Love Thursday (ft. Tuesday)

Guess "who" was "what" for her first Halloween. Huge love. :-)

Love Thursday's Pink Pumpkins

I stopped @ Home Depot yesterday to see the 'pink' pumpkins in honor of October being Breast Cancer month. I thought they'd be more 'pink', but it's a good cause. Proceeds go to Breast Cancer Awareness; get one & show support; there are not many left :-)

Love Thursday

I had fallen away from Love Thursday. I was doing it in simpatico with another blogger that I don't visit much anymore. I still stop by her place every now & then, but she's gotten "BIG" (i.e., TV, magazine interviews, etc.) That kinda stuff scares me off because I'm just a small dot on the planet. She gets so many comments that by the time I read, if I commented, I'd be #354 (Lol!). You cannot tell me someone reads THREE HUNDRED FIFTY-FOUR+ comments daily.

But I still loved the idea of sending out love one day a week, & will try to remember to do so every Thursday, so here goes.

If you have a second, PLEASE look at this "Love Story In 22 Pictures."

You may want to have a tissue, or if you're like me, you'll just let 'em flow down your face into your lap.

To me, it represents the strongest of love between 2 human beings.

Does anybody out there have a love that could withstand this?

Hoping, wishing & praying that you do :-)

Happy Love Thursday.

Love Thursday: Blended Love

Recipe:

one bush of variegated grass
the seeds of 30-year old morning glory bushes
plant very close together (on purpose or on accident)
one hot, summer sun
very little rain
let simmer from May through September
admire often
allow maturing before photographing

And now you have blended love :-)

Happy Love Thursday, all

Picture by: me :-)
this is the first year in the 16 years in my house that this has ever happened. I'm so glad it did.

Love Thursday: Caution

Excited, yet hesitant

Happy, yet nervous

Still, yet shaking

Obeying, yet sinning

Risking, yet ready

Like, yet love

Love, yet lust

Friends, yet more

More, yet less

Confused, yet clear

Clear, yet cloudy

Stay cautious as to how far you allow your heart to stray.

Happy Love Thursday, all
Picture by: me

Love Thursday: "Them"

When I see them, I notice

• the fire
  
• the passion
• the tenderness
• the smiles
• the stares
• the laughter
• the knowing
• the feeling
• the touching
• the wanting
• the aching
• the dreaming
• the feeling

and the love
that exists between the beautiful Man
and his beautiful Queen
as they share
one soul

Happy Love Thursday, all.


Picture by: me :-)
in tribute to two folks I know that are in love who allow me to watch from the outside. Blessings :-)

Love Thursday: Judgment

In light of the jury verdict in the Casey Anthony matter, it amazes me how hate runs rampant. I believe when we hear even the most heinous news in the world, we need to hold in and redirect the hatred in a more positive direction. We are no better than one another to judge, no matter how easy it is to go with the directional flow.

This case, as in the O.J. Simpson case, and as in a local case in Cleveland of accused serial killer, Anthony Sowell, brings out droves of folks to camp out in front of court houses screaming hatred. Really? What does that show, and what does it really accomplish?

In the Casey Anthony case, we know that a precious little girl died, we don't know at whose hands even though with all that the media has shoved down our throats, we cannot point a finger at her mother, uncle or grandparents. We hear more sordid details of matters, of folks' lives, their skeletons & bones in their closets than we really need to know, and this makes us judge the person under the spotlight.

But remember - God said HE is the judge and the jury of all. Vengence is his only. So when I hear news about this and that, I don't jump to judgment - I pray for all in the situation and let it go. Because one day - everything will come to the light of day for all of us, so we need to worry about getting ourselves in check & not judge others.

On this Love Thursday, this is my message. Let's try to form a chain of love - like the Morning Glory vine in my front yard. This morning while I had my coffee & photoed these, this post came to me. Peace, blessings and certainly - Love Thursday. :-)


Pictures by: me :-}. the first Morning Glories of the season. They will cover my entire row of shrubbery in the front yard. Each year, the colors blend from deep purple to nearly light/white blue. Truly "glory-ous!!"

