Monday, September 30, 2013

Midwest Living

What I  love most about my home is who I share it with.

 
Week #40 - LIFE'S simple pleasure - HOME
 
Travel east, travel west but at home LIFE is the best.
 
I truly think we all need to leave our home, to really appreciate what we have. 
 
We went on a mini vacation staying in someone else's home, and it was a good experience!  Well, actually it was a Bed & Breakfast, so it was a welcoming home that is REALLY open for strangers to come and stay.
This is a doctored up photo, but it is the front of the Victorian bed and breakfast we stayed at.  Quite 'homey' - don't you think? It has been a while since we stayed in a bed and breakfast, but it really is someone who opens up their actual home to strangers.  There were chickens in a coop in the backyard and a pond filled with catfish in the front.  Each room in the house was uniquely decorated to fit an old Victorian house.  It had a loving warm feel.  The proprietor had a passion to build her home and add interesting touches to every nook and corner.
 
We stayed in the Theatre Room and even had a secret passage to our own 'private' screening room.  And each morning after waking from a very private & comfortable room with luscious soft bedding and a cool brass framed bed, we had a delicious 'home' made breakfast with fresh fruit, hot breakfast casseroles and eggs Benedict!
 
I enjoyed our mini vacation and liked the chance to glimpse into the day of a LIFE of someone else and their home. It has given me a new perspective, and opening my own front door when we got home, gave me a new sense of appreciation for the house we made into our home.
 
A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree

I can smell Autumn
in the breeze
the sweet chill of
pumpkin and crisp
sun burnt leaves
Have you ever been to pick your own apples? 
 
Jeff and I tried to remember if we had ever done this as a couple or as a family ... and we don't think we have.  Oh sure, we have been to pumpkin patches and to Fall Festivals with corn mazes and hayrides, but never to a pick your own apple orchard.

 
Last weekend while Geocaching (we were 6 for 6 by the way) we passed a parking field filled with cars.  As we slowed down to let traffic in and out we saw that it was apple picking time and a local orchard was opening that day. 
 
We decided on our way back from Geocaching that we would stop and check it out.
 
Week #39 LIFE'S simple pleasures - fall
 
There are some certain simple pleasures that are seasonal.  Apple and pumpkin picking is one of them!
 
 

 
When we pulled on to the field some teenage kid in a bright green and orange vest kind of pointed us to a direction where we could park our SUV with all of the other SUV's and Vans.  We saw all kinds of people... young couples with the girl dressed in a sweater and scarf and her man carrying bags of apples.  Families with babies in strollers with bags of apples falling out the storage bin on the bottom.  Families with each kid carrying a full bag of apples.
 
We had to get the lay of the land and went into the free Farmers' Market first. There were apple pies, apple jams, apple salsas, apple ciders and much, much more without the word apple in them.  The prices were more on the gourmet side than the corner apple stand side.  Then we made our way out an open door and found a field of excitement with hayrides, farm equipment to climb on, pumpkins, interactive watering spots and apple orchards.

 
So, you tell me... is paying $10.50 per bag to pick your own apples a reasonable price? 
 
I would say on average the bag could hold 6-8 apples depending on the size. It looked like a shoe bag size with small holes to let air ventilate and a draw string top.  The particular orchard that was open that day had specific apples that were almost the size of softballs.
 
Guess what?  We're cheap, we didn't do it.  Oh, it looked fun and all ... but as empty nesters now... we can't eat 6-8 apples.  I can't believe we saw some families bringing 4 bags of apples back from the orchard.... that means they spent at least $42 on a bushel of apples??
 
All for the experience I guess!! It was a beautiful day and it was fun to see all the family commotion on different parts of the field, but I guess I like to pick apples from my grocery store at $.79 a pound.
 
 
I'm not smart, but I like to observe. Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton was the one who asked why.
 
PS: I know that none of my pictures have anything to do with apples, but I do have some very nice Fall decorations around the house!

