What's Happening?

I haven't blogged in such a long time... We have been busy!

We welcomed another grandchild into the world yesterday. He weighed in at a hefty 9 pounds and 12 ounces! So far his mommy and daddy have not decided on a name, but we expect to hear soon!

We now have an orchard! Hubby planted two apple trees, two pear trees, and three peach trees! I am so excited! Can you tell!?

Our gardens are planted and I am...literally...watching them grow.

In the pictures below, you will see garlic which was planted last fall, and successfully sprouted this spring.

The little garden on the table has been planted by hubby. It is our kitchen garden.

In the the other brick garden there are marigolds and poppies visible, but hidden behind are carrots...and...Glass Gem corn! This corn is just too pretty to eat, but its kernels can be popped, or ground for flour.

The two largest gardens have been planted with kale, celery, strawberries, peppers, tomatoes, squash, melons, and the "world's biggest pumpkin!"

So...my garden and my family have been my priority. I still visit your blogs, and will blog as often as time allows...but I confess, I just need some time to get things done.

Will hopefully be back soon...but until then...take care!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom...

Oh how I miss you.... You were my artistic inspiration....my cheerleader...my hero. You were my Port in any storm...my soft place to land when I needed it the most.

I dream of you often. You are running on two legs...young...happy.

Your grandchildren remind me of you....your brown eyes....your lovely skin...your sense of humour...

Dad is doing a great job of being there for my brother and I so you can rest peacefully. I know you aren't far...

Love you "big lots....."

T. H. I. N. K.

Before you speak...THINK.

T- is it TRUE?

H- is it HELPFUL?

I- is it INSPIRING?

N- is it NECESSARY?

K- is it KIND?

In this not-so-kind world, it is imperative that we practice kindness...kindness toward our neighbor...toward our work associates...toward strangers...toward friends. More than anything, we need to practice kindness at home, and we need to practice it on our family members.

"Home"...whether it be a physical structure, or the feeling that you get when you are near a loved one, should be a safe haven...a place where you and your loved ones retreat to peace, and security...and the confidence of knowing that they are appreciated and loved and valued.

It should be that place where their integrity is never questioned.

As defined by Dictionary.com..

A microcosm is...
1.
a little world; a world in miniature ( opposed to macrocosm ).
2.
anything that is regarded as a world in miniature.
3.
human beings, humanity, society, or the like, viewed as an epitome or miniature of the world or universe.

A family unit can be defined as a microcosm. There are many different personalities who reside in a family. Often dealing with these personalities can present challenges, and concerns.

So...be kind. Think the best of your family member. T.H.I.N.K. Behave in such a manner that you have no regrets.

Life is fragile. Be kind.

I

"The Launch"

I have entered this painting into the non juried 2013 Women's Art Show in Orillia. The theme of this year's show is "Reflections."

Halen and I spent a day together at the beach last summer. I took his photograph, and was drawn to his expression... He was so deep in thought.

Watching him play in the sand at the water's edge reminded me of summers spent at Grimsby Beach, and in this scene, I saw the reflection of myself as young child, playing at the water's edge under the careful supervision of MY nana.