Lavender love

Daily Gratitude

• Sometimes trusting the process and going with the flow is difficult for me. Yes, it is. However, I am finding that bucking the system, relying on my own strength, or making up a separate set of rules doesn't always serve me well. I am actually thankful for systems and am becoming a rule follower. Fancy that! 
• Kind words, meaningful smiles. How lovely they are. And, they are free to give. Being the recipient of so many over the last couple of days has humbled me. I am greatly blessed.
• Learning is my gasoline. Travel is just one of the ways I learn. New places, new tastes, new horizons. I am getting my tank filled on this trip. Zoom! Zoom!

In the heart of lavender country

I once wrote, "Romantic pictures of fields filled with rows of lavender just thrill me. When I see them my mind soon fills with a fantasy of strolling through a European farm on a late summer afternoon, the overwhelming lavender scent on a warm breeze. The uncontainable color of amethyst is spectacular against an azure sky. I’m usually really tanned, wearing a flowing cotton skirt and a poet’s shirt. Of course I’m on the arm of a handsome French man who is carrying a basket filled with wine, cheese, baguette bread and fruit…well."

Lavender perfumes the air in Provence

Well...it was kind of like that. Sort of. Lavender is harvested in late July and early August. I visited Provence a bit too early to experience the glory of the region's lavender at its peak. However, I enjoyed every bit of it just as it is. Right now the buds are just forming.

Lavender rows with forming buds

The buds are just about ready to burst into blossoms

My friend pointed out to me fields that have wild wheat and poppies mixed in the rows of lavender. She said those fields are organic or have limited treatment for weed control.

Wild wheat and poppies indicate natural lavender fields

Even though it wasn't lavender harvest time, my friend and I visited the Les Agnels Distillery in Apt. Trucks back up to large tanks that are sunk into the ground. They dump their loads of freshly harvested lavender directly into the bins, where the distillation process occurs. 

Lavender colored distillation tanks

Working display explaining the distillation process

The lavender oil is made into a myriad of products that are sold in the region - soap, perfume, cooking products, and much more.

Handmade goat's milk and lavender cubes

Scented talc powder lines the shop shelves

An entire shop devoted to lavender products

Even the local grocery stores carry lavender products

The handmade products are lovingly made and help the local economy

A few years back I wrote a story for Mermaids of the Lake with more information about the properties of lavender and its many uses. Check out A Love Affair with Lavender for more lavender facts. 

A walk to Buoux

Daily Gratitude

• Waking in a cool, dark room was wonderful this morning. My stay in Europe has been hot and bright. No complaints. However, the morning is a welcome relief.
• Seeing a person from a different perspective can be a gift. I am grateful when a not-so-flattering first impression can be dispelled.
• Isn't technology amazing? Staying connected with friends and family while being halfway around the world is something I appreciate today!

Walking to town

Rising early, my friend fed me a healthy breakfast. As soon as the dishes were cleared, we headed out to run a few errands. Running meaning walking; walking up and down hilly roads. No need for a run!

Alters can be found at significant points on the ancient roads.

The business of the day started in the small town of Buoux, which is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.

Coming into Buoux - such a lovely little town

Buoux is a little village, having a just over a hundred residents. They are fiercely proud of the medieval historical significance of its fort, as well as the stunning cliffs that are a popular draw for rock climbing enthusiasts.

Lavender fields, punctuated with Cyprus tress, cover the valleys

The village is a cluster of municipal offices, bed-and-breakfasts, and homes. All are quaint, rustic stone buildings roofed with tile.

Vines and shady trees provide refuge from the intense heat

Water for man and beast

It is a cool place to reflect under the tiled roof

Steps and hilly byways

Continuing down the hill, the road exits Buoux

Many farm houses, large and small, have been converted to inns and bed-and-breakfasts. Tourists from around the world come to the region for an immersion in hospitality and generosity.

Incredible farm villa captures the old world charm

Wild poppies color fields and byways

Our morning in town was fascinating. So colorful, so artistic. Of course, I wanted to move in! I know that there is more coming and can hardly wait. Buoux, you're beautiful! 

Shine on you crazy diamond

Daily Gratitude

• This morning I've been watching a pair of robins outside of my window. They are busy! It strikes me that so much life happens without observation. Today, I observe and am grateful.
• April showers. Here's hoping for many, many May flowers! 
• My semester at school is nearing completion. I wonder at my relief, for I truly love my courses! Yet, I'm tired and ready and done...

Shine on You Crazy Diamond

Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun.