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

My 'Lil Punkin

I'd rather sit alone on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion.
 - Henry David Thoreau
Week #39 LIFE'S simple pleasures - Fall
 
Are you experiencing the first days of fall in your neck of the woods? 
 
The nights are cool and crisp, the leaves are beginning to turn colors and fall from the trees, the newspapers are advertising fall festivals, coffee shops are promoting warm specialty spiced drinks and pumpkins are sitting, waiting to be purchased at the garden center.
 
LIFE'S simple pleasures: thick orange or yellow shelled winter squash - the pumpkin.

 
I like to decorate with pumpkins.   I have a few here and there.
 
Did you know that Illinois is one of the top providers of this crop?
 
 
Four fun facts about pumpkins:
  • During colonial times, pumpkins were used as an ingredient in the crust, not the filling
  • The largest pumpkin has weighed in at 1,140 lbs
  • The flowers on a pumpkin are edible
  • 90% of the pumpkin is water

 
It's been years since I had to try and figure out what an author/poet meant by his writing.  I always thought... they could write for only writing sake, couldn't they?  Not everything has to mean something else?  That, it why I'm just a little blog writer I guess....my meaning behind my posts is to expose friends and family who follow me... to enjoy the simple pleasures in LIFE. 
 
Maybe a pumpkin brings back memories of when you were a child and you went to the pumpkin patch each year, and wondered around looking for that perfect shaped pumpkin with the crooked stem.  Or maybe as an adult you love the pumpkin spiced candles that great you when you walk into Bath and Body Works. It could be that you look forward to fall, because you know that you will be able to order (or make) delicious pumpkin pie with cool whip!
 
So? Is Henry David Thoreau talking about being well rounded and grounded as an individual as he sits on his pumpkin?  Be unique and set yourself apart from the crowd.
 
Now go Brighten Someone's Day
Go SHINE!

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Feeling a Little Stuffed

I haven't really learned to laugh at myself...

I tend to giggle....
...sometimes with extreme excitement when things come together! 

And yet most of what I do... is quite simple.  I'm not out to create or design something fantabulous, but I do know my purpose is to put a little SHINE in my corner of the world!

 
Week # 38 LIFE'S simple pleasures - fall
 
So many things come to mind when I think of fall.  It's sweater time in the Midwest (which means hopefully, no more sweatin') oh, a cute boot weather!!!  It means pumpkins and jack-o-laterns.  Apple cider and pumpkin spice. Crunchy leaves and corn stalks.  And scarecrows.
 
I giggle like a little school girl because I remember I had this picture.  Now, where to find it after 2 moves to different states and 15 years!!!!  I think I always wanted to be a clown.  Perform, act, dress up and wear make-up.  One particular neighborhood we lived in, parent participation in our annual  Halloween parade was 'almost' mandatory.
 
What can I say?  Fall and scarecrows are synonymous.


 
Scarecrows or hay-men are human shaped decoys dressed in old clothing out in the field to protect the crops from seed eating crows!  They can be scary with ugly masks and dangling limbs that wave in the wind... or they can be cute with happy smiles on their faces! I don't want to scare crows, let alone people with my cute and whimsical scarecrows, they are a staple in fall decorations and on greeting cards!
 

Can you tell which one of these scrappy, floppy, happy men I made? And which is store bought?

 
I'm a little scarecrow stuffed with hay,
Standing watch in my field all day.
when I see a crow I like to shout,
"Hey Mr. Crow, you'd better get out"
 
I think I might go outside and just stand in the sun SHINE.  No crows to chase away here.... maybe a hawk or a cardinal! 
 
And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.
 

Monday, September 23, 2013

Fall into Autumn



No matter what you call it, a lot of people are excited that yesterday finally arrived, I believe at 3:44 PM central standard time.

A few weeks ago I posted on my blog, that it 'un-officially' began Labor Day Weekend.  Anything for a celebration and a sale.... I guess.

But it's finally here...

