Levity!

Levity
"My method is to take the utmost trouble to find the right thing to say, and then to say it with the utmost levity."~George Bernard Shaw~
"Derived from the Greek word “delphis,” meaning dolphin, delphinium are also commonly known as larkspur. These lush, dolphin-shaped flowers symbolize an open heart and ardent attachment and convey a feeling of lightness and levity."~google search~
I had always loved these gorgeous flowers in my garden up north. They can grow very tall and in groups surely become the focal point of any space.
Little did I realize their symbolism. Along with the quote I have chosen for today they help to convey an important point: 
So many of you reading this blog have many pressing issues in your lives and I truly understand that, having been there before. At this interval in my life, however, I am in a peaceful place and have chosen happiness. Grateful for that fact, I realize the importance of my words, know that they do not always come easy. My goal here is to make you smile and forget for a brief moment, trusting that everything will be OK. Keep an open heart, be ardent, try to find lightness and levity in any situation, it just might be the remedy to get you thru. Think I'm going to plant some delphinium today, hope they like sandy soil. Always looking for new inspiration to bring your way. Keep on smiling, yes keep on smiling until we meet again!

The Fountain of Youth!

Have You Heard
"We have found the Fountain of Youth." Recently we visited a warm mineral spring here in Florida. Hearing of it's existence several months ago, it has been on our bucket list of places to go. 
Entering the spring was at first a bit ominous, the water is dark yet clear at the same time. There was a distinct smell of sulphur which seemed to disappear after a while. The buoyancy in the water was also quite noticeable. I almost didn't need my noodle. My friend Judy and I then noticed that no one around us was speaking English. Maybe German, Polish or Italian? We later discovered they spoke Russian and that there are a large population of Russian people who live nearby. A very hearty people they laughed much and enjoyed the beautiful day along with us. They came with canes and walkers, skin aliments etc. looking for relief and possibly a cure. A staff member explained that it is very European, to try this type of treatment first, before seeing a doctor.
Two beautiful ladies, deep in conversation, meandered by wearing these colorful hats which added to the flavor of the experience!
Not to shower that evening was the order, to let the minerals sink into the skin overnight for the most benefit. Well I can't say I'll be running laps anytime soon but I feel great, my well earned wrinkles and all!
I was overwhelmed with gratitude that we had the opportunity to visit here. A beautiful day great friends, much laughter and a new experience! How good does it get? 
I couldn't help thinking that we were in the movie Cocoon where a group of trespassing seniors swim into a pool containing alien cocoons, they find themselves energized with youthful vigor. I think I may have just lived it! Can't wait to go back!
Go to http://www.warmmineral springs.com for more information.

Yes You Can!

Yes You Can
"Argue for your limitations and, sure enough, they're yours."~Richard Bach~
This beautiful photo was taken by my friend Joan! She attached it to an email and wrote that she was not a Rose, when it came to taking pictures and that these orchids grew in her yard in spite of her! With a little photoshop magic, presto, you have instant art. So yes you can, Joan, you have a great big heart and are always willing to share your time and talents. You live by good example while others silently watch. You set the standard high! Now go get a tissue and start taking more pictures! Argue not, for your limitations, dear one, for they lie only in a misconceived perception of your reality! 

Information Superhighway!

