Livin' the Dream

"Think Big Thoughts...Savor Small Pleasures."

H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Do you ever have an event that you look forward to?
Saturday I attended such an event.
Our realtor/friend, Kama, and her husband, Ian
know how to celebrate and thank those in their life
with a party at their horse ranch.

 It is a time to wear the cowboy boots,
kick up our heels, and play.

And play we did with laughter, dancing, and smiles all around.
How fun to meet smiling people and to see the children free to chase bubbles.
There are stories in these faces, some I know and some are yet to be learned.

Listening to music and celebrating the day is something
I look forward to every four years.

Love the Air Stream, where the drinks were served.
The food was amazing!  I am dreaming of the
delicious salads, barbecued chicken and pulled pork,
and oh yes, strawberry shortcake too.

"If you're not focused on people,

you don't get the picture."

Shawna Schuh

"Nothing great ever happens inside your comfort zone."

Kama Dersham, Kama Homes

The quotes were included on a tall mug we each received as a thank you gift.
What great reminders.
If you ever need a great realtor in the Portland area, just let me know, Kama's the very best.

Note:  Double click on any picture to see more details.

One Word

 

Yes!

Just Because

 

Just because, I forgot to blog this morning.
My mind was in another place.
Here are some photos taken this week to share,
Just because.
Do enjoy!
Do dance with the flowers!
Play in the sunshine, Just because.
Have a delightful weekend, just because it is the thing to do.

Sun goes down

 

I pluck the petals that are wet with dew,

and drink my solitary cup in quiet.

When it is empty, pour myself another,

The Sun goes down and all of nature rests.

T'ao Ch'ien, China 400CE

Do you drink a cup of tea as the Sun goes down?
Does it relax you or keep you awake?
Or maybe you sip something herbal in the evening?
What is your pleasure in an evening with tea?

Exuberance is Passion

A red rose always reminds me of Passion.

Yesterday my neighbor received a gorgeous bouquet of red roses from someone special.

Do you suppose it was to say "I Love You"?

As I have journeyed with PASSION this year I have picked up random thoughts about it.

I have tucked these thoughts into my heart with a smile.

I have told myself, "It's OK Darling, Get back up and Dance" when I have needed the words.

I have realized that Passion is another form of JOY, my word from two years ago.

I have learned that Passion is to run with abandon and pure pleasure, complete focus, and exuberance.

Exuberance has stuck in my head and clearly explained this word, PASSION, to me.

Passion, from Wikipedia/Dictionary:  emotion: joy, sorrow, exuberance, raw, hate, hope, faith, love

The suffering of Jesus Christ

The musical.

I found this page and the Holstee Manifesto:

http://shop.holstee.com/pages/about

 Live your Dream, Share your Passion.  LIFE IS SHORT. 

For me what I am learning with the word PASSION is to:  

Connect with People, Create, Laugh, Dance, and live a life of exuberance.

Not a bad way to live, but a very good way.

I hope today you are celebrating life with exuberance.

A Special Day in the Garden

The greenhouse was waiting.
It's first event of initiation.
We were anticipating this day.

The table was set.

Flowers from the garden were picked.

Food prepared.

Dessert of Watermelon Salad with lime juice, honey, and fresh ginger.
Moon and Star sugar cookies too.

Special guests have arrived.
On the left is Adrienne from With a Grateful Heart and LaDonna on the right from Gracious Hospitality.

Then coming the furthest was Linda from Friendship Tea (she was visiting from Kentucky).
Stephanie from Steph's Cup of Tea is on the right, she lives nearby.

Of course with all these lovers of tea together, we had to share a time of tea.
There was a WuWo Tea Ceremony here in my backyard.
A special time of learning and sharing.

Linda is waiting and the time is just beginning.
What a special time together, one I was so happy to host in my backyard.

Sally on the left and Jan also were here to share in the adventure of tea.

Margie too on the left, a teacher of the art of Japanese Tea Ceremony
here to enjoy tea together with the group.

Finally a picture of the four tea bloggers.  I have introduced each to you,
but one final picture was a must.

One Word

 

Polkadots!