There's just something about weekends.

Another weekend full of life...home stuff, family stuff, Christmas shopping and more. It's been a terrific one at that.

This past Saturday was opening day of shotgun deer season.  It's also my son's birthday.  He was born on opening day, just before daybreak.  His daddy was an avid deer hunter.  It was Tanner and I right from the get-go, so to speak, as he was no sooner born and his daddy took off.  How apropos that he grew to be an avid hunter himself.

So, our weekend started off with family.  Our 3 year old grandson spent the

Lincoln mimicking Grandpa Steve...so cute!

night, anticipating our granddaughter's visit early Saturday.  Makenna is 5-1/2 and we're starting to notice that the age difference is playing into their time together. But, there is no denying it...their love for each other is amazing. I was almost giddy with excitement myself.  Funny how the grandkids can evoke such a feeling in you.  

We've noticed that Lincoln mimics our actions allot here lately.  He found a book and some play glasses and saddled right up to Grandpa to do some evening reading.  Love it!
 
It was one of those lazy days.  I had plenty to do, but my time was going to be devoted to the kids.  It was a p.j. relaxing kind of day.  I started chili and vegetable soup in the crockpot.  Coffee was on and at the ready.  

Makenna liked her baby doll's skirt

We had lunch and then it was time for a nap for most everyone in the house.  Everyone except my granddaughter and me.  Lincoln had fallen asleep in my lap, so I laid him down.  Tanner, in for a warm up, had fallen asleep in the easy chair and Abbie, our daughter in law asleep on the couch.  It was the perfect time to make those doll clothes Makenna had asked me to make for her.  A skirt for her kitty and baby doll.

Then, she asked if she could learn to sew so we tried that.  She's a lefty and I'm a righty.  More time and patience is needed with less commotion.  We'll try the lesson again another time.  I love her age right now.  She's so interested in everything and learning is exciting. 

In my studio, I'm designing mixed media canvases...I believe this to be true!


Sunday morning took us to church and then a day of Christmas shopping.  It was lovely!  Funny, when the kids were little, I did all the shopping.  Now that they are out of the house, the hubs comes along.  It's so nice...wish we would have done more shopping together back then...but, then, maybe not.  Now it's kind of relaxing and a bit romantic.  Lunch here, a coffee break there...and, maybe a stop for dinner on the way home.  

There's just something about weekends.


 

Impromptu get-togethers can be the best get-togethers.

It started with a phone call on the eve of the 4th of July and within minutes, a gathering was coming together.  "Pack the kids, bring some food, and head on down" for an impromptu overnight stay and celebration...country style. 

Sometimes, things just come together, and for me, that's when I know "it's just meant to be".  No fussing, deliberating, second-guessing.  That's how it was for this plan.

Our youngest, Mackenzy, and her fiance, Eric, had already reserved their room and were coming down for a pre-4th party in town.  And so it goes.
Since I've been doing a lot of deep cleaning, not all rooms were available in the "inn" so my three nephews took to the camper to sleep.  Sutton, after hearing a coyote, was somewhat concerned about his safety, but he quickly put it aside and got a good night's sleep.  

The guys, my hubs and brother-in-law, left early to go fishing.  I thought I'd have a bit of quiet time before everyone was up and going.  That was not to be.

Bright and early, I found the cutest little guy coming in the door for a visit.  "Hello Mimaw"  What???  Courtney, my oldest, was out of bed and maneuvering on a day off?  Sure enough and there was my precious Lincoln.  Could the day get any better?

We missed our annual parade watching, choosing to stay home and relax.  A hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs got us started.  The guys came back just in time, and one by one, the boys made their way in from the camper.  It wasn't

long and we were headed out the door for some fun and sun at the pond.  The day was filled with swimming, boating, 4-wheeling and more.  A bonfire closed the night down...and of course, smores.  A perfect 4th.

This past weekend was more of the same...a call here and another there turned out a sweet little gathering of friends and family.  It was New Virginia's annual Old Settler's Celebration and they always have a nice display of fireworks on Saturday night. 

