The Best Day

It's as though I stopped off at a rest stop for two weeks. It was a scenic place where adequate time was taken to stop and smell the desert blooms, in fact, we built entire gardens.

We celebrated life and family, cried over home videos and had open discussions on how life's tragedies have shaped each of us as individuals.

We dipped ourselves in pool water warmed by the desert sun as the sun set below the horizon. While music softly played and children giggled in the background, I did what I do best, prepared a delicious menu for my loved ones to enjoy.

Once children were bathed and snuggled tight in their beds, the adults enjoyed libations and uninterrupted conversations. Warm soft breezes blew through my hair while dogs peacefully slept scattered in the cool grass.

Today I left that rest stop and returned to my journey on the freeway. Although the pace is faster than I'd prefer, it is still my journey and one that I've chosen for myself.

I will close my eyes and remember the cool nights, grateful hearts, content children and full bellies when my speedometer is a little to far to the right. Those are the sacred moments we hold dear.

Mom and Dad, I had the best day with you.

Out In The Garden

Lord knows I have b**c**d and groaned about the place in which we live.

If only I lived here or if only I lived there I would do X, Y and Z.

Well today, X happened.

I may end up with a death rate of 90% (and no this has nothing to do with my being a hospice nurse), but at least I tried.

I planted a garden... in the desert.

By gosh, I cannot change my circumstances so I decided to change my attitude.

I kept saying to myself "we don't have the right backyard, or the right amount of sunlight in any given area, the soil here is horrible." Yet I watched as many here in the desert planted and enjoyed the fruits of their efforts.

So why not me?



The children enjoyed playing in the dirt and helping mama.


And here, you see? The fruits of my labor.
A perfect green pepper.


And delicious cherry tomatoes that taste like sugar and "real tomatoes" as my family puts it.


Just like everything in life, there is no perfect moment, no perfect conditions to try something new. Simply, our fears should not guide our actions. Sure I've pulled out a few

dead plants, and perhaps I will have spent more while trying to save more but in the process I'm learning about myself and how can you put a price on that?

XOXO

Rie

View From My Seat

This is what errand running looks like in my car.

To you Michiganders, notice the absence of winter coats, the windows are down and the sun is out! It's this time of year I feel blessed to live in this state.

Leila is a smooth rider. Never complains or cries. She simply enjoys the ride....hmmmm, a lesson for life?

Life Is Good Today...

I don't have my toes in the water or my bum in the sand as the famous Kenny Chesney song goes, but life is good today anyways.

Today brought cool temperatures to the desert and a crisp fall breeze, finally fall has arrived.

I've opened my windows to let the cool air fill my home, let Leila stay in her cozy fleece pj's and lit a candle that fills my home with an apple-harvest smell.

My husband took care of Jalyn getting to school and let me sneak in some extra zzzz's. Somehow doing laundry today feels effortless and somewhat enjoyable.

A delicious day indeed.

March...Seriously???

Can you believe it is March???
This is what March looks like in Arizona...

You may be saying, oh man I wish I were there! But let me tell you......this is a bad, bad sign. Warm weather this early can only mean one thing.........

A VERY HOT SUMMER!

So Before you become too jealous, think how lucky you'll be when we can't even put a toe on our concrete this summer! (let alone a cute little bottom:)