February 14th

Happy Valentine's Day ~

May the love in your heart

be realized over and over again...

resolution

January.

The only New Year resolution I made was to try one new thing a month.

The sky's the limit.

Last night I tried a new recipe. Skillet pizza. Yes, it was pretty exciting.

I'm pacing myself for February.

new beginnings...

2010....There is so much that could be reflected on here,

but it's best to bid adieu, and welcome 2011 with open arms.

Happy New Year my friends.

Wishing everyone a joyous

Christmas day

filled with the love of family

and memorable moments ~

~ Joni ~

November

Ahhhh...November.

Welcome ~

cozy fires that eagerly settle into embers of contentment.

soft sweaters pulled on to ward off the morning's chill.

fuzzy footed socks that pad across the floor.

treasured recipes of comfort foods.

anticipation of joyous holiday celebrations.

mountains of leaves.

family.

friends.

love.

So nice to be here for your return.

My 46th November,

I shall mark your days and cherish each one anew.

sky watch

I love October...

Only recently the nights have become cooler...

Last night there was an incredible show of lightning across the sky...

I pressed my nose to the glass and watched it...waiting for the dog to decide to come back in.

Always in the wee hours when everyone is sleeping does she think she needs to "patrol" the yard...

I'm OK with that.

Sometimes sleep is overrated.

October morning

This morning it rained.

I walked in the morning's darkness

and breathed deep the feeling of life.

Lungs full.

Heart full.

Mind full.

It's going to be a beautiful day.

welcome september

Joys of lately ~

Peach tea

Open windows

Good reads

House hunting with Kristin

One lazy dog

White cotton sheets

The promise of Autumn

Sweet simplicity

~~ ~~ ~~

Loving life

Every day

summer's end

Wrapping up the last of these summer days is bittersweet. The school year is starting tomorrow and I'm not setting up a classroom like I'd hoped....but I know how patience and diligence always pays off so I am relying on that belief. I have a few part-time jobs that will have to do for now. I just never imagined myself working so many places at once to make ends meet. On the upside, I am enjoying these days. I start each day off being observant to my surroundings and ever-so-thankful for the appreciation that is instilled in my thinking. God is good. Each and every day I am reminded of the sweetest joys. My heart is heavy when I think about my nephew and his battle with leukemia. When one thing gets better, there are two more things that need attention. Currently the chemo therapy has done its job on the leukemia cells, but it has wreaked such havoc on his body that several other issues have developed. His body is not replenishing fresh white cells at the rate they would like. He has an unknown infection they are treating with three types of antibiotics and today they thought he had a blood clot in his lung, but that has been ruled out. They aren't sure what is going on with his lungs. I pray. Every day. Won't you join me?

My daughter and I recently acquired a few vintage window frames for crafting. I've seen so many cute things done with them, but I've not come up with any heart-felt ideas. Suggestions welcome! Please!

Hope

Every day is a new beginning.

Summer is just zipping right by...and I've got to say that I've been enjoying it!

On a trip to Coronado I discovered the beautiful Jacaranda trees that are abundant in places like Florida and our coastal areas here in California, so I acquired some seeds

in hopes to grow my own Jacaranda tree.

She's off to a good start!

Two weeks ago my 19-year-old nephew Joe was diagnosed with Leukemia.

The very day he heard the news he was taken to Stanford Hospital to start chemotherapy.

Today he is fighting hard and consequently being an inspiration to me.

How dare I complain about not finding a full-time job...

Every day is a gift.

Truly.

Some things just aren't that important.

May you give yourself your own undivided attention.

I will no longer put off walking ~

I will take the time to explore the random ideas that pop into my head ~

Today I will start asking "why not?"

I will be observant of my self and take note of the environments that make me a better person ~

I will respond to motivational thinking ~

Today I will listen courageously to myself to hear what it is I am saying ~

Breathe dance laugh

stretch reach love

care pray

be