We have a perfect view from our farm and the pond was just the place to be. The coming together was "just meant to be".  Only a few people weren't able to make it.  As the sun set, we chatted over food and drinks.  Jokes and stories, questions and "getting to know each other" for those who were just meeting made for a wonderful evening.  This is the view over the horizon.  Picture perfect don't you think?

Granddaughter, Makenna front left, grandson, Lincoln, back left and Minna Lickiss on the right enjoy getting to know each other.  They sure had fun together.

 

The group gathers for a final photo.  Son, Tanner's classmate, Scott and his family joined us just in time for fireworks.  All was well with my world.  

Back left:  Dan and Uly Gift, hubs, Steve, Maria and Steve.

Front:  Scott, Ashley and Morgan, Tanner, Abbie and Makenna.  Left to early:  Chad and grandson, Lincoln; Kurt, Denette and Minna Lickiss. 

Who doesn't love Red.White.Blue.

Summer is here and so is the color scheme of Red.White.Blue.  What screams summer more than this?

From ripe tomatoes to proud daisies to flag bearers carrying them, the colors of summer are here? 

It starts with the beginning-of-summer Memorial Day Holiday thru the end-of-summer Labor Day Holiday.  We wear it, magazine covers feature it and our tables are set with it...red.white.blue.                                      

What conjurs up more reminders and reminiscing than the colors of summer?  Firstly, our flag.  What a beauty it is.  We carry it, drape it, fly it on homes, our businesses and vehicles.                                                      

                                     

I think of camping and boating, fishing and fun.  Family and friend time, picnics and ice cream.  Bike rides, parades and celebrations galore.                                                     

Summer is here and so is the color scheme.

Living your life...your way.

Today, Jane Pauley did a segment on the Today show about 'reinventing' your life after 50.  

Yesterday, at Burlap & Roses, a customer came in, a very attractive woman, I'd say in her upper 50's to low 60's.  She has the kind of silver/white hair that is silky, thick and gorgeous...the color and style that is in vogue these days.  She was telling me that her dream is to have a museum show-casing vintage hats.  They just purchased an acreage with a building that her husband told her she could now have her 'dream' museum.  She walked out the door saying, "it's just 25 years too late; I hope I live long enough".  A hint of bitterness in her voice.  I say, GET ON WITH IT AND DO IT!  She's most definitely not too old and a true picture of health.

Her final comment to me, paired with Jane Pauley's segment today, brings me to this blog post today.  Don't let it become too late to follow your dream...make your own path, live your life...your way.

Later today I will head to a show, Junk Jubilee Jingles, where I will be a vendor.  I will be joined by other 'like-minded' souls who I've come to know through this venue and other similar ones.  As I've been pondering this subject, I've come to realize that most of us are in our mid to late 40's to mid 50's.  Most, I imagine started living their life~their way, after the kids were raised and on their own.  If I questioned them, they'd most likely tell me, "wish I would have done it sooner".  Me, being one of them, totally agree!!!

We go through life getting done what needs to be done for everyone around us.  Most of us happily raised our family, worked at a career that paid the bills, had some benefits, and paid vacation.  It's what we do, it's what we did.  However, the first chance I had to try this gig...with nothing else to get in the way...I took it and have not looked back.  

Had I done it back then it might not have worked so well.  Family obligations came first, as they should.  But, I'm so glad I'm getting a second chance at living a life that is inspiring and creative and fulfills me...my person.  

Here's to my Junking friends.  Those who's hearts sing and burst with love for all things old, chippy, scrappy, shabby and glittered.  To those of us determined to bring life and beauty back to something most would throw away.  We're the ones that keep the past alive, we're keepers of memories, we're living our dream!  Living our life...our way!

toes in the sand...iowa...march 25th

little fingers and toes gettin' a feel for the sand

can you believe this was taken on march 25th...in iowa?

a beautiful day spent at the beach~pond with my grandbabies

daughter and son's girl.  purely delightful.