Autumn
Fall
Fall Harvest

WEEK #39 LIFE'S Simple Pleasures - Fall


 
I brought out my 'fall decorations' a few weeks ago. 
 
It's not that I'm wishing the seasons by, but I was ready to change out some of my home decor.  I can't help but 'fall' in love with all the bright reds, oranges and yellows.  Especially when I go into Hobby Lobby almost every week and the foliage and wreathes, and the bows and the raffia and the card making papers are so darn cute. And then of course there are... the pumpkin spice drinks, the sweaters and scarves, the changing leaves, corn stalks, scarecrows, hay rides, apple picking, festivals etc....
 
I try to recycle or re-use or up cycle or thrift shop for things.  Anything from clothes to cooking supplies. It's the challenge of the find.
 
The old chair in the top photo (my mom found on garbage day or somewhere)  has been sitting around waiting for something to do forever.  I just haven't gotten around to painting it, but it fits the rustic look. That's natural wear and tear on the edges of the chair!

I've had the sunflowers, the fall leaves and the pumpkin for what seems like forever.  I just dust them off, pull the cobwebs clean and try to rearrange them each year.  I found the tub at $avers for $4.  It still had the tag on from Home Goods at $15.99.  I was going to paint it... but I liked it.  Everything does kind of blend into my house color... but then the orange pops out.  I found the metal scarecrow at Old Time Pottery and it was $4.99.

And the fun sprigs of color in the ball jar (in the 2nd photo) is something I 'whipped' up last year after seeing hundreds of different uses for glass ball jars on Pinterest.  Fits my decorating purpose, perfectly!!

Do you like it when the season's change? Simple pleasure or LIFE altering?

LIFE starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.
- F. Scott Fitzgerald

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Secret Heart

Sometimes your heart needs more time to accept what your mind already knows.

** title of this post is the title of a song by Feist

 
Week #38 LIFE'S simple pleasures - hearts
 
I've been looking for hearts.  Collecting them with the lens of my iPhone.
 
When we go Geocaching or a walk around the neighborhood, I'm try to find nature working it's magic, creating this simple shape.  Above, seeds together fell from the tree and landed on the ground and I saw the heart!
 
Love in unexpected places.

 
I'm still going to collect hearts on nature walks and when they just happen!  A sign from the universe? It's like a secret!!
 
Sometimes, on personalized creative greetings, I doodle a heart. They may be obvious... or they could be slightly hidden.  It's like a "where's waldo" game! 
 
Where's the heart???
 
Dear Heart:
please stop getting involved in everything.  Your job is to pump blood, that's it!
 
Off to look for secret hearts!

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Heart Check

Write it on your heart that everyday is the best day in the year - Ralph Waldo Emerson

 
Week #38 LIFE'S simple pleasures - hearts
 
Just like the word SHINE and being a part of the House of SHINE - finding things that SHINE...
 
This year of simple pleasures I having been trying to find things that are about the heartHearts in nature, hearts in art, hearts on cards,  I heart ♥'s!!!!

Although I don't think it is sign language, a lot of Instagram and Facebook pictures have people holding their fingers together in the shape of heart.  Do you know how hard it is to take a picture like this by yourself?  Ha ha.... I had my hubby help me.  Neither one of us have ever really formed our fingers like this ... there is something about it though.... holding your fingers and hands together and raising them above your head up to the beautiful sky... that truly means love!
 
Put you heart, mind, intellect and soul even into your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.
 - Swami Sivananda

Wikipedia defines heart : The heart symbol or "heart shape" () is an ideograph used to express the idea of the "heart" in its metaphorical or symbolic sense as the center of emotion, including affection and love, especially (but not exclusively) romantic love
 
I've taken on a personal challenge not only to SHINE, but to look for hearts in nature.  I think it's a sign ...
 
It's a wild and wonderful LIFE (world)... follow your heart and let the adventure unfold!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Change of Heart ♥

In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart  - Mahatma Gandhi
The shape of a heart doesn't need to be perfect for you to know what it is.

