tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74974864296003200612024-03-14T01:36:20.644-04:00Walking with Lily (and Ruby)Things I notice along the way.Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-1538895813101060782015-02-22T22:16:00.004-05:002015-02-22T22:27:33.744-05:00Deep FreezeIt's been SO COLD lately that we can't even go for happy walks. On the -30 degrees days, The girls start lifting their paws off the snow after only 4-5 minutes. No fun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kgplsHeHOzk/VOqaUIGGd2I/AAAAAAAABFs/vYle--zPPv0/s1600/IMG_6175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kgplsHeHOzk/VOqaUIGGd2I/AAAAAAAABFs/vYle--zPPv0/s1600/IMG_6175.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
Here Ruby was ready to come back inside - after only a few minutes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hN6Tl5auIsc/VOqaZZwCJzI/AAAAAAAABF0/1PC4v-OTIv4/s1600/IMG_6204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hN6Tl5auIsc/VOqaZZwCJzI/AAAAAAAABF0/1PC4v-OTIv4/s1600/IMG_6204.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Can you find Ruby? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The girls are always optimistic. They go outside each time with excitement, ready to have a great play! I really admire them for that. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stay warm!</div>
<br />Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-59218540442272355182015-01-25T07:43:00.000-05:002015-01-25T07:43:46.024-05:00HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! It's been a long time since I posted here. My dear father-in-law had a painful battle with cancer and passed away. I just didn't have it in me to do anything extra, like blogging. Now I'm back and ready to have fun here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ImPu_YtTbF8/VMTirwOzzPI/AAAAAAAABAc/U5JLUzMicA4/s1600/10900144_10204664891996541_6243000114491939986_o-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ImPu_YtTbF8/VMTirwOzzPI/AAAAAAAABAc/U5JLUzMicA4/s1600/10900144_10204664891996541_6243000114491939986_o-2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ruby and Lily are always ready for some fun, or some TREATS! They also love the snow. I tolerate the snow, but I really miss summer!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wYJx8wfiFB0/VMTkXZuj4EI/AAAAAAAABAo/JSSfIR3xTZo/s1600/IMG_5475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wYJx8wfiFB0/VMTkXZuj4EI/AAAAAAAABAo/JSSfIR3xTZo/s1600/IMG_5475.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Summer is JOY to me!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since it's not summer I will find joy in each day, and wear a sweater!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy chilly Sunday!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-46826805954504375862013-10-21T20:58:00.003-04:002013-10-21T20:59:02.287-04:00If you plant it, they will come.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LEIr9LIiOtI/UmSEWt_gzzI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/N6x1pnsSJqA/s1600/IMG_5382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LEIr9LIiOtI/UmSEWt_gzzI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/N6x1pnsSJqA/s640/IMG_5382.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Early this past summer, I planted some jumbo zinnias around our birdbath and stuck this garden sign in the earth hopefully. This lovely white butterfly showed up the next day! And I even got a picture of it!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope is powerful. If you have it, you can walk through a day that sucks the light right out of you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Without it you are stuck in darkness. </div>
<br />
Now here are Lily and Ruby racing out into the light.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OrLO9g_mPao/UmSJCYtO-SI/AAAAAAAAA9k/3xDWEJI9sGA/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OrLO9g_mPao/UmSJCYtO-SI/AAAAAAAAA9k/3xDWEJI9sGA/s640/photo+(5).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"> Each day is a fresh start. </span>Happy Monday!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-24623548684701217232013-08-07T01:18:00.001-04:002013-08-07T18:53:16.858-04:00There's a place for us<h2>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Last week we found out about this wonderful place where doggies can run and swim, that is fully enclosed. The girls LOVED it!</span></span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DtEVLDHVZjk/UgHWK8erOOI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/Ad5_2DYwmZY/s640/blogger-image--1568086964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DtEVLDHVZjk/UgHWK8erOOI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/Ad5_2DYwmZY/s640/blogger-image--1568086964.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The first thing they did when we arrived was to run in a huge circle, side by side for 3 minutes. Phew! That's happiness! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Then we started exploring the immense field together.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wgOu98mh35M/UgHWSohln9I/AAAAAAAAA8g/SUjiwblWLF8/s640/blogger-image--1262399374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wgOu98mh35M/UgHWSohln9I/AAAAAAAAA8g/SUjiwblWLF8/s640/blogger-image--1262399374.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Those are my big kids at the back. They're pretty cute, too, I must say.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It really is a beautiful, magical place.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-x8kIzgB-Lws/UgHWPVuWHRI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/UKzSbSdjH2k/s640/blogger-image--309353178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-x8kIzgB-Lws/UgHWPVuWHRI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/UKzSbSdjH2k/s640/blogger-image--309353178.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I hope you have a magical place to go to for fun and joy. If you don't, maybe it's time to find one. It could be a park, a </span>library, your room or your own back yard.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If you can't physically get there, just close your eyes, imagine it, and breathe... Ah... That's better! </span></div>
Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-35410901183871253732013-07-22T08:05:00.001-04:002013-07-22T11:24:38.306-04:00When evening comes<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kpwgZw386lY/Ue0gBUN7rFI/AAAAAAAAA24/4rGwZcmAEIg/s640/blogger-image-1160683551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kpwgZw386lY/Ue0gBUN7rFI/AAAAAAAAA24/4rGwZcmAEIg/s640/blogger-image-1160683551.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
It has been so hot lately that we have been going for walks in the evening. The neighborhood looks very different at this time. The air seems full of quiet secrets...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5iH-bKVHa0o/Ue0f3vDx3YI/AAAAAAAAA2o/IfhK3d8j07U/s640/blogger-image--1487591387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5iH-bKVHa0o/Ue0f3vDx3YI/AAAAAAAAA2o/IfhK3d8j07U/s640/blogger-image--1487591387.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Life is so unpredictable! Change is hard, but change is good, too. If I keep breathing and doing my best, I can make it through the dark. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I feel so tired...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hLrV8RgG96Y/Ue0f8-GxqHI/AAAAAAAAA2w/bX4TVNx8P68/s640/blogger-image--2046059920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hLrV8RgG96Y/Ue0f8-GxqHI/AAAAAAAAA2w/bX4TVNx8P68/s640/blogger-image--2046059920.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
