My Grama's Soul

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