I'm Still Here

Thanks to everyone who has checked in on me.

Days are passing by much quicker than I ever thought they could.

 It's the end of the school year so lots going on there.

Our oldest is in the midst of graduation practices and the youngest has exams this week.

Even though I get up early, I still feel like every single day just goes by way too fast.

 I continue to walk every day which brings me much peace of mind.

And zoning in on those little spots of beauty brings me joy.

 Yes, it's been hot.  110 degrees, more or less every day.

But the bluest skies which just seem to make everything better.

It is written on the arched sky; it looks out from every star.  It is the poetry of Nature; it is that which uplifts the spirit within us.  

~John Ruskin

Happy mid-week!

This and That

Hello everyone!

I hope you are well.

I've not been blogging or had a chance to visit much.

I do hope I can get back in the swing of things before too long.

 We are well into summer temperatures now.

It's usually about 100 degrees during the day, but I still manage to walk early morning on the weekends and late afternoon during the week.

This year on my walks I've seen so many hollyhocks.

 Gosh how I love those flowers.

I don't ever recall seeing them sold at the plant souk so I wonder if they are being grown from seed.

 The other thing I've not had much time for is crocheting.

But the other night, my oldest son asked me to crochet a hackysack cover for a friend of his at school.  Seems he's got everyone making their own hackysacks from old socks and rice or lentils.

I've crocheted many a hackysack upon request.

Then yesterday, Pradeepa at The Lazy Hobbyhopper was giving away a free pdf of her paisley pattern to anyone who left a comment before 6:15 p.m. Indian Standard Time today.

The pdf was in my email this morning and I promptly gave the pattern a go.

My pattern reading skills are not the best so I had to fudge a bit but I managed to end up with a paisley piece to be proud of.  :) 

 Granted, not as nice as Pradeepa's, but I shall keep trying.

 This next photo is just for Aishwarya.

She asked to see my crocheted rocks all together.

Some of them were found and crocheted while in Sri Lanka.

Of course, after taking this, I found some that didn't make it into the photo.

They are scattered all over the house in baskets and bowls and on plates with candles.

And some have been given as gifts.

I hope to do some blog hopping over the weekend.

Have a fabulous Friday!

Happy Mother's Day!

Unfortunately, my day did not start or end very well.

On the way to school this morning I watched as an injured pigeon on top of someone's SUV tried to hang on for dear life but was blown off.  He tried to fly but couldn't and sadly landed under mine.  

Then this afternoon, on the second load of laundry, the washing machine broke.

 My boys had not a clue that today was Mother's Day and my husband is out of the country.

But the bright spot was returning to my desk at school to find mail from bloggers.

And what wonderful mail it was.

When Vicki hosted the Grow Your Blog party in January, I visited Rachel at Blue Finch Jewelry and left a comment.

She generously offered to send a pair of handmade earrings to everyone who left a comment before February 1st (over 60 people).  Even though I emailed her back and said it wasn't necessary since I am so very far away, she said she didn't mind.

 As you can see, the earrings made it here safely, the packaging is lovely and the earrings are absolutely gorgeous.

Rachel, thank you so much for your generosity! 

In February, I joined the I Love Hearts Swap hosted by Shelley at All4Meggy Moo and also agreed to be her pen pal.  I received a lovely note from her today along with the sweetest popup card.

Unfortunately, I just checked and it doesn't seem that Shelley's blog exists anymore.

Will have to send her an email.

Whether you celebrate Mother's Day today or not, I do hope your day was filled with sweet surprises!

Best wishes,

One Thing Leads to Another

Dan Buettner is a National Geographic explorer who traveled to Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece to research the lifestyles of centenarians, people who live to be 100 or more.

 I finished reading his book The Blue Zones last night.

The areas he visited are proven to have the largest concentration of people who live long, healthy lives.

It was a very easy read filled with interesting information that confirms my decision to embrace a plant-based diet.

It's funny how when you choose a path in life that is right for you, people and things come your way that help you along that path.

 Yesterday, Claudia at Mockingbird Hill Cottage wrote a poignant post about animal rights.
She so beautifully voiced everything that I feel on the subject.
8 years ago I took charge of my eating habits.
Several years ago I became vegetarian.
And a few weeks ago I gave up all animal products.

 Just today, I happened upon a blog called Just Human Beings (a vegan couple who run a B&B in Cornwall UK) and a documentary they posted entitled Earthlings.

I watched it.

I gasped.  I cried.

 My youngest son said "if it is going to make you sad, then don't watch it".

But pretending it doesn't happen doesn't change the reality of what humans are doing to animals each and every day.

For food, for clothing, for entertainment, for experimentation.

 A co-worker whose mom recently had surgery for lung cancer is on her own path to wellness.

She said that her uncle always said "this world is walking around in a coma".

To be alive, we must be aware.

I continue to walk, to read, to create and to nurture.

I hope all is well in your corner of the world.
Have a bright and beautiful day!

A Time of Change

I cannot believe it is already the month of May.

The past couple of weeks have been a period of change and adjustment.

Live and learn as they say.

Everything happens for a reason and there's always a lesson to be learned.

I am still walking every day.

Since temperatures are still comfortable in the morning and late afternoon,

I must take advantage of it while I can.

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.

~John Muir

Have also been spending lots of time reading.

I've been vegetarian for about 5 years now.

And several weeks ago gave up dairy.

A new month.
Lots of changes.
All for the good.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend.