DIY Paper Flower Bouquets

Who doesn't enjoy a colorful flower arrangement?  Recently I discovered the instructions for making these neat paper flowers @ http://theinspiredmedia.com/2011/02/how-to-make-paper-flowers/  Today's photos feature two of the bouquets I created, including one for a Mother's Day surprise and the other as a get-well greeting.  Other ideas are to use them on a May Day Basket or simply as gift bows.  Give this a try! 

Easter

This is a simple Easter message of peace, hope and renewed energy that is expressed beautifully in the following Gaelic Prayer:

Deep peace of the running waves to you.

Deep peace of the flowing air to you.

Deep peace of the smiling stars to you.

Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.

Deep peace of the watching shepherds to you.

Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you.

Lenten Promises

Today is an appropriate time for reflection as Lent draws to a close and all things around us spring to new life.  Ever since I can remember, part of the preparation for Easter was to "give up" something during Lent, including the usual treats like soda pop, candy and ice cream.  However, this year was different as five months ago I stopped eating candy after my last dental check up revealed some pretty big problems.  So, what would I give up this time around?

After some careful consideration about what I really enjoy but definitely could live without, I decided to halt my purchases of clothes, shoes and other non-essential accessories.  In addition, I also committed to keeping a daily journal in which I described everything for which I am grateful. 

Now that these forty days have nearly passed I can honestly report that some days I did not feel overly grateful but when I focused on gratitude many of my negative thoughts seemed to slip away and I felt refreshed.  Plus, another benefit was "shopping" my own closet for all the beautiful pieces of clothing that I already have...and actually wearing what I have instead of looking for something new.  

 Essentially, that which I chose to "give up" was a gift as I gained some perspective and a lot of contentment. 

On The Bunny Trail

Throughout the past few weeks numerous Easter displays have popped up and added a punch of color to the homes they adorn.  Some of the decorations are traditional, including colored plastic eggs hanging in small trees and garden flags with numerous baskets of eggs; however, I decided to include photos of some of the very large inflatables along with a unique bunny sporting wooden shoes and delivering tulips!  These images leave passersby with a cheery grin and I hope the same for you!

Bundles of Blooms



Bleeding Heart
 
What's more stunning than an up-close view of blooming springtime gardens?  That is why today I have featured more beauties that are blooming all around us.  Be sure to note the delicate hearts that adorn the stems of the Bleeding Heart in a way that is similar to pendants on a necklace.  Also, the Grape Hyacinths are only a few inches tall and may not get noticed as easily as some of the other varieties.  And, of course, I could not resist including tulips in such vibrant shades of oranges and yellows.   A glorious collection of color!



Tulips



Grape Hyacinth

 

Ground cover Phlox

  

 

Making Us Smile

Today I am at home recovering from a complex dental procedure and looking for things to make me smile; therefore, I decided to include some playful photos of these cute kids.  Hope they brighten your day and turn a frown upside down.

Tropical Vistas

 

On a recent trip to the Caribbean I captured this spectacular view of the beach where the shades of blue were simply intoxicating.  Other scenes, including those of brown pelicans and the coconut palm trees, also reminded us that we were no longer in Iowa!  Anytime I want a brief escape, these photos take me to a place of gentle warm breezes, intriguing landscapes and amazing waterfowl.