So, can you tell where I found this heart or what it is made from???  But you still can see that it is a heart, right?

I picked up my recycling container and below it I on found this on the garage floor.  It's the stain left behind from some sort of 'liquid' from the open holes of the bin.

Week #38 LIFE'S simple pleasures - hearts


 
I was looking back through my LIFE book and discovered I have touched upon the topic of hearts before, around Valentine's Day, Week #7.  There are no rules when writing my blog posts, so I can touch upon a simple pleasure again, there is always another twist to the topic.  As I mentioned yesterday, it is amazing when I choose a topic for the week, how many different things I can find about it with a quick search on the Internet.
 
Another example would be like in Week #24 the simple pleasure was the Front Porch....a google search brought up cafes and antique stores with that as their name.  Sounds of Summer from week #36 is the name of a Beach Boys Album.
 

Home is where you hang your heart.
 
I like to add secret hearts to some of my artwork.  Not that I'm specifically trying to hide them, but it's like my little trademark for some of the journaling art I do and on some of my special cards.  Because I truly create from my he♥art.
 
What makes your heart flutter?
 

Monday, September 16, 2013

Every Beat of My Heart

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart - Helen Keller


Week #38 LIFE'S simple pleasures - hearts

A lot of people collect hearts!

Not the loving hearts from a family member, but actual hearts that they find on their journey though LIFE.  Real heart shaped 'things'.  This week I want to explore hearts.

On one of my walks I found this heart shaped leaf.  There are a lot of leaves in the shape of the heart and each one I see is beautiful.  I like how there are two different leaf shapes in this picture and there is a small stream of light separating them.  But the way I stood on the path I only really noticed the top leaf, the dip in the center made the heart ♥ shape say....'hey, look down here!'.

 
It has been an interesting journey seeking out LIFE'S simple pleasures for me personally and for my 2013 posts to my blog. 
 
This is week #38 and I've seen an interesting pattern in my search and research.  Many of my simple pleasures are names of musical groups,  civic organizations, titles of songs/books/poems, or something defined completely different than my initial idea.
 
Heart is a singing duo from the 70s, Mended Hearts is an organization to aide awareness to prevent heart attacks, Achy Breaky Heart (* the title to  my blog post is from a Rod Stewart Song) A heart ♥ is a symbol for love or it's an organ that keeps you alive.
 
Do you collect hearts?  
 
Stay tuned to see what else I found. Nature has an interesting sense of humor.  I've also made a lot of he♥ART art!
 
Wherever you go, go with all your heart - Confucius

Friday, September 13, 2013

Take a little Time to Enjoy the View

Those who can, do
Those who can do more, volunteer

Week #37 LIFE'S simple pleasures - being a volunteer

Just like anything in LIFE, some people want to volunteer and others don't. 

That's really okay!

Some people have wonderful experiences and meet special people when they volunteer... it completes their circle of receiving and giving.  It feels good!

Others who volunteer don't want to broadcast what they do, that would be a form of grandstanding. And some may feel belittled or micromanaged when a volunteer coordinator comes in with a larger than LIFE ego. Volunteering isn't for everybody... or maybe its that they haven't found the right place to volunteer that fits what they have to offer.

You take the good and you take the bad.

 
Earlier this week I took a picture of my view that I had while doing a 4 hour volunteer stint.  I'm not trying to grandstand... I'm thinking that I'm very blessed to have this opportunity in such a beautiful place.  It was at the 9th hole of  local Country Club.  I'm not a member of the country club, nor am I part of the local community organization that was fundraising that day... I was 'just' a volunteer who received an email asking me if I could help. I had know idea when I signed up what I was going to do.
 
My task?  To solicit more donations!  I got carted out to the 9th tee with a nice retired gentleman who was volunteering his services, we were at the Designated Driver hole.  (Cute play on words.)  His job would be for $5 per player or $20 per foursome... he would 'drive' their golf balls up the fairway to give them a better shot to get to the green, thus getting a better score on the hole.
 
