Choose a Red Tomato

As we stared outside this morning at a dreary, gray sky dear Husband said, “We get to choose what kind of day we will have. We can choose to be happy.”  Although a native Oregonian, he has lived in sunny climes long enough as he says, “to know better than to like the gray.” But…

I Want to Be Like Lyka

A certain grandmother had fourteen grandchildren to buy Christmas presents for.  She had a very modest budget but tried hard to buy meaningful gifts that aligned with each child’s interests.  Many gifts had to be sent across the miles, but a few were able to be given in person.  The day came for the grandparents…

Grumbling or Gratitude?

I had just gotten into the ‘groove’ of a PhotoShop project and was deep in concentration enjoying the challenge.  Time rolled by unnoticed while I was in my happy zone.  Uh, oh.  Drat!  Don’t tell me it’s supper time already!  Can I steal a few more minutes?  Why do we have to eat three times…

What My In-Laws Taught Me

Husband’s parents are almost 92 and 91 years old.  They’ve been married for 71 years.  Their bodies aren’t what they used to be.  Several months ago his mother injured her back which severely limited her normal activities.  Somehow she managed to keep doing basic household chores including cooking, but the price she paid was high. …

One Ingredient for Happiness

Ever reminisce about past holidays?  Today I was thinking about one particular Thanksgiving that brought out the best in our family.  Especially in our then 14-year-old daughter who planned, shopped, and cooked the entire Thanksgiving meal for our large family.  And our 17-year-old daughter who drove younger daughter to the grocery store, baked 9 pies (the…

After Christmas Re-Do

After the busyness of the holiday season, it’s time to pull back and regroup.  For me, that means decluttering, then putting out a few white accessories mixed with plants and wood pieces to calm my space and my brain.  I think white is soothing.  (As long as it isn’t rugs or sofas!  I could never…