Love

“Love is not an equation, it is not a contract, and it is not a happy ending. Love is the slate under the chalk, the ground that buildings rise, and the oxygen in the air. It is the place you come back to, no matter where your headed” 

― Jodi Picoulti 

Too much...

there is too much to catch up on since i've last blogged, but this little guy is certainly a highlight of the last year, my nephew...

Lucas Jacob Wood born on August 27th 2011

truly a bright, beautiful spot in my life.

Looking forward to blogging again!

Hope

"Hope" is the thing with feathers-

That perches in the soul-

And sings the tune without the words-

And never stops-at all-

-emily dickinson

A sweet and precious friend texted this to me tonight and I love it.

maybe it's the smell of spring in the air and the anticipation of sunny days , but i have been longing to be horseback again...

this is "annie girl" i owned and enjoyed her when we lived in wa.

annie,

green pastures,lots of apples and hay cube treats,horse friends gallore, and a rider who treasures your bumpy gallop... these are my hopes and wishes for you still....

The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit, and fire. ~Sharon Ralls Lemon

There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man. ~Winston Churchill

It was my sweet Mother in law's birthday yesterday.

Kind,passionate,loving,spunky,wise,fun

Happy Birthday

I am thank-full for you... for many reasons!

simple joy

simple joy.

the joy that bubbles up in us and spills out for the world to see. running down a grassy hill,

you feel as if your legs will never stop,

a smile is unstoppable and you laugh until you fall down and your belly aches.

the point where you get to a gallop on horseback,

the wind rushes,

the power of the horse is felt,

and you can not stifle the smile and laugh that just comes.

the giggle that starts when your not supposed to be giggling,

the giggle is transferred to friend or sibling until it's all you can do to not explode in embarrassing laughter.

the smile you can not mask when a baby looks your way in the market and starts it's excited cooing just for you.

the smile that comes when you imagine seeing someone you have missed for a long time.

the smile this sweet one has on her face, frozen in a time of simple joy.

Photograph by Leonard Ball-Kenya

dear friend

Pure. kind.driven.

read what kelley is sharing, dreaming, loving and living

http://mycorner49.blogspot.com/

Hope...

Without shelter...

Japan's people are in pain.Galations 6:2 "Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." My heart is hurting for them.

Without food...

Without water...

Scared...

Hurt...

What can I do? I long to give you warm food. I long to wrap you in warm clothes and blankets. I long to give you a hug and a smile and to give you hope.

Psalm 130:7 - ... put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. I promise.

Praying...

Photos from the Orange County News Register

inspire

Inspiration by the light of day, Inspiration to make me pray. Inspiration in my willingness to give, Inspiration to move on and live! Inspiration to tell my story, Inspiration because there is no glory. Inspiration comes from deep within -Ian Kennedey I am excited to share, soon, some of the ways I have been inspired to share, create and give. My desire: to make a difference, show true compassion and care, forging ahead into the unknown. Inspiration... some inspiring blogs to share: http://www.cardiganempire.com/ http://bleubirdvintage.typepad.com/blog/ http://www.thekindlife.com/

check it out!

spring/summer 2011

stella and dot

http://www.stelladot.com/sites/jessie

L.Y.L.M.O....

Security, warmth, and affection are just some things that surround you;

A love from God above, I'm so glad that I found you!

Comfort and compassion in the times when I was low;

So many things you have given me, some you may never know.

A vessel of strength, you were asked to love in someone's stead.

Thank you for giving, your blessings will be plenty,

because you have given to me, and also to so many.

To love someone as their own, is a sacrifice for sure;

It makes me want to give and just love others more.

So, just to say thank you for l.m.l.y.o.,

Again what you have given, I think you will never know.

I am amazed at this designers talent! There are so many pieces that I love. The earthiness, and Grecian flare is one of my most favorite looks right now.

I love that she is from Rhode Island and promotes creativity and education in designing your own jewelry. Every piece puts somebody in mind that I know would love it! Having designs that fit so many personalities is impressive.

These were some of my favs.

http://www.etsy.com/people/kmaylward

"Nanny"

"Nanny", my great Aunt Nancy was a very special person. I have never physically met her.

She lived here during a different time.

I was introduced to Nancy by my Mother, through her vivid memories and stories.

She was beautiful, she was kind. She loved fashion, she loved being an Aunt to her sister's eight children.

