A Gift for You - A Flower and A Poem

 

Did you learn just this past week that the national flower for Ukraine is a sunflower? I did. In support of their country today I am sharing for them.

 

The Way It Is by William Stafford

There’s a thread you follow. It goes among
things that change. But it doesn’t change.
People wonder about what you are pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it is hard for others to see.
While you hold it you can’t get lost.
Tragedies happen; people get hurt
or die; and you suffer and get old.
Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding.
You don’t ever let go of the thread.

I am holding to the thread for each person hurting in this world, but especially today for the people of Ukraine. Send prayers through the thread with love.

We are all connected!

Whimsy, a Word Today

 

whim·sy     

noun: whimsy; noun: whimsey

playfully quaint or fanciful behavior or humor.

If you haven't guessed by now, I like having a bit of whimsy in my life. A bit of silliness, the spirit of a child. There are two places in my house where whimsy prevails. One shelf in my office/studio, which I call my Shelf of Whimsy, and this antique doll cradle filled with small animals and Raggedy. My grandson calls them "stuffys".

Just for fun today I decided they needed their own photo shoot; so out they came. Some waited patiently and others had to jump right into the middle of things.

That one rabbit with the soft green bow seems to show up quite a bit.  He was a rather pushy, not timid at all.

There he is again.

The little guy wasn't that thrilled about the whole thing, but I captured him in my camera anyway.

When I worked Raggedy would sit on my desk and observe. She doesn't say much, but I think she takes it all in and has learn many things over the years.

Now there he is again. He was dreaming of adventure and wanted to pose by this outdoor shot.

This little bear was getting ready to leave for school; so stopped for one quick shot and he was off.

And the green bow bunny invited another bunny for tea.

This bunny said he would pose for only one picture because really it wasn't his season. He would much have preferred a long winters nap.

Early in the pandemic I found this tiny kit on Amazon. Rather than doing a puzzle I decided to do this kit. The pieces were so tiny my fingers had a hard time putting it together, but it is on my Shelf of Whimsy now and my grandson likes it the best. He wants to do one together with me. The kit says 14 years or older; so I may wait awhile. But then on the other hand I think we would have great fun making it together.

Do you add a little whimsy in your life from time to time?

I haven't said this for awhile, but I would encourage you to add whimsy, dance, put on that tutu, and sing to your hearts content. There are days we need a bit of whimsy surrounding us and this week is definitely one them.

 

Happy weekend, dear friends!

A Gift for You - A Flower and a Poem

 

Do you sometimes wake up and just know there is something you must do? With spring just around the corner this dish had been calling me to tuck some spring flowers into it. So off to the garden center for a few wee plants and then a marble egg had to sit right there to complete the picture. Flowers are coming in the garden and this morning, quite early I must add, I was out there discovering what was new in the garden.

I adore Mary Oliver's poems, 

so today I am sharing "Why I Wake Early"

 

Hello, sun in my face.

Hello, you who make the morning

and spread it over the fields

and into the faces of the tulips

and the nodding morning glories,

and into the windows of, even, the 

miserable and the crotchety-

best preacher that ever was,

dear star, that just happens

to be where you are in the universe

to keep us from ever-darkness,

to ease us with warm touching,

to hold us in the great hands of light-

good morning, good morning, good morning.

Watch, now, how I start the day

in happiness, in kindness.

Have a great week, dear ones!

May it be full of happiness and kindness.

The Love of my Life

 I hope you will indulge me today. I don't share my love most often because his family prefers that. However, since my family doesn't read my blog I think I can get away with it for a little post.

Here are some pictures over the past 9 years of my sweet and one and only grandson, D.

We call him D on social media, but he does have a name that goes with that letter.  He calls me Mimi.

He once wore pink butterfly wings for a tea party I had in my backyard. Pink wings and a cowboy hat were perfect for the day.

I cherish my D and think often about what do I want to share with him as he grows up. What lessons can he learn from me. Though I have served him tea, made pie with him, make a gingerbread house every year, and take walks outdoors - what do I want him to know. I have been making a list.

1.       Choose Kindness and Love over Fear and Hatred.

2.       When there is a special someone in your life share beauty with them, including a good cup of tea and flowers. They will love it even if normally it is a rough and tumble life. It’s OK to add beauty in your own life too.

3.       Notice what you notice – pay attention, embrace and be mindful.

4.       Acknowledge how you really feel and just respond accordingly. If you really aren’t feeling OK, it is OK to say so. You don’t need to always say “I’m fine” or “I’m good”.

State you feelings clearly to those you love.

5.       Laugh out loud, Sing so I can hear you, Dance with your full heart.

6. Love and Kindness will always win the day.

I cherish his tender heart.

I love that he has learned to swim and ride his bike.

He has an adventurous heart, one I enjoy.

He is indeed the love of my life. I had given up the expectation of having a grandchild and when he came along it delighted my heart and tears filled my eyes.

I love being Mimi to this guy!

Do you have a love of your life that delights your heart?

Happy weekend, dear friends!

Go out and savor the time with your love.

A Gift for You - A Flower and a Poem

 

 

Apple blossoms from another year, just beginning to open.

The blush of new blossoms touch my heart and make me smile.

 

This poem was found just this morning on Facebook. It was posted by a high school friend that went on to become a published poet. Sometimes her poems and the ones she posts I don't quite get. This one intrigued me that we learn the language of sleep with our hearts half-opened flowers. 

Happy Valentine's Day, dear friends!