but when the light returns, it brings new gifts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LnOU07Y7Sws/Ue0fyRw4JDI/AAAAAAAAA2g/Iwk6dr0508w/s640/blogger-image-184141102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LnOU07Y7Sws/Ue0fyRw4JDI/AAAAAAAAA2g/Iwk6dr0508w/s640/blogger-image-184141102.jpg" /></a></div>
Have a bright and shiny day!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-19407902685167381932013-07-11T09:53:00.000-04:002013-07-11T09:54:42.488-04:00What have I left behind today?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t9DVqjdEcRU/Ud62XxMlB5I/AAAAAAAAAyc/CXHMJoVou_U/s1600/IMG_2041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t9DVqjdEcRU/Ud62XxMlB5I/AAAAAAAAAyc/CXHMJoVou_U/s640/IMG_2041.JPG" width="474" /></a></div>
<br />
I recently made a goal for myself to only leave happy footprints behind me. When faced with ugliness, it would be satisfying, in a way, to strike back. Of course, the satisfaction wouldn't last very long! How happy can you be if you respond to pettiness in kind? Okay, I'm not perfect, but I am doing my best to gain a reputation of loving kindness.<br />
<br />
I have found some unexpected things left behind by others. Here are a few of them...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eo0lHf7YS0g/Ud63fYSrWGI/AAAAAAAAAy0/wO7jcVFVYV0/s1600/boot+Pink.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eo0lHf7YS0g/Ud63fYSrWGI/AAAAAAAAAy0/wO7jcVFVYV0/s400/boot+Pink.JPG" width="295" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-suMTvsmymRo/Ud63lgee0vI/AAAAAAAAAy8/LozTV0-Q0As/s1600/IMG_0290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-suMTvsmymRo/Ud63lgee0vI/AAAAAAAAAy8/LozTV0-Q0As/s400/IMG_0290.JPG" width="296" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yKCLbtZUl2A/Ud62lpmfhuI/AAAAAAAAAyw/YMWReMxCAL8/s1600/IMG_0305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yKCLbtZUl2A/Ud62lpmfhuI/AAAAAAAAAyw/YMWReMxCAL8/s640/IMG_0305.JPG" width="474" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Today is a gift. Have fun with it!Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-46936782909272304692013-07-05T21:12:00.000-04:002013-07-05T21:23:43.259-04:00Got your back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f1jlhm5FxTo/UdduSmRaHaI/AAAAAAAAAyM/5Lma07KozmE/s1600/dec+28+11+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f1jlhm5FxTo/UdduSmRaHaI/AAAAAAAAAyM/5Lma07KozmE/s400/dec+28+11+010.JPG" width="304" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is for BFL. XOXO</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-89832550599803753642013-07-05T20:30:00.001-04:002013-07-05T20:30:16.878-04:00BloglovinFollow me on Bloglovin<br />
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/9705433/?claim=xzdzpmhnb8j">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-70118776297484607472013-07-04T09:26:00.000-04:002013-07-04T09:27:52.931-04:00Good Morning!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jNe9vlwVdWo/UdV3SJW1RbI/AAAAAAAAAx8/mKvENivTFHw/s1600/IMG_0366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jNe9vlwVdWo/UdV3SJW1RbI/AAAAAAAAAx8/mKvENivTFHw/s640/IMG_0366.JPG" width="477" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
New day. New beginning. New intention. Have a wonderful day!</div>
Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-17111776803088982532013-07-03T10:45:00.000-04:002013-07-03T10:45:52.243-04:00Safety<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy 3rd of July!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last summer, one of my neighbours protected their impatiens from the sun every afternoon. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1PXiKTlRmbk/UdQyp1-R8kI/AAAAAAAAAxU/5rInnF46iTU/s1464/IMG_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1PXiKTlRmbk/UdQyp1-R8kI/AAAAAAAAAxU/5rInnF46iTU/s640/IMG_0101.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's what I call vigilance! And do you notice the chain weighing down the umbrella so that it doesn't float away? There was a part of me that wondered why they didn't plant sunflowers or zinnias in this hotspot instead, but no matter. This was their garden, and they seemed to love it, so who was I to question their choice? If you care about something or someone, you will do whatever it takes to keep them safe.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Lily and Ruby like to nap side by side. Ruby feels so safe that she sleeps belly up with her paws in the air!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YMnqUsYuvDk/UdQy4YkhS7I/AAAAAAAAAxg/88Bd9BzU9po/s1600/IMG_2315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YMnqUsYuvDk/UdQy4YkhS7I/AAAAAAAAAxg/88Bd9BzU9po/s640/IMG_2315.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She feels so safe that she can be her goofy self, even during sleep.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u2OUx760AnQ/UdQy-w0UlYI/AAAAAAAAAxo/KUPMI-hWWk8/s1600/IMG_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: purple; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u2OUx760AnQ/UdQy-w0UlYI/AAAAAAAAAxo/KUPMI-hWWk8/s640/IMG_0062.JPG" width="472" /></span></a></div>
Protect the ones you love, and don't forget to protect yourself. Be safe and be goofy!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-26139269159858775112012-10-28T22:29:00.000-04:002012-10-28T22:29:02.324-04:00Lean on me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have you asked for help recently? It can be hard to do. Especially if you are used to looking after yourself.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJChHjZz0H0/UI3Z2GgTauI/AAAAAAAAAwc/q1VoKCoLAnk/s1600/128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJChHjZz0H0/UI3Z2GgTauI/AAAAAAAAAwc/q1VoKCoLAnk/s640/128.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These monarch butterflies emerged within an hour of each other.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjCNL90dDmQ/UI3ZPZq_AHI/AAAAAAAAAv4/GSW1Dx79ZXE/s1600/156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjCNL90dDmQ/UI3ZPZq_AHI/AAAAAAAAAv4/GSW1Dx79ZXE/s640/156.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;">It was a cloudy day. They waited together for their wings to dry, from morning until dusk. Then they disappeared into the sky, separately.</span><span style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HgGz2oFujB4/UI3ZnvYBcHI/AAAAAAAAAwM/zbAtmP_Yy2I/s1600/124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HgGz2oFujB4/UI3ZnvYBcHI/AAAAAAAAAwM/zbAtmP_Yy2I/s640/124.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I love my alone time...<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pdEsWeXjxoA/UI3aoYtc9gI/AAAAAAAAAww/_-FZsTDAd90/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pdEsWeXjxoA/UI3aoYtc9gI/AAAAAAAAAww/_-FZsTDAd90/s400/011.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
...but together is good too. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Last week on our walk we saw this...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YmWJ1OKciGo/UI3aiRkNZiI/AAAAAAAAAwo/j-WtA_aRQpQ/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YmWJ1OKciGo/UI3aiRkNZiI/AAAAAAAAAwo/j-WtA_aRQpQ/s640/007.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Give if you can.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ask if you can't.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's all love.</div>
</div>
Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-86327416373951927882012-09-13T06:30:00.001-04:002012-09-13T06:30:38.945-04:00Look and seeI don't know about you, by life has gotten pretty complicated for me, lately. So I've been looking for the simple, beautiful things that come my way.<br />
<br />
<br />
Ruby LOVES the sprinkler!<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpk9iEoxVMM/UFGryBeSUJI/AAAAAAAAAtI/5Lg80hFbYDU/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpk9iEoxVMM/UFGryBeSUJI/AAAAAAAAAtI/5Lg80hFbYDU/s640/017.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tZZpPgHW75M/UFGvPwMvZYI/AAAAAAAAAt4/HVJyduft1D8/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The sprinkler brought me these...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JzdU42fZHOY/UFGr_TapAuI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/U7IjUsPzaSU/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JzdU42fZHOY/UFGr_TapAuI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/U7IjUsPzaSU/s640/020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and these...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C-30E3X55To/UFGxKOGtaeI/AAAAAAAAAuA/OIfQPAqnpHo/s1600/086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C-30E3X55To/UFGxKOGtaeI/AAAAAAAAAuA/OIfQPAqnpHo/s400/086.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rc1WtfJGMLw/UFGxPKLjPgI/AAAAAAAAAuI/CmRGBk7EiY4/s1600/087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rc1WtfJGMLw/UFGxPKLjPgI/AAAAAAAAAuI/CmRGBk7EiY4/s400/087.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The zinnias brought me this visitor...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCVkWUOFUuE/UFGrpgTz8gI/AAAAAAAAAs8/Vc2gCUP4Y-4/s1600/007+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCVkWUOFUuE/UFGrpgTz8gI/AAAAAAAAAs8/Vc2gCUP4Y-4/s640/007+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6cRuXgB-hOA/UFGsRjJ1C_I/AAAAAAAAAtg/t894ELotIvQ/s1600/100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6cRuXgB-hOA/UFGsRjJ1C_I/AAAAAAAAAtg/t894ELotIvQ/s640/100.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
The sky is always </div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
there, even if I have forgotten to look up.</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wonder what will come today...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-12467730213442575872012-08-02T09:27:00.002-04:002012-08-02T09:27:52.393-04:00Jaune<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lily, Ruby and I have been walking a lot lately. It has been so unbearably hot, that most of the time we walk in the late afternoon or evening.</div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dorQcPPXBzg/UBp5pN9Ji0I/AAAAAAAAAsk/umaqjmP_WUk/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dorQcPPXBzg/UBp5pN9Ji0I/AAAAAAAAAsk/umaqjmP_WUk/s640/025.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Something interesting has been happening on our walks. Have you ever heard the same song several times in one day, in different places? Well, we have been followed, not by a song, but a colour...</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BtT2tqC3yhE/UBp3-ZG2r1I/AAAAAAAAArM/FxKcgv6YEcs/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BtT2tqC3yhE/UBp3-ZG2r1I/AAAAAAAAArM/FxKcgv6YEcs/s640/020.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Did you notice it? It started off in small ways. I liked the moss on this tree trunk so I took a photo of it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q4uABKf9O_U/UBp5NtkbRjI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/UTZVFLECBm0/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q4uABKf9O_U/UBp5NtkbRjI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/UTZVFLECBm0/s640/035.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then I saw this...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rMUW9XTKzH4/UBp5TlvwkrI/AAAAAAAAAsY/CaFBOJEBlds/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rMUW9XTKzH4/UBp5TlvwkrI/AAAAAAAAAsY/CaFBOJEBlds/s640/039.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These were the first snapdragon to open in the park.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JA7JDlmPLes/UBp5D-t484I/AAAAAAAAAsI/qVWUkK_BFAw/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JA7JDlmPLes/UBp5D-t484I/AAAAAAAAAsI/qVWUkK_BFAw/s640/042.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was starting to wonder what was going on. Once we got back home, I had a look at the echinacea in my own garden.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yFvU3XECTck/UBp45lAwN6I/AAAAAAAAAsA/1k_aYbeD_HU/s1600/142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yFvU3XECTck/UBp45lAwN6I/AAAAAAAAAsA/1k_aYbeD_HU/s640/142.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This one is called "Milkshake"! I feel happy every time I look at them!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was sooooo hot, we all needed a cool drink. I decided to keep with the them and have this...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1bwe5eSr-EY/UBp4Y322CnI/AAAAAAAAArc/yoIWjQ4UutA/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1bwe5eSr-EY/UBp4Y322CnI/AAAAAAAAArc/yoIWjQ4UutA/s400/014.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, what was going on that day? What was Yellow trying to tell me? I think it was sending me joy and hope. It was whispering "Life is a gift! Celebrate what you have! Have FUN!". Sometimes its hard to hear whispers of happiness. I am trying to listen more carefully.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After the heat and excercise, it was time for a rest!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RwrEYSX_k9s/UBp4wfKFI8I/AAAAAAAAAr0/0ZAL3iyO4M8/s1600/382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RwrEYSX_k9s/UBp4wfKFI8I/AAAAAAAAAr0/0ZAL3iyO4M8/s640/382.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wtddhobs1zc/UBp4ff3pBzI/AAAAAAAAArk/O74OB_crhRc/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wtddhobs1zc/UBp4ff3pBzI/AAAAAAAAArk/O74OB_crhRc/s640/046.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even naps are golden!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have a Yellow day, friends!</div>Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-14438467221753308452012-06-20T23:25:00.001-04:002012-06-20T23:26:56.551-04:00Calm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last weekend I went with some friends to a very special place...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--FO-VGeOuug/T-KPYz0jhNI/AAAAAAAAAqw/-TRMfg0kij4/s1600/Sheep+grazing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--FO-VGeOuug/T-KPYz0jhNI/AAAAAAAAAqw/-TRMfg0kij4/s640/Sheep+grazing.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;">...where sheep may safely graze. </span>Isn't this peaceful?
