Sunday Serenity

"I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes."

~e.e. cummings ~

Today was a special kind of Sunday, it was completely impromptu! I love that! When life just comes together without trying.....Peanut and I went to town this morning to do a lil grocery shopping, and on my way back I stopped at our lil Oasis. The air was warm and breezy....it kissed our skin. I couldn't resist taking the shadow photo....the creek is so clear! I believe our souls shine through our shadows! When Peanut and I got home, she was out...for two hours! While she napped, I worked on my paper due Tuesday (a summary and response on "the 2010 proposed Michigan budget"). When I finished I headed out to my flower beds to work on them for awhile.

Mr.Froggy #1 (our first lil horny toad), was also enjoying the warm breeze. {Today was a nice change of pace...a cool 78 degrees, not a ragging 95 degrees. } Mr.Froggy is also enjoying the new shade we provided earlier this week. If the water was clearer I would give you a tad pole update, but we will just have to wait until the lil frog babies start to rest on the rocks....can't wait-should be soon!

"I never had any other desire so strong, and so like covetousness, as that.... I might be master at last of a small house and a large garden, with very moderate conveniences joined to them, and there dedicate the remainder of my life to the culture of them and the study of nature." ~Abraham Cowley~

The picture above is my Mock Orange tree...and the flowers even gives off an orange scent!

Below is a photo of my Yucca! Yep, you can grow Yucca's in Northern Michigan! You just need a really sunny-hot spot...and they take off! I trimmed the plants a lil late, so it is not as full as it could be, but I was just surprised to see the flower! I thought for sure I waited too long! In a few weeks this will be a beautiful towing white flowering stem. I will keep you updated!

I also have about 10 other Yucca bushes around the yard, and have just given a few bulbs away! Can't wait to see all the pretty flowers!

When I finished weeding, and putting up some boarders, I couldn't resist this photo! Yet, I have absolutely no idea what it is...I have about 5 of these flowering plants...and I love them...if you know the name let me know! :D

This weekend, Mt.Man also built Peanut's "Castle"! We scored a free used swing set from my mother in laws neighbor! (they pretty much just wanted to get ride of it, and told mt.man if we took it down, then we could have it! Yippee!) So off to his favorite "Orange and Brown" store for supplies with "his" gift cards to purchase the wood and other needed materials. (He loves to build things, and this was an excuse to do so...both won! lol) He modified the used swing set a lil, to customize it for Peanut. It is almost finished, but the two of them couldn't resist trying it out this evening after they went to the beach.

I loved the peace we had today. Not many weekends are spent carefree around the house to do as we please. Yesterday and especially Today, we got the opportunity. I hope everyone one had an equally serene weekend! Life is always in to much of a hurry!

Sky Watch Friday: My #10

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happy Sky Watch Friday Everyone! I really enjoy the view from my front porch....I guess that is why I call this Home! With summer upon us, I am delighted nature has offered me another grand sight! The hill top is green with envy for the rich blue sky, and the grass merges gracefully into the trees! It is an old wise tale that Michigan's sky's are so blue because of the reflection from the great lakes....whether there is truth behind this or not, I still love gazing up at it. This is a time I like to reflect on all I am grateful for, and dream of what is to come. I hope everyone has favorite spot, it offers one peace. And like the quote, Nature teaches patience.

Don't forget to check out the other sky watches! Hope everyone has a wonderful Friday, and a fantastic weekend!

Clearing the mind, and embracing the natural beauty life offers...

"Keep your sense of proportion by regularly, preferably daily,
visiting the natural world."
-Catlin Matthews-

O lordy the B.S. continued today at work...funny thing, I am taking it with stride...I was pissed for about 2 hours, then I decided everyones time comes around. I am sure I deserve the rumor in one form of karmic force, so instead of being upset and angry...I embarrassed this lesson. I remembered I was thankful to still have a job on our area, and all the other wonderful things in my life that make me smile. It worked....I may not be able to put the effort into everything how I please or used too, but I make do, and really isn't it really all that matters; making the best out of any given situation?

Peaceful Escape

There is a bloggy friend of mine, that visits me here, just to escape the craziness of the city and explore another world. (you know who you are) ;) Well today's post was inspired by her!

It was an unusual Saturday to say the least, I was on call for work,had to go in, and a lil B.S. occurred with that, but I have since let it go...no sense getting my panties in a twist over people who like to spread rumors. Plus on my way home I spotted this! I'd like to think it was sign! lol :)

I also had the chance to stop at the Sturgeon River! I have forgotten to post a pick of the summer scenery on the river from off the bridge! It's just soaking up all the moisture in the air and growing with life! :)

Once I returned home I had the opportunity to finish my final copy for class tuesday. It is titled "Six Elements of Effective Research Writing", as you can assume, I have written much more interesting things....but I think I might do well on it, we will see!