It was an all women's golf outing.  At least I think most all knew that they were playing (paying) for a fundraiser.... they gladly paid their extra fee and were excited to see this nice gentleman hit their ball over 250 yards.  It was for fun!  It was for charity!  It was a beautiful September day.... and some women.... well, they were woman.... CHEAP and crabby.

 
I played with a photo app on the picture above.  My creative twist for today's post. 
 
I don't think volunteering for this event was eye opening... but it was another experience to tuck inside my belt...my resume is changing and growing.... from being a PTA member to a PTA president, to working on designing posters to painting backdrops, from set up to clean up ... to collecting money and handing out drinks....
 
I only volunteer a little bit.  Hardly anything compared to some (but whose comparing).... but I think any little bit helps. It's simple enough to do!
 
LIFE isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments. - Rose Kennedy
 
Let's see what type of view my next Volunteer adventure takes me!
 
A good deed brightens a dark world.
 
Makes me want to go and Brighten Someone's Day with some FuN MaiL.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Say Cheese!

It's easy to make a buck.  It's a lot tougher to make a difference - Tom Brokaw

Week #37 LIFE'S simple pleasures - being a volunteer

It's really tough to make a difference!

Replace fear of the unknown with curiosity!
If you puruse through my blog, you will see a lot of pictures.  My pictures aren't always about the people in my LIFE but more so about the adventures that happen along my journey in LIFE.
 
I've said it many times ...and I will probably say it 10 times more... but I am still in awe about technology with digital cameras and social media on personal computers and iphones. 
 
I think about all the pictures that 'could have been'....
 
Never regret anything that has happened in your life, it cannot be changed, undone or forgotten, so take it as a lesson learned and move on.
 
I don't think I'm a great photographer, but I think I'm pretty good! 
 
Sometimes I can't believe that most of my pictures from the last year were all taken with my phone (my smart phone)  ... who would have thunk 30 years ago when I was in a dark room in my college days developing my camera film in chemicals and waiting for the prints to dry.... that I could capture a moment in LIFE and see it instantly on a little screen with my phone and then be able to send it world wide via the internet in a matter of seconds!!!
 
 
I want to learn more about all of this. 
 
Every day I try to be creative and I search for new ways to design an idea, take pictures, capture a moment and find some of LIFE'S simple pleasures to enjoy and share.
 
I had the opportunity a few years ago to volunteer my services.  By searching online through my local community volunteer website, I found something of interest... something that I could possibly do.   
 
The ad read: Elderly gentleman in a wheel chair seeking a photographer to take pictures of his artwork and provide him with a disk of the photos for computer use.
 
I thought about it for a bit and then I applied.  I actually had to go through a few steps before I ever spoke to the gentleman.  They had to do a background check on me.  I had no problem with that. By the way.... I cleared!
 
So, after a few conversations over a couple of months with the gentleman on the phone, the photo shoot never came to fruition.  There is more to that story .... but for now, I will just say, once again sometimes volunteering is an altruistic activity.
I'm just happy that on a daily basis...I get to do what I truly love,  I get to create something!  And some day, when the time is right... one act of kindness could change a person's outlook on LIFE forever!
 
Are you able to volunteer?  Have you had positive experiences?  Or, have some of your efforts not really made a difference?
 
In the meantime, I will keep thinking... Somewhere, someone is looking for exactly what I have to offer!
 
Today.... I will go and Brighten Somone's Day... with some FuN MaiL!!!!

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Ya Herd?

Volunteers don't get paid, not because they are worthless, but because they're priceless - Sherry Anderson

Week #37 LIFE'S simple pleasures - being a volunteer

 
I give volunteer coordinators a lot of credit!

They must have a true passion and believe in the cause of their organization.  Since I have been part of my kid's schools' PTA and a booster of their sports clubs, I have held many different positions in these organizations.... coordinating volunteers for a fundraiser/activity is by far, one of the hardest.