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No matter where or when you live, there is always work to be done,,,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gm19WhsvV_0/T-KRo83zPXI/AAAAAAAAArA/JFTRjf7fqf8/s1600/Broom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gm19WhsvV_0/T-KRo83zPXI/AAAAAAAAArA/JFTRjf7fqf8/s640/Broom.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
... but I am getting better at taking time for myself.</div>
<br />
<br />
So go ahead! Stop working, find a quiet spot, and breathe.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4VE2hx0FwY/T-KQ84_vrXI/AAAAAAAAAq4/SWOPVAsMEsE/s1600/Knitting+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4VE2hx0FwY/T-KQ84_vrXI/AAAAAAAAAq4/SWOPVAsMEsE/s640/Knitting+view.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Have a happy day!Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-17863306041801307362012-06-03T21:25:00.002-04:002012-06-03T21:27:40.400-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Amie</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EBgHxWClWzs/T8wKHOtu2bI/AAAAAAAAAqU/6UluU7eClsM/s1600/IMG_4160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EBgHxWClWzs/T8wKHOtu2bI/AAAAAAAAAqU/6UluU7eClsM/s640/IMG_4160.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Today's post is for my dear friend, Lisa Mo. She is sunny, beautiful, strong, open-hearted, and funny. On cloudy days, she has helped me remember that sunlight is on its way. Merci beaucoup, Lisa Mo! Ce pissenlit est pour toi!Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-67682407292072921072012-05-30T15:27:00.001-04:002012-05-30T15:27:46.810-04:00Spring<br />
It has been a long time since I created a new post. I had to simplify my life for a while, but now I`m ready to take a little time now and again to keep a collection of things that ask me to take their picture. And of course, Lily will be here with me!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dhwvCIdtaVQ/T8Zolodw1mI/AAAAAAAAAp4/LR6_TRut_Vw/s1600/IMG_2847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dhwvCIdtaVQ/T8Zolodw1mI/AAAAAAAAAp4/LR6_TRut_Vw/s640/IMG_2847.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
One morning, we found this at the park...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C84lXEjCfdE/T8ZoF-KhqGI/AAAAAAAAAps/O2sJFnnl9qY/s1600/IMG_3019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C84lXEjCfdE/T8ZoF-KhqGI/AAAAAAAAAps/O2sJFnnl9qY/s400/IMG_3019.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and this...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2UiZ7L4F35Y/T8ZnjhvjO4I/AAAAAAAAApQ/O5ZM4QBAN3U/s1600/IMG_3023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2UiZ7L4F35Y/T8ZnjhvjO4I/AAAAAAAAApQ/O5ZM4QBAN3U/s640/IMG_3023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was interesting because I had been thinking a lot about family on that day. By just being part of a family we make a promise to love each other, no matter what might fall from the sky. Actually, it`s not even a promise. We just do it. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Recently, our family got a little bigger.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Introducing.....Ruby!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFpaV27aTzU/T8Zmjr6DkJI/AAAAAAAAApA/pMkDtIMq58Y/s1600/Ruby+Dandelion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFpaV27aTzU/T8Zmjr6DkJI/AAAAAAAAApA/pMkDtIMq58Y/s640/Ruby+Dandelion.JPG" width="392" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is one of her quieter moments! Ruby has brought a lot of joy and<br />
spirit into our home. Oh, and maybe a little more work. We are working on the double leash walking thing, so I won`t be able to take many pictures walking with Lily AND Ruby! But the idea of this blog was originally to be a visual journal, so that`s what it will continue to be.<br />
<br />
These ferns came up in the garden not too long ago...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ne0S6mx_UTk/T8Zv-MvJP_I/AAAAAAAAAqE/KwFOCJjqgKo/s1600/Good+Ferns.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ne0S6mx_UTk/T8Zv-MvJP_I/AAAAAAAAAqE/KwFOCJjqgKo/s640/Good+Ferns.JPG" width="403" /></a></div>
<br />
They were practically singing as they uncurled!<br />
``Time to wake up, time to reach out, time to GROW!``<br />
So that`s what I plan to do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pTLP2OvbiJk/T8ZmZNvSlvI/AAAAAAAAAo4/QYI2Yemu1OQ/s1600/Ruby+morning+light.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="507" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pTLP2OvbiJk/T8ZmZNvSlvI/AAAAAAAAAo4/QYI2Yemu1OQ/s640/Ruby+morning+light.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Ruby is ready. Are you?<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-844498804435408532011-03-15T15:03:00.002-04:002011-03-15T15:24:15.607-04:00Love, fun, colour!<div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v-PDlvu7gMs/TX-xP4Qt7zI/AAAAAAAAAog/MzljySySJrc/s1600/sidewalk+love.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v-PDlvu7gMs/TX-xP4Qt7zI/AAAAAAAAAog/MzljySySJrc/s400/sidewalk+love.JPG" width="400" /></a>Winter can seem like an endless tunnel of gray if you don't throw some fun into your day. Lily and I came across these love notes in the pavement...</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_wAEZYzvkEo/TX-v7CEWApI/AAAAAAAAAoM/yEtK6WP10qg/s1600/sidwalk+hearts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_wAEZYzvkEo/TX-v7CEWApI/AAAAAAAAAoM/yEtK6WP10qg/s400/sidwalk+hearts.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's something you don't see every day...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OFgLJMXF8u4/TX-xoCy5unI/AAAAAAAAAoo/ywAExBXYstk/s1600/antenna.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OFgLJMXF8u4/TX-xoCy5unI/AAAAAAAAAoo/ywAExBXYstk/s400/antenna.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">We found more fun at the neighbourhood school...</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v7OutMl5TjU/TX-xeD8YJoI/AAAAAAAAAok/xFzHuZ6DTis/s1600/star.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v7OutMl5TjU/TX-xeD8YJoI/AAAAAAAAAok/xFzHuZ6DTis/s320/star.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0UphVvFc1Gg/TX-w6XdYv_I/AAAAAAAAAoc/KR6Rx-JykNk/s1600/school+tulips.