After lunch, Mt.Man, Peanut, and I took an impromptu adventure. We headed to the little creek I use for my header! It is one of our secret oasis's! Yet, when we got there, I spotted this....

I am beginning to wonder if the frogs might be a sign as well...please tell me it is good! Nonetheless, this lil guy stuck around for the majority of our time there...He just sat taking in the peace of it all.

And of course, this is also a view I love to photo when it is covered in snow....Though I think Summer does it more justice! Never ending just like life, and a new challenge around every curve...I have to say this is my favorite meditating spot! Not a soul around! ;)

I even had the chance to get a few father daughter photo's into today! ( now if I forget tomorrow, I still have today's!)

And No impromptu day would be complete without a visit to the local pond with a women wearing a pink cast! So in the water Peanut went...dress and all. The next thing I know she has taken off the dress and diaper...and running around like this! :)

I think the lesson for today was to just let it all hang out, no matter what may happen! :)

Hope everyone had a great Saturday as well!

Sky Watch Friday: My #9

The air is warm and humid, gardens are blooming, and the forests are full of life. Summer is here, and life is renewed.

I attempted fishing for the first time this evening with my cast....no luck! I couldn't cast if my life depended on it! (Only 3 weeks to go!) So ~E~ and I sat on the beach for awhile, then went for pizza. For a lil bar in the middles of no where, they make the best darn Hawaiian Pizza you ever had! mmmmm nothing like food to make a person feel better!

After dinner, I headed home. Of course I took the long way, what other way is there? It has been 75 and humid all day...and with the clouds rolling in for a thunderstorm later tonight, (maybe) the air was full of dew, resting on my skin the moment I jumped out of the Jeep to snap one of my favorite views. Have I ever mentioned I live in the most hilly part of Northern Michigan. We call it the Tipp O' the Mitt here! I live in the highest elevation county in the Lower Peninsula. At a whooping 1700 feet or so above sea level, and home to one of the largest water sheds in Michigan...It's a wonder more people don't liver here. It is beautiful! All the rivers, hills, forests, and animals...what more could explain peace. Hope you all like the photo's....Happy Sky Watch Friday! Don't forget to check out the other amazing skies!

Weekend Trip to Lansing

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to head south to the "Big City", our states capital! This is not a town that Mt.Man and I are strangers to either. My uncle has lived there for over 25 years, and I spent many summers visiting. While I attempted college the first time, I ventured over to visit friends at MSU on many weekends..Go Spartans! Most of Mt.Man's friends attended State, so needless to say he is no stranger to the area either.
Well, as we all grow up, one of my cousins was bound to get married sooner or later (godmother S...peanuts that is)...And guess where it was? It was a beautiful ceremony and reception.

Doesn't Peanut just look precious? She managed to get in a few dances before we left for our hotel!
While downstate we took in a few attractions...One MSU..I will be finishing my degree there, only with a lil persuasion from my uncle! :)
And of course no trip would be complete without a visit to the ZOO!

We all had a blast! (My brother and his family joined us as well!) Peanut slept the whole 3 1/2 hours home to boot! She was wiped out! When we got home all she could talk about was the water slide (at the hotel), dancing (she sings "happy birthday cake" now), and the animals at the zoo. I guess at daycare today she even acted out monkey and tiger sounds. lol how cute! :) We are defiantly planning a longer weekend next summer. I have to do all my registration stuff then, and peanut will be old enough to do more sight seeing with. There is the great hands on museum for kids we still need to take her too!

Happy Monday All!

Sky Watch Friday: My #8

Happy Friday Sky Watch All! Another week has rolled by us! Today after class I headed home and took one of the many "back ways". As I cruised the country side of Northern Michigan for the zillionth time, I couldn't resist stopping for some photo's.

This is just one lil example of the rolling hills up here.

This here is one of the many breath taking views of "the valley" (Sturgeon River Valley that is) :)

I couldn't resist pulling over to admire the sun gleaming through the trees. It was finally above 60 degree's today, and everything shined bright. Rejuvenated with new life, the forest is starting to get thicker by the day!

And these my friends as the newest residents of our pond. Seems to be the bullfrogs favor our pond to reproduce! :P Life is being created before our eyes...