Shine on you crazy diamond.

Now there's a look in your eyes, like black holes in the sky.

Shine on you crazy diamond.

You were caught on the cross fire of childhood and stardom,

Blown on the steel breeze.

Come on you target for faraway laughter, come on you stranger,

You legend, you martyr, and shine!

You reached for the secret too soon, you cried for the moon.

Shine on you crazy diamond.

Threatened by shadows at night, and exposed in the light.

Shine on you crazy diamond.

Well you wore out your welcome with random precision,

Rode on the steel breeze.

Come on you raver, you seer of visions, come on you painter,

You piper, you prisoner, and shine!

Nobody knows where you are, how near or how far.

Shine on you crazy diamond.

Pile on many more layers and i'll be joining you there.

Shine on you crazy diamond.

And we'll bask in the shadow of yesterday's triumph,

And sail on the steel breeze.

Come on you boy child, you winner and loser,

Come on you miner for truth and delusion, and shine!

by Roger Waters, Richard Wright and David Gilmour.

Shine on

Daily Gratitude

• Dreams. They show up in the strangest ways! What mysterious river do they tap into? The calling from deep within surfaces in bursts of inspiration and then again in restful repose. 
• Today my heart is peaceful, it's filled with assurance of God's ever faithful love. Trite, you say? Never!
• Oh, Spring!  I waited and yearned for your arrival. You're here and I'm thrilling in your verdant exponential creative force. 

“And like a colorful bloom of temporary lights in the sky, you will shine.” ~Chad Sugg

When the Spirit moves

Daily Gratitude

• Rest and rejuvenation. Oh, how beautiful a good night's sleep is! I've had a string of restless nights and this morning I woke feeling ready for the work I must face: packing and hauling boxes. 
• Grateful for the generous help of loved ones. Yay! Moving is made fun when people you love are lending a hand! 
• Coffee, I love you. Yes, I tell you this often. But, please know I never take you for granted. 

Moved by the Spirit

As I am packing away most of my possessions and putting them in storage, I find myself distracted by things I haven't seen for a while. This morning I found these paintings. I was going through a beautiful spiritual metamorphosis and attempted to put some of this change on paper. I'm not an artist, so this was a new thing for me. When I found these today, it reminded me how beautiful this time was and it reignited the Spirit within.

Out of the Darkness Came Light

When the Spirit Moves

Cracked Pots 

Readying the Harvest

Gift of Life 

Shiny, happy girl

Daily Gratitude

• Over the past few months several of my long-term dreams have started forming in reality. Graduate school. Moving from my home to a new place. A couple of new jobs. And, more... I am thrilled. I am blessed. I am Shiny and Happy! 
• The snow has started to make its way to my lake community. It's cold and wet. Yet, I like it. This change in seasons is why I love living here. Welcome, Winter! 
• Loved ones continue to bless me. How can I say to each of you how much my life is colored by your generous gestures. 

I'm feeling shiny. I'm feeling happy! 

Though skies are dark and stormy, my heart is bright with joy! I am bursting with light and I'm going to let it burn full power. Look out, it's brilliant in here!

Cars and summer fun

Daily Gratitude

Today I'm shining because I'm thankful for:

• The quiet coolness of morning. While walking Eddie, I loved the coolness of the early day. I felt the heat coming. It's going to be gloriously warm.
• Bright, glowing clouds. I looked up to a brilliant blue sky that held a few clouds. They were ablaze, as if they had their bellies full of sunshine.
• Coffee with friends. Amy, my dear friend, and I are catching up today over a cup of coffee at Forza. Doesn't get much better then this!

Cars and summer fun

Shiny hoods, sparkling headlights, brilliant ornaments. Yes, this is what "Show & Shine" is all about. It was my first time to enjoy All Wheels Weekend in little Dayton, Washington. I joined several thousand happy car buffs to admired the line-up of beautiful cars and trucks on Main Street. 

Here are a few pictures from the line-up

Old Glory blesses the weekend

Old cars of all kinds

Main Street filled with happy people

What a great way to start the summer...cars, happy people, sunshine. I'm going to put All Wheels Weekend on the calendar for June 2014 for sure!

Waiting in line

Daily Gratitude

Today I'm shining because I'm thankful for:

• Generosity. Last week I started a "thank you" jar. On small slips of paper, I am noting unexpected gifts and gestures of kindness. It's amazing how many notes are already in the jar. 
• Safe travels. Last night I returned home from a lovely weekend with my sister, who lives about 150 miles from me. As I pulled into my garage, I was struck by how often I travel and take for granted my accident-free trips. Thank God for His protection and blessing!
• The quiet of the morning. I love the early hours of the day. I especially love Monday mornings. 

