Continuing the joy of backyard bird watching – through a window – with little red house finches.
Tag: Photos
The Daily Post – Trance at the Museum
A trip to the Perot Museum in downtown Dallas took us to the Gems and Minerals Hall. An exhibit which filled me with awe as I wandered around and looked at an amazing array of treasures from this wondrous earth.
In particular, the large, and very pretty, amethyst geode was remarkable to look at. So gorgeous with all the shiny and sparkly purple gems glistening under the bright lights -it was enough bling to send a girl into a trance!
My granddaughter, Thérèse, loved it, too!
Spending time inside an air-conditioned museum on a hot Texas day was fun.
Spending it with family was even better.
Daily Prompt – Shallow
The grief I have felt over losing our dog, Ricki, has taken me by surprise and, taken me longer than I expected to get over.
It took me about 6 weeks but I finally washed her bedding, folded up her crate and put it away.
When memories pop-up on Facebook or Timehop the ache re-surfaces and I miss her all over again.
One particularly poignant moment occurred when all three of my men – meaning my husband and teenagers – went out of town at the same time. I was getting into bed that first night and realized that Ricki wasn’t there to warn me if someone broke in during the night. And, since her sidekick, Lucy, is deaf I knew she would sleep through any potential trouble.
Little things and moments still occur to remind me of the loss and, at those times, it surprises me how much I miss her sweet face.
When I saw today’s daily prompt – shallow – the first thing I thought of was Ricki playing in the water. She loved to run straight into lakes or creeks, swim out a little then come back and play in the shallow water.
But, I can’t really discount the joy of running in shallow snow, either. Nothing like a little wintry weather in Texas to get us excited and hyped up.
Finally, just because this picture makes me laugh I’m including it. In what turned out to be her last ‘photo shoot’ I got an image of what looks like Ricki smiling but, the grandkids looking a little picture-weary.
WPC: Atop the Circle of Life
Life ends, life begins and life goes on.
Feeling atop the circle of life with the death of my aunt followed closely by the birth of my grandchild, it has been a hectic week. As they always do, each of these life happenings kindled those deep emotions reminding me, once again, how I need to love deeply.
My aunt was a favorite and my childhood memories are filled with her laughing, joking, making smart-aleck remarks and her family famous German Chocolate Cake. The last several years, especially since the death of her husband, finding joy in daily life seemed to be more of a struggle but, she still made us smile with her constant repetition of phrases like, “I’ll tell you for durn sure” and “well o gosh o Friday”. (I never knew what the second one meant or where the saying came from but it was a staple)
She had a full life – even went parasailing at the age of 80. And, while I know she is no longer suffering, and has been reunited with those she loved so dearly, I will miss her.
And, so, as death passes a new life begins with the birth of Colette Grace this week. Colette is apparently a very laid back and relaxed baby who is in no hurry to go anywhere fast. She took her sweet time introducing herself but, when she arrived, her birth was beautiful and filled with a quiet that was broken only by her first breaths and a good cry with the doctor announcing, “it’s a girl!”. As Colette’s life began on the outside of her mother’s womb, there was a peace prevailing in the room. A peaceful beginning for Colette and a peaceful ending for my aunt. A lovely way to end and begin life.
When they got home I watched her sleeping in the bassinet and I was surprised how tiny she looked. It really is so easy to forget how little they are as newborns and how fast they grow. This was driven home that evening when we got to video chat with our grandson in Japan. At 3 1/2 months old he is already getting big and is smiling, talking and changing everyday.
Birth, life, death – it is all closely entwined and serves to remind me how lucky I am to have so much love in my life. I hope those around also feel deeply loved by me.
Eyes of Asia
Linking up with a travel blogger who chose the theme ‘eyes‘ for this week I am sharing pictures from China.
I love to watch people. I love to take pictures of people. Our stay in Jiading – a ‘suburb’ of Shanghai – offered me ample opportunities to sit and soak up the local atmosphere.
The plaza just on the other side of the canal from our hotel was a perfect spot to sit. During the day the children ran and jumped and played and roller skated. They loved that I was taking pictures and would come right up to me and pose. Their eyes shone with curiosity about the blonde-haired, fair-skinned lady with the camera.