Love Thursday: Silently

“There are times when silence has the loudest voice” Leroy Brownlow

I haven't been able to find my voice on any subject lately. My brain dead-ends at any thought, yet I'm having so many thoughts, I cannot get a hold on any of them. I'm in an empathetic period, trying to keep seeing the light in everything in this crazy world. So, just to let you (and me) know that I'm still here, I post silently.

Happy, quiet, thoughtful, prayerful, Love Thursday.





Picture: by me :-)
Candle in my bedroom that gives off a great glow & comfort

Love Thursday: Lilly Love

"Poor, dear, silly Spring, preparing her annual surprise!" ~Wallace Stevens

Today is the first day that it truly seems like Spring is on it's way. The rains have ceased, skies are blue, green grass shoots are peeking up thru the poor, beat up ground, and all of the mess of winter is on display loud & clear. I am dreading the major cleanup of my yard with all the tree limbs from several ice storms, but the end result always makes me feel good & thank God for letting me see another season.

I almost get a giddy-type of sensation in this season for all of the possibilities that Spring brings: my hosta garden returning each year - bigger & better; new plants to try out, hanging baskets to make, keeping bird bath & feeders filled, planting butterfly plants to attract butterflies, wondering how much more huge my Gabriel's Trumpet bush will grow (it took over the entire front & side of the house last year), an organized photography walk (my 1st one - can't wait!), & of course, the new veggie garden. It sounds like a lot of work, but it's my favorite type of work :-)

Random Fact: My dream job would be to if not own, then to work full time in a nursery. Spending every day all day amongst the plants/flowers, dead-heading & watering sounds like full time bliss :-)

The late, great, Norman Vincent Peale gives these four tips for a Spiritual Spring Cleaning. Doesn't a nice 'clean' soul to start out Spring sound great? :-)

PS: Continuous prayers for Japan. I have to say that in spite of their tragedy, the people seem to be the most calm, organized, orderly, group of folks in spite of their pain and losses. They say the disaster is really taking its toll on the elderly (who happen to be my favorite type of people). My heart aches for them.

Happy Love Thursday, all!



Pictures by: me :-) (the "white lily" & the "eye of the Tiger...". nearly 2 weeks since I bought this fresh cut bunch for my office & they're still thriving. Yay!!)

Love Thursday: Simple Love

Sigh... we are scheduled to get hit with 3-5" of snow tonite continuing on into tomorrow for another 3-5". I choose to remain calm because this is, after all, Ohio...

Some things in my life right now that I simply love:

• Beautiful touchstones from a dear, talented friend. Seems she knows exactly how & when to surprise me with these gems. Sometimes I rub them around in my hands & feel the smooth coolness. Oh, & I close my eyes & repeat the words on each one. Soothing.

• This beautiful Tibetan prayer flag. Have always noticed them & never knew what they were, now I have one. Red, yellow, blue, green & pink. It cheers me up! Ask and you shall receive! (thanks, again, friend).
  

• My super-cool, cheap-o reading glasses w/matching case. I don't wear glasses otherwise, but when I put these on, I feel super-smart. :-)
  

• The old-fashioned roses & stitching on my bedspread. Not only is it pretty & all things 'girlie', it's 'heavy' & snuggly. Which is good, since... you know.. we're expecting 3-5" tonite...
  

And finally, these Gerbera daisies I treated myself to. I'm so starved for color, and with the "3-5" coming tonite, there won't be any color any time soon, so I provide my own. Aren't they simply blissful?


Happy Love Thursday, all!!!


Pictures by: me :-)

Love Thursday: Social Network

I don't know if I've mentioned this here or not, but I am the proud parent of a 23 year-old autistic young man. This is he and I when he was 13 months old; he had been diagnosed five months earlier. I would've never known to get him checked out, but thanks to my mom (mother of 9), she recognized the signs in him, or the lack of signs; not walking, not curious, not really interested in anything.