What do you do when you wait in line?

Brazen headlines of titillating gossip plaster the rag mags line the cashier’s lane. The captions insist on being noticed as I inch my shopping cart forward. One particularly eye-catching header gets my attention, “Farrah Abraham propositions an intrigued Charlie Sheen, shows off boob job.”

“Is there any other time in my life,’ I shake my head as I ask myself, “that I willingly endure craziness such as this?” Then there’s this tidbit, “The Fast Diet lets people eat whatever they want, but only five days a week.” Sounds great, but isn’t there a saying that says if it sounds too good to be true, than it probably is? And, I’m so glad to know this, “An eyeball licking trend in Japan is spreading pinkeye; teachers unearthed the trend at school.” Seriously, who reads this stuff?

The words on the tabloid covers are large and colorful. “Gosh,” I think, “I’d never buy this junk.” Yet, I’ve pulled a copy of People Magazine from the rack. As I guiltily leaf through the glossy pages, I am treated to images of plastic surgery disasters, enhanced cleavage, dimpled bottoms, gala gowns, hang-over tips, and the lasted gossip about Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux.

Every few minutes I push my cart forward. I’m no longer anxious about the wait. My mind is lulled by stories of beautiful people and the lives they lead. The magazine has pulled me in to a kind of zone especially created for those waiting in line. Soon the screaming kid and the yelling mom fade from my awareness. Even the woman ahead of me who has a mountain of return items doesn’t faze me.

I feel woozy and a bit dazed when my cart finally reaches the conveyor belt. It’s as if I’ve overdosed on sucrose. Snapping the magazine shut, I quickly return it to its place. Now that the waiting is over it’s time to return to reality, time to be clear-headed, time to be practical.

I think to myself, “My next visit to Megamart, I’m going to pick a longer line.”

You make me laugh!

Daily Gratitude

Today I'm shining because I'm thankful for:

• Text messages from my son. He's far away at college. Getting calls and pictures of his day-to-day world make me happy. I love you, Morgan!
• Rain that washes away the pollen. Goodness, for the last couple of days the air has been hazy with yellow pollen. Great, down-pouring rain storms have almost knocked out the pesky stuff. Whew...
• Prayers from loved ones for my sweet girl. Tomorrow is a big day for her, as she's undergoing surgery. I'm so grateful that God uses doctors and surgeons to do His healing work. 

I needed a bit of laughter today, so I spent it with people who made me laugh...

"Laughter is the sound of the soul dancing. My soul probably looks like Fred Astaire." ~Jarod Kintz

"If you wish to glimpse inside a human soul and get to know a man, don't bother analyzing his ways of being silent, of talking, of weeping, of seeing how much he is moved by noble ideas; you will get better results if you just watch him laugh. If he laughs well, he's a good man." ~Fyodor Dostoyevsky

"It is a fair, even-handed, noble adjustment of things, that while there is infection in disease and sorrow, there is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humour." ~Charles Dickens

What a lovely day I had! 

Inspired by Charm

Daily Gratitude

Today I'm shining because I'm thankful for:

• The tinkling of my wind chimes. I have several on my deck that ring differently  One is made of circular cut shells of lovely shade of light green colored. It picks up the light breezes. There is a rusted Mexican chime that has little bells of varying sizes that clinks when heavier winds come through. And my favorite, is a throaty brass chime that sings a rich tone in all winds. I love the comfort of their notes. 
• Lemon water. Right? It's so fresh and clean! 
• Scentsy stuff. I have one of those warmers that you put a nub of scented wax on to make the room smell good. I've tried different ones and found that I love the really creative smell combos from Scentsy. Right now I have a coconut lime verbena going that's just heavenly.

Inspiring Blog

Inspired by Charm - Just stumbled on this lovely blog by a young man named Michael. He owns a bed and breakfast in Pennsylvania, he loves decorating, and shares great recipes. The way I found him was through Pinterest (of course!). Always on the prowl for inspiring quotes, I found this one that features Zooey Deschanel...

I love the quote, love the format. Hmmmm, what's this Inspired by Charm, I wondered? I went to Michael's webpage and found several more he had created. Aren't these wonderful?

All creative and inspiring people, sharing a life of gratitude and positive energy. I love it! 

