Queen Anne's Lace

We spent Memorial Day with dear friends....

thank you Bonnie and Guy. 

The view from their home is a beautiful natural lake.

I knew to bring along the camera and I will be posting

some really special evidence of a "Mighty Creator",

beginning with..... this lovely

Queen Anne's Lace.

 Did you ever.......? I didn't think so. 

 The details are magnificent.

We took a long walk,  careful to watch for

alligators, common in Florida's lakes.

Made it a little harder to get close to

some of the wild flowers.  I was pleased

 this lacey beauty  was within reach.

~

NATURE is but a name for an effect

whose cause is God. ~

STUDY NATURE as the countenance of God.

~Kingsley

Have a blessed week.....Dee Dee

Memorial Day....Honoring Their Service and Sacrifice

Poor is the nation that has no heroes.

Shameful is the one that, having them, forgets.

~

Lord, please hold our servicemen and women in

your strong arms.  Cover them with your sheltering

grace and your presence as they stand in the gap

for our protection.

May the members of our armed forces be supplied with

courage to face each day and may they trust in you Lord

to accomplish each task. Amen

Scattered Art From The Ocean's Floor

A Sea-Grape leaf,

holds the sand, the shell and seaweed.

  I wonder.....?

It is all  "God Made"....... for man to enjoy.

A place to walk and explore.....

 Honeymoon Island....a state park.

The shoreline

is littered with shells,

seaweed

 and

rocks.

It is kept free from

 un-natural litter

by the

park rangers.

 I could go

 there each day,

 and

find new and intriguing

pieces of

scattered art.

It's origin?

....... the ocean's floor.

-

Have a peaceful and blessed weekend......Dee Dee

click twice to enlarge photos....

Sunset On The Island

A beautiful thing, to watch a sunset.

I stood by a tree that had succumbed

 to beach erosion.  Waves have

high energy levels causing this

to happen. 

 Man's efforts to prevent

this by planting sea-oats and coastal

grasses....hauling in sand and rocks,

seems to be failing here on this island,

place of wonder and natural beauty.

The dead tree on the water's edge is

eerily very pretty as a frame for

the sun's setting.

~

When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the

beauty of the moon,

my soul expands in worship of the creator.

~Manatma Gandhi

~

Blessings....Dee Dee

They Mate For Life

Mourning Doves

Establishing a territory in early spring,

 they are sweetly

seen together on our garden birdbath. 

Mates for life,

very soon she will be sitting on a nest.

There is a gentleness to the Dove's behavior and

a recognizeable and  familiar territorial

cooing song.

I have posted on the Mourning Dove before,

however, these two were so willing to linger

long enough for a good photo.....

they well

deserve their story to be told....again.

I'm so loving our summer garden visitors.....
Blessings.....Dee Dee

Escaping The Heat

With temps in the 90s we decided to drive out to the beach.

Looks like plenty of other folks had the same idea.......

a place to escape the heat.

They were all there, young and old.

As one who enjoys observing people,

walking midst the beach crowd is most enjoyable to me.

I do use plenty of discretion when taking photos.

It seems a  bit funny to me, that all these

"sun worshipers" seem to  have no vanity, whatsoever.

They come in all  shapes and sizes.

On hot summer weekend days,

they come heavily ladened with

beach chairs, umbrellas and towels, coolers, music devices

and with an insatiable appetite for the sun's rays.

On this day, I observed a bit of  a conversational hum

throughout the crowd, and

sensed  contentment on many of their faces.

Sigh.....life is good.

~

Enjoying the moments......Dee Dee

Altered With Computerized Technology

I love taking photos of nature, and there's plenty

of spectacular creatures that make their home along

the Gulf Coast of Florida, where I call home.

 Quite common to the area, and one of my favorites,

is the Blue Heron. 

 I posted on this grand bird,  just a day or

two ago, using photos I had taken. 

 My photography enjoyment these days,  doesn't end

with simple developed photos. With amazing

photo programs, and computerized technology,

 it goes far  beyond that.

The above images of  two Blue Herons, 

 began with the click of a camera,

and the opening of a shutter.

 What appears to be a  painting,

was created without brushes or paint pigment. 

It is an interesting composition, not unlike something

I may have produced,

simply altered by a computer.

~

Are you having a good week?  I hope so......Dee Dee

Sunsets and Children.....

A beautiful experience is playing on the beach

with children, then watching as the sun sets out

over the Gulf Of Mexico.

~

In everything give thanks.

