Throwback Thursday – This Redhead

When my daughter was born, I remember one of the nurses saying “look at that red hair!” Her grandmother on her father’s side was a redhead so I wasn’t too surprised.

As the doctor laid her on my belly, I looked at her and something told me it was going to be a wild ride. And it has been … in a good way.

We had our moments though, as mothers and daughters do. What mother hasn’t enforced a curfew and been told “I hate you!” Haha! Been there – done that. But I wouldn’t trade my life as her Mom for anything.

This image is one I took when she was fifteen. The year she thought she knew everything. It shows on her face, doesn’t it?

I know for sure that God is the one who got us through THOSE days. He has such a sense of humor!

She’s a lovely woman now with a sense of adventure that continues to inspire me and all who are lucky enough to know her.

Be good to yourself and others. Namaste’

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Trails

As the host for this year’s reunion of our Happy Trails tribe, I was facing some scheduling challenges, but it all just came together today. Woo Hoo!

Each time we’re together, it’s like no time has passed in between. Dating back to our first times in Santa Cruz (a LONG time ago), we eat too much, sometimes drink too much (what????) hahaha, we shop, laugh a lot, tell life stories, bitch about stuff, and just have a wonderful time.

And then we all ride off into the sunset with unbelievable, forever cherished memories.

The Pacific Northwest and the beach is calling us, girls.  See you soon!!!!

Be good to yourself and each other. Namaste’

TBT – I Love You

My daughter made me this card for my birthday last year. I’ll cherish it forever!

We worked together for the summer and absolutely had a blast. I came into the office on my birthday to find this on my desk. Made me cry ❤️

You’re the best, Michele! With love from a grateful Mom.

Throwback Thursday

I almost didn’t make it under the wire for throwback Thursday. Lol!

This image is one I took at a flower show several years ago.

All of the orchids were beautiful but this one kept me coming back to look at it over and over again.

Two of my favorite colors…purple and white. Yummy.

Have a blessed and beautiful day!

Good Times

This image came up today on my FB timeline and it took me right back to my years of being a single Mom. Wow!

There were some lean and lonely times but, looking back, I wouldn’t change anything.

I had a tribe of friends, family members and work associates who were all there when I needed them. We all grew together, supporting each other in every way we could. I truly believe there was divine guidance in play for all of us.

Many times there was too much month at the end of our money, so we would call each other and ask “what do you have in your pantry?” Then we would pool our food and get together for a meal with all the kids. Some of our meals were certainly creative, but it was a blast!

I’m very blessed to have these two children, Michele and Steve, who have grown into two fine adults. Even if they weren’t my children, I would choose them as my friends.

Be good to yourself and each other. Namaste’

 

 

 

 

Cranky

Hahaha! Cranky describes me when I’m not creating something.

Creativity is part of our inherent nature. Whatever it is you like to do, give it your all with passion.

You have great gifts. Share them!

My Olympus camera is an oldie but a goody and still one of my favorites. She and I had many adventures together and I think of her as my cohort in crime in my early days of photo blogging – LOL

Be good to yourself and others. Namaste’

Life

My brother wasn’t the kind of guy to buy presents for people. He hated shopping and would rather give someone money to buy what they wanted. I always teased him about that 🙂

For my birthday in 2010 he gave me this necklace, just a few months before he passed away. I remember when I opened it I told him how much I loved it and he said, “I hope you always will, kid.” I was his little sister and he always called me that. Unless he was mad at me – LOL!

Looking back I think he knew that we were going to lose him and that his wish for me was to really live my life. I believe he knows that I am.

One of the main reasons I started this blog six years ago was to chronicle my life so that when I’m gone, my kids and grandkids will know what I was about. Maybe my life will be an inspiration for them to live theirs doing things and loving people that make their spirits soar.

Be good to yourself and each other. Namaste’

The Only Kind of Drama I Want

Years ago when my son was visiting us in Tucson from Seattle, he named our sunsets “high drama.” I thought that was a perfect description.

(He came in the summer … what was he thinking? LOL)

This particular image was one I took that ranks near the top of my list of high drama sunsets. I probably have at least a hundred sunset images (I’m a bit of a fanatic). Of course you all knew that already, right? 🙂

The summer monsoon season in southern AZ creates dynamic energy and masterpieces in the sky. I feel grateful to have been a witness to so many.

Be good to yourself and each other. Namaste’