Information Superhighway
Alexander Graham Bell's, "electrical speech machine" paved the way for the "Information Superhighway."      ~google search~
Now days do you know any one who does not own a cellphone? I just happen to know such a person. My beloved husband!
The saga all began when his 87 year old father decided to bring his 63 year old son up to speed. Dad has been an enormous advocate for the free cell phone that you have probably seen advertised! I say the company get rid of the TV ads and hire him! He ordered it, tracked it and told us to look in our mailbox because it should be there and low and behold it was!
On "Opening Day" the husband struggled with all of the new and obscure options, display etc. The manual was his alone. How else does one learn!!! Upon returning, from my pool hiatus, he declared that it was all set, let's give it a try. And so we did!
Our land line rang and caller ID came up as, Ethel McArtor. Who the heck was that? After exhausting all of our options, It was time to call out the big guns and relent to the "dreaded tech support." You know the people you yell at because you don't think they understand you! Three continents later, Ethel is still calling.
Now we are not sure if someone simply mixed up the phones and Ethel has his, or if Ethel has met the "Grand Master" of all communication!
I think the latter may be the case, on a daily basis he gets a bible quote sent right to his message box! Absolutely hysterical! How do you explain that one to tech support??? His dad boasts how many minutes he has acquired over the months by not using them, while son is using his up talking to his new friend, Rajah! So if anyone out there knows Ethel, tell her that Will has her phone! In the meantime if Ethel McArtor, comes up on your caller ID, just know it's your old friend, Will! Now be careful, he tends to get a little sensitive if you call him Ethel! Could I make this stuff up, even if I tried!

Such a Noble Flower!

Prejudices 
"Legend has it that Queen Anne, the wife of King James I, was challenged by her friends to create lace as beautiful as a flower. While making the lace, she pricked her finger, and it’s said that the purple-red flower in the center of Queen Anne’s Lace represents a droplet of her blood. Queen Anne’s Lace represents sanctuary, magic, trust, healing and steadfast love."~google search~
Pretty amazing history since this delicate flower is considered by many to be a roadside weed. For years I fought them back trying to control their vivacious appetite for space. I finally came to realize that mixed with my treasured hydrangeas they made the most beautiful filler flower. My arrangements took on that wispy feel that I so love. I then began to cultivate them appreciating them for who they are, my prejudices against them all but vanished. Once considered a weed, a general train of thought, was now my reliable and trusted friend, that made my arrangements whole. I do believe that looking beyond what we are told, experiencing for ourselves, other than what is perceived to be, can lead to extraordinary and lasting relationships, for any species! A little sanctuary in our hearts to store magic, trust and some healing love! Such a noble flower!

Come Sail With Me!

Come Sail With Me

"I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship."~ Louisa May Alcott~

My ship's in full sail and I'm still learning how to navigate, jump on, we're going to the Land of Positivity! There may be a storm, but do not fear, together we will sail thru the night over sea, part troubled waters, I fear not thee.~Rosemary Aubut~

Not sure where that one came from but let's go with it! The longer I do this blog, I come to realize that people need to cling onto positive and encouraging thoughts! I started out writing to encourage myself, mostly! I honestly and truly did not think that I could put ink to paper, to blog, and have it make any sense at all. When I hear someone make a comment that they enjoyed my blog that day, whether they laughed, cried or it just made them reflect, I am truly overwhelmed! Especially if it is someone I least suspect! Thank You all for encouraging me!

When our shoulders are laden with blistering woes, our sensitive spirit longing for comfort, sail to the Land of Positivity, find a colorful umbrella there, sit still for a while, enjoy that you be. A ship abandoned does not sail! You may not change the challenges before you, but a different perspective may very well lie in the solitude of the sea! 

The Big Dig!

The Headless Hunter

Could I make this stuff up, even if I tried! This guy had a ritual that could rival high tea at noon in Buckingham Palace! I was watching the woman to the left, hunting for treasure, in her own little time-warp, when she looks up to witness this guy perform a wringing out ceremony!
Let's give him a name! How about, Bob! So Bob starts bobbing up and down, stands on one foot bobs, then the other, bobs up and down even more. Bob flapped his ams drying them in the sun, pulled out his bathing suit sides flapping them in the wind, then proceeds to grab the excess fabric in front wringing it out like it had absorbed the entire ocean. It's when he migrated south and to the rear that even my good angel screamed shoot! She knew I had a camera!
Me thinks there had to be a couple of shells lodged a little to the north in the crevice of no return. Maybe we could call this one the Big Dig! See what that super-moon can do to you!
Finally Bob relented, walked to his chair oblivious to the crowd he had attracted. Bob's waiting mate oblivious as well, I think she has witnessed this type of behavior before. I have to say for an older guy his balance is still pretty good!
Can you only imagine what this poor woman was thinking??? Just give her a caption in your head and we will keep it private! Alas mate, the beach a symphony in motion!

