My Grama's Soul

I know you are smiling!! Have a wonderful day. Jo Sign: Tumbler

"Nobody sees a flower~really~it is so small it takes time~~and we haven't time~~and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time." Georgia O'Keefe Does one choose a friend by closeness in proximity? Does one choose a friend by how old they are? Does one choose a friend by how much money they make? Does one choose a friend by their status in society? Does one choose a friend by  their occupation? Does one choose a friend by how they look? I probably could go on endlessly with my list. I think one chooses a friend by their HEART . Today.....I made a new friend with a huge heart!! ~~~~~~ My path crossed with a good soul today We cemented a friendship by going out of our way The universe seems to send us just what we need If we keep our hearts open and pay it some heed The die is cast....... Our paths will blend Now matter how diverse they may be in the end My Path crossed with a good soul today My life just expanded in a wonderfu...

"It is a great thing to know the season for speech and the season for silence." Seneca Have you ever known anyone who must constantly be talking.  You know the one's we lovingly call "chatty Cathys".  It seems as though they can't stand one moment of silence. "Say nothing unless it improves upon the silence" the Buddha (I think) Which brings to mind a thought.....If we must always be talking or thinking of what we are going to want to say next...How can our mind's ever be at rest?  How can we ever be in the present? When Brad and I travel across this beautiful country of ours....as we are doing now.....there are often long stretches of silence. Sometimes I'll look at him and ask "What are you thinking?"  More often than not his reply is this "I'm not thinking.....I'm driving...when I drive.... I drive." " I have often regretted my speech.......never my silence." Pullilus Syrys We both just may...

"If you make it plain you like people, it's hard for them to resist liking you back." Lois McMaster Bujold I've opened my post today with a photo of angel's wings.....because I believe all of us are spiritual beings living in a human body.  It really doesn't matter your belief.....I think all beliefs should be respected....we may disagree with one another...but we should recognize there are many differences in this world of ours. Which brings me to the focus of this post. I received an e-mail from a very kind blogging friend....she has taken a little break from blogging...this is the reason why. In her e-mail she told me there were some personal issues....which we all have...but she also mentioned she had been receiving some very unkind comments on her blog.   Now I ask you.....why do some bloggers do this???  We have more than enough nastiness in this world of ours.....why  bring it into the lovely world of blogging.  Each of us blogs for a diffe...

"Slow down and enjoy life.  It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast~~you also miss the sense of where you are going....and why." Eddie Cantor Getting ready to depart from the North country...it is such a bitter sweet time for us. We see so many wonderful spots along the way ..... and being able to see the change of seasons is so very special.   Arizona does not have the change of seasons like other parts of the country does....it goes from hot to less hot. LOL These shots have been taken from all over this beautiful country of ours.  Oregon, New Mexico, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Iowa. Each spot was so very beautiful in its own way. We have yet to travel much down South or to the New England states....but we will make it....it is on our to do list. By the way....just learned how to put my name on my pictures.  Have done a few here....it is really not too difficult.....but being somewhat computer challenged (O:  it does take a li...

I generally don't blog about "stuff" per say....but I just had to show you this marvelous altered art piece by a local Montana artist.  She goes by the name of "Big Jessie" and she lives in Whitefish.  I have always loved altered art....because you literally make something out of nothing.  Jessie has such a way of doing this.  I have showed another one of her pieces in an older post...but I wanted to give this one special attention.  Her name is Jess Rosier and you can find her on the NET......you won't be disappointed. Hugs, Jo

Sometimes it is just a flutter This soft touch of air that kisses me so gently Often....it is an embrace  that envelops me with its boldness Blowing my hair and clothes about haphazardly with explosive gusts of air But more often than not it is just a soft breeze that caresses my face  whispering........ be present.... be present.... be present...... Have a beautiful day, Jo Photos:  Pictures. blogspot.com Pnina Evental Idea for this post.....my beautiful soul mate

"Delight in the little things." Rudyard Kipling   We will soon be leaving our wonderful spot in Montana.  Every year it is hard to say good-by to the friends we have made and to this beautiful state. We usually try to have a small dinner party before we leave to catch up with everyone and their lives. This year was no exception. It is really a simple affair....with a mish mosh  of dishes....since I don't have a complete set of anything here. LOL LOL It is always an interesting group of people....all ages....and all beliefs. This years menu was a simple one: Roast Chicken Mashed Potatoes Big garden salad Bread pudding for desert I'm not much of a recipe kind of gal as I pretty much shoot from the hip with my cooking.....but I did want to share this easy chicken dish with all of you.  It always gets raves when I serve it....and it has become an old standby. One whole chicken....roaster or fryer Fresh rosemary sprigs Bottle of Newman's Own Light Balsamic...

"Believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Believe that you might be the light for someone else." Kobi Yamada Let's all go embrace the day. XO Jo  

"People always call it luck when you've acted  more sensibly than they have." Anne Tyler  I have often pondered the fact why some people are so much luckier than others.  You know.....when it seems some people have ALL the luck and others have NONE   at all. When I was much younger....I did not consider myself very lucky....but as I have matured...I have come to realize that I have been incredibly lucky. Oh I've certainly had my share of heartaches...but in the big picture...my life has been so very wonderful.  I don't know whether it has been God's grace, luck or hard work....or a combo of all three....but I do feel incredibly blessed. Now mind you.....while trials and tribulations were going on, it was awfully hard to find that lucky penny....but in hindsight,  I've come to realize that things have turned out exactly like they should have.  Life has somehow taught me many lessons I needed to learn.   " Shallow people believe in luck ~~ ...

I have mentioned before how very grateful I am to be able to live in such a beautiful spot.  We will soon be leaving our wonderful little home here and begin our annual journey down south.  But before we go...thought I would show you just a few little shots around the homestead. I'm always tweaking that mantle trying to get it just right. This year was the first time I discovered a plug behind the picture....lots of folks put their TV's up there but ours is in a big hutch in the great room. A lot of the art was in the home when we purchased it so I have made it work.....As you know....I always believe in recycling everything in a new way.  Lots of the little things here are from other spots that we have been in over the years. And....as I have said before......if you don't like color......don't stop in at my spot. Last but not least.......... Hope  all of you have had a wonderful Labor Day Weekend......I know we have. Hugs sweet friends, Jo

   " He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has." Epictetus (55-135) " There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will." Epictetus (55-135) Isn't it amazing how many things go out of style.....clothing......decorating......food..........etc......but WISDOM never fades. These quotes are as timely today as they were thousands  of years ago. Have a beautiful weekend. Jo Photo: Kim Klassen (I think).....