Takin' time for family

it was rather spontaneous...but, it worked out beautifully.  my sister and i were 

'talking' on facebook late last week and decided to have a sleep over at the farm.  spring break was looming and she wanted to make sure they had plenty to do...

that did NOT include hand-held anything.

sunday afternoon, they found their way down the highway, with their final destination down the half mile lane to our place.  they piled out, their bags found their resting spots and we were off to a great start.  the front pond was calling us, a fire started and primed for hot dogs over the open flames.  even callie, our dog, got in on the action.

monday morning started with granddaughter, makenna, and her older brother, my grandson-by-heart, Kobe, arrived for a day of fun.  breakfast...french toast or egg-in-the-nest was ordered up and fixed.  four hungry boys (older) and one petite little girl who kept up with them were full to overflowing and ready for 'chores'.  off we went

  

at least the four younger ones joined us...oldest nephew riley, stayed in the house, but we had fun.  cows, a walk to the pond and back.  we were just about back to the house, and makenna needed grammie beth to carry her the rest of the way, so, head on my shoulder, we made it back for a rest.

The afternoon found us back at the pond exploring, boating and then some kite flying.  early afternoon brought a down pour and we ran into the house for showers, lunch and some quiet time...we were tired.

 

 mostly, makenna just got to watch, but that was okay by her...she was getting pretty pooped trying to keep up with the older ones.  i must say, she does pretty good.

 

so lincoln, my grandson, could enjoy a bit of 'cousin' time, i went and picked him up from daycare after nap time.  he had fun playing, too, and it goes without saying, the kids couldn't get enough of him.

It was a grand day...for all of us.  new memories for the journals in our mind.

 

Autumn Cottage...a real "got to have" publication

I was so excited to pull my issue of this bookazine out of the mailbox.  From the cover to the back, it's eye candy for the heart and soul of us who love all things home, family, entertaining and AUTUMN.  

Enjoy! 

Click here to go straight to the order page at Hoffman Media.
http://www3.mailordercentral.com/hoffmanmedia/prodinfo.asp?number=HM-AUTCOTTAGE-11

Lessons learned and new understandings...and I have FAITH

My cousin made a comment the other day on Facebook regarding her happiness and contentment in her life.  She finished the statement off with "Thank you, Lord!"  Yes, thank you Lord!

I responded with this, "The hard part is having Faith in Him when things aren't so rosy...but, Faith I do have and that gets me through the rough spots."  And, it does!  

At the end of last year, December 31, 2010, exactly; I took a leap of faith and put my real estate license into referral.  I've never looked back.  I applied for several jobs~now I have an understanding and empathy for the unemployed looking. See, a lesson learned and a new understanding.  I gave it a few weeks, then I had to make a decision.  I also believe that a job never came about because my heart and soul is with my shop and the expansion of it, developing the B&B and making better use of our farm in "today's" market.  

I've never been one to put my goals in writing and map out a plan to achieve them.  This has been no different!  I'm haphazard that way...but, I know my heart and I know where it leads me.  It's not on paper, but it's in my head.  I decided it was time to "follow my own advise" to so many others, "if you do what you love, what makes you tick, success will come!"  AND, I turn 50 this year, and I can't think of a better time or age to make a change!

My hubs and children have not been so "excited" about what I've done, wondering "what is she thinking," I'm sure.  It's not been the wisest thing financially, either.  However, let me stress here, I was in real estate...an independent contractor, and with that, no sales~no moola; so, having a steady and normal income is not something our household was used to.  And, real estate has been ODD at best the past few years.  I enjoyed much success in real estate...it just didn't hold my interest anymore.  As I said, I've not looked back.  

Now, what my hubs has witnessed is how things just come together and weave themselves in and out of our life.  One thing leads to another and things just take shape.  He said to me one day, "it is funny how things just seem to come together for you".  Oh, ye of little faith.  I live with gratitude in my heart, mind talks with God all the time...and Faith.

I'm reminded of this constantly.  As I said, leaving a career in real estate may not have been the best decision~OR, maybe it has been!  When the other stresses and demands on me are gone, I can get to the business of my LIFE.  The life I'm supposed to live...the life I have imagined.  

We also had an investment property that was draining us financially... Something had to go...and it did~we sold it!!!  I hope we never get to where we were again.  I like living a more "authentic" life, where less is more!  Lessons learned and new understandings.

