The Rose

The Rose

~ "She who loves roses must be patient and not cry out when she is pierced by thorns." ~ 

 Olga Brouman

This has been one of my favorite quotes since I was a teen. The quote helped me get through many rough times over the years.  

Being patient had to be learned, it was an important part of growing older and hopefully, wiser. To this day, I still have problems controlling my anger at any lack of progress in a project I am working diligently on. Of course, keeping quiet is not easy for a woman, especially one who hates to admit they are wrong. I have swallowed a lot of tears, but learned from each thorn that pierced my soul. Eventually, the lessons became easier and often came without pain. So, I managed to survive a few thorns to savor the sweet smell of the rose.

The battle is not over yet, I am sure there will be more thorns to bear before I depart.  ❤

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras

If you want to go all out before Lent, you need to be celebrating Mardi Gras.  The whole idea is to let loose before the start of abstaining from all vices during the season of Lent.  The word Mardi Gras is french and means "Fat Tuesday", and the celebration involves drinking, eating and revivalry, often to excess.🎉

I haven't had the chance to experience Mardi Gras, perhaps I should put it on my bucket list.  Many moons ago when I was younger and well before Katrina did her damage,  I got the chance to visit New Orleans and visited all the usual tourist sites, including a steam boat trip up the Mississippi River. My favorite memory is of the French Quarter, admiring all the old, quaint and beautiful buildings as I traveled by horse led cart, drink in hand.  The best part of New Orleans is sampling the cuisine, reflecting the city's Cajun, Creole, and French roots. I swear I gained 10 pounds on that trip!!

The Sweetest Thing

The Sweetest Thing

"It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all". - Laura Ingalls Wilder

Photo Credit: The Sweetest Thing by ©Monika Luniak

Sweet Indulgence

Sweet Indulgence

The last weekend of January is upon us. Our thoughts are already focused on the next holiday arriving shortly, Valentine's Day. The dictionary defines the holiday as "a time to celebrate romantic love with greetings and gifts".

When I was a little girl, my dad always gave me a small bottle of cologne on Valentine's Day, a thoughtful and loving gesture. It's a memory I cherish that made such a lasting impression, I give gifts of love to my own daughters on this day.

Valentine's Day is just another opportunity to express what is in our heart for a loved one. Despite the "romantic couple" inference, the day can be spent in celebration of a deep and abiding love for a life partner, family or a close friend.

By the way, love shouldn't be limited to only one day of the year. Take time to tell that special someone everyday, "I love you". 💖



Credits:
Tube "Brandy" by ©Zlata_m
Scrap Kit "Vintage Elegance" by Pink Paradox Productions

By The Light of The Moon

By The Light of The Moon

.“Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.” – Lemony Snicket

I am and always have been, an avid reader. 

During the day, I spend a lot of time reading newspaper articles, news magazines and non-fiction books about history, criminology and politics. Since I retired, my appetite for current news events and politics grew into a feeding frenzy.  So much so, that I wake up early to quickly scan my Twitter feed while listening to the morning news.  For the record,  my Twitter feed is usually crawling with reporters and political strategists, so I am checking to see if there is anything newsworthy to read with my morning coffee.

Ahhh...but my night....my night is left to enjoy the stories of pure fiction and fantasy.  I don't like a diet of  heavy reading before bed.  I want to relax my mind and body; forget about the troubles or news of the day. A good book should take me to other worlds, other times and introduce me to fascinating characters.  I thoroughly enjoy stories of magic, dragons, knights, midnight rituals, vampires, witches and warlocks, spies, international intrigue, terrors of the night, monsters of the mind, romance, sexy steamy interludes, the rule of law...and subsequent order. The short list of authors I enjoy today:  Stephen King, Anne Rice, Jim Butcher, JK Rowling, JRR Tolkien, Deborah Harkness, Dean Koontz, John Grisham, David Baldacci, George RR Martin, JR Ward and Nora Roberts. 

Everyone is at a loss for time to do recreational reading. A full time job takes most of their energy and not much is left to delve into a story.  So, books become more of a bother than a delight.  We will see the movie whenever it comes out rather than read the book first. Sadly, this used to be me, before I retired. Oh,  I made an effort because I love to read, but usually I would fall asleep with my book falling to the floor, followed by my reading glasses. It took me forever to finish a book. At this time in my life, I devour books.

Nothing expands the imagination more than a wonderful story that you can get thoroughly lost in. 😎

Push Me

Push Me

Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push. A smile. A world of optimism and hope. A 'you can do it' when things are tough. ~ Richard M. DeVos

Night Shade

Night Shade

This is something entirely different on my part.  A mix of colors and shades, just experimenting with the use of palettes!  This was also my first try at using overlays. I just love how this all came together. 

I have been stumped for a while, my "muse" decided to take a little break.  I hate when that happens as I feel I have lost something.  Perhaps it's just me, but I feel an attachment to the canvas and when I stare at a blank one with no inspiration, it bums me out terribly and I often get cross and crabby. 😮 Anyone else have that problem from time to time?  Anyway, it was a short vacation for my muse. 

It is Sunday, start of a new week, lets make it a great one. 😎



Credits:
Tube: Moonlight_Elf  by ©verymany