Instant Sunshine

I love Gerbera daisies. They always make me smile. Gerbera daisies are like a dose of instant sunshine! The reddish-orange color of this Gerbera really makes it stand out.

We are finally enjoying a sunny day here in Central New York State. It is 50 degrees F (10 degrees C) here this afternoon. What an improvement. Hopefully, March will go out like a lamb. I just love the scent of spring in the air.

I may go to the Palm Sunday event at the local florist tomorrow. I love to be in the greenhouse, even if it is not an outdoor nature center. I just love to smell the flowers and see the spring promises! Of course, I will bring the camera. (I just hope that there will be enough light.)

I hope that you all are having a good weekend!

Cheers!

The sun came out today and the temperature was about 50 degrees F. The sweet scent of spring was in the air! It is a harbinger of good things to come.

I need some signs of beauty and cheer after the cruel winter weather we had to endure during the last few months. Indeed, I need to find comfort, joy and inspiration again in my life.

So what brings me comfort and a sense of peace? Here are a few simple things in life that mean a great deal to me:

My mother's reassuring voice
Embracing S, the love of my life
Having coffee with friends
Walking in nature
Listening to music, especially the "oldies" like the Beatles tunes
Spending time with my nieces, nephews, and family
Taking photos of nature's gifts.

I am trying to stay positive while considering my housing options. I have the support of family and friends, and that means a great deal to me.

So, I hope to slow down a bit this weekend and enjoy some of the simple pleasure in life. What brings you inspiration and joy?

I hope that everyone has a very good weekend. I will be checking in on your blogs. HUGS!

Spring Delights

Spring is finally showing some of it beautiful signs here in Central New York State. The sun is shining and there isn't a cloud in the sky. Most of the snow has finally melted (except for the mountains in the parking lots). I heard the geese overhead a few days ago. It is still only 7 degrees C (44 degrees F) today, but these are all welcomed signs of a delightful season to come.

One of the local florist will have its annual open house and floral show this Sunday. This is an annual Palm Sunday event. Hopefully, I will have an opportunity to attend this wonderful celebration of spring. The florist welcome photographers. I took this pink mum photo with my trusty point-and-shoot camera last year.

Well, I have definitely decided that I will have to move in the near future. I have been busy working on my options. I pray that everything will work out for the best!

I hope that all of you are enjoying very nice spring weather. Who has been out with their cameras?

I am still here!

Hello everyone, It seems that I have been neglecting my blog lately. Unfortunately, I have been busy with some neighborhood watch activities lately. My neighbors and I are keeping an eye on two men who don't live or belong on our street.

This has been a safe neighborhood (even if it is close to the main street in our city.) Some of my neighbors have raised their families here. I have some neighbors who have lived here for 35 years and they are concerned about the safety of our street.

So, I am busy reviewing my options, too. Hopefully, I will be reading and commenting on your blogs soon! I have missed posting in my blog and I promise to add some new photos soon. In the meantime, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

Forget Me Not

I thought that I would post another photo from the Root Glen nature center. These forget-me-not flowers will be some of the first spring plants to bloom. I really liked the way the delicate blue flowers stood out against the rough tree bark.

We are very fortunate to have such a nature center in this area. The gardens and hiking trails are very well kept and people enjoy the nature center during all of the seasons.
Root Glen seems to be ever changing. It is indeed a magical place to visit and see what is in bloom.

Root Glen is a lovely place to just be able to walk and think. It is a very tranquil place and visitors are very respectful of each other as well as the beautiful environment.

It would be wonderful to have more of this tranquil places devoted to nature's beauty in our world. Do you have a special place such as Root Glen?

"Silently one by one,
in the infinite meadows of heaven,
Blossomed the lovely stars,
the forget-me-nots of the angels."
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

A Beautiful Season

Spring is officially here! There is still snow on the ground here in Central New York State, but the days seem to be getting a bit warmer and the days are definitely longer. It is wonderful to hear the sweet sounds of the birds once again.

I am looking forward to spending time at my favorite local nature center. It is called Root Glen. The Glen is kept in pristine condition by a local university. There are all kinds of walking trails. Small brooks meander through the Glen. Spring will bring a host of beauty: daffodils, bluebells, tulips, peonies and bleeding hearts. The above photograph was taken at Root Glen.

I am able to get some ex cerise while I look for my photographic subjects at the Glen. I have done a lot of floral and nature shots at the Glen, but the gardens make excellent backdrops for portraits.

Do you like to make nature photos, especially during the springtime? As Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, " "Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. "

Blessings

Tonight I am going to try and think of the blessings that God has given to me in my life. It has certainly been a long, cold winter, but I know that there are better days ahead.

The most beautiful blessing are the people in my life. I have been thinking about how much my parents always done for me and my siblings. My parents were always home and spent time with us. I always felt safe when I was a child and that is a tribute to my Mom and Dad. They taught me such lifelong values as doing my best, treat others with kindness and respect, and celebrate the little things in life.

God also brought S, my love and best friend into my life. He listens to me, makes me laugh, and holds my hand. I feel so comfortable with him around, even when we are silent. And we can finish each others sentences. He has taught me about trust and forever love.

And there are my darling nieces and nephews. It is wonderful to see myself and my siblings in this next generation. It is a joy to see my parents with their grandchildren.

My very good friends are like hand picked flowers in a garden. My friend Mare is like a sister to me. And I have to thank my friends who read my blog for all of your support. You are wonderful!

I also find comfort in God's creation. I posted one of my favorite sunset photos above in order to remind me that there is beauty all around, even in the depths of winter. I look forward to being able to get out with my camera and photograph the natural world once again.