Rocks, rocks and more rocks...

Sometimes it seems like when it rains, it pours. Other times it feels just like life is throwing rocks at you. For the past few months, I've been sitting in the mud, stacking rocks into a pyramid style pile. So much has been happening that some days my head appears to be spinning around like Linda Blair's in The Exorcist. I don't know why things keep happening or why problems continue to arise. It would be lovely for my days to be speed bump-free and run as smooth as spreading peanut butter, but it's not gonna happen! I know this. I think it softens the blow a little when you hope for the best and expect the worst. I also know that God's not going to allow me to handle more than He can walk me through so...keep those rocks a'coming because I've got someone to help me stack 'em! Blessings...

Company's coming...

I have insomnia. My parents are coming today for a visit and I'm literally so excited I cannot sleep. I get this way everytime they visit...it's a childlike excitement like children on Christmas Eve, waiting for Santa. Of course, mom and dad don't usually come bearing gifts, but what they do bring to my life is worth so much more than physical presents. They fill my home with love and laughter and fun and my heart with much joy! Can't wait to see them! Blessings...

Warming Up

It's another sweltering day across the south. Our thermometer on the back porch is registering at 101 degrees and we are at the foot of the Peaks of Otter. This is considered 'the mountains'. Aren't we supposed to be cooler than this?? Today has me questioning my decision to NOT put the pool up again this year. What was I thinking? I could be floating around in the nice cool water right now instead of holed up in this house, afraid to stick my head out! I hope I remember this important thought next season when I'm deciding what to do. Either that or invest in a membership at the local YMCA. Blessings to you and yours...keep cool!

summer loves

walksonthebeachdrivingwiththewindowsdownGOINGBAREFOOT
wearinglighterclothesFLIPFLOPSWATERMELONsunbatheingCAMPING
swimmingFISHINGSTRAWBERRIESpicnicshomemadeicecream
COOKOUTSgardenfreshvegetablesSunflowersCOUNTYFAIRS
hummingbirdsBUTTERFLIESoutdoorweddingsHoneysucklesfireworks
SleepingwiththewindowsopenSMELLOFFRESHCUTGRASSmorningglories
HAVINGCOFFEEONTHEPORCHhangingclothesonthelinelemonade

May your summer be filled with all the things you love!

Rolling out the red carpet...

Yesterday was the 4th of July. Usually by this time of the year, in North Carolina(where I'm originally from), summer vegetable gardens are now steadily producing great tasting tomatoes. On the other hand, here in central Virginia, we are normally about 2 weeks behind that. My husband always says, "if you get a ripe tomato by July 4th, you're doing good!" Well, we got our 1st ripe tomato yesterday, so I guess that means we're doing good...and here at our house, the tomato is King of the garden! So cheers to all you southern tomato lovers out there...here's to slicing that booger afterwhile and throwing him on some burgers! Blessings!

Savoring...

I love early mornings! Physically, the early mornings are not best friends w/ my body. Ahhhhh...but, mentally...this is truly the best part of my day. I spend alot of my time alone due to my DH's work, and having a teenager w/ his own life. But, there's something special about the stillness of the waking day and the quietness that it brings with it...the beauty of life in general, blooms w/ all it's glory. This is the time I savor...before the problems of the day have had time to present themselves. This is the time...the world seems most innocent. This is the time...coffee tastes best. This is the time...I feel the most blessed!