Proverbs 17:22

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.

Thank you to everyone for your encouragement with this blog!  It is a labor of love with over-long acrylic nails, let me tell you!  I will get them shortened shortly!

Since dipping my toes in the waters of blog-land, I have decided to add to this blog once a week.  Or more.  Depending upon this wonderful luxury called "a summer off."  Goodness gracious, the last time I was a teacher's aide with the summer off, I had young'uns at home!  Now I have an independent author-in-the-works at home and a hubby that knows he may have to reheat something from the 'fridge for supper. I can do whatever I want!!

So far I have wanted to travel, apply for a job using my social work degree,  go for walks, play Spider Solitaire (I need to earn that third and final star, dangit), and clean up my backyard.  I have amazed myself with how my yard went from a weedy, shaggy, nobody-with-sense-lives-here wilderness to a place of joy.  A little bit of weed pulling here, a little making friendly with the trimmers there and VOILA!

I have discovered something that is totally not rocket science.  Prepare yourself.  It takes time to take time.  White knuckle stuff, ain't it?  For many, many years now I have grabbed a little time to clean house, or to wash dishes, or to shop, or to spoil myself rotten (and feel mighty daring!) and then get back to business with paid employment.  This summer I have enough time for and, and, and instead of or, or, or.  Man o man, this is living!

Today's treasures are the wildflowers I saw on my walk today and the ridiculously gorgeous flowers in my yard.  Let's see, how to attach photos...

I know, I know.  God had fun making flowers, didn't He?  And animals.  I mean, a giraffe?  He was in a goofy mood that day.  And according to hearsay, the day He made me.  Mr. Giraffe, you and I are One and The Same.  I think I'll buy one of those elegant, interior decorator-type giraffe statuettes for my house.  At a garage sale.  Or Pier 1.  Today.

Let's round off today with a blast from the past at Habitat for Humanity in Georgia, 06-10-90:

Abba,

Thank you for sending Your Son so that I might have life and have it more abundantly!

I have had the most wonderful affirmations and made such great self discoveries these past few days.

I took out a nail with no head on it.  I clawed it out sideways with the hammer.  I wouldn't have known I could do it if I hadn't tried!

We did some group things already.  Tower Building.  I can be an organizer.  An artist.  The labels are a bigger obstacle to overcome than the doing!

I tried and so I did!  I've found out skills I have because I tried doing.  My skills?  I'm good with a hammer.  I can organize.  I can draw.  I can encourage.  Thank you LORD! Amen.