Super-Moon Phenomenon!

Shelling
All those florescent lit fitting room inhibitions seem to disappear when one finally wears their purchase on the beach. There is something to be said about the freedom one feels at the oceans edge! Just sit quietly for a while and a Broadway production will unfold before your very eyes! Sitting with my lens laden instrument of capture in hand, this woman meanders by engrossed in her mission to find the perfect specimen. Low and behold she strikes this pose right in front of me! My bad angel screamed shoot and before my good angel could chime in the damage was done! Even good angels have a sense of humor sometimes! They just need to remove their control top pantyhose and feel sand between their toes!
Not the most flattering shot but an interesting observation in human behavior. Our coral beaches are not easy to navigate, yet they walk and search oblivious to all! Contorting their bodies for the sake of treasure.
Maybe we could call this behavior the "super-moon phenomenon." If only Darwin were still around! If you missed it Saturday you can boast that you saw it here!
The ocean is my stage, my camera the instrument of symphony, shells my props and my brain just a little warped! AMEN!
More observations coming your way tomorrow, move over Broadway!

My View!

My View

"On the ordinary view of each species having been independently created, we gain no scientific explanation."~Charles Darwin~
Well could, Charles possibly come up with an explanation for this photo, or anyone else for that matter? I am entering this photo in a weekly challenge at http://www.twoscoopz.com. The challenge is to create a photo with a unique theme each week. It is called focus 52 and this weeks theme is "the view from here". I think I nailed it, look at that v for view, between my toes on my right foot! (Just love those corny puns.)

Folks that understand me know that I am extremely camera shy, so this photo is probably the most you will ever see of me. Should have given myself a Photoshop pedicure, OPI's, Senorita Rose-Alita, might have been a good color choice to recreate! These are very happy feet however, all covered in sand! It was 85 degrees here in Florida yesterday.

There is nothing like the ocean to inspire one to write. There is time for reflection here, far greater than the physical senses can encounter.

The ocean holds such history for our family and we are forever indebted to it's majesty. 

Riding over a small wooden bridge on our way to Gasparilla Island, my grand-daughter Hannah, once asked if God put food coloring in the water here, in Florida. This extraordinary child has the "scientific mind" of a genius looking for that unexplainable, explanation! 

Ahh, just let this one be, little one! You have made your grandma's heart, smile forever!

Just a Splash of Color!

Inspiration
Doesn't this photo look like something that Claude Monet would have tossed out? Sorry Claude, I'll bet everything you created didn't land up in a museum and don't I wish that I had found it with your signature on it! Just cherish that thought!
The Father of Impressionism, I bow to your excellence. Mastering your technique you have allowed us a place for visual content. Je ne sais quoi and sacré bleu, Claude!
I think I need to go to the ocean today to recharge my soul and find inspiration for my senses to rejoice once again! Yes I will bring my camera and a pad and pen! Who knows what tomorrow will bring???

Time!

Time
"Time, the cradle of hope.... Wisdom walks before it, opportunity with it, and repentance behind it:  he that has made it his friend will have little to fear from his enemies, but he that has made it his enemy will have little to hope from his friends." 
~Charles Caleb Colton~
There are some issues in life that must be attended to immediately while there are others that only time can predict! Watching a young person find themselves can be excruciating painful for a parent, but the parent must trust the skills they have instilled in their young and watch them figure out how to apply those lessons to life! Wisdom is not instantly acquired at the age of twenty one, it is earned thru trial and error at any age. Share your earned wisdom and let them know that although you may not agree you will support them in the end. It is their decision alone! When placed flatly in their hands young ones usually make the correct choice and if not, it is their lesson to stumble again! The fine line we walk as parents! If there are issues beyond control seek professional help. 
I do not profess to have a shingle out side my front door but I can tell you that this back door therapy works most of the time. Sometimes there is a great deal more growth in giving up control than there is being in control! A little trial, a little error, for that well earned wisdom. Just some pressing issues on my mind!
"Life's not always fair.  Sometimes you can get a splinter even sliding down a rainbow."  ~Terri Guillemets~

Life!

