A Good Omen

The first time I ever saw a Luna Moth was in my own yard. I didn't even know what it was at first! But I knew it was something very special, and very beautiful. At the time, my husband and I were drawing up plans, talking to contractors, making hefty decisions about our home life. We had a small baby, and a teenager to consider. Our home was much too small to accommodate our growing family's needs. It was time to either put an addition on or move. Life's grueling decisions...

We had been sitting and chatting about our plans in our comfy tree swing that our strong Hickory houses for us, and as we began to head back towards the house, I spotted her.   

With plenty of "oooo's" and "ahhhh's" and wondering out loud "Is it a Luna Moth?!" I told my husband to stay there and keep an eye on her as I ran into the house to grab my camera! I didn't want to miss this photo op!! I remember I kept saying over and over with great enthusiasm, "It's a sign!" "It's a sign!" My husband just laughs at me and takes delight in my entertaining ways. ;) 

He took a couple shots of me posing with my 1st Luna Moth. It's beauty was remarkable to me; the intricate designs and colors, it's feathery tail wings... Needless to say, we added onto our home that year (2006). This week is the anniversary of that project in its beginning stages.   

Sometimes we need a little reason, or gentle omen telling us that it's okay to go forth ~ put your dreams into action ~ everything is going to work out ~ it's a good time to make the leap, so go for it! This little one was part of my path, and helped to give me the gentle nudge that I needed at the time. This lovely creature will always remind me of the guiding forces at work in our world.

How grateful I am.

Barb

p.s. these film images (kodak 400) were scanned and edited on Photoshop Elements 8

Guilty Pleasures...

Musicals, coffee, children's books, maps, browsing antique shops or book stores, and mint chocolate chip ice cream are all coveted pleasures for me. Some are guiltier than others, however, I enjoy these treats! :) Another pleasure of mine is to photograph the bounty of summer. Here are a few images from my flower gardens, veggie garden (which is not very big this year, but still filled with wonders) and a few from my neighbor's field of Christmas trees, which, in summertime, produces a field of wildflowers! My camera calls to me during this productive, magical time of year. How could I resist this splendid temptation?!! ;) 

 {Moon & Stars Watermelon ~ completely took me by surprise! Sweet!}

Here is a "volunteer" growing out of the compost pile ... hmmm, I wonder. Is it zucchini? We shall see!

Hydrangea blooms, purposefully planted for their beautiful colors...

The hardy, prolific Rose of Sharon . . .

 

Another Swallowtail butterfly. We have abundant beauties visiting our garden!

The next 3 images are from the neighbor's field of wildflowers! Wow!

 

it's a small world, after all . . .

 

Do share! What are some of your guilty pleasures, my friend?

Thank you for viewing my summer delights! 

Enjoy your summer days!!

All the best, 

Barb 

Summertime Beauties

Thank you for viewing a few favorites from my garden.

Enjoy your day, my friends!

Barb

dare I say this, but ...

You, my friend, are not going to believe this! I can hardly believe it myself! After I poured my heart out on the pages of my blog "Truth be told..." last weekend, things began to churn in the universe! Or else they were already churning and I was not able to see the trees, butterflies, and the beauty of all good things in good time through the thick haze of my foggy, threadbare faith. So much has happened since last weekend! I am still a little hesitant to even comprehend the fortunate turn of events, let alone announce it to “the world!” ;)

Prayers have been answered. My husband had an interview at a well-established commercially outfitted construction company on Friday. Things went swimmingly well, and he was offered a job worthy of his skills ~ with benefits no less!! He has yet another interview with a different company this coming Tuesday. It’s either feast or famine, as they say! We are simply in awe of the recent attention, and the job offer that he received. Our glasses met in a toast last evening, as he told me all about his interesting meeting with the owner of the construction company. 

After nearly a year of struggling to find employment, return to some sense of normalcy, along with the means of a steady income in order to earn our way in life, things are actually looking up for us! I would very much like to express my deep appreciation for all your prayers, positive encouragement, and friendly kindness that you have shown us. The emails, comments of support, and phone calls in response to my earlier blog "Truth be told..." overwhelmed me. I was brought to tears on many occasions by your tremendous acts of kindness. It’s true about the nobleness of the human spirit, and I have been reminded of that yet again.

Thank you ever kindly, my friends, for everything! God is good, and definitely works in curious ways sometimes, doesn’t He?! My heart is glad to know He hears us and answers our calls for help, and just in the nick of time too! He’s smiling broadly, probably saying, "I told you so!” ;)

With abundant gratitude, and a joyful heart,

Barb

P.s. I just love this shot of us in our backyard at home. Thank you again, Morgan Taylor, for your talents! :)