We're strapped like we've never been before.  It's been fun, actually!  I shop wiser, we eat at home more, and my meals are planned with longevity and frugality in mind. We started getting books at the library, instead of purchasing them.  I put things back on the shelf that I otherwise would have purchased without a thought.  We got rid of the frivolity in our household...no home phone, we didn't use it anyway!  The Directv is out of our budget, too.  It's all been well and good.  I actually think I could live without t.v. completely.  I find I'm more active and look forward to creating, rather than watching a program.  It's really, really been good.  And, regular t.v. offers more than just a few channels now...who knew?  If anything, I have gotten "wiser" as to what I spend, where and when.  It's certainly been a time of adjustment...but like I said, it's been really, really good!

I'll sell something from the shop when I'm there working, a forgotten refund check will come; I say "NO" more, rather than "Yes" to everything.  And, I've put it out there.  I'm not ashamed or embarrassed.  I'm willing to sacrifice for the things I really want.  My life is more in balance and I'm happy and content!  

And, I have FAITH.  I always have had.  I've always felt that I had guidance and safety from the Man upstairs.  He's led me thus far and he'll lead me further.  With that said, if I fail, my Faith in Him will continue...it always has.  He's never forsaken me.  I.Have.Been.Tested.  There's always a lesson learned, a new understanding that one would never have had, if they had not walked down a certain path, taken a different turn or kept the monkeys on their back.  

Here's a funny thing...I'm finding dropped coins all the time.  Not just pennies, but nickels and dimes.  Each time I see one, I'm reminded that God does provide.  Sometimes I pick them up and sometimes I leave them, hoping someone who really needs them will find them.  It's just a gentle reminder to me...it inspires me!

"The hard part is having Faith in Him when things aren't so rosy...but, Faith I do have and that gets me through the rough spots."  Lessons learned and new understandings...and, I have FAITH!

Hands...I've always had a fascination with hands.

Hands...I've always had a fascination with hands.  As an adult, I look at my hands and those of my family and I sometimes see the "genetics" of it all.  Who do my hands look like?  My cousin Tony has hands like my uncle's, who has hands like my Grandpa Herb's, his dad.  My Aunt Dorothy's hands remind me of my Grandma Grace's; her mom.  I see that my Aunt Elaine's girls hands look like hers, but hers don't look so much like Grandma Grace's; I sometimes think my hands look like my mom's, but I also think they look like my dad's side of the family.  They inspire me!

Even as a little girl, the crooked fingers of my Great Grandma Heifner and worm-like veins on my Great Grandma Breton's hands were imprinted in my mind.



Grandpa Herb and his mother,
Grandma Heifner

Gnarled and bent to the side, arthritis had Grandma Heifner's hands in it's grip.  At one time straight and feminine, just like she was.  At her death, small and delicate, just like she was.  I was much younger when Grandma Heifner passed away, so I don't remember allot about her everyday comings and goings.  She seemed old to me, even then, BUT, I do remember her hands.



Grandma Breton with
 Gr. Granddaughter Courtney



Grandma Breton's hands were narrow and long, encased with skin as delicate as an onions.  Made transparent in the aging process, it didn't take much to bump and bruise.  Even as her eyesight left her, she was able to crochet~her hands knew what to do...by memory.  It was her hands that traced my youngest daughter, Mackenzy's face as a newborn.  She said she'd be frugal because her nose was small. She could not see then.  I remember her hands.

Their hands, at one time, were strong and capable.  Many a household task was performed with them.  A spanking~here and there, surely met their palm. Cookie dough rolled out, a piece of butterscotch candy put in a grandchild's hand. 

I don't know if either played the piano or any other instrument; sang or were masters at anything, really. But, I'm confident that a nose was wiped, a tear swept away, and hundreds of meals were prepared.  A helping hand was lent, a finger lashing now and again.

A garden planted, fruits and veggies picked and put up for another day.  A baby's back patted, diaper's changed, clothes hung on the line, finger puppets games played.  And, we can't forget a hug and a pat on the back.  

