Monday, June 29, 2026

It Blows Me Away

 Just an ordinary week.  I have just been getting ready for a little trip, and you know how that is - gathering all the essentials needed, washing clothes, and taking care of things around the house before I go.  I went to K's Boutique in town, and saw this cute blouse, so I bought it.  I've always loved florals in fashion, and thought it would be cute with some jean shorts.



I think these are Sparrows (you can tell me if I'm wrong), and one day last week so many gathered on my lawn.  It reminded me of the verse we've heard so many times before.

~Are not two Sparrows sold for a penny?  Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care.  And even the very hairs on your head are all numbered.  So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many Sparrows~

~Matthew 10



And the pretty, but naughty, bird has been coming around a lot pecking at everything and anything.



This purple flowering bush is at my neigbor's house.





Ready for summer.  One of my favs is the Magnum Double Caramel Ice cream.  Incredible.



Tacos!  I've also been making iced green tea these summer days.



Over the weekend, it wasn't too warm, so I wanted to take a drive in the country.  In the mountains at summertime, there is a mix of greens, browns, and blues, with some vibrant splashes of color from the flowers.  I noticed the billowing clouds right away.  I came across some tall stalks that were unusual and unfamiliar, but the blooms were pretty.  I saw more chipmunks than usual cross the roads and hide themselves in the woods.  Come along with me on my country drive, and see some of the views from this mountain area.

















My Nel will turn 45 in a couple weeks, and I just can't get over that.  I was only 20 years old when I was pregnant with her, so on my 21 birthday, instead of going out and dazzling the town with drinking and dancing, I was at home nursing this funny little baby.  I was the lucky one, as there was no place else I'd rather be.  She became my best friend, and I did everything with her.  I think since she was my first child, and I was constantly with her, when she started school I was very protective, and I literally watched and waited until her teachers came out, formed a line, and she was safely in the classroom.  But she did well in school, and always got good grades.  She developed her own personality, and through the years I noticed that she had a few different traits than her mom; she loved water sports, she loved to travel, and she loved college.  But now that she's a little older and a mama herself, I see many of my own traits in her.  Even at 45, I look back and remember all those years of wonder, and I think to myself, ~I'm so glad you're part of me, and that, Danelle, you're mine~



28 comments:

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Dear Sheri, I also love florals in prints as well as anything to do with nature.
Cats, dogs, birds, butterflies 🦋 💖

Your photos are gorgeous, dear friend.
I want to thank you so much for watching the movie I suggested...Nobody's Child. I am so glad you enjoyed it. Yes. Marlo Thomas is a great actress and played a difficult and touching role in this movie.
Those chocolate ice cream sticks 😋 look delicious.
Thank you for sharing, and I hope you have a lovely week ahead. 😊

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Dear Sheri, you are doing so well at preparing for your trip. I love the blouse in your photo.
And your photo at the end of your post is very pretty and touching.

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

I loved this post, Sheri. The sparrows, the summer colors in the mountains, even the naughty bird made me smile. Your memories of raising Nel were beautiful — such a sweet reminder of how fast the years go and how deeply motherhood shapes us.

photowannabe said...

Awwww .... sigh ...
So lovely !!!
I do think there is something so special about the First Born. I love both of my sons so deeply but that first birth is amazing.
Love your birdies be they sparrows or house finches. We have them in our yard too. They usually don't "travel" alone. I don't see many woodpeckers around here. Hope He isn't too naughty.
Enjoy the rest of your week and have a great trip.
Sue

Carla from The River said...

Hello Sheri,
Oh, I loved your sweet note to Nel. Happy Birthday to her. She is beautiful. I always enjoy reading about her creativity, adventures and more.
Thank you for sharing your family with us Sheri, it makes me happy to know there are families like yours out there.
xo

Ginny Hartzler said...

Your plant on a tall stem is Mullein. The gathering of birds look more like finches...see the short fat beaks? OH, your clouds and mountains photo is marvelous!!!

LoveT. said...

The shirt is lovely.
Double caramel sounds good. I really need to try that ice cream sometime.

A wonderful picture of you and Nel. So much love captured in one photo.

I wish you a lovely week ahead.

Anonymous said...

So dear. xo, Virginia

Susan said...

What a sweet post, Sheri. Happy Birthday to Nel! Wow, you were really just a baby yourself when you had her. She is a lovely woman with a good career, beautiful kids of her own, and living with the example you set for her. Good for you, SherI! This is a huge accomplishment. Also, I LOVE that passage from Matthew about the sparrows. It gives me hope that God really is in charge and will help solve all the problems that come our way in this life. When you go out into the countryside, do you go alone or does your son accompany you? You take some very lovely photos. Take care preparing for the trip, Sheri. I'll be thinking of you, my dear friend. Hugs. Susan

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Happy Birthday Nel! 🥳🎂💐

🌺 Debby/From My Shasta Home said...