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0UphVvFc1Gg/TX-w6XdYv_I/AAAAAAAAAoc/KR6Rx-JykNk/s320/school+tulips.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The fence actually looks friendly, don't you think?</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I am always on the lookout for colour as Lily and I are travelling. It's not always easy to find these days, but it's there, waiting quietly.</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QRKIB1Ig5dg/TX-wsNvE_eI/AAAAAAAAAoY/D7wKWaWza88/s1600/pine+in+snow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QRKIB1Ig5dg/TX-wsNvE_eI/AAAAAAAAAoY/D7wKWaWza88/s400/pine+in+snow.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is my favourite colour surprise so far:</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-y_YyL8i1QlQ/TX-yo5BP_YI/AAAAAAAAAos/PWOSHVORyfI/s1600/crocus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-y_YyL8i1QlQ/TX-yo5BP_YI/AAAAAAAAAos/PWOSHVORyfI/s400/crocus.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, that's right! Corcuses! Now that's a happy burst of lavender in a gray, white world!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0QXiom5PCKQ/TX-vZv0VoiI/AAAAAAAAAoI/zntq2d1XRCg/s1600/sailor+lily.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0QXiom5PCKQ/TX-vZv0VoiI/AAAAAAAAAoI/zntq2d1XRCg/s400/sailor+lily.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a fun day!</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Love, </div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Lily and I</div>Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-81299805528735996692011-02-12T22:38:00.127-05:002011-02-13T21:47:16.159-05:00<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u2fnEiFokyE/TVh88dsEZJI/AAAAAAAAAn8/cmpLYGjn1Y8/s1600/lily+snow+close.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u2fnEiFokyE/TVh88dsEZJI/AAAAAAAAAn8/cmpLYGjn1Y8/s400/lily+snow+close.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Mornings are a little brighter these days. The snow keeps piling up, which makes Lily very happy.<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fohijJFhvyE/TVc07D77pcI/AAAAAAAAAnk/vEsJIScIeW8/s1600/lily+snow+leash.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fohijJFhvyE/TVc07D77pcI/AAAAAAAAAnk/vEsJIScIeW8/s640/lily+snow+leash.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I used to hate winter. The cold was almost too much to bear and I stayed inside as much as possible.The cold doesn't bother me when I am out with Lily. I look forward to finding something lovely out there.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wtxPqEtm3To/TVc0oX5PbkI/AAAAAAAAAnc/-13PvoeNL0s/s1600/rosy+snow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wtxPqEtm3To/TVc0oX5PbkI/AAAAAAAAAnc/-13PvoeNL0s/s400/rosy+snow.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">On the quietest, most bitterly cold mornings, there are still lots of things happening. If you pay attention, you might see them.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2wrNi2aQFdQ/TVczeuoLDPI/AAAAAAAAAnI/nrAVbJLKDeU/s1600/crow+sunrise+closerr.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2wrNi2aQFdQ/TVczeuoLDPI/AAAAAAAAAnI/nrAVbJLKDeU/s400/crow+sunrise+closerr.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I never much cared for crows before either. Their cries irritated me, and their large size struck me as ugly. Now I find them beautiful. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> They withstand cold winter nights and gather together each morning to celebrate their survival. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9X1nt1VIaw/TVczMNY4IPI/AAAAAAAAAnE/Kt15PUpV8ns/s1600/crow+couple.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9X1nt1VIaw/TVczMNY4IPI/AAAAAAAAAnE/Kt15PUpV8ns/s640/crow+couple.JPG" width="640" /></a>We walk past these maple keys almost every day and I wonder, how are they still hanging on? They look like faded dragonflies weathering a storm.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LT_QRcIx-qU/TVc1FJzDDoI/AAAAAAAAAno/yONwzRIqXR0/s1600/maplekeys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LT_QRcIx-qU/TVc1FJzDDoI/AAAAAAAAAno/yONwzRIqXR0/s640/maplekeys.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Because I am paying more attention to what I see, even though we walk to a lot of the same places each morning, I actually feel like I'm walking out into a new world each day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mKKBA0ekQQ4/TVh9GJ4fMhI/AAAAAAAAAoA/b2g3EiY-7kw/s1600/maple+keys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mKKBA0ekQQ4/TVh9GJ4fMhI/AAAAAAAAAoA/b2g3EiY-7kw/s640/maple+keys.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you find beauty in your day today. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Let's go, Lily! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G9322KG3z88/TVcz8O2gbiI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/y4WJdSRkdrI/s1600/snow+drift+tail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G9322KG3z88/TVcz8O2gbiI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/y4WJdSRkdrI/s400/snow+drift+tail.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-34590182938526963642011-01-23T09:48:00.002-05:002011-01-23T10:08:10.967-05:00Light<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TTL0DAphC-I/AAAAAAAAAms/Pc5MIqNPARA/s1600/Lily+snow+nose+tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TTL0DAphC-I/AAAAAAAAAms/Pc5MIqNPARA/s400/Lily+snow+nose+tree.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Over the past few weeks Lily and I have gone on many walks together. Some at night...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TTw4hOMaXtI/AAAAAAAAAm8/04Y-cRE8Jlo/s1600/night+park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TTw4hOMaXtI/AAAAAAAAAm8/04Y-cRE8Jlo/s400/night+park.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">and some in the morning, when it is so dark that the streetlights are still on.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TTL0SSs1GZI/AAAAAAAAAmw/duuvGLL-s7s/s1600/steetlamp+snow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TTL0SSs1GZI/AAAAAAAAAmw/duuvGLL-s7s/s640/steetlamp+snow.