St Paul, l Thessalonians 5:l8

~

Blessings on you....Dee Dee

Perfectly Made For Flight

My photo of a Blue Heron.....then a bit of fun with Photoshop

I suppose you could say we were at the right place,

at the right time. Two beautiful tropical birds....

Blue Herons, landed close to us, as we walked

the water's edge. The Mister commented as to how

they were perfectly made for flight.  What

a sight to behold,  as they flew through the air.

No question about it, we live in a very beautiful

part of the world.....having so many

things to appreciate.

click on photo to enlarge

~

What a large volume of adventures may be grasped

within this little span of life by him who interests his

heart in everything. ~Laurence Sterne

-

Enjoying the moments......Dee Dee

White Sandy Beaches

The traffic was bumper-to-bumper yesterday as

we headed out to one of the world's most beautiful beaches. 

Happily, we had called ahead, requesting a  table for nine,

finding  Frenchy's  restaurant well  packed, with happy celebratory

folks..... all glad finally,  for the week-end.

We dined on Calamari, Grouper, Shrimp and all sorts of

great Gulf-of-Mexico seafoods.

Our conversation held over loud music and loud talking,

 did not deter our fun with  sweet family.

Once well fed, we walked on

 white sandy beaches.........

 enjoying memorable  precious time together.

Have a blessed week-end......Dee Dee

 

A Jane Austen Education

A Sentimental Education

~

Literary critic William Deresiewicz discusses his charming memoir,

"A Jane Austen Education", and Austen's timeless appeal.

Jane Austen taught you moral seriousness, how to be an adult and,

ultimately, how to love.

(Book review...."BookPage"  May 2011 Issue)

Question:What would you like your book to convey to its audience?

"First, that her books aren't just soap operas and aren't just fun....

though of course they're incredibly fun~they also have a lot of serious

and important and very wise things to say. Second, that they aren't

just about romance. And finally, that they aren't just for women. I would

love  it if the book helped introduce more men to her work. Maybe 

people could get it for their boyfriends, husbands, brothers." 

Question: What advice do you think Jane Austen would give to

a contemporary single woman in want of a relationship?

"Ha! Great question. The first thing I think she would say is,

don't settle. Then marry for the right reasons: for love, not for money

or appearances or expectations. She didn't believe  you could fall

in love with someone until you knew them, and then what you fell in

love with was their character more than anything else.

Don't forget to give a good hard look at who they are."

Mr. Deresiewicz responding to another question spoke of Austen

as being a moralist withouth being moralistic.  She didn't preach,

but she wanted to teach by example.  The examples are what happens

to her heroines.  The lessons Austen imparted are the ones they learn

themselves.  Their stories are about learning to live better, and we're

supposed to get the idea.

-

Sounds like a great summer read.....pass the word along....

Blessings.....Dee Dee

Along The Causeway.....

We cross a causeway to get out to Honeymoon Island.

This time of year, the Oleanders and Sea Grapes are

putting on quite a show.  Absolutely gorgeous colors in just

about every direction we looked, including the

beautiful blue skies with white puffy clouds.

-

The  Birth Of Flowers

God spoke! and from the arid scene

Sprang rich and verdant bowers.

Till all the earth was soft with green....

He smiled; and there were flowers.

~Mary McNeil Fenollosa

-

Have a blessed and most perfect day!

......Dee Dee

click twice on photos to enlarge

"Storm-A-Comin!"

The natives to the island seemed restless......

The wind was blowing the island grasses.....

The sun was peeking out now and then through the dark clouds......

We rode out to Honeymoon Island this afternoon.  It's time to

pay our annual pass fee once again, a happy occasion....

our key to a little piece of paradise. 

 Arriving at North Beach, we parked the car and began walking,

we were pleasantly surprised at the coolness of the ocean winds.

Soon, clouds began to gather over the island and out over

 the Gulf waters. Walking  the water's edge, we were  somewhat

amused by the seagulls and other bird life.

Their restless behavior indicated they knew a

"storm-was-a-comin"......

Enjoying the moments.....Dee Dee

click on photos to enlarge

Our Garden Santuary

Our world is so beautiful...magnificent and glorious colors

are everywhere to be found. Here in the garden, we find sanctuary.

Come in....sit a while.

-

Whoe'er thou art that entereth here,

Forget the struggling world

And every trembling fear.

Take from thy heart each evil thought,

And all that selfishness

Within thy life has wrought.

For once inside this place thou'lt find

No barter, servant's fear,

Nor master's voice unkind.

Here all are kin of God above....

