Today has been a mix of sun and clouds, breezes, and borderline warm/cool temps. As I walked around my garden today, I captured some blooming perennials and some potted annuals. Not stopping there, I decided to include the angels in various gardens and thought it would be a good mix to put today's pictures together and share them.

I love my gardens and enjoy the variety of perennials and collectibles I have displayed throughout. Summertime is the time to expand the living space and enjoy the fresh air, fragrances, and creature activity.

Written By Regina Brett of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood... But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life...
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come...
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

You might want to visit her website: http://www.reginabrett.com/

Lobelia....a favorite of mine

Kimberly Ann
born 5.25.1970
St. John's Hospital
Detroit, Michigan

**********
Happy Birthday, Kim!

I wish you a wonderful day and the year ahead be one of true happiness.

You are a very special young lady and I am happy that you are in my life. Having a niece like you adds so much to my life and all the lives you touch. You are such an ambitious person, have so many creative talents, and are totally fun to spend time with. Brennan and Shaun are blessed to have you as their mommy. I hope you know how much I love you and what you mean to all of your family and friends. We are all truly blessed to share your sunny personality, your warmth and compassion, and your friendship. You are the best!

taken on Saturday, May 16, 2009

What is your

HAPPY?

Did you ever stop to think about what it is that makes you the happiest?

Or did you ever wonder what was/were the defining time(s) that you were the happiest?

Or where is your happiest place?

I love the spots where wild flowers grow,

the kinds we never have to sow,

a gift of God beneath his sky

to thrill the hearts of passersby.

I love the violets, small and dear

that mark the springtime of our year,

within the grass, so oft not seen,

and yet so dainty, like a dream.

The daisies hold a special place,

a heart of gold that's trimmed with lace,

that small girls pick along their way

to make a dainty bright bouquet.

The dandelions everywhere

as bright as gold on springtime air;

the world loves roses, this I know,

but my heart loves where wild flowers grow.

- Garnett Ann Schultz -

1st Year Blog Anniversary

It has been a pretty nice year learning my way around Blog Land. I knew close to nothing about blogs when I started out, but something tugged at me and I thought that this would be a nice adventure. And it has been.

Posting family news, celebrating special times, or just sharing some thoughts has been good for me. Along the way I realized that I was learning more about myself by reading other blogs and being inspired to open up and share more of myself. If no one reads what I write, that is ok because this has made me happy. If one can find happiness within themself and not rely on others for it, isn't that what is most important? It is for me. Our life's journey is simply a solo path, enhanced by those that come into our lives and sprinkle their own personal confetti by sharing themselves with us.

I thank all of those who have inspired me. So as I continue my little journey, I will share my life with anyone who cares to stop by and stay for a spell.

May Crownings

Growing up, I went to Catholic School (Guardian Angels-Detroit). We were taught by the Sisters of Charity (the order founded by Elizabeth Ann Seton who later was canonized a saint).

The month of May was special because we honored the Blessed Mother during her month. Our celebration included a procession and the crowning of Mary. The processions usually took us from school and across the street to the convent (in the rain we would take the tunnel). There we would crown the Blessed Mother with a homemade crown of flowers. I remember making a crown of white flower blossoms one year when it was my turn. I was so excited.

It amazes me how vivid some memories are. Right now as I think about this, I get a happy feeling inside. This was something very special to me. I also recall how fun it was to deviate from our normal school work schedule and to go to the convent to where the nuns lived. I am thankful for these memories. And you know, I loved growning up Catholic and continue to appreciate this journey.

Ave Maria!

Congratulations to Marianne

On Friday, May 8th, my friend Marianne in Sewickley, Pennsylvania is graduating from nursing school. I am so very proud of her. She has worked very hard studying and maintaining a busy work schedule and also keeping up with her family responsibilities.

Not too long ago Marianne lost her father and more recently her mother passed away. In spite of the losses she has endured, she didn't waiver in her studies. And so it is with a happy heart that I want to congratulate her and let her know how proud I am of this accomplishment.

Good luck, Marianne. I know you will be a great nurse. You have so much compassion and dedication.

Just Living is not enough,

said the butterfly.

One must have sunshine, freedom,

and a little flower.

-Hans Christian Andersen

As the garden returns for another season

it is time to capture it in pictures

Beth & Keegan visited in the middle of the week.
It was great to see them.