Well, I'm most definitely Inspired by Charm and have subscribed to Michael's blog. I appreciate the joy in his posts. Thinking you might like it, too!

My precious daughter

Daily Gratitude

Today I'm shining because I'm thankful for my Sarah girl:

• My daughter has imprinted me with indelible ink. She makes my heart sing a song that is only hers. And, like her sweet baby smell, it is especially assigned to her. 
• Like a photo negative, she and I are the same picture with different light. Where she shines, I sit in awe and wonder at her unique gifts. 
• As is with most mothers and daughters, we are complicated, convoluted, and changing. Through the years our relationship has taken on unanticipated hues and depths. All making for a rich tapestry that both of us can proudly claim as uniquely ours. 

"Your soul sings to mine. My soul is yours, and it always will be, in any world. No matter what happens. I need you to remember that I love you." ~Laini Taylor

Image credit: Sarah Hepler

A little bird told me

Daily Gratitude

Today I'm shining because I'm thankful for:

• Intermittent rays of sunshine. While bright lovely days of brilliant sunshine are my preference. I find I'm especially thankful for the times the light peaks through dark, stormy clouds. 
• Check-in calls. It's a comfort when a friend calls just to see how I am. The thoughtfulness makes me happy.
• Mad Men Season 6 Premier. Ok, I admit it, I'm a junkie. And I tell you, I've been waiting for foreEEeevVer! for this night. It better be worth it! 

A Little Bird Told Me

by Shelley Hepler

Today I found half of robin’s eggshell,

Still moist from its occupant.

My heart quaked at the astonishing blue.

Its mesmerizing hue compelled me

To madly search for the other half.

Digging and scratching and grumbling served no purpose,

The errant half was not to be found.

That color, that form, it must be made whole!

When I stopped my rustling,

A little bird voice played on my ear.

There was the true beauty, new life, a new beginning.

In my palm I crushed the shell

And blew the fragments into the wind.

Image: Robin's Egg Blue by Kathleen Kendall

Sweet treats

Daily Gratitude

Today I'm shining because I'm thankful for:

• A job well done. Doesn't it feel great when you have a daunting project that you've taken head on. You work hard, maybe harder than you thought you'd have to. Then, it's finished. And, you're pleased with the results. Well, that's how I feel about a writing job I just completed. It feels great. 
• My best friend's dog, Willie. Debbie's dog was a delightful friend to my family. He'd bound to the door when I arrived, carrying one of his precious toys as an offering. He'd bark for treats. He'd bark for a pat on the head. Willie's old body became too tired to stand on his long legs. He couldn't see well. His teeth were falling out. Other failures where happening as well. Yesterday, Willie went to sleep a sweet, happy dog. He will be missed for a very long time.
• Bright colors. Yesterday I noticed people were wearing lively shades of green, blue, yellow and other colors. It's spring! And, we're wearing it well. 

Sweet Treats for my Kiddos

As a regular pinner to Pinterest, I see some pretty amazing things. Even though I don't have kids at home these days, I have a Kids Only board that I pin to. Weeks ago I saw a great treat called Trix Krispies and have thought about making them ever since. But, goodness, I couldn't justify making a whole batch of these goodies for myself! So, when Easter plans were being made, I jumped on the opportunity to try the recipe! They were super easy and quite delightful.

Trix Krispies

4 tablespoons butter

4.4 oz. bag mini marshmallows
10 cups Trix cereal

Place the butter and marshmallows in a large glass bowl and pop in the microwave for about 2 to 3 minutes to melt. Stir well. Mix in your Trix cereal and stir. Pour into a large greased pan (9 x 13 or 11 x 11) and press down with a spoon. Cut into squares. Serve with a colorful smile!

***

As I perused the posting for Easter treats, I saw several versions of Easter Bunny Bark. Ok, I had to make that as well. It was even easier than the Trix Krispies! This is my version of the recipe.

Easter Bunny Bark

1 pound white chocolate melting wafers
1 cup thin pretzel sticks, broken in half
1 cup M&M’s in pastel colors
1 cup salted peanuts
Sprinkles

Line a cookie sheet pan with waxed paper. Melt the white chocolate wafers over a pot of simmering water, whisking frequently until melted. Pour the melted chocolate over the prepared sheet pan. Sprinkle the pretzel sticks, M&M's, and peanuts over the chocolate. Mix in with a spatula. Then, spread evenly over the pan. Sprinkle with sprinkles. Let set at room temperature about 1 hour. Cut the bark at room temperature with a sturdy sharp knife. Yummy!

