WPC – Experimental

On November 20, 2017 By My Crazy Graced LifeIn Boys, Family, Photo Challenges, Photography, Teenagers, Weekly Photo Challenge, wpc3 Comments

Our son, Patrick, is a senior in high school this year and I want some nice pictures of him. Always looking for ways to save a buck or two I decided to take some shots on my own and see if I liked what I saw. He’s been playing marimba for the band since his freshman year and music is a big part of his life. Naturally, I want to include this monster instrument in some of the shots.

Being 18 he, at first, gave me nothing but scowls and eye rolls but, then, once we had a little smile-or-else chat (that’s the polite version) he cooperated and we actually even had a couple of laughs.

Round 1 was strictly experimental and I haven’t decided if I’m happy yet or not. We will see.

Wanting some close-up shots I enlisted the help of younger brother Ben. These may be the funniest of the series because there is no way to crop Ben’s rear end out without losing part of Patrick’s head. Suffice to say there will be Round 2 because the shot hasn’t happened yet.

Stay tuned.

WPC – Temporary

On November 12, 2017November 12, 2017 By My Crazy Graced LifeIn Nature, Photo Challenges, Photography, Seasons, Texas, Weekly Photo Challenge, wpc1 Comment

In Texas, winter weather is short-lived and very temporary. Snow, ice, and messy roads don’t (usually) last very long before temperatures rebound back into the 50’s and 60’s.

I love Texas winters!

Tea in Jiading, China

On July 26, 2017 By My Crazy Graced LifeIn Daily Prompt, International Travel, Photo Challenges, Photography, The Daily Post, Weekly Photo Challenge, wpc6 Comments

A repost from July 2016:

Last year we spent two weeks in and around Jiading, China – a ‘suburb’ of Shanghai. Our oldest son, Joshua, was living there with his wife, Emma, and we were fortunate enough to visit. A rainy day had given us a break from sightseeing and when it stopped we ventured out. What we stumbled onto ended up being one of my most satisfying and favorite memories.

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When the rain tapered off we ventured out for lunch and ended up exploring the streets and shops in the surrounding area. Our group split up which left my son, Patrick, and I hanging out together. JIading shopping We were wandering around, ambling in and out of the little shops when I spied a sign with a teapot. Loving all things tea, and especially drinking tea in Asia, we went into the shop to see what was what. The shopkeeper seemed excited to see us and began talking. Unfortunately, we had no idea what he was saying. We wanted to ask him questions but were not able to communicate effectively with him.

Between using hand gestures – and speaking super slow (as if that would help) – we found no success asking if his teapots were for sale or just display. We left the shop to find Joshua – who speaks fluent Mandarin-and, upon our return, discovered this gentleman was completely delightful and wanted nothing more than to share his tea while working on his painting and flute-playing.

One of the things I love about staying in less touristy areas is stumbling upon these amazing experiences that you can’t buy with money. It had been a lazy, rainy day calling for a ponytail and no make-up. No matter that I was ultra-casual, our host could have cared less. Discovering this hidden gem and being treated to an absolutely wonderful encounter completely made my day and ended up being a highlight of the trip.

Jiading Tea

If you would like to see other posts from our China adventures check out these pieces:

Eyes of Asia

What’s In A Shanghai Name

Mass in Mandarin

Confucius Temple and Huilongtan Park

Looking Up

Life Around Jiading

WPC – It IS Easy Being Green When It’s Springtime in Texas

On March 24, 2017 By My Crazy Graced LifeIn animals, Boys, Daily Prompt, Dogs, Nature, Photo Challenges, Photography, Seasons, Spring, The Daily Post, Weekly Photo Challenge, wpc1 Comment

An ordinary Sunday afternoon spent enjoying my boys, my dogs and lots of sunshine. (The Hubster was out of town)

Luxurious Green-ness is abundant during springtime in this great state of Texas!

WPC: Atop the Circle of Life

On March 17, 2017March 17, 2017 By My Crazy Graced LifeIn Family, Grandchildren, Photo Challenges, Photography, Weekly Photo Challenge, wpc5 Comments

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.

Waiting for Baby

On March 12, 2017 By My Crazy Graced LifeIn Daily Prompt, Family, Nature, Photo Challenges, Photography, Seasons, The Daily Post, Weekly Photo Challenge, wpc7 Comments

The ‘official’ due date for my baby girl to deliver her baby girl has come and gone so now we are all sitting around staring at her, waiting for her to announce, “this is it!”

Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration. We aren’t actually sitting. Or staring. We are keeping busy and carrying on with life as usual.

Yesterday, in an effort to remain occupied we took advantage of some beautiful springtime weather and spent time at the Dallas Arboretum.

I’ll tell you – no matter what the season this place never fails to amaze me with its beauty.

In the fall you have Autumn at the Arboretum with pumpkins galore

For the Christmas season, it’s the Twelve Days at Night

Right now, it’s Dallas Blooms. A beautiful array of springtime flowers punctuated with carpets of amazing tulips in vibrant colors.

It is stunning.

This years theme is ‘Peace, Love, and Flower Power’ and showcased Volkswagon’s covered in blooms.

Texas-sized games were available that kids and grown-ups alike enjoyed.

Cute grandkids and lush backgrounds made for great photo ops.

In hopes that a lot of walking would help jumpstart labor we stayed for a long while. Apparently, Baby is quite comfy and all we managed to do was wear mom out.

A lovely family waiting for a small bundle of joy to join them.

Any time now Baby K…

I wish, for my daughter’s sake, that Baby comes sooner rather than later. Even though she feels, at this point, like she might be pregnant forever, we know she will go into labor. For now – we continue to pray for the blessing of a safe delivery and the joy of new baby snuggles.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.

Winter in Texas

On February 11, 2017 By My Crazy Graced LifeIn Daily Prompt, Family, Grandchildren, Photo Challenges, The Daily Post, Weekly Photo Challenge, wpcLeave a comment

With a high today – today being February 10 – of a 88 degrees it was definitely a day to get out and enjoy the sunshine.

These pictures were taken in November and I’m always aware that, although we get cold snaps, we also get to enjoy many days that are weather-perfected. No matter what time of year it is, the sinking sun and shadows never bother the grandkids, especially when grandpa gets the ultra-fun toys out and plays with them.

WPC – Graceful First Ladies

On January 20, 2017 By My Crazy Graced LifeIn Daily Prompt, Photo Challenges, Weekly Photo Challenge, wpc1 Comment

I had the television on for most of the day watching the inauguration. Just like I have for so many previous transfers of the power for our nation’s highest office.

I did it because I am an American and whether I agree or disagree with the politics or the person I respect the office of the President of the United States.

I hope I can always appreciate the fact that I live in a country where, not only do I have the right to vote, but even when the political climate is divided and contentious the key players put their big girl and boy pants on and behave in a gracious manner.

That was evident in both Michelle Obama and Melania Trump this morning. There was bound to be tension yet they behaved beautifully. Graceful and poised each woman was a credit to our country.

Well-done ladies. Well done.

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