They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but I beg to differ; I possess two drawings that are worth so many more. When my children were in high school they both had the same art teacher, three years a part, and the same assignment…….a floral, pencil drawing.

re there fears you are facing in your life? I confront plenty in mine, or should I say, I allow them to get into my head and self-doubt usually sets in. If I can turn that self-doubt into determination, things work out as they should, and I am reminded just how awesome and powerful it feels to conquer that fear.

With that small act of kindness and attention to detail, I knew this man had a good work ethic, and would be my handyman and seal-coat guy for life. I was wrong, after a few years he was no longer able to seal-coat my driveway, it wasn’t profitable. I was sad to hear the news, but understood his decision.

As a farm girl, having an abundance of sweet corn was a definite advantage.  Dad let us kids sell the plentiful corn, and what we made in sales was ours to keep.  His only condition was we had to do the work. From painting the signs on big scraps of plywood and strategically placing them down the road, making sure they were visible from both directions, to gathering the bags, setting up the stand, picking the corn (the ripe ones, of course) and loading up the #80 wagon and hauling it with the John Deere 110.

During my recent trip to Galena, my days were filled with activities and events, and I wanted to include things that would make my trip memorable by experiencing something new. After hearing about an upcoming surprise a bride was giving her groom, I knew that was the adventure for me too….in a hot air balloon.

During my recent solo maiden voyage get-away to Galena, IL., one of the challenges I anticipated facing was eating alone in restaurants.  Friends told me to bring a book, but I thought if I was looking down at the pages of a book, I might miss life.  I decided to face it straight on, without any distractions.

I jump on, and my brother says with great confidence, “It works just like a Haybine.” Ummmm…..as I think to myself….I don’t really recall ever running a Haybine in my farm days, but OK. He gives me a quick run down and let’s me go.  Still unsure, I grab the bars and start manipulating them and it begins turning in circles in a twerky, jerky, out of control way.  By now, I am laughing out loud and my brother is keeping me an arms length away at all times, assuring his safety.

Last week an important person in my family’s life had unexpected health issues that stopped us in our tracks.  In that moment, nothing was more important than being together.  Everything else melted away…troubles, responsibilities and day to day duties. Family and friends came together to lift up and support one another.

While doing research, I kept finding myself back at the same beautiful bed and breakfast, located in a quaint, historic city, and I booked my stay.  The city offered many attractions within a short distance that could either be found on foot or within a short drive.

I can’t remember next if she called me or I called her, but she made it into town, but had almost hit a cat that ran out in front of her car. She had to slam on her brakes to avoid running over the feline, and began telling me about her story.

There are so many amazing locations right in my own back yard, but I never thought of myself as being lucky to live near them.  I am close to one of the five Great Lakes of North America, and feel a sense of joy when I am near the lake front.  How did this escape my list of amenities and selling points of the area?  

As a life longer learner, I love experiencing and learning new things.  I can’t say I always enjoy everything I attempt, but I am willing to give most things, within reason, a try.  Disclaimer ……the older I get, the lower to the ground and less dangerous new challenges become…..haha.

Family traditions connect us to our loved ones near and far, and can last for years and even generations.  They build bonds and can cross miles and time zones. Traditions may come and go, but the memories remain in our hearts.

It’s both a mystery and a surprise on what our summer flower arrangements will look like.  They are all uniquely different year after year, yet include most of the same flowers and folage.  The selection of choices are varied, there are sturdy ones, fragile ones, tall ones, short ones, some that need lots of sun and others that require little, and some that depend on a mix of both sun and shade.  A few flowers seem friendly like daisies, or sassy like snap dragons,  others are delicate, and some that appear wispy.

Do you ever feel like you are in the middle of the ocean with no land in sight? Your goal is to get to the other side, but no matter how long you’ve been on your journey, you see nothing but overwhelm in the distance, and getting across seems almost impossible. If this sounds familiar, then you’re in good company.

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in celebrating the Memorial Day holiday with friends and family, that we lose sight of the real significance of what the day really represents.  These military men and women weren’t seeking fame or fortune, but sacrificed their own lives and safety, out of love and duty, for the land we call home.

Over the years, perhaps out of maturity or age, I am learning to make right, what I have made wrong.  It is very humbling to ask for someone’s forgiveness, saying I’m sorry; hoping minimal damage has been done. Things we say in haste may have a profound affect on someone’s  life, without even realizing it.

My Mom wasn’t the picture you might imagine for a farmer’s wife, she always seemed so glamorous and beautiful to me.  She was a lady through and through, and it was important that her children were well-mannered and polite.  Going to church every Sunday was a must, no questions, no complaining…..it was a given.  We knew, even though Dad handled most of the discipline, it was under Mom’s direct order.