I think my family will gobble up these sweet treats quick like a bunny!

A thousand ways grateful

Today I am just grateful

I believe that every good thing comes from God. There are a myriad of good things in my life and I want to say Thank You to Him. I like how King David expresses his gratitude:

Thank you! Everything in me says "Thank you!" Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: "Thank you!" Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. Psalm 138:1 

Today I have a thousand ways that I'm grateful

Please indulge me as I say that I'm thankful for the ways God expresses His love for me. Here are just a few:

• My Sarah. The words to describe my beautiful, talented, shining daughter escape me. I am not skilled enough yet in this craft of words to tell the deep emotions that rise when I consider her. Yet, I continue to try. Today they are the colors bubble gum pink, smokey grey, and mysterious violet. 
• New lipstick. The scent encountered the first time one twists up a fresh tube of lipstick is a little bit thrilling. The smooth surface of color is perfect and I almost hate to mess it up. Yet, I can hardly wait to dress my lips with the slickness of the new shade. I like it...
• Sally Cat. She persistently pursues my affection my insisting to be on my lap when I'm at my computer or reading in my big green chair. My lap is her throne. 
• My Creator. I can't begin to comprehend the ever evolving, ever expanding universe. I will never get my mind big enough to fully enter the world of quantum physics. The intricate details of things big and small boggle my pea brain. All I can say is, wow! God, the harder I look, the deeper I delve, the more honored I am to be called your beloved. 

• Lively conversations about good reads. When a fellow read-acholic can get as excited as I do, well, it's pure heaven! Learning from someone I respect about a new book or being introduced to a new author is mind expanding. Yes!
• Icy cold martinis. Yep, the crisp ginny juniper essence barely cut with a kiss of vermouth. Oh...! 
• Friday morning phone chats with mom. Our standing weekly date is Friday morning at 8:00. I call mom, she answers with a sunny hello. The previous seven days are encapsulated.
• Warm hugs and kisses from friends. As I venture out in the world and encounter friends, I am happy to embrace them in greeting. The brief moment of closeness fills me with joyful energy that keeps my shine going. 
• Planning family gatherings. My family is a lot of fun, as we're a creative bunch. Getting together for Easter holiday is going to be an event. Just like it always is. Excited conversation. Amazingly creative food. The planning part is almost as fun as the doing part! 

• Soap. Gorgeous French milled soap. Hand-crafted organic soap. Prettily wrapped boutique soap. Italian goat's milk soap. Mmmm, I love you all!
• My girl friends. I thought to list each, then realized the list was so very long. And, what if I inadvertently missed one dear?! May the richness you've added to my life return to you tenfold. Each of you are rare and beautiful gems. I wear the love of our friendship with honor.
• Job interviews. I'm actually showing up on employers' radar. Many job seekers feel that all their efforts are going into some black hole at the far end of the universe. I think a few of my letters of interest have ended up there as well. Yet, the lovely opportunities I've had are confirming that I really do got it going!
• My Morgan. To have a son who honors me, expresses in his life some of my own dreams, and who still on occasion calls me "mommy" is a delight beyond expression. Thinking of him conjures visions of sparkling surf, homemade pizza, and all things "suvvy." 
• Eddie Dog. Rambunctious, adorable, crazy Eddie. My little buddy is super glued to me and I love it.

• Robust and complex coffee. You all already know my love affair with java. I'm just saying I'm thankful...again.
• The rushing creek down the road. It has come to life with the melting snow. It's fresh. It's wild. It's sparking with spring!
• My guy friends. You champion me. You validate me. You challenge me. Some of you think I'm pretty. One or two even think I'm sexy. I love you!
• Peace in times of strife. Trusting in God's provision during lean times has taught me the sweet joy of falling into Him. They ways He cares for me are precious. 
• Yummy smelling things like exotic incense, the top of a baby's head, sun-warmed tomato plants, freshly baked pumpkin pie, a freshly showered man, a perfectly scented candle, money (the green kind), and warm laundry from the dryer. 

The list goes on.... pot roast with carrots and potatoes, cards in the mail, snuggling, bird baths, an eager audience, completing a to-do list, funky and cool jazz, mint tea, junking treasures, foreign films, my bed after traveling, seeing the potential in another person, baby clothes, a balanced checkbook, a hike in the woods, the car wash, getting flowers, the robins in the tree out my window, praise for a job well done, plane boarding passes, the full moon, synchronicity, long and hot showers, tree canopied roads, reading poetry with a friend...

Today I am a thousand ways grateful.