Life
"When the Japanese mend broken objects, they aggrandize the damage by filling the cracks with gold. They believe that when something's suffered damage and has a history it becomes more beautiful."~Barbara Bloom~
To the people of Japan I send my love, thoughts and prayers. The symbols in the photo above are that of life! You are a strong and proud people filled with honor, tradition and a tremendous work ethic. 
I do believe that your devastation and suffering will be overcome, your history has proven that. Your magnificence will once again rise, more beautiful than before!

Colors of Spring!

Colors of Spring

"Why do two colors, put one next to the other, sing?  Can one really explain this?  No." 

~Pablo Picasso~

"As an artist, I must say that color will draw me to it's source every time. I literally see things in color. Some scratch my eyes while others flow like a working salt shaker bursting with flavor enhancing good taste."       ~Rosemary Aubut~

Look at the photo above do these colors not sing to your senses. Would God have been displeased with me for not sharing this with you today?

Is He not the grand master of the perfect box of crayons? Every color in synergy lined up, already mixed waiting to color the fabric of nature. Did He create seasons to change His palette with a grander box to start anew? Remember your excitement as a child when opening that new box of crayons? Coloring such a noble art form!  I must find myself a new box today!

Tequila Protocol

Payback
This really is one blog that I hope both my adult children read! 
Just to let you know dear ones, we are not bored here in Florida. We have many new friends with many new and interesting skills!
Our friend Gail, taught us how to make tequila slammers the other night. At least, I think thats what she called them. It was a very interesting process and I really need to write the recipe down before I forget. Was it the rubbing of fresh lime sprinkled with salt, then the shot or was it the shot, followed by lime and salt??? I'm sure you two could fill us in! Really, what else do you do when life throws you a fresh lime? You know I don't like to bake!
In any event I only had a couple, never did ask your father how many he had, he did mention that he liked the coconut flavored one the best. I don't think he'll be taking his blood pressure anytime soon, however!  I'm sure he now understands the true meaning of a tequila sunrise. 
Now, now not to worry, we did not drive or even leave the house for that matter. We remain responsible adults and are busy planning our trip to Egypt! Need to have that photo of us riding a camel for our Christmas card this year! Talk to you soon and don't forget to wear your seat-belts. Love & Kisses, Mom & Dad.

Honeybelle & Stitch!

Determination
"Disability is simply a matter of one's perception." 
Just when I think I have seen it all, I meet a pirate in the grocery store! Surprised on the brink of being stunned I asked if I could take their picture! Sure you can Missy! Out to the car I go to get my camera! I was so captivated by this gentleman and his parrot that an interview ensued.

He is named Stitch and his parrot, Honeybelle. Stitch owns a store that sells pirate paraphernalia and he entertains at parties. Now it all makes sense, I thought!
Upon his exit, much to my astonishment, I realized that Stitch had only one leg, yes you guessed it, the other was a peg! Now talk about someone using their disability to it's fullest extent!
Attending an art festival I met a paraplegic strapped to his wheel chair, who created the most beautiful paintings holding a paintbrush with his mouth. At another festival I met a woman, with no arms who painted by holding a paintbrush between her toes!
The human spirit has the ability and determination to conquer anything, rising above all of life's limitations.
After observing these courageous souls, how could I ever again find an excuse not to create or even think that  
 I can't!

Dutchman's Pipe!

Dutchman's Pipe
"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." ~Marcel Proust~
This photo was taken in my friend Alan's yard. Another friend Cynthia, called and told me that her Dutchman's Pipe had blossomed. You must come over and take pictures, both proclaimed! Not so much about the blossom, I am grateful, but the fact that each knows my passion to photograph and took the time to call. What wonderful friends!
Alan, has a green thumb and when ever I ask him a gardening question, he says he fertilizes once a month. There is something to it Alan, your garden is beautiful and I really ought to take your advise!
Dutchman's Pipe is a trailing vine and grows quite vigorously in warm climates. It displays very large blossoms, six inches or larger and has a very ominous look and feel to it's texture. One of Mother's Nature's, unique and interesting creations!
Cynthia, grows this vine to feed her butterflies and also to attract them. She has a butterfly garden in her lanai and an awesome website. www.cynthiasbutterflygarden.com.
"Friends are kisses blown to us by angels."~Author Unknown~
Thank you both, I am so glad the angel kisses came my way! 

