If we listed in longhand the number of sweet things in life, our lists would be never-ending. We’d write constantly, the pen would never get a rest, the amount of paper we’d need would be extensive, and our hand would begin to scream from exhaustion. Well, I haven’t been writing forever, and you know I’m typing this post, but here are a few sweet things that come to mind, and I hope we never take our lists for granted… Swimming in a sparkling lake that soothes the body from scorching heat and sweat of the day, reading a book you can’t put down – a real page-turner that interrupts chores, walking beneath a cerulean sky, hiking on a mountain top hearing birds practicing their choral selection sitting high in the tall trees and those sky-scraping trees shading your path, listening to the joyful giggles of children, observing in awe a star-filled night, touching soft, tiny feet of a baby who smiles back at you, witnessing your children’s triumphs, knowing someone gets you, that first fall into love, whispers of a warm, summer breeze, viewing graceful butterflies in flight, new vivid blooms in springtime, unexpected acts of kindness, answered prayers, writing down those thoughts, a hummingbird flitting about, melodies that comfort the heart and mind, and melodies that get you on your feet and make you wanna dance, a creamy chocolate indulgence, and a tender, slow kiss on the lips…truly the icing on the cake.
Lauren Scott (c) ❤️ My son made this carrot cake, my favorite dessert of all, and believe me, it was divine! Carrot cake is also the topic of a fun and sentimental story in my book, More than Coffee.
Light follows darkness like earth shadows the sun, but its timing, fickle unlike morning’s entrance each day. Thus, if gloom lurks within arm’s reach, keep courage nearby, for the great cheerleader of grit will spot that beam displaying hues so vivid, bursting with something larger than we can imagine and can’t exist without for a contented ride. It takes digging deep into the depths of our souls to unearth the chief spark of all notions, shimmering, welcomed… Hope.
A time so long ago, yet the memory in technicolor… I want to rip the page from my mind’s photo album, because my heart was foolish to fall for that man, our skies different our dreams astray, but the heart’s pulse beats to a tune of its own choosing, never inspired by logic, nor will it ever be shatterproof. But this man wasn’t a cockroach. I never wished to stomp on him, like others who preceded. And so, I’m grateful, for without that page I wouldn’t have stumbled upon the path that led me to my love at last.
Energy of hustle and bustle buzzes from one table to the next Baristas move like lightning creating magic in a mug Legs swing and bounce to rock ‘n’ roll flowing from speakers above Chatter and laughter drift among clinking glasses Crackling flames of reds and yellows tango in the fire-pit, and when he sips, mustache catches all prompting my imagination to a beige caterpillar resting on his upper lip My chai, sweet perfection, like this moment with him at the corner shop in downtown.
Last weekend, after attending The Quail Motorcycle Gathering in Carmel, CA (previous post), we drove the iconic 17-mile drive in Pebble Beach which was absolutely beautiful. Any view of the ocean is one where taking a zillion photos comes effortlessly. I didn’t take a zillion, but came close, so I’m including only a few here. I hope you enjoy part of Nature’s photo album.
Highway 1 along the coast
Do you see this little guy? He blends right in, doesn’t he? Whatever he was snacking on was much more exciting and important than us.
Bird Rock Vista Point in Pebble Beach, CA is where Brown Pelicans, Brandt’s Cormorants, Western Gulls, and Sea Lions come and go as per their mating seasons.
Our ride. 🙂
On the 17-mile drive surrounded by beautiful Cypress treesand that blue sky in the distance.
And below is a poem I posted last year. Life is all about the beauty surrounding us, not giving those negative thoughts rent space, and breathing in the peace wherever you may find it…
Ever So Gently
Sometimes we get lost in our thoughts… losing focus of stars shimmering above us, the sky turning heavenly blue for our pleasure, raindrops falling for our essential cleansing. We tumble too deeply into the frontal lobe allowing negative thoughts to awaken, permitting them to throw a tantrum.
So we must remember the wind will carry worries and doubts across rivers and oceans, majestic trees will sway with joy, sheltering from shadows, and light will continue to shine, even if only a slight glimmer peeks through. Its glow will grow ever so gently into a bright beacon of hope rising with the golden sun bringing the most beautiful clarity to our vision.
Each purl stitch was interlaced with love from the touch of her gentle hands. She, the teacher, me, the student, as our bodies sank into the big sofa checkered in a seventy’s palette.
For a new teen, my love for her went unmeasured. Now, fully immersed in motherhood after three decades, the mom role is clear as plate glass, how heart and mind require flexibility, the juggling of many hats.
Her wisdom mingles with my thoughts so often that I whisper, “I get it, Mom.” Teardrops of love struggle for freedom, grief clutches at my heart.
Autumn browns, reds, yellows, and oranges from that afghan warmed memories over the years, but at some point, my novice knitwork must have slipped a stitch because those warm shades unraveled through the seasons, crafting a hole in the center that mirrors the chasm in my heart from missing her.
Mom loved her pink roses, so this beauty from our garden is for her.
A Mother’s Day Tribute
With her tender care, she creates perfection Like a mama bird, she provides protection Under her wing she carries warmth A frown in her view, she’ll easily transform Her beauty shines, flows like a river Ah, but her love will never wither She embodies splendor of many colors bold for confidence, pastel for aiding others With a butterfly’s elegance, she graces our presence Her million-dollar smile illuminates her essence A sister, daughter, friend, and lover A doting spirit like no other An angel on earth, A spirit divine A lovely blessing One of a kind
Happy Mother’s Day to all Moms out there, and to our Moms in Heaven, we miss you and love you! 💕
And a Big shout-out to my daughter and son who are absolutely the best and make me feel so blessed. ❤️