For schools and sports clubs it's almost become mandatory for ALL families to participate in one capacity or another.  Before the year/season begins, you get a check list of things you are willing to do and the dates you are available to help.  That sheet is then turned into the organization and the names are given to the coordinators who then have a compiled list of people to call to set up the event, work a specific shift or position and then assignments for clean up or follow up.

Coordinating a city or county wide event I'm sure is a major challenge for someone who is in charge of seeking out volunteers.

I can no longer use the excuse that I'm new to the city we live in... we have been here over 7 years.  However, I must admit that the circle of friends we have met during this time are busier living their lives, than reaching out to bring newcomers to their civic clubs, churches or fundraising events.

Most things that I have volunteered for I found through small blurbs written up in our local newspaper.

I do think that with so many ways to access social media (email, facebook, twitter, voice mail, texting) that anyone coordinating volunteers really has no excuse of poor communication to their people.  I'm sure it was so much harder a few years ago when you had to call and call and call and never got a real live person on the other end of the phone line.  Now, you can let everybody know the information all with the click of a button!

The reason for my Lamb creative greeting card above???? About 6 years ago I volunteered for the Midwest Fiber and Folk Faire being held here in town. I really didn't know what it was.  But I think anything with the word Folk Faire is something that would interest me!!! After emailing the coordinator that I was willing to help ... I was given duty at the table for Ticket admissions. The event was coined , 'Ya Herd?'  You know me... I love pretty things and clever words.

It was a beautiful day. 

The attendees mostly were creative souls, happy to be there.

It was fun and interesting to meet new people, even if it was for a brief moment.

The coordinator often made a point to check in on us volunteers.  The task was pretty simple... take money, give tickets.  Give out maps... point to the bathrooms.

But sadly... I didn't feel a connection after that event, and never 'herd' from them again.

This volunteer activity didn't really lead me anywhere.  I didn't have a strong feeling of duty or loyalty and I certainly didn't help improve the quality of life (all things that might define a volunteer).  But everything I do ... doesn't always have to lead to something else.

No act of kindness,
no matter how small,
is ever wasted.
-Aesop-

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Make Today Matter

There are two ways of spreading light - to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. - Edith Wharton



I could substitute the word SHINE for spreading light and it would mean the same thing...since I've been a part of the House of Shine for the past few years.... I like to incorporate it where ever I can... to spread SHINE.

Week #37 - LIFE'S Simple Pleasures - volunteer

I've decided that right now, at this very moment I am on a career break.... actually, it's an extended career break.  Some might call it a sabbatical, but I think with my twist on LIFE to call it simply... a career break.
So, to stay active, get out there, meet new people, and network... I'm volunteering.  Definitely, I'm not doing as much as some, but I'm just starting to branch out.  Remember, I just became an empty nester.  My priorities were on my family and home.... and only those honest and open will pour out their soul on a blog post and tell you... this has been a huge change in my LIFE. I'm really not sure where I need to be.
 
 
So... what does it mean to volunteer?  It is generally considered an altruistic activity and is intended to promote good or improve human quality of life.  It could also mean to 'improve animal quality of life' as well. 
 
The creative greeting cards I've posted on today's blog represent the cat room at one of our cities local animal shelters.  A few years back for a summer, every other Saturday we would go to the shelter and volunteer with others to clean the 'cat room'.  We got to pet and groom cats that were available for adoption (yay).  We also got to help clean out cat litters and scrub the floors. (eww)
 


It was part of my job at the time to teach my kids to be a part of their community and have a feeling of duty or loyalty to the selflessness welfare of othersVolunteer our time for a cause we could believe in. The first step was to help better the quality of life for abandoned and abused animals.

There are so many ways to volunteer!!  I will be sharing a few of my experiences with you this week.

The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intentions - Oscar Wilde

Thursday, September 05, 2013

Chime In!