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The lack of light makes taking photographs challenging, and I am still learning how much is enough to capture an image. Looking for light each day is a new challenge in photography, and in life. In photography, I just accept that I am learning and that I will take a LOT of not good photos. Once in a while I will take one that I'm proud of. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TTQIf_aFYmI/AAAAAAAAAm4/1JZojymQcOk/s1600/snowy+branch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TTQIf_aFYmI/AAAAAAAAAm4/1JZojymQcOk/s400/snowy+branch.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finding the light in each day in life is a different kind of challenge. Sometimes all I can do is make lists of all the dark things that take my focus. I am working hard to make little light things the heart of my day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have learned that sometimes when you really need some light in your day, someone completetely unexpected will bring it to you. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TTMOBxV3kwI/AAAAAAAAAm0/Umo6BTWf_TU/s1600/birds+streetlamp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TTMOBxV3kwI/AAAAAAAAAm0/Umo6BTWf_TU/s400/birds+streetlamp.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today I wish you a day filled with light. Be ready to capture the good things around you!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TTLz30bZXyI/AAAAAAAAAmo/Pi-VIZ7GwUI/s1600/orange+leaves.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TTLz30bZXyI/AAAAAAAAAmo/Pi-VIZ7GwUI/s640/orange+leaves.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-14703568748584066142010-12-29T12:29:00.000-05:002010-12-29T12:29:51.313-05:00Left behind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Lately when Lily and I have gone out exploring, I have been noticing a lot of different things that have been left behind. Some things left behind are unavoidable, like these tracks in the snow...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TRtkOIToOGI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/SaWxDDZ0178/s1600/tracks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TRtkOIToOGI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/SaWxDDZ0178/s400/tracks.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TRtiTWnFQYI/AAAAAAAAAl4/v5tlhEAL060/s1600/bird+tracks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TRtiTWnFQYI/AAAAAAAAAl4/v5tlhEAL060/s400/bird+tracks.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">and in the sidewalk...</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TRtiqh36OsI/AAAAAAAAAl8/TU-0Krzz6MU/s1600/paw+prints+sidewalk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TRtiqh36OsI/AAAAAAAAAl8/TU-0Krzz6MU/s640/paw+prints+sidewalk.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Some things left behind will be missed...</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TRtj5HHbe8I/AAAAAAAAAmM/b8hc_wHBtYk/s1600/lost+cheetah.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TRtj5HHbe8I/AAAAAAAAAmM/b8hc_wHBtYk/s400/lost+cheetah.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">While other things have been left behind with a degree of carelessness that I find hard to understand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TRtkZGfvZXI/AAAAAAAAAmU/S0ofF2WdLbk/s1600/upright+can.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TRtkZGfvZXI/AAAAAAAAAmU/S0ofF2WdLbk/s400/upright+can.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I tidied this up after I took the picture.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TRtk4Z729_I/AAAAAAAAAmY/IL-Qb0humcY/s1600/beer+can.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">On the other hand, dogs are always leaving their scent for other dogs to find. Dogs are also more than happy to find what someone else has lost!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TRtjsvTbwdI/AAAAAAAAAmI/-xaYSK29Yvg/s1600/lily+sniffs+in+trees.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TRtjsvTbwdI/AAAAAAAAAmI/-xaYSK29Yvg/s400/lily+sniffs+in+trees.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">This year I am going to try to be more mindful of what I leave behind. Every word, every gesture leaves its mark. I will be more mindful of how I connect with others, knowing that the mark I leave will have its own history. Each day I will look forward to finding something new and surprising.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">What surprise will you find today?..</div>Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-2000737083271877882010-12-17T17:43:00.000-05:002010-12-17T17:43:16.120-05:00 Lily and I went for a longer walk a couple of days ago. The snow was fresh and soft. It was cold but we didn't mind. We made our way to the waterfront. Lily was suddenly very interested in something that I hadn't noticed. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TQviv0PFwWI/AAAAAAAAAls/ieV7BAJsf1g/s1600/back+of+lily%2527s+head+snow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TQviv0PFwWI/AAAAAAAAAls/ieV7BAJsf1g/s320/back+of+lily%2527s+head+snow.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Just a few seconds later I saw this..<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TQvii-RISVI/AAAAAAAAAlo/GfVB33fpcqc/s1600/Snowy+water+ducks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TQvii-RISVI/AAAAAAAAAlo/GfVB33fpcqc/s400/Snowy+water+ducks.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a peaceful, happy moment.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy a peaceful moment during your day today!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TQvj_ooaeeI/AAAAAAAAAlw/x-7Uay1AlRE/s1600/bird+tracks+snow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-63971099411242333942010-12-05T00:18:00.312-05:002010-12-05T11:32:34.352-05:00Grandfather<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TPseU1cX99I/AAAAAAAAAk4/WXHY35q1yR4/s1600/sunrise+birdhouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TPseU1cX99I/AAAAAAAAAk4/WXHY35q1yR4/s640/sunrise+birdhouse.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Do you see the bird in this picture? I didn't notice it when I took the picture. It made me happy when I discovered it later on my computer screen. I don't take many pictures of the same thing when Lily and I are out. There's no time for that - Lily is patient, but she is always at the end of the leash waiting to move on to more fun. The bird is in the perfect place in the picture. It hovers quietly in the sky, waiting for me to notice.<br />
