"Discover"

Here's what I've discovered about myself lately. I'm crazy busy. The photo above is so perfect! Yep - my life is like a merry-go-round and I can't quite get off. Or on. Or off. Whatever. The photo perfectly expresses the craziness that I'm feeling. I've been out of town for a week twice in the last 5 weeks and I feel horribly behind. I'm feeling the pressure of catching up not only with all the missing photos on this blog, but with all the missing layouts - there are about 5 now. And I'm behind in so many other areas as well.

I LOVE doing this challenge, keeping this blog. It's been great. I've loved the prompts and being able to express myself both in photos and words. But, at the same time, I have to remind myself that I don't HAVE to do this. I just hate being behind and being in a constant state of catch-up.

SO, I've made the decision to give it up. I need to relieve this feeling of pressure that's beginning to cause me stress. I have projects and obligations that I DO need to do and I've decided to put my energies into those.

So, I want to thank Anna, the creator of this 365 Challenge. I so appreciate the time and thought that she's put into it. Maybe I can pick it up later when things settle down a bit. But with the summer I have ahead, that probably won't be happening any time real soon. I'm just sayin'.... :)

This week I am bringing back the one word prompts, interpret as best suits you. Wherther this be through your journalling, or/and your photos.

"Play"

"Just a perfect day
Drink sangria in the park
And then later, when it gets dark, we'll go home
Just a perfect day
Feed animals in the zoo
Then later a movie too, and then home"

-Lou Reed

What is your perfect day - journal

My perfect day begins with sleeping in as long as I want. When I get up, it's sunny, coolish and I have tons of energy, so I start my day with a 2 mile walk. The birds are singing and my thoughts are keeping me company. I come back and have coffee and a quiet time of devotions, planning and praying. In this perfect day, my house is already perfectly clean and all my projects are finished and caught up. So, what I have before me is a day full of potential, a day in which I am free to do whatever I want. That's my perfect day. I would do some scrapping, have some computer time, do a little reading and my husband would fix a fabulous dinner (yes, he can!) that we would enjoy in the perfect summer evening temperatures out on our deck. My day might end with our kids (and assorted wives, fiances and children) or some close friends coming over to sit on the deck with us, sharing laughs and meaningful conversation. I'd fall into bed content and thankful for the wonderful blessings God has given me, read a little and fall into perfect sleep...

"There's nothing you can do that can't be done.
Nothing you can sing that can't be sung.
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game
It's easy.
There's nothing you can make that can't be made.
No one you can save that can't be saved.
Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be in time
It's easy.
All you need is love, all you need is love,"

-Beatles

I'm going to be a mother-in-law again. In August. And this time a little bonus comes along with this blessed union. That would be little Eva, there in the photo. Yep. That's a pretty sweet package deal there. If I had to pick a granddaughter from all the little girls I know, Eva would be my first pick by a landslide.

"If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?
Forget what we're told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden that's bursting into life"

-Snow Patrol

My world is pretty crazy busy right now, so I'm just craving some "lying around" time, for sure. And this swing is one of my favorite spots to land. Right now spring is beginning to put on a pretty great show. I can practically see the leaves unfolding, the birds are in symphony mode, there's a zillion shades of green, the fresh smell of all that's new is in the air. I LOVE this time of year and I love being able to just relax and take it all in.

"Summertime, and the living is easy
One of these mornings
You're going to rise up singing
Then you'll spread your wings
And you'll take to the sky"

- George Gershwin

"Don't ever say you're on your way down,
God gave you style and gave you grace
And put a smile upon your face"

Cold Play

Back home again - and that's something to smile about. I love being home. I don't know about style or grace, but God definitely put that smile on my face! ;)

FOR WEDNESDAY, MAY 7TH

"Need a little time to wake up
Need a little time to rest your mind
You know you should so I guess you might as well
What's the story morning glory? "

Oasis

So whats up today?

Today, I flew home from Madison. I left fairly early, so yesterday really was my last visit with Mom. My flights were uneventful, albeit bumpy. Chris picked me up in State College and, after a detour to Target, we ate at Mad Mex. YUM!

FOR TUESDAY, MAY 6TH

"You are the sunshine of my life
That's why I'll always be around,
You are the apple of my eye,
Forever you'll stay in my heart"

- Stevie Wonder

This was my last day to visit Mom in Madison. Mom has a long, tough road ahead and she's not happy about it. But, despite her expression in this photo (I don't think she realized SHE was being photographed, too!), we did have some great chats and a really special, good visit.

"The time to laugh is when you don't have time for it."

- Argus Poster

"Out of chaos comes the dance of balance."

- Denise Kester

FOR SATURDAY, MAY 3:

"Love the moment, and the energy of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries."

- Corita Kent

"There's no time like the pleasant."

- Oliver Herford

This is just after a shower at Mom's. I love the light that comes in through the blinds in her bathroom...

“A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams”
(annon.)