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    little smiles of summer


    moth


    I am going to be gone for a little while..

    Not to sure just where yet.. nor do I know what I will be doing.. no doubt taking photos..

    its just time to get away.. even if its only in my own room..

    much has happened this summer.. and much of nothing has happened as well.

    yea I know does not make much sense..

    winter will soon arrive.. and the kiss of summer will once again be only soft memories

    I have to regain my balance..

    my thoughts and prayers will still be with you all.

    until then..

    soft hugs always Hope




    Back to our regular program

    "smile"

    just ducks

    Have a beautiful weekend!


    God looks beyond our nothingness and beholds the beauty HE created




    shadow of a memorie

    Thank heavens He does..

    First off.. Although I will not apologize for my feelings in my previous post below, for I meant what I wrote with every fiber of my being..

    . I do apologize in the" way  it was presented"..

    I have been reminded, that its not through harsh words, or anger that changes anything..But through humility and compassion..

    something God is still working with in me.. someday I will grasp the full meaning of kindness in thought and deed..

    Words when written or spoken take a life of their own, depending on the emotion they were written or spoken in..

    they can become very powerful, and once set free. they can't be taken back.. changed, or over looked..

    nor can we soften their meaning.. what we write comes from deep within..they can come from the heart, or deep within ones soul..

    they are always attached with some type of emotion, ie: fear, rage, belief, love.. the emotions that are attached to words or deeds.. have a large impact in the way we see ourselves or the world.. they can be feelings that are alive in the warmth of our hearts or buried deep within the pain of ones soul..

    To say that what we write is an artist expression may well be right and good.. but the impact of such words or deeds have a lasting effect..

    and we are responsible for what ever impact our words may or may not have on someone..

    My dad always has told me that one can attract more good with honey than one can with vinegar..

    my dad is a wise man..

    me on the other hand.. I say it as I see it..










    ok I have to say something here and may loose friends because of it

    and if that is the case then I am sorry.. but some times one just has to speak up.. right or wrong.. one just has to speak up..
    at least that is the way I feel right now.. there is so much going on in our world of ours. ..so many things are covered up.. so many things alter our view of reality..
    of rights and wrongs.. right now I am talking about the Olympics.. yes its great to have things like this.. and its great to watch these people do amazing things.. they have worked all their lives to be where they are now.. and that is a good thing.. but what is not right about all of this is where its at...
    did you know that the farmers have had to stop growing their rice.. because the government needs such water for the games and all the people who are there..
    my heavens.. their people are told NOT to grow rice.. DON"T use the water.. after all sports is far more important than food..
    will I watch the games ?
    NO !!
    will I keep silent about this ?
    NO !!
    this is wrong wrong WRONG !!
    here we are in the comfort of our homes.. watching the games on T.V.. food in our bellies.. writting about how wonderful so and so does or dosent to.. cheering them on.. supporting them.. and supporting China.. and all the
    while the people in China are starving..have no water for their rice fields.. going bankrupt because of the bloody blasted games..
    this is bull shit!!
    and we are to blame just as much as their government is..
    SHAME ON US !!
    SHAME ON CHINA!!
    and if I am offending any of you TO BAD!!
    wake up..people..
    and if I hear one more thing about the " GOD"S" bringing blessing upon them.. I am going to scream!!
    and Stephen I am so blasted angry with you!
    THE GODS.. bull shit again!!
    I am sure GOD ( one and ONLY ) is not all that happy with this human race..
    how in the world could HE be.. with us cheering on some games.. while the people there are told NOT to grow what substances their life.
    how dare we be so heartless to watch such games..
    and be so naive to the harm it is doing to the people of that nation..
    ok so now you have seen the dark side of Hope..
    and she is not going to keep silent about this.. no way no how..
    this is wrong wrong WRONG !!
    bloody *()((*& wrong!!










