to step back, just a bit, and allow your children a little breathing room. A little room helps things grow better. Life is an individual journey for each of us, to be traveled at our own pace. Let's hope I have learned my meddling lesson in just one small dose. I love you Britt!!

to-dew-list

I've been meaning to do something for a little while now. Early every morning, as I come outside to water my potted plants, I notice the dew on my grass. It sparkles in the sunlight and makes me smile. I keep telling myself to go inside and grab my camera. Usually I don't because I'm on my way running or headed to the shower, but today I did :)

single shot saturday

put it on ice already

I don't know about you, but I'm ready to throw a little water (make that ice) on this year's NBA championship. I have to say I have heard more than enough about LeBron James and the Miami Heat. I wasn't too invested in the playoffs this year, once the Jazz were eliminated. But once OKC made it to the finals and all of the talk turned to the Heat(wait, did I say the Heat? I meant Lebron James), I was on board as an avid OKC fan. Needless to say, last night was painful to watch!! I will be so happy when all of the hoopla fades away. It's not that I am a sore looser.....this year there has just been way too much hype for me. OKC never had a chance as far as the press was concerned. I would have loved to see them upset Miami, but it just wasn't meant to be. I should probably congratulate the Miami Heat....uhmmm... no. Do I sound bitter?

three hours shy

I have had every intention of blogging this week. But, as it turns out, I have been about three hours shy on time each day.....and so, blogging has to wait. See you soon:) 

a day in the life of a daylily

The Daylilies are blooming in my yard. I just love this time of year when they start to open up and the yellow flowers appear. I went out first thing in the morning and cut a little stem and put it in a cute vase on my kitchen table. It made me forget all about my cold/flu for a short time. I just had to take a picture while the flower was so pretty. Did you know that each Daylily only blooms for one day? Then it is replaced by another bloom the next day. You can see the six blooms waiting to emerge on this one stalk. It got me thinking....If I only had one day, what would I spend it doing? Hmmmm, I can tell you one thing, I would be ticked if I had to spend it in bed with a darn cold!! I can't wait to feel better. Maybe tomorrow I will "turn the corner".