Sweet photo of you and Nel. I enjoyed all your photos. Enjoy your trip. God Bless.

Chrissy T said...

How beautiful what you wrote about your daughter. All the pictures are gorgeous. I am so envious... to have mountains to get out to go see so close. Lovely!

Veronica Lee said...

Sheri, I always enjoy your posts because they capture both the simple pleasures and the deeper blessings.
The blouse is perfect for summer.
The sparrows gathering on your lawn must have been something to see, and I smiled at the mention of that “naughty bird.”
Your words about Nel touched me deeply--what a beautiful bond you share. 🌹

DeniseinVA said...

Love your sweet photos Sheri! Your words and that last photo is a huge smile bringer! Happy Birthday Nel! That pretty top is lovely along with the yummy food and what a great ride you took us on. Thank you for sharing all the blessings in your life. Have a great trip and happy travels.

roughterrain crane said...

Your memory never stands still and opens doors to the happier future for all.

Chatty Crone said...

You must have been an English Major - you write so well. The story and what you write about your daughter was just beautiful. I can tell you loved her and loved being a mother so much. I loved it.
I enjoyed your country drive - saw some greenery I had never seen before.
I love those Magnum bars too - but lots of calories. The taco's looked good too.
The meme I loved - sometimes you have to look before the event - it is not just how wonderful the event was - it was also the steps before and to the event.
Amazing to me God can count our hairs on our head. You?
Well, have a terrific trip and I will be praying for travel mercies. Have a good time and tell us about it when you get home.

Marilyn Miller said...

What a joy to see our children grow into adulthood and flourish. You are a fortunate mama. Love the top, it looks like you - perfect! Thanks for sharing your drive. I loved the picture of the country road. Happy travels!

Hena Tayeb said...

Aww.. such a sweet post. Happy Birthday to Nel. All you meals look yummy too.. especially the ice cream.

Patricia said...

Lovely photos as always Sheri. Happy Birthday to your dear Nel, and I love the photo of you as a young Mum. Well done to you! I think the birds could be sparrows, although we do not often see them. The naughty bird is pretty, and not one I have ever seen. It has a very strong beak. You do live in a beautiful area.

The Happy Whisk said...

Sheri! This was a sweet post to read and that picture at the end is lovely. Great scores on the ice cream. That's fun too! Wishing you a wonderful kick off to summer. Where do the months go???? Whoosh. Hey, did I tell you that our Grocery Outlet left. Boooooo. I can't eat dairy and they had a lot of non-dairy goodies.

LOOOVE the sky photos. So pretty! Happy July!

Kim said...

Happy Birthday to your dear daughter, Nel! 🎉I hope she gets to thoroughly enjoy her day! Sheri, that first pic from your country drive could be a painting. So lovely! Congrats on your pretty shirt find! ❤️

Louca por porcelana said...

Happy Birthday to Nell! How precious and blessed being a Mother... Your post is adorable as ever, such beauty and inspiration. Love the Bible verses too.

Billie Jo said...

Happy Birthday to your lovely daughter, my dear friend! And have a wonderful little trip!

Sandy said...

Cute top, it's fun to find something you really like. Sweet picture of Mom and Babe. My daughter and I are very close as well. Not sure if we have the same traits. We live 500 miles apart so don't see each other day to day. Beautiful pictures on your outing, especially the blue sky. Spotted you on a mutual friends blog and thought I'd pop in for a visit. It's always fun to meet new bloggers.
Sandy's Space

photowannabe said...

Thanks for your sweet comments on my blog.
I'm glad we have met too.
I am having fun posting for Wordless Wednesdays. Its always exciting to see what others find in my photos. I do try to give a reason or explanation for the photo.
Have a wonderful trip.
Sue

Pam said...

Happiest bday to your lovely daughter.

Debbie Nolan said...

Sheri seeing your photos gave me such a glimpse of how beautiful your corner of the world looks. Adore the last photo. I am certain be a Mom is the greatest gift of all. Take care friend. Hugs!

Susan said...

What a cherished post, dear Sheri. Some of the photos really are incredible. Loved reading about the girls' trip to Greece. You really were a very young mother yet you were totally dedicated and content. I look forward to reading about some of your Southern Cal experiences. Hugs. Susan