    Refreshing ones soul


    by still waters He refreshes my soul


    I am out of words at the moment.. "smile" so I give you this photo to enjoy and pray that your day will be as refreshing and quiet as this little stream is..
    much love and soft hugs Hope

    Thank you Lisa, and Dianne




    For the beautiful award and complement.. I really don't have the words to express how this makes me feel or what this award means to me.. your kindness brings about many smiles and warmth to ones heart.. you both are amazing ladies.. and I am very thankful and honored to be called your friends..

    close up and personal
    I know that we are to pass this on.. to 7 people who have touched our hearts.. All of you who come in and visit me here have touched my heart in so many ways.. it would be impossible to pick just 7.. so I give this award to all of you.. for your support, your laughter, your insight, and your wisdom.. my life would be so very empty with out all of you in it.. much love and of course soft hugs always.. ~Hope

    Recovery and a home coming

     

    Around two  years ago Bay Bear was taken from our home.. he has been returned.. the why's and who's of what happened no longer matter.. what does matter is that Bay Bear is home, safe and we all feel a little more "whole".. we have recovered a part of us that was missing...

    I have been thinking about the word "recovery"  and how one acts towards someone who is recovering.. or has recovered.. mostly we offer prayers, we give them a smile of compassion..give them a hug.. and at times spread the word and ask others to join in prayer..

    Recovery means healing..

    recovered means- gaining back what was missing or lost for a time..

    I wonder what would happen if we tried to great people who are out of sorts in the same fashion we great those who are in recovery,

    after all when one meets someone who is rude, or out of sorts, would they not be classified as one who is in recovery.. therefore should not we pray for the one who has lost their composure and pray that they will once regain their sense's.. and be that bright shinning energy they were created to be.

    I know that when I am out of sorts.. if I were to be greeted with compassion and empathy when I am that state, my stay in that dark and foggy place would not be as long.. because that negative energy would not be feed..

    and we all know the healing power of positive energy.. so perhaps.. just perhaps next time we run into a rude person at the store.. or someone is so out of sorts that you want to smack them along side the head and send them reeling into next week.. instead of feeding that negative energy we bring in a positive response no matter how small it may be.. I do think we would see a difference.. in both them and in us..

    its the little things in life..

    we all are recovering from something.. in one way or another all the time..

    so lets greet one another not only with a smile.. but with the same compassion we would with someone who is in "recovery"

                                                  

    Griz, Rainbow and BayBear.. enjoying being together on a warm August day..

     

    bay bear reunion

    For a very special "sister by choice" who went through surgery and is recovering.. and for all of us who are recovering from just life in general..

    recovery

    waiting and looking for their friend "Teddy"

    baybear


    have a glorious day.. much love and soft hugs Hope

    captivatiing encounters

    Life is a gift we're given each  day.
    Dream about tomorrow, but live  life for today.


    Life's a journey
    it has its ups and downs.. but take the
     time to smell the roses...and dance life's dance
    .


    Count your blessing as children count  the stars they see.
    Explore the treasure chest of life all around you..


    and behold the captivating encounters God brings into each day..




    DSC_0195


    DSC_0194


    DSC_0190



    much love and soft hugs Hope

    until next time.. God be with you and bless you..

    p.s in case any of you are wondering.. "yes" I am having fun with this new camera..

    the photos above are straight from the camera.. no touch ups.. still have a ways to go.. but am having a blast traveling on this path, and dancing in God's wonderful light....



    new camera, lots of frustration, and a whole lot of 'grrs'

    why is when one buys a new camera it takes forever and a day just to figure it out? I have used a dslr film camera.. and its easy.. you just make the adjustment and your off.. with the digtail ones.. HA!.. there are so many buttons, a huge menu asking this and that. by the time one is done with the setting, that which you wanted to take a photo of, is now gone.. OH YES THIS IS SO MUCH FUN...
    but I will master this.. "fingers crossed"
    even Miss Lucy is wondering what is going on. .with all  the moaning and groaning she hears...
     
    lucy
    well, now you know what I have been up to.. mind boggling stuff..
    will be back at some point.. hopefully.. "smile" with camera still in tack.. HA!!
    wish me luck..
    there is this saying..
    if one wants to play with the big dogs, one can't pee like a puppy..
    I think I am peeing like a puppy.. "smile"
    but will learn.. gives me something to do I guess..
     
