My Grama's Soul

I am always tickled when I see yet another post in social media about collecting plants....as though THAT was a new thing!   I have always had plants once I had my own home.  In fact...in my early twenties and thirties I had as many as 150 of the little friends living with me and my family. I do admit that number became little over-whelming as I had my children and life became more complicated....but I never disposed of my friends...I just became more selective in which ones I was willing to nurture.  Actually, that is kind of like life....you only keep friends you REALLY VALUE.     Anyway...my plants have been with me through thick and thin...in fact they used to travel with us when we would leave AZ for the summer. But...due to time and age factors (both mine and my plants) I have cut my numbers significantly....(the plants..NOT my age)  haha.....  My next several posts will be about amusi...

This is an unusual post for the Easter season....but wanted to share this with everyone.  Two years ago Brad and I were able to take a little trip to Europe.  We cruised the Rhein and the Main and the Danube rivers.  This cruise stopped in all the major cities and small villages along the way. Of course, there were so many old castles, churches and buildings that one cannot remember them all.  But I did manage to take some wonderful photographs of a cathedral in Cologne.   These stained glass windows are in Saint Andrew's Cathedral.  Much of this cathedral was destroyed during the war and the city has spent many years repairing the damage done.   You will notice the different style in each of the windows.  Each window was installed at a different time in history as cathedrals of this size were built over many generations.  The local citizens actually removed the stained glass windows during the war to preserve ...

"There is a time in your life for everything~~but not everything all of the time." Anonymous  It seems as though when I take a little trip...I always spend some time reflecting about my life and the improvements I hope to make when returning home. All of us have the same 24 hours in each day and yet it seems as though I often fill mine with trivia and just "puttering" around the house.  I set little goals for myself and let other things get in the way.   This year I have turned 68 and have vowed to pursue some of the goals I have long neglected.   These goals are really fairly simple, actually....but it is just a matter of MAKING TIME.  I want to begin a solid exercise program, as I am having some knee issues and know this will improve my overall health.  I want to get more involved in being creative.  It seems as though I have just let that part of me disappear.  I want to spend more time with friends getting out of the...

I turn 67 today.....and actually I feel better as the years accumulate.  Since I've gotten older I actually have decided that I will celebrate each day during the month of October...just being grateful for being healthy and alive.   I hope each one of you who follow this little blog of mine celebrate each day along with me.... Here are some of the things I have planned for my birthday month: 1.  Listing our current home the end of the first week in November.  We are pretty excited to be moving into a little smaller spot as it means less work and maintenance.  We just want to be able to live more and work less.  Although we still have not found our new spot.....we know it is out there.   2.  Taking a 15 day cruise on the Rhine from Amsterdam to Budapest.  We will visit 5 countries along the way.  One of the stops will be in the place I was born....Nuremberg, Germany.  My  family  left Germany right...

Yes....October 3rd is the day I was  born.  Was born in Germany.....right after the war....as my father was stationed there. Came to the states when I was around 3 or 4 years old...and have never returned to Germany...although I would like to someday. You know it is interesting.....I don't feel 66...oh I have a few aches and pains...but in my head I'm still the youthful woman who looked forward to a life full of promise and adventure.....and I am so very grateful that that wish has been fulfilled. O.K. enough about my birthday....let's see a few photos of where we have been. These shots were taken along the road through Wyoming heading down to Colorado. Stayed in Fort Collins Colorado for a few days.  It is home to Colorado State University and while driving through the University spotted this spectacular sight. Can you believe this feast for the eyes. Here are a few close shots.... I will tell you....that f...

Well......we have passed through Montana and Wyoming and are currently in Colorado..... Just wanted to share a few photos of the wonderful sculptures that lined every street of Sheridan, Wyoming. And, of course, my absolute favorite....... Is this rhino....not the best?  Look at the little bird on his shoulder.....complete down to the last detail... This community is so supportive of artists...with each piece being commissioned by people in the community as an effort to keep art ALIVE.  A lot of these have  been commissioned during the last few years..during these difficult economic times.  Keeping art alive and helping artists support themselves is definitely a priority here.  I think this is so very important ...... as Art is food for the soul.  ~~~~ Hugs from me to you while on the road. Jo P.S.  Still really hard to visit and download blogs....took me forever to download these pics....pleas...

Bo Bunny Paper Collection Well.......the coach is packed...the laundry done in the condo....and we will be on our way tomorrow. I often do feel like a gypsy moving from one spot to another....and each year my gratitude grows as I am able to continue this lifestyle. I truly would love to "do up" my coach in Gypsy Style...but alas....not too practical as things probably would be flying all over as we traveled down the road.  (O: But.....a girl can dream.....can't she? ~~~ My suitcase is packed with memories To be opened further down the road When my caravan must be halted The bag waits to be opened Stories to be told and shared Like the gypsy's of so long ago But for now....the wheels keep turning And my case grows larger still Waiting for the day..I must be stopped   And my heart, to the brim, will be filled Hugs from me to you, Jo Gypsy photos:  Electric Gipsyland on Flickr

Well, this weekend my wonderful husband and I  packed up the condo in Montana. We are packing personal items we want to take back to AZ with us this year.  Our condo is up for sale and we are not yet sure we are going to participate in the rental program up here.  So...getting it ready just in case. I don't know about you...but once I have moved on from a spot....I am ready for a new adventure.   We have such wonderful memories from each place we have lived and when we pack our beloved things.....all those memories come flooding back. I have always tried to keep just a little something from each spot to incorporate in our home down south.  Whether it is a beautiful photo or piece of art Or just something to refer to from time to time so the memories come flooding back.... You know, when I was younger, I had such a hard time with change....and now....I seem to embrace it.  What a change of heart for me! ...

Actually, we are not in the middle of a field of wild flowers......nor are we here..... floating in the middle of this beautiful lake.........we are here.... Hope, Idaho.....population 78......the views of  wildflowers and the lake are everywhere as you drive along the highway....incredible.. aren't they?? A little more local color........ Cute funky little cottages.....looking out on a potager garden... Inside the main store, which is the first photo of this little community, there is a restaurant, gallery, lending library and a little local meeting area  situation (I think)... gotta love that purple door..... I would love to live in a community where I could paint my house ANY color I wanted..... Perhaps next time around....eh??  LOL Hugs from this little artist community. Jo