Just a Pretty Picture!

Just a Pretty Picture
"Flowers are restful to look at. They have neither emotions nor conflicts."~Sigmund Freud~
AMEN!!!
Let's talk about drama today! God only knows that there is enough of it to go around the world several million times! There is family drama, friend drama, committee drama, relationship drama, drama, drama, drama!
Drama, is like trying to explain your favorite soap opera to a friend who has never seen it before! We've all been there and at some point in our lives have been hooked on one whether we want to admit it or not! Come on now, let's admit to the prime time ones too!
I called my sister up north yesterday, to get a dose of family drama because it's just been to darn quiet up there in the frozen tundra. Let's just say I was not disappointed! She walks on water, with the ability to keep everyone afloat. A tough job, considering some enjoy wearing their lead boots!
"Drama, keeps us connected lending us the ability to express our thoughts with no realistic solutions. Therein lies the reason for it's propagation!"~Rosemary Aubut~
Old Sigmund, he just had it all figured out! Just admire the flowers for what they are!
Life is a soap opera just waiting to happen, if we don't like it we can always change the channel! It's your choice!


Posted to: http://www.lgordonphotography.com/

Curiosity!

Curiosity
"I find that a great part of the information I have, was acquired by looking up something and finding something else on the way." ~Franklin P. Adams~
OK, so how did it get it's name??? The plant Rudbeckia, botanic name for black eyed susan, was named after Olaus Olai Rudbeck (1660- 1740) a Swedish physician and botanist. And while black eyed is simple – the plants have a black eye - no one can figure out who Susan was and did she have a black eye???
The more curious may want to take this further and I know one certainly could. My point, each of us has the ability to learn and keep on learning and the freedom to question, understanding fully well that no question is foolish. Curiosity, elixir for the mind and brainchild for the soul.
"The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." ~Dorothy Parker~
By the way, the Black Eyed Susan is the state flower of Maryland. I did not know that!

Life is Good!

Life is Good!
"So long as the memory of certain beloved friends lives in my heart, I shall say that life is good."~Helen Keller~
We were eleven strong and marched together to represent our community, Lake Fairways! Our caravan left the community at 6:00 AM for the one hour journey south! My husband led the pack!
My friend Mary, flew in from Massachusetts to do the race with us. Her mom passed from breast cancer, and for her the race has deep personal meaning. 
The sign above served it's purpose well, we always knew our group was not so far ahead and we were not so far behind. It was carried by our dear friend John, who was relentless in his mission to represent us well. I might mention that John is very secure in his masculinity, to carry such a sign. What a great guy! 
There were five great guys who walked with our group and six beautiful women. Three of which are survivors.
How can I possibly express my gratitude to these wonderful people, other than to say the memory of this day will live forever in my heart! Thank You! Life is Good!

Racing for the Cure!

5K
Meeting up with about 10,000 registered walkers, runners and wheelchair participants, today, made up of men, women and children! There is such a wonderful energy that cultivates hope, amongst the crowd. As a survivor myself of 32 years, I know the importance of finding a cure to help current and future generations. Thank You, Susan G. Komen for giving us the opportunity to make a difference! Upon receiving my diagnosis, at the age of thirty one, my first request instinctively was to see my children grow. Having been granted  that request, I then asked to see my grand-children grow and now I dare say that I wish to see my great-grand-children. Selfish? Well maybe, but I am living proof that breast cancer is not a death sentence. In many ways cancer has been a gift in my life and I consider it to be my badge of courage. I have also been blessed with a great family, many wonderful friends and a husband who has worked many hard hours over the years securing our early retirement. I consider myself to be one of the luckiest people alive. We are comfortable in our humble abode, have just what we need, and are living our dream in this warm and sunny climate. We are doing some traveling and hopefully will live long and healthy lives. For the above reasons and as a daughter, mother, grandmother, wife, daughter-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, etc., I walk for the cure hoping to make a small but meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Ladybugs!