     
     
     

    Flowers , a bird, and a bear oh my..

    well I think I am back from visiting my family.. have you ever wondered why it is , when one takes a vacation.. one has to take another vacation just to rest from first vacation??

    because of that fact.. I am going to take a permanent vacation.. yep .. each day will be a vacation.. I think it will work.. as long as do the following..

    1.) I will take a vacation from worry.. stress.. and such.....

    my vacation will consist of smelling flowers.. listening to the songs of the birds.. fluttering around like a butterfly.. but never landing in one place for very long.. in fear that I may end up like the bear.. "grins"....

     

    Would be nice if life was always one huge vacation huh..

     

    threeflowers

    1robin

    bear




    I wish you all a lovely day... thank you for those who have written and asked how I was.. I am fine.. tired..and look like a huge red blob.. with spots.. "smile".. I was in the sun .. something I have to learn not to do anymore.. as much as I love the sun.. it does not seem to like me anymore these days..
    oh as for the bear photo.. I am sorry if it offends anyone.. but on one of my walks. I ran into him.. and thought he was interesting.. someone has a sense of humor it seems.. "smile"

    much love and soft hugs Hope

    a yellow rose means friendship

    I didn't know that.. so this is for a very dear friend that has never seen a WILD yellow rose.. and to the rest of my friends that have stood by me in my going and comings and absents..
    My son and his wife are off to start their trip around the country.. in a strange sort of way I wish I was going with them.. not only to watch over them, but to enjoy the things that they will experience along their travels.. but alas my place is here.. my traveling days are long gone.. but have some wonderful memories.. as they will as well ..
    just call me warm

    It’s not always easy to know which path to follow,

    which decision to make, or what to do.

    Life is a series of new horizons, new hopes, new days, and changes that come to you.

    And we all need some help with these things from time to time.

    Remember these things:

     Dream it.

    Do it.

    And discover how special you are.

    Be positive, for your attitude will affect the outcome of many things.

    Ask for help when you need it;

    seek the wisdom the world holds and hold on to it

    . Make some progress every single day.

     Begin. Relieve. And become.

    Give yourself all the credit you’re due;

    don’t short change your qualities, your abilities, or any of the things that are so unique about you.

    Remember how precious life can be.

     Imagine. Invest the time it takes to reach out for your dreams;

    it will bring you happiness that no money on earth can buy.

    Don’t be afraid; no mountain is too big to climb if you do it at your own pace.

     What’s the best thing to do?

    That’s simple:

     Do Your Best.

    And everything else will fall into place.

    ~ Collin McCarty ~

     


    Have a beautiful day.. its going to get hot here today.. up in the high 80's.. so I am going to go and find some shade.. have some ice tea.. and dream of days gone by, the ocean, mountains, cattle, farm land.. and just be totally and completely LAZY today..

    until next time.. much love and soft hugs Hope

     

     

    free spirit


    Happy 4th

    Still visiting with my son and daughter-in-law..but  wanted to stop by and wish you all a Happy 4th..
    Remember the why's and what we are celebrating.. its not just fire works and BBQ's.. its time we remember.. its time we wake up.. its time.. to stand once again in unity.. and fight for what is right.. honest and true.. MAY GOD"S MERCY BLESS AMERICA !!

    never-ending-story

    A country bouquet from my heart to yours

    a country bouquet

    SOrry I have not been around to visit.. my son and his wife are here visiting.. so I am spending a lot of time with them.. as I might not be able to see them again for a very long time.. they will be traveling across the country soon.. so Iam chearish this time I do have with the.. and its been so very hot here, high 80's low 90's.. my body nor my attitude does very well in this kind of heat.. will visit soon.. until then have a beautiful day.. and be thankful for each mintue.. soft hugs Hope

    The boy's who brought a smile...

    about 4 months ago my youngest son (soon to be 19 ) and some of the members of a S10 truck club got together and went to see a little boy who had cancer that had ran its course.. so this little boy did not have much time left..

    Each one of the boys took turns taking this little 7 year old boy for a ride in their modified trucks.. and gave him a tee shirt with their logo on it.. It really made this dying child's day..

