Beach Run At Sunset

Beach Run At Sunset

"It is (often) the quiet gesture which carries the most significance -

the one which suddenly directs the symphony."

- Mary Anne Radmacher

Setting her surfboard down on the sand, ever so quietly she was inspired to run... setting sun, sand, a withdrawing tide, summer warmed waves... an elegant symphony... I was simply grateful to be in the audience.

An Opportunity...

An Opportunity

"Never squander an opportunity to tell someone

you love or

appreciate them."

- Kelly Ann Rothaus

My long-time friend Melinda was in town for a convention this weekend, and the time she could meet was when Southern California weekend freeway traffic is a snarled and tangled mess. Still... given our almost-four-decades-old friendship, and the fact she lives on one coast and I am on what east coasters consider the "left coast" of the United States, it is rare for us to have an opportunity to meet... and I was not about to miss the chance. Fortunately, the train was running this weekend at the perfect time, and I figured out how to catch it ... the photos tell a story of how my opportunity to meet my wonderful friend multiplied into an abundance of unexpected treasured moments. I am so happy to share them with you as a simple sweet reminder to never miss any opportunity to show love and appreciation...

Thank you, Melinda - you are loved and appreciated.
Thanks for such happy fun and dinner!
See you next time...

This song is for you - You've Got A Friend...
(Carole King and the words - sing out, girl - sing out loud!)



And another opportunity:  Very special words of appreciation to all those individuals and their families who have given our country - and us - their service in our armed forces! I do not know who the soldier was sitting across from me on the train - but I heard him say "I love you" when signing off of his cell phone call, just as I was getting off the train. Thanks, Peace and God's protection to you and yours, kind sir!

Sunshine

Sunshine

"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?

Thou are more lovely and more temperate."

- William Shakespeare

This week a friend of mine talked about how the difficult times in life prepare us to really take in the goodness when it finally comes along. Perhaps that is why when you see dazzling summer flowers in unexpected places you just want to take a moment to stand there in that display of life's brilliant sunshine - a whole world of hope lives right there within those petals... just look closely and pause for even just a minute... take in the simple goodness. I promise you will be glad you did...

Wishing you a beautiful weekend of sunshine in unexpected places...

Summer Alley



Long Summer Day

Long Summer Day

"Happiness flutters in whilst we rest among the breaths of nature."

-Kelly Scheaffer

Some long summer days you snuggle deep into the comfort and afterglow of a day that has been lived in simple happiness: marshmallows are roasted dark brown and squeezed just-right between graham crackers and Hersey's chocolate; laughter fades into yielding yawns and whispers; damp and sandy beach towels are wrapped tightly around shivering shoulders and one-last-swim suits; the ancient glow of bonfires burn down with the setting sun; and waves breathe deep tide sighs preparing for night's peaceful covering. 

It has been a good day... I do believe God is smiling.

Summer paths...

Summer Path...

Summer paths to consider…

Resting beneath a stand of genial shade trees…

The waters of a fountain singing to the air…

Iced lemonade in a beaded crystal glass…

The first lick of a hand-scooped ice cream cone…

A friend’s words (or photo) that stirs a breeze of inspiration…

A stranger’s out-of-the-blue unassuming smile…

A lithe stride encircled by a graceful white cotton dress…

A daddy’s tender kiss against his child’s cheek…

A song of hope being sung…

The first and last page of a book that changes you for the better…forever…

Being in the company of love…

The gentle scent of a white rose of peace …

A heartfelt prayer receiving a reassuring answer…