It took quite a few years before I finally shed my own selfishness and accepted reality. When I did, the world bloomed. I realized I had a child that God had made perfectly & especially for me, and had entrusted me with the knowledge that I would be able to take care of and raise this special boy. That fact always has gotten me thru the tough days - back then and still today.


My son is quite the handsome, polite, gentleman today. Very kind, laid back, trouble-free & extremely easy to please. He never asks for anything, which makes me want to do even more for him. With him being immersed in every sport (basketball, baseball, track), we are constantly on the go. After nearly 15 years of being the taxi & the responsible mom of an athlete, I have to say a lot of times, I get very tired. And at times, very irritated.

Being a parent of a special-needs person means to some degree, you will always be their social. Special needs vary on different degrees. My son has friends who live in group homes & are totally independent of their parents. Our case is not. My son very well could live elsewhere, but "we" choose to stay together. He's very, very shy, unable to make informed decisions & in no way could or would stand up for himself or speak up for himself, so quite often, I am also his voice.

So, in addition to trying to keep my own life on track, I keep my son's life on track, which takes a lot of balance. As he is a young adult, there are young adult issues to deal with. When your brain feels like it's gonna run outta your ears from exhaustion, you still need to keep your suit of armor on cause it's not just about you, but about another human being who is counting on you.


So, with God watching over us every day, all day, and continuously blessing us with more than we (well, I) deserve, we make a pretty good team. Even though I'm an old-school parent who keeps the boundaries between parent/friendship very clear, he truly is my best friend. He's my walking partner, my confidant, my teacher, my attitude-adjuster, my sun on a cloudy day & we mutually respect each other. With all those gifts, I hardly ever notice being tired! (sometimes... :-))

"Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful." -- Annette Funicello

Happy Love Thursday, all!


Pictures by: me :-}

Love Thursday: Nyakers

Today, see if you can stretch your heart and expand your love so that it touches not only those to whom you can give it easily, but also those who need it so much. ~ Daphine Rose Kingma

Happy Love Thursday, all :-)

Picture by: me :-}
Nyakers Swedish Ginger Snaps from World Market. Blissful & so easy to eat a million of 'em. As you can see, I took a little nibble, then decided to take photo! (LOL!)

Drifting in the mundane

In this 'dead air' time after the crazy build-up of Christmas and the upcoming New Year's, I fall into heavy day dreams. I think it has to do with cabin fever & it being 9 degrees at night. And now that the weather is calming down (we're expecting a high of FORTY this week - woo. hoo), there really isn't much outdoors to take picture-wise. So on that note, I'm gonna shower you with randoms from the head of Tracey :-):

• while making cookies this past weekend, i found that I love the color of an egg & a cup of sugar mixed. Such a soft, calm yellow. would be good for my bedroom - esp. when the sun sets
  

• getting huge run around about an empty lot behind my garage. the city just tore the house down around thanksgiving & I want to put my dibs on it now. been informed that i would need to file an 'interest purchase' agreement along w/$750. What the hell? Who cares about an empty lot that would draw nothing but trouble? I'm having dreams of this. I'm not even worried; it's all gonna be in my favor:

• while being present in the now (& washing dishes), the light turned the dishes into art, don't you think? I mean, have you ever looked at your dishes instead of just washing them as fast as possible? You liked them when you picked them out & bought them. Look at them in the right light; they're still pretty :-)

• this is my favorite "GoodWill" coffee cup. Yep - just $.25; have had it for years. Serves up great coffee & keeps me motivated at the same time (LOL!) The find that keeps on giving

• I truly vow to finish a word collage i started years ago. And then start another one. old magazines, glue stick & scissors are all that's required.
  

That's all the day dreams I have for now. 'Scuse me while I let my mind wander down this path & see what happens! :-)





Pictures by: me :-) (except collage)

Love Thursday: The real reason

Having Christmas with my autistic son really forced me to realize the 'reason for the season.'

Ever since he was small, the more minimal the gift, the happier he was.

I remember the years when I would go all out, focused only on the latest gadget or superhero.

