goldilocks and the three beans

I'm afraid of my life being all lined up in a row, and at the same time, I want it too.

purple summer

I wish the green and the colors of the flowers and the blue skies with their ice-cream clouds would last forever. I wish I could freeze these days of being wrapped up in nature, quiet, and the presence of those I love so I could stay in them forever. I am so happy.

my niece isn't the only one

...with blue eyes. While I was baking cookies today, Mom and Dad came in, and Mom had this little sweetie in her arms. She's a wild kitty from the hay loft in our barn. I've been dying to catch one of the kittens in the litter, but I haven't come close. I cradled her close for awhile and wished I could go back to childhood where I'd spend hours playing with my kitties.

would you light my candle?

I bought these candlesticks holders in Italy, at a department store called La Rinascente. I used to go there after class sometimes, and go up to the fifth floor, where they had housewares...decorations and such. At Christmastime, they had many Christmas trees...and these candlestick holders. I forgot about them after returning home, and they promptly tarnished. I got some silver cleaner and polished them up, and now they're lovely again.

the hollow vastness of the sky

I'm feeling obsessed with the sky today. It started with a thunderstorm, and by now it is clear and blue. When I am gone from this place, I will miss this sky with everything I am.

the color of courage

I can't help with with all of the flowers. All of them are starting to bloom. So I hope anyone who checks this photoblog out likes flowers, because I really do. I see them as a physical representation of hope, renewal, and beauty.

exchanging places

After returning from Minnesota, I exchanged one beautiful place for another.

moonrise over upper bottle

So I know it doesn't look like the moon...but my camera had a long enough exposure that it looks like the sunrise. It is the moon at about eleven o'clock at night on Upper Bottle Lake in Minnesota. My hiatus was due to my being there, on vacation.

can't beat that

This sky is the best. I don't know where else I'd find it in the world.

she sang slowly

The past couple of days have been gorgeous. And busy. And I got sunburned while mowing. I celebrated Mom's birthday. I ate cake. I saw The Happening. I'm planted most of the rest of the garden. I'm tired.

on being an aunt

I can't deal with this. She's just too cute. I know I keep saying that, but seriously...look at her! What am I supposed to do besides melt and sweep her up in hugs and kisses?

still don't know where it goes

Tonight, Mom and I went for a walk before dinner. There were some amazing clouds, although most were heavenly with gorgeous rays of light pouring out of them. I fully intended to post one of those pictures here for my daily photo...this one, viewing the east rather than the angelic west, was much more provocative. I have always had a thing for open highways. Especially at night, and the freedom of summer, bare feet, asphalt, and the bowl of stars overhead. There is nothing simpler than the beauty of the earth and the way it mirrors the human soul.

a purple oblivion

I spent some time wandering on campus yesterday, and while it feels good to be back at home, I miss Ames already. These gorgeous Geraniums were planted outside the music hall. I spent a couple of hours with my hands in the earth tonight. With all of the rain, some of the garden is getting in late, but we're almost done...

the road to the future

Today I am exhausted, after the past weekends events. Stacey and I found a place to live, and I slept in this morning, so all is well. I also am sitting in Parks Library, wishing this wasn't one of the last times I'll be here (most likely). Tonight I will celebrate with friends (there will be drinks invovled I'm betting). And tomorrow, I'm back to the farm and back to nature and my family. I'm looking forward to it!

drying off

Today we made it back from Bloomington. It feels good to be home, to be in the apartment, to see Ayron's stacks of music, and to be with him again. It is good to lie on the couch and watch the Cubs with him. I am content.

quiet hall

The music hall was silent when I entered it yesterday morning. I felt peace there. I felt at home. I found myself looking at the place, and wondering when it would feel familiar.

crossing the campus

Today was hot, but early in the morning I ended up on the IU campus, poking around the music hall, and then strolling around central campus. I have been spoiled at ISU with a gorgeous central campus that was designed by the same person who designed Central Park in New York. I have often stated that ISU is incomparable in the fall. However, Indiana with its majestic and towering limestone buildings is just gorgeous. And the trees are beautiful, with small glens and creeks and wooded areas all over campus. I am glad to be surrounded by beauty there. I am certain I'll love it.

on the road

Another trip to Indiana today...it was tiring, but fun with Stacey and her mom. It was a sunny, pretty day. We had a great dinner tonight in Bloomington, and I get such a great feel from this town. I snapped this shot while we were on the road...I know it isn't the best, but it is through the car window. Hopefully, tomorrow night I will bring some shots of the IU campus.

I just can't resist

I've been in a baking mood lately. These are Peanut Butter Brownies topped in chocolate ganache. I found the recipe over at Smitten Kitchen. I've eaten way too many of them already.

finding beauty in the ordinary

Sometimes, it is remarkable what beauty you can find in unlikely places if you open your eyes and look at the world in a new way.

a quiet place

Today was a full day...but relaxing and really nice. It started with thunder and rain, and it ended in sunshine. I spent all day with Ayron, which was really wonderful. I also got to practice, and while I was at church I snapped this shot of the hymn board. It is right above the piano where I sit and warm up and play. I baked, cooked, took pictures, cleaned, did laundry, babysat. It might sound mundane...but it was relaxing, and I am happy.

golden, in the mercy of his means

Summer is in full swing. It was beautiful outside today. I baked for most of the afternoon, and then I planted flowers. This evening, the whole family got together and dined on tasty grilled kabobs...mostly shrimp, with all kinds of veggies. I am feeling content today.