    We heard today  that he died ,( God bless his soul) 

     his mom wants those who came that day  and brought her little boy a smile... to lead in the funeral with their trucks.. 

    The boys feel a little strange  about it.. but very  honored at the same time..

    I am proud of them ...for taking time out of their day to bring about a smile to a family that so needed one.. and needs one again...

    So many times we forget that its in  the little things  of life.. that carry so much joy and happiness.. the kind that spreads like a sweet heavenly aroma..

     

    stained glass


    color me purple

    This is the first week of summer here.. and so far the weather has noticed that fact and is acting accordingly..

    which is a nice change.. I do love it when its warm.. not to much when its hot.. and most defenetly NOT when its cold..

    I feel like Goldie locks and the Three bears..

    "smile"..

    remember to walk slow..cherish each moment of everyday..

    and look for the little things in  life.. and most of all bring someone a smile..

    much love and soft hugs ~Hope

     

    an unhappy bumbler

    Guess I am not the only one who does not like their photo being taken..

    unhappy bumbler

    Oh well to bad so sad..
    "grins"
    there is a bigger one flying around here, he is next.. "fingers crossed.."

    perhaps seeing is believing??

    The photo below was taken "years " ago by my mother-in-law..you can tell its old just by looking at it..I have kept it in my bible for at least 21 years.. just when my mother in law took I am not sure but with so many taking photos of the clouds.. and seeing things in those clouds.. I figured perhaps its time to share this one.. This photo has not been alterd in any way shape for form.. and that is the God's honest truth.. so look very carefully at it.. then tell me what you see.. after seeing this I think it would hard pressed for anyone not to believe..you may copy this one if anyones wants to and pass it along.

    jesus

    Do you see him??? If not look towards the upper right

    pretty amazing eh?

    God bless us all..

    ~Hope

    Let your light shine and your words be kind

    "In all your dealings be slow to speak and say little, especially with your equals and those lower in dignity and authority than yourselves. Be ready to listen for long periods and until each one has had his say. Answer the questions put to you, come to an end, and take your leave.

    If a rejoinder is required, let your reply be as brief as possible, and take leave promptly and politely.

     In dealing with men of position or influence-

    -if you hope to win their affection for the greater glory of God our Lord--first consider their temperaments and adapt yourselves to them.

    If they are of a lively temper, quick and cheerful in speech, follow their lead while speaking to them of good and holy things, and do not be serious, glum, and reserved.

    If they are shy and retiring, slow to speak, serious, and weighty in their words, use the same manner with them, because such ways will be pleasing to them.

    I became all things to all men [1 Corinthians 9:22].

    You must keep in mind that if someone with a lively disposition does not deal with another who is likewise lively, there is very great danger of their failing to come to any agreement, since they happen not to be of the same mind.

    And therefore, if one knows that he himself is of such a lively disposition, he ought to approach the other, possessing similar traits, well prepared by a close study of himself and determined to be patient and not to get out of sorts with him, especially if he knows him to be in poor health.

     If he is dealing with one of slower temper, then there is not so much danger of a disagreement arising from words too hastily spoken.

    Whenever we wish to win someone over and engage him in the greater service of God our Lord, we should use the same strategy for good that the enemy employs to draw a good soul to evil.

    The enemy enters through the other's door and comes out of his own. He enters with the other, not by opposing his ways but by praising them. He acts familiarly with the soul, suggesting good and holy thoughts that bring peace to the good soul.

    Then, little by little, he tries to come out his own door, always portraying some error or illusion under the appearance of something good, but which will always be evil.

    So, we may lead others to good by praying or agreeing with them on a certain good point, leaving aside whatever else may be wrong.

    Thus after gaining his confidence, we shall meet with better success. In this sense we enter his door with him, but we come out our own.

     We should be kind and compassionate with those who are sad or tempted, speak at length with them, and show great joy and cheerfulness, both interior and exterior, to draw them to the opposite of what they feel, for their greater edification and consolation.

    In everything you say, especially when you are trying to restore peace and are giving spiritual exhortations, be on your guard and remember that everything you say may or will become public.

