Thoughts in the Garden

After a long stretch of cool rain, 

we are finally basking in a few days of sunshine. 

Although rain has its own glistening beauty,

I am ready for some warming rays. 

Mothers Day started out rainy and cool, 

but just like magic, the sun started shining

and we were blessed with warm, dappled light by afternoon. 

My son, Gabe and wife Erica, hosted a Mothers Day Brunch,

honoring both of their Moms.

I snapped this quick pic of my meal;

Herb Quiche

Rosemary potatoes,

Fresh fruit,

Tomato and herb bread. 

Mimosa's

And this....

From a tray of assorted little cupcakes.

It was a collaborative effort
and so very delicious and appreciated.

We all had a wonderful day...

They are all crazy.....

So full of fun and when they are all together, it is comedy central. 

Here, Dad photo bombs my two youngest, Jennie and Dustin, 

mimicking a previous, favorite photo bomb 

that they pull out of a drawer nearly every visit. 

All it takes is one glance at this photo to set them into shrieks of laughter.

Brother and sister, moments before.

I just shake my head. 

Erica's Mom and I both shake our heads

 as we ignore them and continue catching up. 

We exchanged flowers

 and she sent me home with this Azalea beauty. 

(I gave her blue hydrangea)

My family knows I love flowers

 and they generously spoiled me. 

Flower filled pots,

and Hanging baskets. 

I am embarrassed by all the fuss, 

but they smile and hug me and start telling 

stories of their teenage years, 

and I am reminded that maybe I deserve this, and 

maybe a cruise around the world, too. *smile*

Today it is just me, and my furry companions (and one feathered),

but I have another lovely memory to savor. 

At this time of my life, solitude defines my days

and these family gatherings are treasured. 

Once I craved solitude, never having a moment to myself. 

Now, that is my daily life. 

It was an adjustment, but I am embracing it. 

Until I am blessed with grandchildren.....

Mothers Day reminds me of my own Dear Mother. 

This is a treasured photo of her next to me.

This was a happy day and I remember it fondly.

Three of my younger sisters pose with me.
(There is one more - a baby then)

We did not have a perfect family. 

Like most families, we had our struggles. 

But this particular day was filled with love and sweetness. 

Even though my Mother was not the perfect Mother, 

she and I both shared the full understanding of 

the power of forgiveness amid-st the frailties of 

the human condition. 

Sifting through memories to save the love that lives on. 

That is how I have discovered the true secret to happiness. 

Finding those sweet, treasured moments, 

and framing them in my mind. 

We can imprison ourselves with sad or difficult memories. 

Or we can look at every experience,  the good and the bad,
as an illuminating lesson in life.

Each moment has value and we can grow from each experience.

Sometimes even blooming......

Another treasured moment - my eldest daughter, Heather and I

all dressed up at my son Gabe and Erica's wedding 2 years ago.

Heather had it framed on canvas as a Mothers day gift to me.

A captured moment forever in our hearts.

My sweet girl has overcome a lot in her short life,

but she keeps her positive outlook and bright smile.

So as the moon rose in the sky on a warm spring evening, the day after,

I reflect on life's many lessons and blessings.

Knowing that I am never really alone.

As the heaven's watch over me, (including the 'Man in the Moon')

I can gather the many strands of my life,

illuminating the love, like silver moonbeams on the garden,

And reflecting back the lessons I have, and have yet to learn,

as I remember to treasure each day.

xoxo

I hope all of you who celebrate Mothers Day
had a lovely day of treasured memories, too.



Or at least a few laughs.
xoxo

I will be taking a short break, Dear Friends, to catch up with life.
I hope to be back soon! 

xo