 
Week #36 - LIFE'S simple pleasures - the sounds of Summer
 
When you think of Summer today.... or from the past... what SOUNDS remind you of Summer??
 
Lots of traffic honking traveling in and out of the city on a holiday weekend?  Children laughing while jumping in the waves at the beach?  The crack of a baseball bat hitting a home run?? A stereo blaring Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville?? A serene spot on a river hearing the soft ripple of water heading down stream?  The crunch of the first leaves beneath your feet??
 
There are so many sounds of summer! 
 
Step outside right now (or after you finish reading my post!!) for a moment during your busy day, take a breath .... and listen... what sounds do you hear during this summer of 2013?? Simple!
 
Chime in... wont you?

Wednesday, September 04, 2013

Ding-a-Ling

What are the sounds of summer?  There are so many sounds really.  It would possibly take all the fingers on my hands and all the toes on my feet to count all the sounds I hear when I step outside my door.

And when there is peace and silence and everything is still, it does take me by surprise and I think "what is wrong" ?.... because there is always some sound.

 
When I think of the word summer I think of sun, sand and surf.  When I think of summer sounds, I think of what I hear when my window is open and LIFE just happens in my backyard.
 
It's relatively quiet as I type this.  Almost eerily quiet .... but it's not like this all the time. 
 
On any given day in the summer I will hear: sirens screaming, crickets chirping, frogs bellowing, dogs barking, fire works booming, train whistles tooting, cicadas buzzing, music from a radio or a teenagers' car blaring, lawn mowers rumbling, wind chimes dinging, a fountain rippling, airplanes soaring, birds singing, cars rambling, motorcycles roaring and sometimes I hear the laughter of children playing, the ice cream man dinging, a hot air balloon whooshing and a helicopter hovering.
 
Week #36 - LIFE'S simple pleasures - sounds of summer
 
Just like stopping to smell the roses... have you ever just stopped in place, taken a deep breath, silenced you mind and body... and listened to the sounds around you?  I am so blessed and fortunate that I can hear those sounds ... the sounds of a beautiful summer!
 
Not only is the sun SHINING and the birds are singing... but it's also time for me to go and Brighten Someone's Day!!!

Tuesday, September 03, 2013

What's all the BUZZ about?

Be like the flower, turn your face to the sun - Kahlil Gibran

 
Often we feel the summer by the sunSHINE that touches our face, but can you use your other senses when looking at something?  Could you possibly hear the sounds of summer by looking at the picture above?

Week # 36 - LIFE'S simple pleasures - sounds of summer

I find it interesting and a bit exciting when I get an idea for a simple pleasure how the thought runs my mind to so many places.  How could seeing a sunflower help me to hear the sounds of summer? 

Today and most days when I am able to open my window I hear the cicadas buzzing, the birds chirping and sirens wailing.

My husband and I often talk about that buzzing sound we hear, we've heard it ever since we were small children in Wisconsin and Indiana.  It was the sound we heard every summer.  I always thought it was the power lines running between the poles in our backyard.  When we lived in Tennessee, there were numerous stories about the 17 year cicadas... now, we don't think much about that buzzing sound.... because we hear it most summer days here in Illinois....Cicadas are insects, best known for the sounds made by male cicadas. The males make this sound by flexing their tymbals, which are drum-like organs found in their abdomens.

Birds chirping?  You get that sound right?  More noise when it's feeding time.  We often have the pleasure of a hawk (or 3) flying overhead squawking and squeling as they pursue food from the ComEd field in our backyard.  Sometimes that 'noise' can go on for hours!

This morning I heard a city emergency siren test at 10am sharp.... first Tuesday of the month.  But I also hear a lot of ambulance, fire trucks and police sirens throughout the day as the sound of it wails through our tree lined streets to the busy mini state highway that surrounds our subdivison and hospitals are 4 miles in three directions from our home.

What thoughts come to mind when you think of the sounds of summer? What do you hear when you open your window??

There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky, which through the summer is not heard or seen, as if it could not be, as if it had not been!
 

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