She had her own, modern little home with new and "modern" furnishings. She taught my Mom to skate and danced like an angel.

She helped my Mother memorize and recite "The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus when she was in the 6th grade.

She encouraged and inspired my Mom to follow her heart in everything that came at her. She gave my Mom a love that Mom, never forgot she received. A comfort that she missed when she left this world too early.

Though I never met her, I know her.

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she

With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Emma Lazarus

A special, friend gifted me with the "mango herbal lip balm" from this amazing line by lacylike.com, all natural, organic. Truly it has made my lips feel so, so fabulous!

I love it and am ordering more for family and friends. Check it out! http://lacylike.bigcartel.com/ Excited about this great find.

"Hope for all"

Another blog I have been trying to keep for my ramblings, poems, and verses is "Hope for all", check it out if you would like. http://wwwhopeforall-jessie.blogspot.com/

I actually have a lot of "hope":) for it to become something more some day. I have felt inspired for a time to share scripture, backed thoughts, and maybe compile them into a daily devotional.?

I have journals upon journals written that I am attempting to get out on my "Hope for all" blog. I would love for you to read them first and give me feedback.

I know it will all only be accomplished perfectly, done in His strength.

Right now there are things posted on "hope for all" that I will only be sharing for my blog. However, I will be attempting to get something out daily now that would go in a devotional. Thank-you for your honesty and support.

New Life!

I am so, so excited about this new little life that has been brought into our world. My sister Cassie is having a baby!

I am so thankful for this special one to cherish and love.

Psalms 139:14

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:

marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

mercy

After waking this morning I noticed we got some beautiful new snow. It covers all beautifully, hiding the dirt, the grey, the mud and even the litter that is along the streets. It truly makes everything look just a bit better than it really is.

White.

Pure.

Clean.

I think of Mercy. The mercy God gives me everyday. It aids me, strengthens me, makes me look a little bit better.

It's pure.

It's so clean.

And His mercy covers me this morning, and I am thankful.

sidewalk...

She stepped onto the sidewalk and started on her way, at first just toddling, steps excited and sporadic.

Each new one brought such joy and surprise. There were flowers to pick and bright, green grass to smell. The air was warm and the sun shone above brightly.

Legs grew stronger and her way became faster. The sun shown brightly still and pine needles danced in the wind. Rain showers came, and with them was always a rainbow of promise after.

The sidewalk narrowed.

The walking space became smaller due to the mounds of ice and snow. The ice though clear and beautiful at times could be so very sharp and cold. If not careful it would cut and leave wounds deep.

Her steps were forced to be slower, cumbered steps that only came with great effort.

The snow sparkling and beautiful comforted and blanketed the ice, hiding many times the ugliness and threat.

Up ahead the sidewalk appeared changed, it was clear and shining , she forged ahead quickly, ready for the run once again!

What came was a shock. Her footing was lost, she slipped and slid out of control, ICE! Ice that was black and cold,deceiving to the naked eye.

The fall so hard.....it jarred every bone, shook her to her very core.

Only left was a coldness, unable to shake, a loneliness that could not be denied.

Where was the Sun?

Where was her strength?

Her legs lay limp, injured by the fall... wearied by the run.

Thoughts of first steps on the sidewalk enveloped her memory. She missed the joy, longed for the peace and the pureness of new discovery.

Where was this place?

Did this sidewalk really lead to such an unfulfilled dead end?

All at once she was lifted in power and might, though afraid she felt not, she was so comforted by His might.

His strong steps could not falter though the ice was so thick,

His arms wrapped tightly around her and all was right.

He carried her into a garden so fair,

with birds singing and firefly's dancing all around in delight.

She grew strength in her legs and again in her heart

soon she was ready to seek back out the

"sidewalk"

Again it had changed this time with a light

it was clear

the end she saw was pure and shining

Celestial, bright full of hope and His grace,

her step though careful

were lighter now in this place.

and it snow's....

Softly and gently huge flakes are falling,blanketing the ice cold ground. With it comes a comfort only fluffy snow can bring, warming up the frigidness that has been in our town for far too long. I'm thankful for it.

Lilly

Sweet,protective,life-filled,joyous,comforting,crazy,darling,good dog. We will miss you so much. Given to Cassie by Mom ten years ago on Christmas. I thank God for His amazing creation and sweet four legged family members.