     In business matters, be generous with your time; that is, if you can, do today what you promise to do tomorrow."

    St. Ignatius of Loyola 1538



    brightsun1

    Have a gorgeous day..

    soft hugs always Hope

     

    Let the winds of heaven dance between you..

     

    I was able to spend some time with my third born son a few days ago, it was a lovely visit.. we don't get to see one another much anymore.. so when I do get to visit with him, its always such a treat..This is the son what has an extra rib (2 in fact) that have grown in his neck, which as you can imagine cause him a lot of problems.. only 2% of the population ever has this happen, so the medical profession really has not been much help.. (prayers needed) He and his wife are planning to pack up, and see the country.. when I first heard of this my heart almost broke.. and of course the old tapes of failing as a mother started to play over and over in my mind, something that I think all mothers think of from time to time with their children..when they do some outrageous things..but after listening to him I have become more comfortable with the idea of him living in a tent.. and traveling.. ( for now anyway.. ) I just may go and buy me a tent and do the same .. "smile".. depending on what our country ends up as after this election.. hell , we might all be living in tents before to long if things don't change soon..with the price of gas, and food.. what a lovely thought that is.. "sigh".. humm maybe my hippie days will bear fruit, after all,, as one did learn to live off the land..( among other things but we won't go there )

    one can hope anyway, that the winds of change will be a good change....


    thoughts

    Let the winds of the heavens dance between you.
    Love one another, but make not a bond of love:
    Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
    Fill each other’s cup but drink not from one cup.
    Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf
    Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,
    Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.

    Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping.
    For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
    And stand together yet not too near together:
    For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
    And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.
    by~Kahlil Gibran

     

    until next time.. I hope that this strange weather will treat you kind.. it snowed here the other day.. yep snow.. not a lot. but snow never the less..

    much love and soft h ugs.. ~Hope

     

     

    tears flow as the spring rain

    She told him she loved him,
    he was not ready for those words.
    She walked silently away..
     
    He told her that he loved her,
    it took her breath away...
     
    Words spoken, never to be taken back..
    love given is for ever..
     
    What is IS.. what should  be.. never can be..
    different beliefs is what holds the key..
     
    to a love .. that can never be set free..
     
    he wears a cross upon his chest
    she bears a cross engraved within her soul..
    and the tears flow.. as the spring rains..
    100_3752

    Home sweet home

    I am sure those of you who have followed me here, are wondering what I am doing.  That is a very good question, wish I had the answer.. I don't know what I am doing.. I have been blogging for so long. and this is the first space I had.. so there is a lot of information here, that is why I have never deleted it.. although at times I have wanted to.. its a strange place.. reflects me and my days I think. sometimes it works.. sometimes it dosen't.. sometimes it forgets and looses posts.. sometimes I forget and lose things.. sometimes it will let you in.. and sometimes it won't.. yea.. its a lot like me.. "rolling my eyes"
    Where I go from here I don't know.. I get tired of blogging at times.. but its like trying to quit something that you so used to.. like smoking.. ahahahah..
    so I will be here from time to time.. some times more than other times..some times not at all.. so if you try and access here, and it won't let you in.. message me. for I am still around. its just that this space has a mind of its own.. and yes its very fickle and tempermentail.. I try not to be so.. but fail a lot.. so me and my space are somewhat alike..
    for those of you who have followed me here, I will keep this open for now.. at some point it will be private again.. depending on what happens and me and my spaces's mood..
    Its been rainning here for the past few days.. which is turn has brought about a lot of beautiful little buds.. one of which are the apple bloosoms.. and some berrie blossoms.. what type of berries I don't know.. but their little bloosoms are so pretty.. wanted to share them with you..

    mellowyellow


    apple blossoms

    I hope you all have a beautiful day.. me ? I am going to go and clean my bed room.. its way over do.. so until next time I leave you with this..


    Each prayer is a message of faith in God
    We are saying, I trust you, lead me
    I believe in you, guide me. I need you, show me
    When we offer ourselves openly he will always answer..
    ~unknown
    much love and soft hugs Hope