<br />
Here are some other things Lily and I came across this week...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TPsfVCTLIPI/AAAAAAAAAlE/-VLdGXudHDA/s1600/DPP_+0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TPsfVCTLIPI/AAAAAAAAAlE/-VLdGXudHDA/s400/DPP_+0008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This little leaf is fighting hard to stay in place...Like me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One windy morning, Lily met someone new...</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TPsfpTbMztI/AAAAAAAAAlI/Nb8JVg6mBfs/s1600/DPP_+0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TPsfpTbMztI/AAAAAAAAAlI/Nb8JVg6mBfs/s400/DPP_+0005.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">She was very uneasy about him at first, and barked several times. Lily never barks at anyone! Once she smelled him, she turned away and moved on to more interesting things. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TPsgYnUOIiI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/6TOUEVpq3Cg/s1600/DPP_+0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TPsgYnUOIiI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/6TOUEVpq3Cg/s400/DPP_+0015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She was very happy when we found this yellow ball...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TPsf-4BblvI/AAAAAAAAAlM/0zzHovyI2jA/s1600/DPP_+0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TPsf-4BblvI/AAAAAAAAAlM/0zzHovyI2jA/s400/DPP_+0007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">...and I was happy to find these rich brown leaves resting on the beach.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TPsdMYgEo-I/AAAAAAAAAko/J_De45zq6PQ/s1600/DPP_+0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TPsdMYgEo-I/AAAAAAAAAko/J_De45zq6PQ/s400/DPP_+0010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lily loves new places, but she is pretty much happy wherever we are.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You might remember this bird from September...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TPuzatw6_cI/AAAAAAAAAlU/BnqpT_HRb1c/s1600/sky+bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TPuzatw6_cI/AAAAAAAAAlU/BnqpT_HRb1c/s400/sky+bird.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a wonderful surprise when I uploaded the day's photos and saw it for the first time, hovering on the left side of the picture.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> Now back to this week. Are you ready? </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TPsfE2BptsI/AAAAAAAAAlA/Y6vIInR2TI8/s1600/DPP_+0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TPsfE2BptsI/AAAAAAAAAlA/Y6vIInR2TI8/s400/DPP_+0013.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I took this picture a few days ago. See the bird? Once again I didn't notice it at the time. Once again, it is perfectly placed in the picture. These moments seem so random but at the same time, so <strong>right</strong>. The bird sends me hope and comfort, and calmly whispers that things will be okay.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you, Grampa. </div>Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-67969697521596714432010-11-23T23:12:00.000-05:002010-11-23T23:12:19.109-05:00Lost and FoundIt's been 23 days since my last post. I could say that I was too busy, or that so much has happened in 23 days that I just couldn't get around to it, but the truth is that I lost my way for a little while.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TOZckPZzM0I/AAAAAAAAAkY/uMYOTel-hHM/s1600/morning+gray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TOZckPZzM0I/AAAAAAAAAkY/uMYOTel-hHM/s400/morning+gray.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Sometimes I brought the camera along on our walks, but I didn't feel like taking any pictures. Other times I tried taking pictures but I was so distracted by pain that the pictures ended up being blurry and dull. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Once in a while Lily and I found some little surprises. Here is a frosty leaf that looked to me like a sugar dusted cookie.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TOZcZL-D_kI/AAAAAAAAAkM/62_yBL_t9oY/s1600/frosty+leaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TOZcZL-D_kI/AAAAAAAAAkM/62_yBL_t9oY/s400/frosty+leaf.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TOZcU_acB6I/AAAAAAAAAkI/ASwMh25_Jbw/s1600/found+stuffy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TOZcU_acB6I/AAAAAAAAAkI/ASwMh25_Jbw/s320/found+stuffy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Lily was very curious about this little guy but respectfully did <strong>not </strong>touch it. There's no such thing as Finders Keepers, you know!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">We noticed this bike at 7am one morning....</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TOZcMTpKIPI/AAAAAAAAAkA/SGWR4vKrdB4/s1600/bike+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TOZcMTpKIPI/AAAAAAAAAkA/SGWR4vKrdB4/s320/bike+pm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">...and it was still there the next day at 10am.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TOZcJLCQL8I/AAAAAAAAAj8/xTzhIb8cz4k/s1600/bike+am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TOZcJLCQL8I/AAAAAAAAAj8/xTzhIb8cz4k/s320/bike+am.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I found this bike very perplexing. I kept wondering who it belonged to...who stole it...where it came from...why and when it was left in the park...</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Lily didn't let these mysteries get to her. She just got on with her day.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TOZcnV_3PgI/AAAAAAAAAkc/ZkbuhfrLXbQ/s1600/Scratchy+Yoga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TOZcnV_3PgI/AAAAAAAAAkc/ZkbuhfrLXbQ/s320/Scratchy+Yoga.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">She's very good at letting things go!