Splendor of Autumn

Autumn...the year's last, loveliest smile  (William Bryant)

How beautifully the leaves grow old.  How full of light and color are their last days.  (John Burroughs)

As we think of this season, our spirits are touched by it beauty, that riotous burst of red, orange, yellow and green.  We rejoice that the doldrums of summer are over, but the hardships of winter are still in the future. For some it also holds a hint of sadness, that another year  has just about slipped away.  We wonder what we have to show for it.  I try to remember that yesterday is a memory and tomorrow is a dream.  I found this quote in one of my readings--The art of life is to live in the present moment, and to make that moment as perfect as we can by the realization that we are the instruments and expression of God Himself.  The best way to prepare for tomorrow is to make today all that it should be.  (Emmet Fox)  I wish to live the best today that I can.

Summer Blahs

Dog  Bird days of Summer--It is hot and muggy here. I justed returned from a wonderful month long vacation.  I saw high snow covered mountains, walked in the steps of the pioneers, and was cooled by the breeze coming in from the ocean.  Now predictably, I feel that let down that comes from such a "mountain top" experience. But on the way home from the store--amid the heavy afternoon traffic, the 105 summer heat and dew point of 68, and admittably feeling a bit sorry for myself, I caught sight of this bird wading in a neighborhood mini-lake.  I was reminded of the beauty all around us, and the importance of looking for the good.  Perception is everything.  I want to look for the good, try to change the bad, and let the results be to God's glory.

What a Difference a Week Makes

Last Sunday about this time, I was sitting in the Clear Creek Wilderness, with a sweater on, admiring the beautiful oaks and pines. After a day of hiking and riding, or just relaxing reading a book, we were getting ready to start a fire, and roast marshmallows.

This Sunday, I am hunkered down in my house, all the doors and windows shut, trying to keep out the 110 degree temperature.  It is so hot that you can't walk barefoot outside.  All the plants are stressing and the dog is sitting under the cooler vent.

This is the beginning of the summer in Phoenix.  Only two and a half months and it will be nice again.  So I am looking on the bright side.

Yesterday's Flower

This afternoon, as I was doing my dishes, I noticed on the far end of the window sill, my African Violet was blooming.  Many times, I have bought one 
but without fail, after a few months they died.  This time I also bought a special pot, actually a pot within a pot, water goes in the outer pot, the plant in the other, and you just check the water when you think about it. I purchased this plant while I was displaced from my home when it flooded last October.  As long as it lived, it was a symbol to me that I would be o.k.  I packed it around with me until finally I was back home.


It reminds me of my Grandma.  She always had African violet plants, sitting on little white doilies and they were always blooming.  I remember the violets, and purples, and even white blossoms.


My Grandma had moved around quite a bit.  Originally from Latvia, she lived in Baltimore, Philadelphia, then Montana, and finally Utah. She was an old-fashioned lady in every way.  So this old fashioned flower is a tribute to her.

Southwest Winter

It's a chilly morning. It rained throughout the night and the desert dust has been washed from the garden.  All the fruit is sparkling with raindrops.   The sky still is overcast, but the sun is trying to break through.  I must remember these days, for in the not too distant future everything will be shimmering not with rain, but with the intense heat of summer.  The days will be long and hot, and this morning will be a pleasant memory.