Okay so the last one wasn't totally sky watch, but I thought it was kinda cute. Don't forget to check out the other amazing sky watch photo's. Click the links dude! :)

English,My Blog, and More Frogs

My plate is full, to say the least! First, have you noticed the new button? It is the P.O.S. one...Em over at Life, Liberty, and Pursuit posted it the other day about summer being here...and well, not being the diligent blogger she normally is. She even had neat lil buttons to add to your blog should you be in the same boat. That boat I am talking about is the boat of loving summer and forgetting to go inside except to sleep. I of course had to grab one of those buttons. Until 9-6-09 I will only be posting about 3.5 times a week...:P I am not doing this solely b/c of summer, I also started my first semester back to college! I am taking Eng 112, and boy is it going to be challenging. Which in fact, I am totally geeked about...sick, I know! Plus, alone I have 8 chapters to "skim"....um yeah right, you totally know I am going to read each and every word. I have a quiz tomorrow already...So here are to the short and sweet posts coming, and lots of fun adventures up the road for all!

P.S. I almost forgot, we have another froggie couple mating in our pond...Holy Tad Poles. :)

Not Normally a Pink kind of Girl

"Pride is a powerful narcotic, but it doesn't do much for the auto-immune system. "
Stuart Stevens

Long story short...Its seems to be that if you fall o say 8 weeks ago, and don't go check out why the damn thing is still swollen, it will still be broke! So for the next month I get to wear this beautiful almighty inhibitor of all. :) As for why I choose pink..Well, Mt.Man went to see Willie Nelson last night, and us gals had girls night. This included painting our toes with the only color polish I had...Pink! So when the nurse said white gets dirty fast...I thought what the heck...Pink!

I think this might have been a bad choice...I have been wearing the cast for about four hours now, and if you didn't notice, my right wrist is broke! AGHHHH! So to stay positive, and to reach deep into my creative files( since I start class tomorrow, I will need all the creative writing inside me possible. And they say practice makes perfect.) I have devised a quick list of pro's and cons about this....

Pro's:

I get to practice being amsterdextous

I was just thinking I needed to make my left hand stronger..

It has already healed on its own for 8 weeks...only 4 to go!

I don't have to wear the cast all summer (like last time on the left wrist)

Peanut may get under control soon...she is kinda afraid of the cast

I am equipped with my very own self defense weapon

I get out of dishes for a month :)

Con's:

I am having a time doing anything

I can't go swimming for another month

Did I mention EVERYTHING is a challenge????

How am I going to shower?

I keep unknowingly hitting the windows key while typing (double aggghhh)

I start English/Writing Class tomorrow!!!

Okay, so it isn't that bad. Life will go on, and the pro's out weigh the con's...things could be worse! lol:)

Relay for Life and Fishing

I set out this morning with a list of plans...only to find myself in an impromtu fishing trip in the afternoon!

Peanut and I made it to my folks by 11:30. Man o man was she a pistol today...I thought the terrible 2's were bad when they started, but they seem to only be getting worse. If this week doesn't top the cake I don't know what will. Everyday melt downs occured, and little naps. She fights everything, and doesn't even seem to care when she is in trouble! My poor soul, I hope this passes fast...I love her, but jeez o peet's! And who could resist this face?

My Mother, Peanut and I walked an hour at Relay for Life. We got to see auntie m and lots of other folks we know. After our "hike" we had lunch with my father, brother, and super wy! They two tykes had so much fun playing together this afternoon, that I let her stay there for mt. man to pick up a lil later. And from what I hear she had a blast...no nap even.

So husband and childless I did what any girl would do....called her buddy to go for a sight seeing curse and fishing.

I love Northern Michigan, I love all the rolling hills and valleys. I love the openness of it all! :)

Once we reached the river, we fished! The lil brookies were rising, and having a good ol' time playing with our lines. But no such luck today! At least we got to enjoy the peace and beauty of it all!

Sky Watch Friday: My #7 (I goofed last week)

Happy Sky Watch Friday Everyone! I decided to venture down to the Pigeon Bridge this evening to see the progress on the rebuild. The Bridge has been being worked on since last month, and there seems to be much progress. It is so odd to see all this equipment in one area out in the middle of now where. Yet here it is...very surreal.