Crooked fingers and worm-like veins were imprinted in my mind.  And, as I sit here, writing this, I'm trying to remember if I knew their hands any other way; and, I don't think I do.

Hands...I've always had a fascination with hands.  They inspire me!

Lunching with my First bestie

Cousin Linda, Debbie & me/Lake Ahquabi

For as far back as I can remember, my cousin, Debbie, was in my life.  Not just as my cousin, but as my bestie!  I really can't think of too many times that an event for either of us was not shared. 

Of course, the daily ying and yang of life occurred away from each other, but, the monumental events:  Christmas, Easter, birthdays, stay overs, and even some vacations and such, included each other.

On a whim, I called and asked her to lunch yesterday, after seeing on Facebook, that she was on vacation from work.  I'm so glad I did.  Even today, our lives are intertwined and we continue to share some of the same events life has to offer. 

As little girls, we played little girl games.  We stayed over at Grandma's house together, stayed up all night playing games, giggling and in our teens, making calls to teen lines.  I witnessed her driving the mini bike into the fence and she stood up with me getting married(the 1st time).  I think we fell off Lucky, the pony together and were teased incessantly by our uncle Jack and Jerry.  I think Debbie was tormented by "bugs" and me, I screamed "icky acky"as I was placed in amongst a pasture of horse manure. 

Debbie's parents belonged to a camping group and I was often invited to go along on these camping events.  These were some of the best times of my childhood.  Teen dances...man, what a treat!  The venue would be crowded with 13, 14, 15 year olds.  Dancing 'til we couldn't dance no more...or, maybe the music stopped.  I can't really remember.  All I remember is that is was FUN!

During this same time frame, Debbie would come and stay overnight.  Time and again.  And, time and again, it seemed something strange would happen.  Ummmm, for instance, we were awakened by lights flashing and cops knocking at our door when our car was stolen, tornadoes hit, a man was found in our ditch passed.  She thought of herself as a "jinx".  It was very strange.

One Easter she spent the night with us.  We were up after the Easter Bunny made an appearance.  I can remember we were playing some game on the kitchen floor and one of us saw an Easter Egg that had been hidden.  Well, we started looking and finding and of course, eating them. 

We had our children together.  I babysat for her and her for me.  We shared the deaths of our grandparents and an aunt together.  Although our lives somewhat went their separate ways, I know my love for her never did!  I knew I'd always be there for her if she needed it and her me.  Yesterday was just one of those days.  She didn't really know it, but I'm glad it worked out.  I needed a little "cousin time."  Being one to believe that things work out the way the are supposed to, I found that, once again, the stars aligned again for me when I needed it.

After all, who else shares the same stories as you do.  The same order or understanding of events; a timeline that curves and sways in and out of life's moments together, more than a family member.  For me, it was my cousin, Debbie.  We entertained at the Polk County home with my church...we STILL can do the motions to Put Your Hand in the Hand of the Man Who Stills the Waters, Deep and Wide and others.  And, let me tell you, it's not beyond us to step into those motions and song with even a mention of those times.  Christmas Pageants...memorizing our verses.  Selling "goods" to raise money to go to church camp. 

As we hit our fifties together...one before the other, but I won't mention details, we found ourselves still in sync with each other.  Yesterday's topics:  menopause and grandchildren.  We have gracefully moved into the next phase of our lives.  It's a most interesting time for sure. 

There are many other moments, events, ups and downs.  I'll save them in my memory bank and bring them out at another time. 

For now, for as far back as I can remember, my cousin, Debbie, was in my life. Not just as my cousin, but as my bestie! I really can't think of too many times that an event for either of us was not shared...

Don't Hog Your Journey...



My cousins, lil sis and me, circa 1968...
we're each a part of the others journey



"Don't hog your journey, it's not just for you." As I was listening to the Today show while working, Hoda Kotb was sharing a story. While on a plane, she was visiting with the gentleman sitting beside her. Chit-chatting away, she had mentioned she had had breast cancer. She asked him not to think of that if he ever thought of her in the future. He turned to her and said, "Don't hog your journey, it's not just for you." I kept thinking of that statement and have decided that I agree with it. What if no one ever shared their story~their journey...good or bad. My world would certainly not be as rich and full as it is now. I would not know of another's happiness, adventures, struggles. I would not be who I am today without knowing of another's journey.