Thou, too, dear heart: and here

The rule of life is love.

~Leaves Of Gold

-

Blessings......Dee Dee

"Angel Of Mercy"

When another has a burden, we can help carry the load.

We can all be "Angel's of Mercy"

 showing  compassionate acts of kindness.

Many are  hurting.....

Praying for our nation, our people and our world.

......Dee Dee

Think On These Things....

HIM.....

Dr. S. D. Gordon tells of an old Christian woman whose age began

to tell on her memory.  She had once known much of the Bible by

heart.  Eventually only one precious bit stayed with her, "I know whom

I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which

I have committed unto Him against that day."

By and by part of that slipped its hold, and she would quietly repeat

"That which I have committed unto Him." At last as she hovered on

the borderland between this and the spirit world, her loved ones noticed her

lips moving.  They bent down to see if she needed  anything.

She was repeating over and over again ~Him,~Him."  She had lost the

whole Bible but one word. 

But she had the whole Bible in that

one word.

-

Blessings this Lord's day.....Dee Dee

Eighteen Months Old

The youngest of four children,

He loves wooden cars and holds one

in his hand most of the time.

He has beautiful eyes, dark brown hair

and  "pinchable" cheeks.

When prompted by his brothers and sister

to make animal sounds, he will roar like a

lion, and bellow loudly like an elephant.

-

"Pickup trucks

Racing cars

Finding rocks

Bugs in jars

Cowboy hats

Pony rides

Making huts

Places to hide

Shiny pennies

Treasured tags

Pockets filled

He's a BOY"

-

With pencils and watercolors, I

can sometimes capture

my little grandson

Brooklyn's  very essence.

-

Enjoying sweet special moments....Dee Dee

Flounder For Dinner

The Osprey in Weaver's Park

So, I continue with more of the things that

I marveled  at in the park, a part of  this great big

beautiful part of the world we live in.

"Hurry and come look at this, you are not

going to believe it. Hurry!!"

The Mister  pointed upwards into a tall pine tree,

at something we both found quite amazing.

A young Osprey, wings outstretched

had caught a rather large

Flounder fish for it's dinner.

One claw clutched the pine branch and

the other struggled with a flapping,

still very much alive fish.

Watching the Osprey was  entertaining,

and a bit humorous.

We had to laugh at the young Osprey's  facial expression.....

"This is mine, you get your own food." 

-

Each day, I marvel once again

As His enchanting works unfurl.

Chance alone could not create

So beautiful a world!~Barbara Ray

-

God bless and protect you this day.....Dee Dee

click twice on photos to enlarge

Magnolia

A favorite place,

Weaver Park  ..... donated to the city by one

fine man. The Mister and I greatly appreciate

all that is beautiful and peaceful on this prime

Florida real estate.

Late afternoon,

we sat together in a shaded place.

After a while,

 I began walking.....looking for photo opportunities.

The  park was alive with  the sounds of birds.

 Most were  hidden from my view

 high up in sprawling Live Oak trees.

 I spotted  a young Magnolia tree across the way, 

 happy to see it had large fragrant flowers. 

   I found the

"spent flower pods" 

fascinating, and

the pure white Magnolia  blossoms worthy of

"header status,"

and Thursday's post.

Stop by on Friday to see something

quite amazing.....and most definitely

  pleasing to the

National Audubon Society.

Have a blessed day......Dee Dee

click twice on photos to enlarge

Influence

ESTHER

Tuesday mornings I rise and shine with

great anticipation for the day.  Our pastor's

wife is teaching the ladies of our church

about special women in the Bible.

Today, we learned about Esther. Her life was

important enough that God saw fit to give

her a complete book  in the Bible. 

-

"And the king loved Esther above all the women,

and she obtained grace and favour in his sight....

so that he set the royal crown upon her head,

and made her queen." Esther 2:l7

-

Our discussion led to how Esther was such

a powerful enfluence on the king, that he

granted to her whatever she desired.

-

We were asked if we were influenced  by anyone

in our lives.  Most responses for good influence were mothers,

grandmothers, friends. 

We talked of associating with those who are bad

influence on us....old friends and co workers

were mentioned.

Then we were asked

whether we had been a positive  influence on anyone.

This led to discussion of how we are perceived

by others as we go about our daily living.

How do our actions affect, altar or sway others?

-

Hmmm....good lesson to ponder..... 

Next week we

study Miriam...Moses's sister. Can't wait!

