Just Because

Haven't done a "just because" post
in awhile, so here you go.

Favorite shopping center.

A cool light fixture, the cookie shop, train ride, and a creative Anthropologie window display.

 

We've had more foggy days.

 

My Valentine gnome.  ; )

*Michaels

 

Beautiful sunrise one morning.

 

A message for you, daughters.

 

Started the year off with a long drive

in the country.

 

Have you ever tried these?

They're sooooo good.

 

I bought a Disney Princess tent for Francesca, and Jess finally got around to setting it up for her.  She loves it!  Jess made it comfortable and put blankets in there and her special things.

 

Loved these Valentine cards at the

Target dollar bins.

 

Mia had a special little visitor,
and they were having so much fun together,
she didn't want her to leave.

 

When I was talking on the phone with Nel, and looking outside my window, I noticed a hummingbird fluttering near the bush.  It was a nice surprise. 

 

 

Have a pleasant week,

and I hope it's filled with a surprise or two.  ; )

 

~Sheri

Stepping Back In Time

One of my favorite eras was the 1800's, and for some reason it's one that I can really relate to and feel close to.  Those pioneer women amaze me, how they traveled all over the frontier looking for a better life.  They became independent at an early age, often marrying very young.  They had to bear children under harsh conditions, where doctors and medicine were hard to find.  I am reminiscing and thinking about delivering my own three children naturally and without medication.  They had the most important job of the frontier, finding food for their family, taking care of their children, and even farming.  Never complaining, and always doing what was best for their family, they were some of the strongest women in history.  I appreciate them very much.

Remember Caroline Ingalls

with her little ones?

 

I love the way they used to cook their

meals over an open fire.
 

 

 

Yes, there's just something about this era

that stirs me.
 

 

Now, Jess and Nel's favorite era is the Roaring 20's.  They love everything about it - the styles and fashion, the jazz age, the accessories, the writings from that period.  It was an artistic, creative, and classy time.  Do you know that Nel and Jess learned the Charleston?

 

Even little Francesca is joining in

on the fun.

 

 

So, do you have an era that speaks to you,

that you can relate to, that you feel you could have lived back in that time?  I'd really like to hear.
 

~Sheri

January, Brrrrr

We have been having some foggy days and some rain.  I always love a foggy day - some people think they are gloomy, but I find them beautiful.  It's like looking out in the distance and not knowing what's beyond.  The only scary thing is driving in it.  And as always, after a good rain, the clouds look amazing to me.  I've been baking brownies and warm treats on these cold January days.  The turkeys roam our neighborhoods.  They are like friends to us.   Never harm or make a fuss, and we enjoy their company.  I bought a large pizza to ring in the new year, and it's the best pizza in town, kind of expensive though.  When I pick up my pizza, I love to see all the art murals in the downtown area.  The one good thing about the January brrrrr is that the cousins got to enjoy some time in the snow.  Nel is actually not too far from the snow line in So Cal, and they spent one day at the ocean, and one day playing in the snow.  I like to treat myself in the new year with a special gift, and found a pretty pink heart at the country store while taking a long drive.   Since we are entering 2020, Nel and Jess had a little 20's party and even dressed up.  I hope the new year is being kind to you.   Have I told you lately that you mean a lot to me?

~Sheri



Two Frogs In A Cream Bowl

A poem for you in the new year.

 

Two frogs fell into a deep cream bowl,

One was an optimistic soul,

But the other took a gloomy view,

"I shall drown," he said "and so will you."

So with a last despairing cry,

He closed his eyes and said "Good-bye."

But the other frog with a merry grin,

Said "I can't get out, but I won't give in.

I'll swim around til my strength is spent.

For bravely trying, I'll die content."

So on he swam until it would seem,

His struggles began to churn the cream.

On top of the butter at last he stopped,

And out of the bowl he happily hopped.

What's the message here.  It's easily found.

If you can't get out - keep swimming around.

~author unknown

 

On my father's desk at the place he worked, there was a green glass frog.  When I would visit him, I would see the frog and appreciate it every time.  There was just something about it.  When he passed away, I kept that frog that was on his desk for so many years.
 

 

Years later, I found a baby glass frog that looked just like the frog that belonged to my dad.

 

 

I still have both of those frogs, and am reminded that if things ever get tough in life, am I going to be like the frog who lost hope or the other little fellow who always had hope and kept swimming around til he got out of that deep cream bowl.  I want to be like him.  ; )   

 

 

 

~Sheri