It's Kansas Day & Everything In-Between

Every morning I have to check out the back window to see if the Bald Eagle’s are waiting for me in the back. We’ve seen them a few times in our backyard and the past week, not at all and I’ve been a little disappointed. This morning (a day off) I opened up the sunroom door and there one was; perched in the neighbor’s tree. I’m not certain why I am so drawn to these birds; it’s a welcoming sight for me, some sort of symbol that things are okay, they are watching over us.

Native Americans have many beliefs about the Bald Eagle, it is a peace symbol, a sign of good luck, power; I’m not sure what it symbolizes for me just yet but I know how calm I feel when I see them. When it takes off in flight its wings appear so powerful, it’s on a mission. Their eyes are keen and I wonder if it sees me peering out at them, watching, curious. On a side note, if I were the little dogs next door I might be a little worried about being their dinner. (Humor, it sustains me.)

Today is Kansas Day; I think I would have been an incredible Pioneer Woman. A much simpler time,traveling across the prairies, watching the Bald Eagles, American Bison’s and being part of some the incredible inventions coming into fruition, just seems like it would have been interesting. No one was too busy to return a call, grab dinner or feel like they had too much going on. Our families our friends, those we love and care deeply for are those that we should never be too busy for.

My favorite quote today; “Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.” Chief Seattle

Make time for someone, do something that matters, tell someone you love them. Have a fantastic day and if you are in Kansas, make it a great Kansas Day! The photos are just a few from some Kansas rides we have taken in the past. I have too many pictures to sort through to even try and figure out my most favorite ones. The Bald Eagle pictures are there as well; not too clear but you can still see them.

Peace!

Snowy Happy New Year!

To be honest, I was excited about the snow last night. I was looking forward to going outside, just like a little kid, not to make a snow fort, not to make a snowman or throw snowballs at the neighbors, but to take some pictures of the backyard. I bundled up, headed out and the adventure didn’t take long. I was hoping for a small hike down to the river but with the drifts of snow and unbelievably frigid temperature, I thought I better not risk it.

Yes, it’s frustrating to have to clean off your car, shovel the drive and sidewalks but if for just a moment you can get past that and enjoy the quiet beauty, the stillness and calm. I love it. The untouched snow is an incredible site.

All of the photos are from our backyard. We just moved over the Christmas holiday to the Riverside area so I am spending time exploring all around us. The house backs up to the river so technically we are still “east siders” the back of the house is west. I am looking forward to springtime and being outside. I don’t want time to go too quickly though.

2013 came and went so quickly. My mom says it best “time flies, embrace and enjoy every moment”. She is so correct. I plan to do just that.

I’ve never been one to make resolutions but this year – 2014 – I vow to myself to spend time doing things that matter, do what I enjoy, be with those that I love and that love me, be grateful,live for today and make every single moment count.

Happy New Year.
Peace & Love…….Pam

Our newest family member

There is a quote that goes something like “a mother’s heart is never divided”. The same could be true of a G’ma’s heart. Our grandson Drue Alfons joined our family on August 29 (Caleb & Anne are the proud parents). He is absolutely perfect, his lips painted on by God himself. Adorable! On a side note, Drue is named after his two great grandfathers; it’s a wonderful tribute to them both. My dad would be honored as I am sure Anne’s grandfather would be as well.

As I held him and kissed his neck, my thoughts were flooded by emotions of when his daddy Caleb was born. It’s hard to grasp your children growing into adulthood, getting married and having children of their own, but it is the most incredible feeling in the world. Words cannot express the love that lives in my heart. Proud comes to mind as well.

Drue weighed in around six pounds and eleven ounces and was about 20 inches long; his hair is a beautiful blonde with a hint of red. He is everything a G'ma and G’pa could ever want. I love that he already smiles those funny sleeping smiles, he eats like a champ and the best part is that he loves to snuggle and I love to cuddle. We make a great team.

The worst part of being G’ma, is the distance between us, but I am grateful for FaceTime, text messages and Instagram. Technology keeps us connected. I wonder now how my mom managed not seeing us as often as technology allows me to see my family. I don’t think I could stand it!

Babies, God’s way of telling us everything is going to be okay. I believe Him. They make my heart swell; true and meaningful love.

Peace, Pam

Yard work?

Yard work? Um, no I don’t think so. That was the answer I received when I inquired about getting the yard work done today. Go to Bartlett Arboretum you say? On the motorcycle? Beautiful tulips in bloom, 80 degree weather, a peaceful serene stroll and an opportunity to take some pictures, yes! Count me in.

I have a deep passion for art, history and all things old; if they are junkie, even better. The arboretum offers all of what I love. It has been around since the mid 1920’s. I can only imagine the ladies having tea on a spring day, a picnic on a Sunday afternoon and the men playing horseshoes. A simpler time when life was not so fast paced. There are remnants of the old iron fences, bird cages, gates and watering cans. I wish I could get my hands on that stuff.

On this day, the sun was warm with very little wind. The tulips, redbud trees and Japanese Maples were spectacular. Everywhere I turned there was another beautiful space. A perfect stroll around the pond, which is extremely low from the drought, had tulips in the center and croaking frogs everywhere.

The yard work, didn’t get finished; the laundry is still in the hamper and there is a desperate need to clean the garage. All these chores will be complete but not today. My head is clear, my soul rejuvenated and my heart is full. A ride does all that. The simple things mean a lot to me.

Have a wonderful week, enjoy something simple.

Peace & Love, Pam