When I purchased the entire set of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" giant stuffed dolls, he played with "My Buddy" - only;

When I purchased entire bedspread, pillowcases, curtains, & rugs of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", he curled up w/with a soft, old, worn blanket my mother gave him - only;

When I purchased the expensive Radio Flyer Wagon - 'original classic' (yeah, right...), he wanted me to pull him around in the box it came in - only;

When I purchased Dr. Seuss' collector "Cat in the Hat" series, he wanted "Where the Wild Things Are" read to him - only. Again, & again & again...... [infinity]

With his disability, he never turned an interest to the 'video game', so I never had to experience that madness.

Finally, I let go, even though it just 'didn't seem right' that it only took me a short amount of time to shop for him & not get caught up in the hustle/bustle/commercialization that Christmas has become.

Now at age 23, his requests are for clothes only. Not a special brand-name of clothing, but anything as long as it involves his latest sport (basketball) &/or it involves a hood (hoodies) & is made of some type of 'sweat' material. Can it get any easier? Still not being to let go completely (surely he must need something else), I throw little things on the side that I know he likes; Skittles, his favorite funny movies, etc.

Still, giving it one last go, I tried to get him the latest NFL hoodie. Yet, he chooses to wear an old, soft, worn hoodie that simply says, "Go Team."

So... with all the other crap out of the way, it gives me time to remember that there was baby born in a manger on Christmas Day & that the day is truly about gathering with friends & family and spreading love and joy. Thank you, God, for sending me such a perfectly made son who just by existing, teaches me a lesson - every season.




Happy Love Thursday &Merry Christmas to all readers & non-readers. May your holidays be only about those things that really matter!! :-)


Pictures: randomly borrowed, but oh, so perfect. :-)

Tickled pink: to be happy

Did you know that the color Pink encourages friendliness while discouraging aggression and ill-will? In honor of Love Thursday, I share a little of the pink in my life. Sit back & let the pink wash over you & have a happy Love Thursday, all! :-)

Photos by me. The rose @ the very top was in my mom's yard after a rain storm. See the water still inside? :-)

Love Thursday

Hi, all! I've been a bad girl - haven't been here in a few days, even though I've been jotting notes down on things to write about.

Love Thursday asks that we look at situations from all sides.

I have to agree. Happy Love Thursday, all!









Photos: Cuppa "T" Photography (me) :-)

... and I'm still worthy...

Love Thursday asks this of me:

"I invite you to confess something imperfect about you, and end your confession with "and still, I'm worthy of love."

• I beat myself up everyday about not living my best life, and yet...
• Since my autistic son is now a young adult & has graduated from high school, I feel like his learning process (schoolastically) should continue, but I feel clueless what he needs, and yet...
• I don't spend near as much time w/my family as I should, and yet...
• I don't always treat my Sig.Other near as nicely as he treats me, and yet...
• Sometimes, I judge folks lives on their appearances (bad girl), and yet...
• I don't always do what God wants me to, and yet...
• At times, I can be very moody, and still...

I am still worthy of Love

Matters of the Heart.....

My heart lives inside my chest
pumping necessary life throughout my body
housing Jesus because he knocked
and I let him in

My heart lives inside my chest
for the overwhelming love for my son
that laid right beside my heart
before he was born

My heart lives inside my chest

for my family
each beat indicates love for
each of them

But my heart is not sure of
where to go, what to do or
how to be
it's unsure of love having never
been taught that lesson
it's been crumpled from trying
to give it to folks who could not
accept it and nearly worn out
from fighting acceptance from
the one who wants it

happy love Thursday, everyone


Photo courtesy: deviantart

Small things...

My son signed up for his own library card & weekly attends the bookmobile @ his job. We've been going to the library since he was a toddler, but I've always handled it. Even though he's 22 now, this was a milestone for us. He's very, very proud of his card!

And the lady bug is a most sweet card he made @ work, complete w/it's own envelope! He told me to use it for my pen pals. Such a thoughtful young man. I don't know if I can part w/it, but it is meant to be forwarded on to one of my lucky pals. In the meantime, you can see it here.

"We can do no great things, only small things with great love."
-- Mother Teresa

Happy Love Thursday, everyone!!