My Grama's Soul

Big changes are coming in our life this next year.......things are far from firmed up.....but I will keep anyone who is interested informed. Blog changes are going to happen also. Have a wonderful day, Jo

I love peonies They are only available in AZ for a short period of time.  I don't believe they can be grown here because of the immense heat during the summers and because of our low humidity...although what do I know, since I have never grown any. lOl Found this beautiful bunch at my local Trader Joe's for $6.99 a bunch.  That is a great value since they are $10.99 to $12.99 everywhere else.  I buy them when I see them come in as they are not here for long.....and nothing makes my heart sing like PEONIES. xo Jo

We are with you Oklahoma........we know you will make it!!!!! Jo

Are you the type of person who can relish whatever life gives you?  I know I have not always been able to do this. It seems as though this particular concept has only presented itself as the years of my life have been increased....one year after another. When I was younger....I fought tooth and nail to have outcomes turn out as I desired.....although they rarely did.....I didn't get it. Getting older.....I did the same thing....trying to run away from uncomfortable things and giving advice to people I thought needed my help.....I didn't get it. I tried to retrieve people I had lost....by offering a simple apology.....they no longer needed me or no longer cared to have me in their life.....I didn't get it. It has only been in later years that I realize that EVERYTHING you are handed in life...is given to you for a reason.  So......you might as well LOVE WHAT IS.....because.....WHAT IS.....IS and you really have no choice but to get through this particular

I believe this is the perfect mother's day gift for all you moms out there.  This little tea pot is so cute and quirky and the Gardenias are the most heavenly of flowers.  Their smell simply engulfs any room you place them in. My mom has been dead for many, many years so I can only celebrate her memory on this special day....but I do think of her so often and how unique and special she really was. However, I am blessed to still have my Aunt Ruth, her sister, in my life.  Ruth is as unique as my mom and such a pistol. We visit her and her family each year and she always welcomes us with open arms. In closing I want to wish each of you moms out there a Happy Mother's day....it doesn't matter if you are an empty nester or the old woman who lives in a shoe....each of you are special. Please remember, without our mom's NONE OF US would be here.....they got us here....and hopefully we NEVER forget that! xoxoxo, Jo

Who says you can't have a rainforest in Arizona? I am out to prove them wrong.  These are pics of my front court yard this summer.  Full of palms, trees, shrubs and flowers..... The spider plants you see in the foreground....are mostly volunteers.  I started with one plant about three inches tall....and they just keep multiplying over the years. The huge ferns in back I have had for over 20 years. What always amazes me is how with ll5 degree summers and freezing winters these things just thrive and multiply. Another peek through my palms....painted the chairs this summer...fun...fun colors. This little sign is always on my porch.  It hangs about my fountain that runs 24/7....maybe it helps...who knows?  LOL LOL I hope everyone is having fun with their summer gardens this year....you know what they say...."more is more". hugs, Jo

Tomorrow is the 5th of May......in Arizona, as in many Southwestern states, we celebrate Cinco de Mayo.  This is a day for Mexican's, American's and Mexican-American's to celebrate Mexican heritage and pride. In Mexico, specifically in the region of Puebla.....it is a celebration of The Battle of Puebla.  It is the battle where Mexican's beat the French forces on  May 5th, 1862.  It IS NOT Mexican Independence Day, which many of us were lead to believe....that is celebrated on September 16th. Here, in Arizona, the day is spent eating, drinking and dancing and in general just having a great time. Since we have such a large Hispanic population in our state it really is a holiday in which all nationalities participate....I think that is as it should be. I've shown you pics today of a Milagro I just finished. It is based on traditional Mexican talismans.  Milagro means "Miracle" in Spanish.  These personal charms can remind us that "