Butterfly and the Bee

I was taking some pictures of bees buzzing around the flowers. Along came this butterfly to share the nectar. This is my favorite shot.

Update: I re-discovered this photo as I was looking at old posts on the blog. I am reminded to stop to see and enjoy the beauty of nature.

If you found me here, please check out my new blog here: Resolutions. Thanks!

Here's How It Happened

Jenn's BF Sean has been working in Oregon for the summer. Last night his parents invited her for a sunset boat cruise in Boston. She accepted.

While on the cruise there was an announcement by the Captain that something was found on the boat that belonged to Jenna and would she please come to the front of the boat to pick it up. So she went, and - to her surprise - there was Sean! She was really surprised and excited to see him. Then, in front of everyone on the cruise, he drops to one knee and brings out a ring. He proposed! She's ecstatic. She said everyone began bringing out their phones and cameras and started taking pictures. There was a professional photographer who happened to be on board and she agreed to send them photos free of charge.

Strangers who witnessed the proposal asked if they'd be invited to the wedding. Sean, clever guy that he is, said everyone could come ~ it's going to be potluck.

Congrats, Sean and Jenn! May God's Spirit of Love keep blessing you abundantly.

Lean and Clean

While she was visiting us for the weekend, Jenna peeked into my closet and said, "Mom, these are the same clothes I remember you wore when I was growing up!" She went on to recall the pink and blue Mickey Mouse pullover that I wore "all the time."

"But, Jenna, it was reversible, AND it was a gift from your Dad..." However, I had to admit to myself that I was staring at a lot of memories hanging in that closet. Soooo,

the very next day I decided it was time to do some sorting. Out went the outfits that are no longer in style or that are too worn out to be seen in public without some degree of embarrassment. Out went the clothes that no longer fit me very well ~ these were boxed for Goodwill.

Three hours later, there were a lot of empty hangers in my closet. I couldn't believe how much stuff had been in there just taking up space.

One surprise is that I found a package with two brand new pair of summer shorts that I had purchased a while back, and had forgotten. New and a perfect fit, definitely keepers. Oh, and I discovered another package ~ two winter shirts that I bought for Geo for Christmas. Last Christmas.

I hustled my donation boxes down to Goodwill before I could change my mind. (I almost rescued a pumpkin colored tee-shirt...couldn't I keep that for Halloween? But NO, I had decided to let it go and there's no turning back.)

I resolve to no longer wear my memories, nor hang on to clothes just in case they may fit me once again.
Amazing, I'm not missing any of it. Not yet.

My new motto: A lean closet is a clean closet!

Thanks for the inspiration, Jenn.