Friendship's Balm

Are there ever times in your life that you just need a break, the kind where a visit with a friend is a balm? It's during those times that friends are especially meaningful and precious. Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit my friend, Paula, and we had a wonderful chat. It was so much fun seeing the new things she had added to her shop. We walked around, looking at some of her new displays. She shared ideas and stories of the new things on her shelves. A conversation about our families and simply getting caught up with one another was so much fun. How special it is to have a friend with young adults in her family, like I do. Sharing the little things, experiences in daily life is sweet and such a stress reliever in the midst of a busy week. Thank you, Paula, for a really fun afternoon!

"A happy woman is one who has no cares at all; a cheerful woman is one who has cares but doesn't let them get her down."

~ Beverly Sills ~

Indian Summer

Autumn has arrived on the mountain. It's amazing how much can change in one week's time. Golds and reds are visible, and temperatures of 42 degrees F. at night sends one in search of an extra quilt or two. The transition from summer to autumn comes with subtle color changes and amazing variances in the sky, as clouds and sunshine argue back and forth for prominence. Sometimes the sunshine wins, and at other times the rain and hail. Firewood gathered for winter days back home; an effort in teamwork between father and son. And the early morning hours were graced with more than an hour of bugle chorus as bull elk called back and forth from ridge to ridge. Relaxation and work. Refreshment.

Glorious Morning Glory

Glorious Morning Glory

Morning glory. I remember hearing those words from my mother when I was a child. Morning glory was an invasive weed and was pesky in mother's beautiful flower beds. I used to wonder why it was called a weed, though, as I thought the pristine white flowers so very pretty. A few years ago I discovered a new kind of morning glory. This ones winds and grows its way up a trellis or fence, and looks elegant and beautiful with its large blossoms in a variety of colors. Deep blue, purple, and pink flowers look like faces that poke out from a tangle of heart-shaped leaves. The faces disappear in the late afternoon, but return full force in the morning. Non-invasive, yet abundant, morning glories are truly glorious!

*Our dogs get relief from the summer heat during the summer months when the morning glory vines cover their kennel walls, as they create welcome shade.

Interesting People

Some people go to the fair for the cotton candy, carnival, demo derby, or rodeo. Or for the concerts, free things given away, or to see the exhibits. All those things are interesting and fun, but what I like best is the people. People are so much fun to observe and talk to. I like to discover their perspective on the world and hear how they think about things. A little friendliness goes a long ways in this world; especially at the fair. Sometimes interesting discoveries can be made. I didn't find this woman to talk to, but I did find her self-portraits! In the photography section she had a great montage of portraits where she was wearing hats. Later, I found her again, in the art section. Isn't she cute? How fun it is to discover the joy that others share, and to pass the joy along.

I'm not really sure this is a self-portrait. It may be the photography and art of a grandchild or neighbor. But, from my perspective, it's my view.

*Click on photo for larger view.

Little Bits of Nature

Little bits of nature never fail to please me during the late days of summer. Tiny treats that could be easily missed bring joy and delight! Turkey feathers, a friendly tree frog, berries, everlasting flowers, mature flowers of late season, and more are a pleasure to find and enjoy. Spring and autumn are my favorite seasons on the mountain, as they bring so much change as the seasons flow from one to the next. Pleasant days, cool nights, and nature's treasures to enjoy are gifts from God that bless!

Click on photo for a larger view.

Quiet Places

"My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places."

Isaiah 32:18