"Prayer of the Woods"

Okay, not the best photo in the world. However, I really enjoy the "Prayer of the Woods" and wanted to share it with everyone. I am not sure if other states have the same sign in their forests, but these are all over Michigan in one way shape or form. I snapped the photo on my girly trip to the U.P. last fall when ~E~ and I ventured to Taqumenon Falls after fishing for two days. It is along the path at the Lower Falls. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Off the Beaten Path

"It's time we stop rubbing everyone's back, and start giving a damn!"NLSM

I usually don't go down this road, I think politics can open up to many cans of worms…but quite frankly I Am Pissed Off! I like to think of myself as not belonging to any political party…I vote for who I think will best suit our office. (Heck my ballot back in November had at least one member from every party voted for unintentionally. See when I was debating on who to vote for I looked up everyone running, yes a pain, yes time consuming, but I know I made the best choices for me and my family.) I have never had the convenience of voting for one party, nor will I ever. I think the party system is a JOKE! It acts JUST like a bunch of HIGH SCHOOLERS and only cares about who is wearing what Name Brand Jeans! Last time I checked we were all adults and not supposed to cave to temptations or greed. We were supposed to make educated decisions that were morally right. Is it just me or has our system fallen off track of what our fore fathers dreamed?
So what is am I so P'd at? It is the way things are going right now…how money is being spent, all the while I am sitting here going "it isn't that hard you freakin' idiots"….Lets get things going already….You maybe thinking that is a pretty bold remark to make, and wondering if I can back it up…well sure I can…I have this Idea…or should I say have Had an Idea for our country since before Obama announced he was running for Pres.! Heck in fact I emailed my congress man, and just last week sent a similar email to the dear Pres…Still NO REPLY! Dude, I know he is a busy man but really….even a generic email thanking me for my input would have been worth something. Anyway, I have decided that route is not working…but trust me weekly emails are going to go out to all those how have power over our current situation…Here is the letter:

To whom this may concern;(Filled in with "powerful persons name")
I am writing in regards to our current economic/worldly situation. It seems to be we are in a tight spot as a nation. I know all about this first hand, I have always had to work multiple jobs at a time just to stay afloat. (and I have held a full time position for over 4 years now) But with wages stagnant and costs of living increasing monthly, it is difficult for a family not to have 3 or 4 jobs. For example our gas prices before Memorial Day weekend were about $2.15, in just two weeks they have risen to $2.85. And local oil companies are laying off employees…how does this make sense? I don't remember the barrel of gas going up, is it because of the summer season? Why should we be ripped off?
As for the stimulus money, do you realize my county has closed 2 factories in the past 3 years, and is about to lose 2 more? That is not to mention all the other local business that are going under quickly because of the closures. Do you know what my county is spending the stimulus money on? BEAUTIFACATION! This will give only 300 temporary jobs, to out of county companies. How is this stimulating my county or other counties in similar situations? Sounds kind of like the banks and what they did with their stimulus money; not wisely spent.
Here is what I propose…..
Take OUR tax dollars and create jobs. Buy all the abandoned factories, and major corporations that have gone under. Incorporate the saving energy idea, and turn the country around. Remodel/rebuild the new real estate for the use of recycling plants, energy efficient research labs, alternative energy corporations to ride of nuclear and non efficient energy. This will not only create many blue collar jobs, but many white collar positions. Take the profits and invest them into the social security account…ONLY to be touched for the purpose of social security. Take the income tax from employees and employers and create a health care program acceptable for everyone…I favor the Blue Cross Blue Shield plan that ALL the Governmental Employees receive…no need for the rest of us not to reap the same benefits for our hard labors. Then when the economy is stable…cut well-fare. I know/ am aware of too many people who abuse the system. They have more luxuries than most of the working class. Too many of them do not pay their bills, and the cost is always passed on to those who actually do. Thus the situation we are in. I do understand there is a general need for it, but in this case maybe make it on an as needed basis, for a short period of time. It should only take two years for someone to get themselves on the right path. I know a lot of people who did this without assistance, I am one of them. Yet I had four jobs at that time, cancer, No health insurance, and the state refused to help me. They said "quit your jobs, and then we can help you". The way I see it, there are enough assistance programs out there that one should be able to hold a min. wage position and still qualify for them for a short period of time. Isn't that what some of our taxes go towards?
Thank you for your time and attention. Kindly reply.
Sincerely
NLSM (insert real name)

What to you think? Am I a little over board, or do I make a good point. I guess today I just kind of had it with everything, and this is all I could think about. I am sure I have missed many points, but it is getting late, and I have yet to really revise the letter. But if anyone has any input it would be greatly appreciated.

Butterfly Bushes

If only everything in life could be as simple as nature. If we could only coexhist as one. If only things could be this beautiful. Life is just too darn crazy these days...and so uncertain....