* ONE NEW BLOG POST PER MONTH? *

Hello friends,

I've decided I'll try to post at least one new blog post per month!
That seems to be what I've been doing lately.
My excuses are many, but nothing unusual.

Looking forward to spring and warmth and greenery and the colors of flowers!

Nothing to report on my writing. Still working on a few things.

I leave you with some photos to hopefully make you smile.

* NOSTALGIC SUNDAYS *

It's Time Again for Another Nostalgic Sunday!

 

 

 

Hello wonderful people who take the time to stop and see what I've posted! I'm working at the shop today which I volunteered to do since my family gets together on different days to celebrate different occasions. Happy Mother's Day to all the fabulous moms out there!

I've written blog posts about my mother quite a few times and particularly on Mother's Day each year. (She died in 1989.) Although we loved each other, we never had that closeness that some mothers and daughters are so fortunate to share. It makes me think of the marvelous review Theresa Sanders wrote about my memoir, and posted on Amazon. Here is part of what she said "... her bumpy relationship with her sometimes distant mother..." Thanks again, Theresa (Sistah Teri!) I couldn't have said it better myself.

And also, I'm reminded of something my dear friend, Rita (now deceased) said during one of our thousand conversations. It made such an impact on me that I included it in my memoir. The chapter title is "Thoughts on Love & Forgiveness," and is primarily about my feelings toward my estranged dad. Here is what I wrote: "A wise friend once told me she believes part of our journey here on earth is to forgive our parents."

Ah...so true. I miss Rita every day because she was genuine. She was thoughtful and caring and spiritual and absolutely hilarious. (I sometimes referred to her as "crazy Rita" because of the funny things that would happen to her and the way she described them.)I know, too, that she would LOVE our little condo. Below are four of the newest photos I've taken. I hope they make you smile.

A close-up of a large bowl of petunias I bought.

A close-up of the gorgeous irises the previous occupant planted.

The bird feeder I bought and filled.

Shelves and cabinets above the kitchen sink.

I've had fun changing things around, trying to decide what to put where.

The fish is a one-of-a-kind piece of art created by our friend, Bob.

It's lightweight wood, covered with floral fabric. I just love it and think I found the perfect place to hang it.

"Sharing tales of those we've lost is how we keep from really losing them." - Mitch Albom, For One More Day

* Nostalgic Sundays *

It's Time for Another Nostalgic Sunday....Already??

Today I had a difficult time coming up with something for Nostalgic Sunday. Actually, that's not quite true. I had an idea, but after rummaging around four or five boxes of photos, and still not finding THE ONE photo I was looking for, it was time for Plan B.

This is what The Ronald gave me for my birthday this year. He's been down and out with some kind of cold or flu, but still managed to go to a store and bought the lovely basket of fresh flowers. (Carnations are one of my favorites because they last so long.) 

And then, his sense of humor shines brightly with the cake mix box (He didn't feel well enough to  make it...don't know why he didn't just buy one while he was out!) And of course, the numbered candles on top really made me laugh, because that's not how old I am this year, which he knew...but he said we didn't have a "9" in the cabinets! (another thought of why not buy one?!)  ☺But, I was thrilled with his thoughtfulness!

Flash Back quite a few birthdays. This was during my contact lenses and perms phase. That is my baby boy, Mark, and myself on my 35th Birthday! Awwww... Very happy times!

Back to the year 2012 and reality! Oh, how I used to love to tease my mom about her flabby under-arms. Shame on me, but how was I to know I would have the same affliction someday?!

Welcome to my newest follower, Denise Covey. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see. Thank you!

"Life is a handful of short stories, pretending to be a novel." -- Anonymous