Polaroiding~

I'm sure it's a verb. I love how 70's-ish it is. I loved the 70's. In the 70's my life was full of fun, laughing, the beach, California sun, a carefree life, family, friends, smiling, music and I have great memories. Memorial Day weekend was wonderful at Detroit Lake. So much like the 70's. Family, fun, sun, heat, water, carefree, relaxing, laughing, smiling. We made good memories. Looked like the 70's too. Take a look.

The lake.

Contemplation.

Conversation. ( it's fffrreeezzziinnggg )

The plunge.

Peace mom. Piece of cake.

Going Back~

We went here last summer. Outdoor smells. Outdoor sounds. Anything outdoors works.

Bits of sun breaking thru the tall old trees. Slowing down. Noticing. Keeping it simple is best.

Oregon beauty. Oregon beauty then some more Oregon beauty. Always beautiful!!First camping trip of the year. A sign of things to come this summer. With my sister. It's half way between our homes so travel is not too hard on either one of us. Any time with my family is good. Have a safe and fun holiday weekend. Up here in Oregon, the weathers going to be simply awesome. I look forward to simple. to awesome. to family. to lounging in the hammock. to sitting by the fire. to taking leisurely walks. to good conversation with my sister. to fishing. to bar-b-queing. to having no plans. to keeping it simple. Peace.

Wall~

I am not good at home decor. I did not get that gene passed down to me by my mom. It's not nice to not to share. I'm telling her that the next time I talk to her. I'll do it. Really.

If I don't have stuff out or up, my house looks empty and bare. If I try to put out decorations, pictures or what-nots, it looks messy and cluttered. I can't win.

Well I gathered all the various pics and put together this wall above my desk and computer. I really liked the way it turned out! So very much! My family, kids watercolor creations, an oil paining by my mom, thrifted art goodness and a mosaic I made. See the bare spot? I need to buy a special wall hanger for the one picture I couldn't put up with a nail. Soon to be filled.

I enjoy sitting at my desk and glancing up. Faces I love, pretty pics and drawings, a wall that I won't get tired of any time soon. My mom will be so relieved there's a sign of hope.

Merriman~

My two year old granddaughter, Tyler. I love this picture so much. How many two year olds sit still and just view? She's a peach, she's a gem. she's a whiz, she's our love. My name is Nina to her. Oh and we're Charger fans. This is Chargers jersey.

Joy equal Sun~

The sun was so amazing today. We helped a friend move into the heart of Portland. So many neat buildings and her apartment has so much character! It was built in the 20's.

There were people out and about enjoying the beautiful day. It was just one of those gorgeous days that materialized after a long run of rain that is so prevalent in the Pacific NW.
My kids are friends with a neighborhood family that have a single mom raising them. I thought it would be fun to give her a Mother's Day photo shot of her kids. She also is raising her nephew. They are all so photogenic. I hope she likes it! How can you not like these gorgeous kids?

Every car club in the area were out driving around. We all were admiring these classics all shiny and clean. You never see these beauties out on a rainy day. Again the sun did its magic and brightened the colors!

Green~

My daughter has been using my camera lately. It's fun to see what she sees. I get so much joy from working in the yard. I brought our green bench out for the summer. Also used flagstone to make a border around my drooping back slope and moved all the Hostas so we can build a flat deck area behind the two trees you see. I just want a little more sitting space when we have people over and we're eating out on the patio. Just a bit more breathing room.

I've asked for mulch for Mother's Day. It will fill in the bordered area. My plants will be so happy to get fresh dirt and the nutrients it will give them. Also mulching the front yard and putting in bark dust too. We are actually going to plant a vegetable garden in the front yard. That's where our best sun is. The back yard is huge but is shaded by huge old trees so it's more for playing and lounging in the hammock.

Joy~

Made pizza today.
Seed starts for the garden this year.

Finding joy again is important to me. I feel like I need to tap into that. Feels like I've lost some of that pep in my step and lightness. So much seriousness going on around me. Neighbors, family and friends battling cancer. War. Job losses. The need for food banks. Hopelessness of people I know. The call to share God's gift of unconditional love, grace and hope yet not skilled at it and when I do try, God is rejected. All this weighs heavy on my spirit.

But God wants balance for me. For all. His yoke is not a burden. His peace is beyond understanding. He wants joy for me. I've let the joy go. Life is to be celebrated! There has to be balance if I'm to endure the race. So I've joined in the quest for joy even when I'm not feeling it. First is it a choice, then it is practiced and hopefully it will become a part of me. I trust it will become a part of me. God is directing me toward it so I know it will become a part of me.

Joy for me: Seeing goodness from nature, a persons uniqueness, my spiritual gifts, Gods will for me and mine, stillness, quiet moments to hear and think, taking time to engage and impact my community around me and just being thankful for what I have. Simple basics, health, love, peace, purpose. I will start pursueing joy.