-

May God protect and bless you today.....Dee Dee

*click on painting to enlarge

Good Thoughts

Early morning sun rising from the east, casting light on

tall white Bird of Paradise and  lovely pink Hibiscus......... the sounds

of  Mockingbirds and Mourning Doves....

 just makes me feel good all over.

Thinking good thoughts today, and passing them on to everyone....

-

May the sun shine all day long, everything go right and

nothing wrong.  May those you love bring love back

to you, and may all the wishes you wish come true.

~Irish Blessing

-

May God protect and bless you today.....Dee Dee

click twice on photo to enlarge

"Just you nevermind........"

The Mister was " under-the-weather"  this week-end.

Unable to buy me flowers and do the usual sweet,

"father of my children"

normal things he usually does,

he was having a bit too much sadness, for my liking.

"Just you nevermind," I thought to myself.

I went into the garden, clipped  a nice bunch

of Knockout Roses,

plunked them into a vase,

and called him ....

"Want to see something real pretty?"

They're my Mother's Day bouquet!!!!

There's just nothing in this whole wide world

that makes my heart any happier than

.......his smile.

Feeling really blessed today.....Dee Dee

Mother's Day Thoughts

"Homemaker is the ultimate career.  All other careers

exist for one purpose only....to support the

ultimate career." ~C S Lewis

Interesting thought for Mother's Day.  I conclude

"motherhood" to be the ultimate career....lasting a lifetime.

It is my complete joy to have watched as my daughters

became mothers and even now, grand-mother.  I continue

to pray for them daily,  that God will bless them with

  wisdom and discernment.

Happy Mother's Day

sweet friends and family......Dee Dee

Thankful.....

Of all the blessings we receive

Which happiness impart,

The one which brings real joy is this,

Thanksgiving in the heart.

~G. I. Liland

I will praise Thee, O Lord my God,

with all my heart:

And I will glorify Thy name forevermore.~Psalm 86:12

-

Feeling so thankful this morning.....Dee Dee

Mother's Day Cards

"Nap Time"

A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer,

bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, and...

the future worth living. ~Unknown author

-

I passed out Mother's Day cards at the nursing home church service today.

Those sweet smiles on aged wrinkled faces do good things to my heart. 

 "My name is Bertha.  Yes, I am a mother.  Both my babies

have died."  "Well, I'm so happy to meet you, and I've

brought you something."  I handed her my hand-made card,

hugged her neck and told her "Happy Mother's Day." I had

watched her during church service and heard her

sweet voice as we sang hymns....she had a beautiful smile.

  I met John, an older African-American

gentleman.  I liked his smile also, and when I took hold

of his hand and shared 

a few words, I felt a kinship...he too, a  part of God's family. John

kept his eyes closed most of the service.  When

we began singing Jesus Loves Me, I saw his precious old

lips begin to move....he recognized the song and knew the words.

  Juanita sang with a smile on her face.  She held

her Mother's Day card I had given her,

 tightly in her hand the whole time.

I was deeply saddened when they brought a young seventeen

year old boy to the church service.  A car accident, and he was

completely paralized.  The pastor's words  would encourage

him...."God knows your suffering and pain, He loves you."

Saying these folks blessed my heart today, would be

a real understatement.  

Handing out a few cards, giving hugs and smiles....remembering

their names .....I never feel like I've done enough....As Mother Teresa

once said, "You can't do it all, just do something." 

Have a blessed day....Dee Dee

A Visitor To Our Garden

"The Monarch Butterfly"

During my walk around the garden this morning,

I noticed a fluttering movement in the courtyard.

I hurried back into the cottage for my camera,

hoping against hope that this amazingly beautiful

"Monarch Butterfly"

would still be feeding in my hanging basket,

and, that  I could share the moment with you........

dear friends and family.

-

May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun

and find your shoulder to light on,

To bring you luck, happiness and riches

Today, tomorrow and beyond.

~Irish Blessing

-

Blessings this day for you......Dee Dee

 click on images to enlarge

A Sweet Home-Going

In memory of my friend Susan....

now present with the Lord. II Corinthians l:9

-

Blessed is the influence of one true, loving human soul on another.

~George Eliot

-

......Dee Dee

"One Hungry Woodpecker"

One lone Woodpecker in the garden,

 making a whole lot of fuss,

caught my attention .  High up in the giant

white Bird of Paradise plant, he finds delicious

nectar in a magnificent blossom.

A closer look and a little liberty with a photo program....

an image I think worthy of framing, and titling

"One Hungry Woodpecker"

Have a blessed day.....Dee Dee