My Grama's Soul

This is a picture of our little tree this year.  Each year our trees seem to be smaller, a function of our getting older and just wanting to deal with less stuff.  I'm sure a few of you feel them same.  Although it does seem to be a little weird that we want to deal with fewer Christmas decorations and give each other MORE STUFF in the way of presents under the tree.   Ahhh...being human is such a quandary sometimes!                                          MERRY CHRISTMAS                                                          Jo  

Living in Arizona is brutal in the summer.  This summer has been very humid and hot but I feel a change in the air and I know fall is right around the corner.  As the Buddha so apply states, the only thing permanent about life is its' impermanence.  I have paraphrased here as I can't exactly remember how he phrased it...but you get the gist.                                 He was one "wise cookie"!                                          Stay happy,                                               Jo

PLEASE ENJOY THIS.........................................                                                JO  

I'm a firm believer that everyone should have a spot of their own.  It doesn't matter where it is or how large the space.   Mine is in a corner of my living room where I sit early in the morning with my loving dog and read a little something to start the day before the house wakes up.   It provides a little respite from this tumultuous  world of ours. Do you have a quiet spot to call your own? Just wondering. Jo

I'm out here everyday, first thing, doing my little bit of gardening.  Even if it is sweltering hot, here in AZ.  This is a spiritual manauver that is necessary for my well being.  It is a terrific stress reducer and uplifter. Just putting this out there in the Universe for today's thought. xo J0 

Anyone who knows me, knows, I have been a lifetime Gardner.  When I was young I used to have around l50 plants in my home.  Mind you, some died...but nevertheless, it never took the joy away from looking after the one's that survived.  I lived in AZ for most of my life so gardening can be sketchy.   It does delight me to see that gardening has taken hold once again in this beautiful world of ours.  I hope that this is not a passing fad like Sourdough Bread and Kambocha and all that baking we were doing during the early days of lockdown. Gardening can be a lifetime endeavor guaranteeing the Gardner earthly delights each and every day.  Keep on digging in that dirt. Stay happy Jo

AHHHHH.....SPRING!!!!!! Jo 

My mother was never much of a Gardner.  She never had the time with taking care of our family and working full time.  But, one thing she did grow was a sweet potato vine.  She even used the container I have used in this photo.  An old depression glass pitcher...here is to you mom!! Jo

I just read a quote that said "gardening is outside housework". If you think like that, my friends, you will never be a real Gardner. haha Jo  

Gardening in truly the simplest of pleasures.  These are flowers from my yard. I love being able to go outside and cut flowers for inside my house. Jo 

Thought this elderly woman looked so "plucky". Don't know how old she is but I hope to be a feisty as she is when I'm her age. Keep on Keeping on.......... Jo

Well, I have fallen off the wagon with my posting everyday for 100 days.  I have not felt well for the last few days so have been resting and taking care of myself.   Here is a picture of my back yard garden.  I sit out back often and just appreciate being able to do so and enjoy my yard. Stay well and happy, JO    

This photo is from a trip to Ireland and Scotland we took a few years ago.  I don't think I have ever seen anything greener with the exception of the Pacific Northwest that is in our country.  Would return to these countries in a heartbeat if health and age would permit.                                                                  Jo   

Didn't post yesterday as I had some minor surgery, am back at it again today.  I love all the Buddhas I have around my home.  Although I am not a Buddhist, the remind me to show compassion to my fellow human beings.                                Jo  

For the next 100 days I have committed to do a post each day of something that I deem to be beautiful. MY GRANDSON........... Jo

Here is a photo of my new lampshade from BALLARD DESIGNS.  I added the fringe, of course, and I painted the lamp base which used to be clear glass.  I love, love, love these new patterned and pleated shades.  I'm seeing them in all the British Design books....which happens to be one of my favorite designs.  I think the Brits were decorating in the bohemian style long before we ever thought of it.  hahah Thought it was pretty enough to share. Jo   

How could any of us live without our be-loved animals? This is Skyler....he is our joy!!!!!   Jo

Something as simple as a tea bag can bring you joy.  I love the sayings on the tags of my YOGI tea. I drink it each day and it makes me smile. Jo

The above is a picture of a CD I have played often over the years.  I found it in a small bookstore when we lived on San Juan Island.  The owner of this bookstore has since passed away, and I found out only recently she died of breast cancer.  I'm quite certain she had it at the time when I would visit her,  yet she never shared that with me.   I have used this CD as a source of comfort during my darkest of times.  EVEN IN DARKNESS THERE CAN BE BEAUTY. Jo

A wonderful book of poetry by a young poet. Not complicated, easy to understand, written for today's sensibilities.  EXAMPLE: Transfiguration I dreamt myself into a mother but when I became her, I had to dream her back into a woman, back into a woman, back into a woman, again. FABULOUS!!! Jo

This is a finger painting painted by my beautiful grandson when he was around 3 years old. He was into dinosaurs at the time and he calls this his dinosaur....but I think it looks like a bird.  Remember "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". J0

Each day, for the next 100 days, I'm going to post an image of something I deem to be beautiful. I encourage others to do the same.  Putting some beauty out in this world of ours. Jo

Arizona has finally eased into Spring.  I know much of the county is still having inclement weather, but here, at last we have a touch of perfect weather.  It does not last long as summer comes so very quickly with temps that are scorchers.  But for now, we simply enjoy what is. Speaking of enjoying "what is"..... I know this last year has been so very difficult for most of us. However, the sun always rises and the seasons always change....nothing is permanent.  Things come....things go. The Buddha embraced impermanence....Our world is in constant change.  I truly believe that the secret to real contentment is accepting that we really have so little control over our life.  We can control our thoughts and that is really about all if you get to the bottom line.   Easier said than done, I realize...but if practiced on a daily basis....it does become a little easier. Once again, I am spouting off....please just bare with me.  Thanks. Jo

Just a thought today as it popped into my head. I, myself, have suffered from the above state at various times in my life. You know the feeling....if one more person asks you to do one more thing...you will fear you will explode from all the stress.