Rainy Days and Daffodils

Trying to remain wordless, it is Wednesday after all. We have unprecedented amounts of rain in these parts. I rescued these pretty things from my mother-in-law's yard a few days ago, and just in the nick of time as " the rain rain rain came down down down in rushing rising rivulets, and the river crept right out of it's bed and ........." Winnie the Pooh anyone? This is definitely wellie wearing Christopher Robin weather we are having. Happy Wednesday, hope your staying dry.

Pretty Green

This "pretty green" butterfly is my entry for The Pioneer Woman's latest photography contest. "Green" is the category, interpret as you wish. If you have not visited her blog you need to do so asap. It is amazing; and beautiful and fascinating and informative, colorful, insightful, inspiring and just about perfect. I could go on and on, anyone could really. Do check it out, and wish me luck. I will choose another submission for tomorrow, I think the contest runs for four days. Join me! http://thepioneerwoman.com.

Mosaic, Macro Monday

Spur of the moment yesterday I took my younger boys and my niece to visit the butterflies. It was a little bit of a road trip for us. We packed some snacks, wrote out the directions and with my niece riding shotgun and the boys in the next row asking how much longer, we were off. It was a cool gray day, almost like being stuck in a black and white photograph. When we arrived and finally entered the sanctuary it was as if someone switched to color film, like in Wizard of Oz. It was warm, lovely and peaceful in there and we spent a few hours making friends with the butterflies and admiring their beauty. It was magical and well worth the trip and worthy of Macro and Mosaic Monday. Do check out the rest at: http://lisaschaos.blogspot.com and http:// dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com.

Mellow Yellow Monday

You can visit other cheery photos on this rainy mellow monday at: http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com/. Enjoy

Monochrome Weekend

I took this photo a few days ago, just off the beaten path, literally. It may look like I was way out in the wilderness, but not really. I am always on the look out for interesting scenery, someplace to rest my eyes that is not familiar and bland. I think I was distracted by the rusty swampy water contrasted with the bright green clumps of new grass growing like little islands. I checked my rear view mirror twice and carefully pulled the minivan over. I grabbed my little point and shoot digital, set on auto. This could not be a drive by shot. I would need to get out for this one. After uploading the photos I saw all the interesting reflections the trees were making in the murky water. Today I decided to turn it black and white and see what else emerged. Wow. I really like the vertical zebra-like stripes of the reflections; cool, interesting and jungle like.

You can check out what others are posting in monochrome at:http://monochromeweekendtheme.blogspot.com/. I just took a quick look myself and I am speechless. La la lovely. Happy weekend.

Sky Watch Friday

Muted gray skies abound here, nothing too dramatic. Have fun checking out the skies around the world at:http://skyley.blogspot.com.

Wordless Wednesday: Signs of Spring

A Crab's Crib

That's my home in a shallow bowl, thanks for stopping by MTV.
http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

Macro Monday

Look what I got at Walgreens for $8.99! At Walgreens? Who knew. It is so tiny and lovely and perfect for a macro photograph. La la love it.

Go to http://lisaschaos.blogspot.com. for more lovely photos. Enjoy.

Mosaic of Life

My boy is back to school this week. He thanked me for taking care of him last week when he was home sick. Really. He did this just as he kissed me and ran out for the bus, one quick deep connection and he was off. That is his style. His brother left grouchy, rude and nearly late, a night owl who cannot get out of bed in the morn. My oldest boy skipped breakfast, again. This will nag at me all morning until I know he has had lunch. And, my daughter has her first boyfriend and is often caught staring off into space, listening with head phones to a CD of special songs he made her. Oh my, it is all so heart warming and exciting, and every time I hear a Taylor Swift song it "takes me back to that place". My empathy for her and this experience nearly knocks the wind out of me. Oh well, they are off and my "to do" list is large, and now I will be distracted by all the lovely mosaics at http://dearlittleredhouse.com.

Shadow Shot for Sunday

Lots of great shadows around here today.

Yay for sun!

kids outdoors, and in and out and in ,

a clean garage,

water fights,

real forsythia blooms, not forced,

5th's is fading fast,

and balls on the roof.

Strong shadows everywhere.

Go to http://heyharriet.blogspot.com and check out all the shadow shots.

Pleading with Fifths

Dear 5th's Disease,

Why do you call yourself a disease when you are just a virus? It makes you sound deadly when your really just annoying and uncomfortable but pretty harmless. Why is this itchy rash, that now covers my arms, legs, torso and cheeks lasting so long and getting worse, especially at night when I need my sleep and my Mom does too. Also, why does allergy medicine seem to make me hyper when most kids get sleepy from Benadryl? I didn't get to sleep until 4:ooam! Sure hope the Zyrtec works better. So far though I am more hyper than ever, running on only four hours of sleep, but bouncing and zinging my new kick ball off the walls and ceiling, much to my Mother's delight. FYI: I am naturally an itchy person so you are the perfect storm of a disease for me. Also, does an oatmeal bath really have alot of oatmeal in it? Will I swim in the oatmeal? What if my cheeks are still red tomorrow will I go to school? Will my Dad take his third(unprecedented) family sick day and pick me up from school early? I like that!! :) Finally, do you call yourself Fifth's Disease, because on the fifth day you get better? Mom will like that!!

Love, My 8 year old itchy self

Wordless Wednesday: Forcing Forsythias

Red Delicious Monchrome

Today I am joining up with the group at Monochrome Weekend. There are already so many gorgeous monochromes from around the world and really cool shadow shots. Check it out and enjoy:http://monochromeweekendtheme.blogspot.com/ and http://heyharriet.blogspot.com
. Regards!

Skywatch Friday

This was taken from my front stoop a few weeks back. If you look closely you can see Summer off in the far distance. :)

Today I am off to buy new razor scooters for my boys. They need more "fun" in their lives so I've been told. I think we all have Spring fever. My 11 year old keeps rollerskating down steep inclines. His arms flailing wildly, dodging on-coming traffic, trying to keep up with his buddy on a motorized scooter and impress the neighborhood girls. We live in a hilly area, and impulsive and not the most coordinated child this is causing me stress. I am thinking of having a t-shirt printed up with "wear your helmet!" silk screened across the front and back. I've said it about 50 times this week.

You can check out skies across the world at: http:skyley. blogspot.com.

Wordless Wednesday

Here Comes the Sun.....do do do doo

I've been feeling a little off lately, maybe even a little "imbalanced". Examples: not nearly patient enough, not getting along well with off spring, feeling sorry for myself with no good reason, annoyed with self over this, distracted easily, in need of a back rub, overwhelmed by the mess and clutter of life in this house. Could be a woman thing but I'm going with lack of vitamin D. I just need more sunshine. Yesterday was lovely weather, warmer breezes and lots of sun, finally. I painted my goddaughter's little toenails bright pink, her choice, on our front steps and we shared a chocolate bar. Bliss. Today I found runnuculus in the grocery store for $1 a bunch! I love these funky flowers. I'm feeling warmer already.

Sky Watch Friday

Love the nostalgic feel of the birds on a wire. Why do birds on telephone wires remind me of 1950? You can check out skies around the world at: http://skyley.blogspot.com.

Mosaic Monday

I just heard some tragic news as I was swallowing my toast that brought me to tears. In a nearby town two teens were killed in a car accident, on a Sunday afternoon. They were brother and sister. My prayers go out to their parents. Teens, I am realizing are all about seperating from you and independence. It's part of life. But, losing them that early and with that finality should not be. I will remind myself (and husband) to cherish every interaction we have with our's, no matter how trying those interactions can be.
Here's to many more lovely mosaics and days ahead.