Hoda's story is great, and deep, and more than just her breast cancer...for sure! We are all more than just one part. We are, shall we say, the sum of all our parts. I am a woman, a mother, a wife, a daughter an entrepreneur...the list goes on and on. But, it's the sum of all of these things that makes me who I am today. I enjoy sharing my journey...it gives me great pleasure and I hope it adds to your journey, too.


The other day, I stopped by the "Music in the Park" event held at the city park in town. In amongst the music...which was very enjoyable, I heard someone get up and give a testimonial. I wonder, did his journey make a difference to someone else in the crowd. It did mine and I'm sure another's. Then I have to think...what if he didn't share his "journey"? What if he kept it to himself...I would not have known the depth of his story...his courage in sharing it. It has stuck with me...and, it removed me from my cares and woes and opened my mind, my heart, to another's struggles and triumphs.


Life is a Journey, isn't it? Sometimes we're on a mountain, sometimes we're in a valley. Most of the time, I'd guess we're just motating along on the plaines. Enjoying life, taking one day at a time, doing what needs to be done and just cruising along. To me, it's the mountains and valleys that we grow the most. We are pushed to our limit, only to find our limit can be pushed. We read something or hear of someone else's journey and we gain strength from it. We realize we're not alone. Somehow, we come out on the other side because of it...but don't necassarily understand where it came from. What if no one shared their journey? Who would be a better, stronger, wiser person because of your journey? Maybe your journey is told by your actions. How you reach out to your community members, volunteering, donating, a struggle overcome. Our journey's are shared in many different ways. The key is that it's shared.


"Don't hog your journey, it's not just for you." I would not be who I am today without knowing of another's journey. And this folks, is the view from my front porch.


Beth Voltmer lives on a farm in rural New Virginia

Learning to peel...Grandma Grace style

I was peeling apple upon apple yesterday, readying them for an apple cake I was making.  As I started, knife poised just under the flesh, I was distinctly reminded of the time (in my early years of homekeeping) when I was peeling potatoes under the careful watch of my Grandma Grace.  Not knowing I wasn't doing it correctly, she quickly pointed out that I was wasting too much of the potato.  She showed me how to do it.  She'd be proud of me today.  I can peel a potato, apple, pear...whatever it may be, with the best of them.

It does take practice...this peeling.  Sliding the knife just under the flesh and peeling away the colorful top layer, leaving behind as much of the meat of the fruit or vegtable as you possibly can.  My other goal is to peel the fruit with one swell swoop.  No starts and stops.  I find that I point this same thing out to others at times, too.  I want them to be as proficient as they can be.  Not to waste anything so precious.

I think, my memories of my Grandma are most vivid and alive while I'm in the kitchen.  I can still see her in her kitchen now...21 years after she's passed.  A strong, sturdy woman.  Seems she was in her kitchen all the time.  That's where I remember her most.  It wasn't a big kitchen.  But, somehow, she managed and fed her brood of seven quite sufficiently from it.  There certainly was not a multitude of cabinets, nor counter space.  A very humble kitchen, to say the least.  A very humble home over all.  I loved it there. 

She was a great cook and a very generous lady.  She always seemed to have plenty for whomever was there.  No guest was "one too many".  Never an invitation only household...somehow, we all gathered there.  And, I do mean "we".  It may not have been the same "we" every Saturday, but there were plenty of us.  Saturday nights were hamburger night.  I can see her mixing the hamburger meat and it never failed, she always took one bite of the raw meat, spiced with salt and pepper, only.  Still  makes me gag.  I don't remember anything else being put in it.  I remember that, every single time I make a hamburger patty.  Funny what sticks with you, isn't it? 

Sundays, too, brought another set of "we's" and some of the same from the night before.  It was "just the place to be."  WE all loved it there.  And, WE all miss it terribly, even to this day. 

Right before my Grandma got really bad with her cancer, she came to spend a week with me.  I will forever treasure that time.  She seemed to have gained strength that week.  I wanted to her to show me how to make her vegatable stew, which she did.  Our cherry trees were heavy laden with fruit.  I wanted to learn how to make pie.  She happily obliged.  She rolled out the dough for the crust with every ounce of energy she could muster.  It just came from somewhere.  Maybe we both knew...if I were to learn this from her, and she to show me how, it was right then, or never.  She passed just a few weeks after I had her at my home.  It was one of my greatest accomplishments...to care for her like she had me for so many years.

She tired, but did not quit.  She sat down at my table and started working those cherries over.  De-pitting and de-stemming.  Before we knew it, we had cherry juice all over...and, I do mean all over.  I think we must have been so busy talking and cherishing that moment, we weren't really engaged in what we were doing.  It took me awhile to get that cherry juice cleaned up.  It was blissful!  I miss her every single day! 

She was a generous lady and no guest was ever "one too many".  Never a "by invitation only" household.  I learned from her.  She was my mentor.  She is my mentor...she's with me every day and I miss her!  And this folks, is the view from my front porch.

Mornings, Memories and Moments, part one

I love my mornings...especially this one.  After weeks of sweltering, hot, humid weather, I awoke to much cooler, comfortable temps and lower humidity.  Sleep is so much sweeter with the fresh air finding it's way into your being~windows wide open and coverings billowing.  I love it and slept so well.

Refreshed and ready to start my day, I jumped out of bed, started some wash...then, coffee time~me time.

My routine is most likely not much different than others.  Up and out of bed, I turn on the morning news, brew the Joe, check for missed texts and voice mail messages.  Reply as needed. Facebook time follows:  what's new and noteworthy?  New photos, birthdays, personal highs..and, lows; inspirational quotes, event reminders...I really enjoy 'catching up'. 

Today is a bit different for me though.  The past three weeks have been a whirlwind of happiness for me.  Reflecting back on my time spent with my nephew, Camden; vacation with my family at Rathbun; a weekend with my past...hosting my 'girl' cousins for our 'Cousins Weekend' and the finale~my 30 year class reunion.  Wow!  it's been fun, fun, fun!

Camden loves the farm.  He especially loves building a fire and poking at it.  We made sure that activity was part of the mix.  He picked apples for me, went to a buyer's Welcome to the Neighborhood open house I hosted, helped move the cows and just relaxed on the farm. Five days of Camden...it was such a joy.

The part I liked best was making the time for him.  Stopping what I was doing to talk and answer a question.  Two afternoons found us at the pond.  He fished while I read on the first afternoon.  The second afternoon found us floating on the pond...it was refreshing and a 'bonding' experience.  We talked about anything and everything.  He made me giggle.  He asks some pretty good questions...which made me think and ponder.  Camden is a really great kid with an inquiring mind and a zest for adventure.  He laughs easily and it's contagious.  He's always been a giggler...even when he was a little guy.  Kind of arnery in a subtle way.  A teasing manner that sometimes makes you wonder if he's teasing or being serious. Much like his daddy in that.

My sister brought Camden to me at my office in Des Moines.  We left and had showings to do.  He was great!  He got to see a little of what it is I do selling real estate.  We were very late getting home, but Uncle Steve had a fire going for us at the pond.  That is directly where we headed!  Just Camden and I. 

We looked at the stars.  He made himself a 'smore.  We listened to the sounds of summer...sounds of the countryside.  Had he heard them before...most likely.  Were they more intense?  vivid? brighter?  YES, because we were 'in the moment'.  Crickets, grasshoppers, croaking frogs.  Callie barked in the distance...what did she see, smell or hear?  A falling star zipped through the sky.  Flickering lights from an overhead plane.  Big Dipper and Milky Way were overhead. 

In the quiet of the night, with no interuptions, Camden and I shared a special moment in time, memories in the making to be remisced in the morning...at a different place and a different time.  Hoping this time 'finds' Camden, when he has a niece or nephew of his own~he'll take the time, be in the moment and discover for himself, just how special this time was for me.