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TOyLGW3fHDI/AAAAAAAAAkk/2UN37l-NoJk/s1600/Lily+circles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TOyLGW3fHDI/AAAAAAAAAkk/2UN37l-NoJk/s400/Lily+circles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My dad once told me our support sytem is made up of concentric circles. We are at the centre. Our close family is the next circle. Then come friends, then work colleagues, the local community, and so on. Sometimes you need to look around yourself and lean on the people who surround you. They can help you to see again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TOZcQrW_D3I/AAAAAAAAAkE/q7oRmIkGqq8/s1600/close+milkweed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TOZcQrW_D3I/AAAAAAAAAkE/q7oRmIkGqq8/s400/close+milkweed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...and once you can see again, you will notice the happy surprises all around you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TOZcg3p3BeI/AAAAAAAAAkU/sdjCy-V6D2M/s1600/milkweed+seed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TOZcg3p3BeI/AAAAAAAAAkU/sdjCy-V6D2M/s400/milkweed+seed.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">So today, ask for help, give thanks and have fun!</div>Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-76074593141193501172010-10-31T06:29:00.001-04:002010-10-31T10:06:31.017-04:00Lessons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No matter what, Lily is always ready to try something new. Here she is tasting milkweed for the first time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TM06nqP7pxI/AAAAAAAAAjY/Q3IjBDUGlL4/s1600/Eating+milkweed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TM06nqP7pxI/AAAAAAAAAjY/Q3IjBDUGlL4/s400/Eating+milkweed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It didn't last very long. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TM06-xQ5ELI/AAAAAAAAAjk/Ym0DgydZ_Ks/s1600/White+rock+paws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TM06-xQ5ELI/AAAAAAAAAjk/Ym0DgydZ_Ks/s400/White+rock+paws.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Lily is always grounded and sure of herself. She is happy wherever she happens to be.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TM1AUa6KTDI/AAAAAAAAAj4/VCQI4oE8JCM/s1600/Power+lines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TM1AUa6KTDI/AAAAAAAAAj4/VCQI4oE8JCM/s400/Power+lines.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">For Lily, there is no end to a good day. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I am trying to be more like Lily. I remind myself that bad days do come to an end, and that dark skies still have colour. Sometimes it's hard to look up, but when I do I am never disappointed.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TM07QnzeXcI/AAAAAAAAAjw/-NMqtkiXi5g/s1600/Sunrise+sky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TM07QnzeXcI/AAAAAAAAAjw/-NMqtkiXi5g/s400/Sunrise+sky.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for the help, Lily! Now let's go outside!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TM07Jnid3ZI/AAAAAAAAAjo/DCvgu-BvMNQ/s1600/Fall+Birdhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497486429600320061.post-47538355288337383332010-10-17T12:27:00.003-04:002010-10-18T06:52:07.781-04:00<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A few days ago I took Lily somewhere she had never been: a wide open field at the top of a hill. It was a gorgeous sunny day with no wind.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TLrt6_z8OFI/AAAAAAAAAi8/v7EVUG2xk58/s1600/Wide+sky+hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TLrt6_z8OFI/AAAAAAAAAi8/v7EVUG2xk58/s400/Wide+sky+hill.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">There were many new things to smell and see. This is Lily watching a lonely bus roll up the hill.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TLrmyGA24cI/AAAAAAAAAig/y7UySKkCmrs/s1600/Lily+Fort+Henry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TLrmyGA24cI/AAAAAAAAAig/y7UySKkCmrs/s400/Lily+Fort+Henry.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The sky was big, blue and wide<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TLrm1Etbq9I/AAAAAAAAAik/_CwWPSxgqeE/s1600/Orange+blue+sky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TLrm1Etbq9I/AAAAAAAAAik/_CwWPSxgqeE/s400/Orange+blue+sky.jpg" width="400" /></a>.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The rocks were big too.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TLrmueRwo6I/AAAAAAAAAic/Ue5mmBoMML4/s1600/Lily+field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TLrmueRwo6I/AAAAAAAAAic/Ue5mmBoMML4/s400/Lily+field.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This was a surprise and I can't help wondering who did it.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TLshi3bb6iI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/csnvQRV8ydk/s1600/Hard+Rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TLshi3bb6iI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/csnvQRV8ydk/s320/Hard+Rock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
On another day, this week, the sky was not blue at all.<br />
<div align="center" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TLrxkJb53sI/AAAAAAAAAjM/2GjHHTlLR34/s1600/Dark+Lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TLrxkJb53sI/AAAAAAAAAjM/2GjHHTlLR34/s400/Dark+Lights.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On a dark day, it's hard to keep standing upright. Sometimes I feel all alone, but I know that's just the pain talking. I take a deep breath, and my eyes are able to see colours again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TLrwt477c0I/AAAAAAAAAjI/M8od50P4a70/s1600/Frosty+leaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TLrwt477c0I/AAAAAAAAAjI/M8od50P4a70/s400/Frosty+leaves.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">One morning this week was chilly and rainy. A new friend appeared at my feet and followed me all the way home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TLsifz26RmI/AAAAAAAAAjU/sOALtq1GOvU/s1600/Boot+LEaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wiy1dfS7kd8/TLsifz26RmI/AAAAAAAAAjU/sOALtq1GOvU/s320/Boot+LEaf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This random event that made me happy on a wet, dark day. I guess you just have to stop and breathe sometimes so that joy can find its way back to you. I hope you make a new friend today, too.</div>Nicci Reahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198384527631663619noreply@blogger.com2