When the work day ended the adults would gather, the music would start and an impromptu dance would begin. They danced and they laughed and they left the stress of the day behind. It was absolutely delightful and the happiness in their eyes was contagious.
Several times I was approached by those who wondered who I was, where I came from and why I looked so different. They were not shy about asking gesturing for me to take pictures with or of them. Like this mom – you can see the excitement in her eyes. She was so eager to have her baby ‘meet’ me that she took out her Iphone and asked gestured for me to pose with her little girl. I reciprocated and asked gestured for her to pose, too. I think the baby was just confused – that’s what I see in her eyes.
This man was taking a break from his street sweeping as I made my way back to the hotel. His eyes look a little tired – maybe because his day had been long and he wasn’t quite finished yet.
These guys. My three boys. Walking across the plaza they did not see me. I had to yell out a couple of times before they figured out who was making a racket. Their eyes were covered but, I promise you, they are the most beautiful shades of brown, green and hazel.
And, finally, these beautiful eyes. They belong to my new grandson. Babies are wonderful. Just wonderful.
The Sacred In My Life
Jesus said to him,“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me John 14:6
My faith is more than just Sunday Mass. It’s keeping sacred every single day the realization of how Jesus suffered and died for me.
Along with remembering and rejoicing in His triumphant victory over that death.
These pictures were taken in the Panhandle of Texas in a town called Groom. The Stations of the Cross are depicted in life like bronze sculptures with a 190 foot tall cross which can be see from 20 miles away.
Christ Mirrored
At Mass the community atmosphere is warm and welcoming and it’s always good to see the House of God filled with people.
But, every once in a while I get the opportunity to walk into the sanctuary when no one else is around. The feeling I get at that moment is indescribable. Surrounded by beauty that is both simple and refined I am often overwhelmed by the gift of Jesus in my life. And, I am thankful for the quiet moment to enjoy His presence.
Taken on my IPhone I didn’t even realize the mirror of Christ was part of the baptismal font. I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered ‘my’ clever skills.
Stubborn For the Win
When your school is small and it feels like – for a variety of reasons – the deck is consistently stacked against you – the temptation could be to throw in the towel and give up. But, make no mistake when you overcome the odds – especially when it’s your 8th grade year – and win……It.Is.Sweet.
In fifth grade they came so close – only to be denied the Big Win.
Their sixth and seventh grade years were hopeful seasons with disappointing eliminations in the play-offs.
Early on the boys decided eighth grade was going to be their year. Working hard, they overcame the odds and prevailed. Stubborn? Persistent? Or, just highly motivated? Probably a combination of all three. Whatever it was – these guys not only took the basketball championship but, made history for our little parochial school (named for St. Paul) and brought home the 1st place trophy for baseball too.
Going to the Championship!
The semi-finals was a game against the #1 team. Excited about their chances our fans packed the stands and cheered loudly. It was close but with 1-second left before the buzzer #31, Eli, did a Hail Mary for a 3-pointer, made the shot and won the game.
The championship game brought even more St. Paul fans and another close score. But, in the end, the Packers prevailed and took home the trophy. It was one of the best nights of their young lives.
They Won! They Won!
8th grade Dallas Parochial League 2016 Champions
Ben with the basketball trophy and his medal
Happy Moms – we were loud and proud
Several of the boys also played baseball and, wanting to make the most of their last season as St. Paul Packers, formed a team. With the basketball season complete they set their eyes on the baseball prize.
An undefeated season took them to the last game of both the year and middle-school.
8th grade Dallas Parochial League 2016 Baseball Champs
Ben with the baseball trophy and his medal
Wearing our matching Packer Pride shirts we happily posed with our sons medals
Two championships in one year – these young men made all of us – parents, coaches, friends, teachers and administrators – super duper proud. No question it was a pretty exciting spring semester.
Looking Up – Jiading, Shanghai
Looking up to see Fahua Pagoda in the historical city of Jiading.
Originally constructed during the reign of Emperor Kaixi (1205-1207) during the Song Dynasty. Seven Stories tall it has wooden stairs to the top which gives a birds-eye view of the city.
At night the lights make it even more special.
My Crazy Graced Life 