Ladybugs

"When strolling through the garden, If you should chance to see, A ladybug out walking, Please say "hi" for me! For ladybugs are good bugs, They help the garden grow, They will bring you good luck, So always say "hello!"~Author Unknown~

In general insects just freak me out! Anything possessing more than two legs and not domesticated freaks me out even more! If there is a phobia to be had when it comes to anything that slithers, I have it! My first reaction and defense is to scream, always. Not sure there is any kind of cure for this???
I found a snake skin hanging off a brick wall and of course, screamed blue murder. My husband came running, called me a big baby and said, "this means only one thing." What's that I asked, heart still pounding. It means he's gotten bigger! Such a sweet man!
Ladybugs, however just make me smile. From childhood I was always told that ladybugs bring good luck. Look at the little guy above just strolling along! Can you ever imagine being that small? So small that you must dodge raindrops just to move ahead! 
Just a thought!

Just a Sweet Little Flower Garden!

Just a Sweet little Flower Garden

"My green thumb came only as a result of the mistakes I made while learning to see things from the plant's point of view." ~H. Fred Dale~

I came across this quote today, however it would have been more fitting for yesterday's blog!

A gentle reminder from the universe to keep on trying, learning thru my mistakes and listening to the point of view of others!

Longing for color in my own garden I came across this photo of this darling little oasis. 

It caught my attention walking down a street in Annapolis, Maryland while visiting the Naval Academy, there.

I added a couple of painterly filters, a texture, using the soft light blending mode. 

I would just love to meet the gardner who cultivated such beauty. Looks like she gave these plants the time they required and truly understood their point of view! Wouldn't you just love to sit in that chair???

Can't Wait To Be Planted!

Can't Wait To Be Planted
Had ya worried for a second there didn't I? Lets talk about planting as in planting, plants!
I must say gardening here in Florida has it's challenges. The confusion lies in the fact that the weather here is beautiful most of the time! Up north there are seasons and growing flowers is a pretty cut and dry operation. Warm, flowers, cold no flowers, perennials and bulbs pretty much follow suit! I know for sure that many varieties must go thru a freeze to bloom the following year.
Thinking that my house would be in full color all year thru was wishful thinking on my part, to say the very least. Do annuals grow all year? What happens to perennials after they bloom? To add insult to injury they have plants here called Flannuals??? Typical of my personality (a feet first kind of person) I figured I would just plant anything I loved and hope for the best resulting in the most beautiful sand pit you could ever imagine, void of color! I want my green thumb back folks and will keep on trying, almost understanding why my neighbor sticks silk flowers in her garden along with gaudy plastic ornamentation. A true feast for the discerning eye!

Not So Common After All!

Common Sunflower

Sunflowers are symbolic of adoration. Sunflowers turn their heads to the sun, which is the origin of their common name. Sunflowers belong to the genus helianthus, a reference to Helios, the sun god. 

Have you seen that portrait Gauguin did of me painting sunflowers? It was really I, but it's I gone mad.         ~Vincent Van Gogh~ 

Poor, poor, Vincent! Was it the sunflower that finally drove him mad??? Did Gauguin finally have to paint Vincent, along with sunflowers to capture what Vincent, thought he could not? Every stroke of his brush, Vincent lay on canvas, pure and unadulterated genius. This driven and passionate man has captivated us thru out the centuries with the unmistakeable, boldness of his style. It is said that he died a pauper, leaving us to inherit the wealth of his brilliant work. You captured the essence of the sunflower for me dear, Vincent. Had you only realized your genius???

"Bring me then the plant that points to those bright Lucidites swirling up from the earth, and life itself exhaling that central breath! Bring me the sunflower crazed with the love of light."

~Eugenio Montale~