In the Eye of the Beholder

June 7, 2013 Photo of the day:
"In the Eye of the Beholder"

This evening, as I walked through my garden 
removing encroaching weeds,
I noticed these sweet little clover.
I decided not to remove them. Who knows? 
Their bright green or burgundy heart-shaped leaves
might even be lucky charms ;)

Crimson & Clover:
A terrible song, but a pretty little weed


Some days...

June 6, 2013 Photo of the day: "Perspective"

Yesterday, I blogged about thorns.
Although painful, without them,
today's exquisite rosebud would not exist.
.
It is often necessary to endure difficult situations
to rejoice in the triumph of one's accomplishments.

Today was one of those thorny days...
A day when a glass of wine after work 
might relieve stress and help gain some perspective:


Yet the worries and stresses of today (June 6, 2013)
pale in comparison to those of June 6, 1944:


Today, I look back on my stressful day
and give thanks to those who,  nearly 70 years ago, 
faced adversity with true faith and bravery,
and all I can say is "Thank you!"

Every Rose Has Its Thorn

June 5, 2013 Photo of the day: "Thorns"

To enjoy the beauty of a rose, it is necessary to negotiate its thorns. My roses haven't bloomed yet, but these thorns, stones, and raindrops protect and nurture my delicate plants as their fragrant blossoms prepare to emerge. As much as I dread the stress of these final weeks of school: yearbook deadlines, exams, grading, packing, saying au revoir to my students, and ending my tenure as Pewaukee's French teacher, I know that these painful thorns are necessary for me to continue to grow and blossom.

March on. Do not tarry.
To go forward is to move toward perfection.
March forward and fear not the thorns
or the sharp stones on life's path.
- Khalil Gibran

Clouds

 June 4, 2013 Photo of the day: "Clouds"

I love billowy, multi-dimensional clouds like these!
They make me want to lie on my back in the grass
and watch for faces, animals, places...
 just like little Amélie!


Lilacs

June 3, 2013 Photo of the day: "Lilacs"
(If only I could capture their fragrance too!)


"The true beloveds of this world 
are in their lover's eyes lilacs opening, 
ship lights, school bells, a landscape, 
remembered conversations, 
friends, a child's Sunday, 
lost voices, one's favorite suit, 
autumn and all seasons, 
Memory, yes, it being the earth 
and water of existence, memory."
- Truman Capote, Other Voices, Other Rooms, 1948


Meet Buster...and Enzo

June 2, 2013 Photo of the day: "Buster"

Meet Buster, my #1 nephew! Buster is 11 years old with some challenging older dog problems, but he is a very happy boy.  See how he smiles for the camera?! He loves to play with his toys, lie in the cool grass in the summer or in patches of sun in the winter, and take naps on his brothers' beds. As busy as his little brothers, Alec (9) and Chase (almost 7, Auntie!) are, they always take time to give Buster a scratch behind the ears, a belly rub, or a treat. Auntie loves Buster too; beagles are her favorite dogs. Uncle Eric wants a beagle puppy, but Auntie is worried about multi-colored hair everywhere, itchy eyes, and other dog-related inconveniences. Still, it is wonderful to be greeted at the door by someone who loves you so much he simply cannot contain his joy. Husbands aside, is there anything cozier than snuggling with a warm furry friend who lives to please you? 

Maybe I'm just feeling sentimental after having just finished The Art of Racing in the Rain, Garth Stein's heartwarming and heart-wrenching novel about Enzo, one man's amazing best friend. Enzo narrates the story about his family's triumphs and tragedies while lamenting the fact that he doesn't have opposable thumbs and cannot speak. Despite these humiliating challenges, witty, wise, philosophizing Enzo has no trouble communicating his wants, needs, fears, and hopes for the future when his dog days have ended. I highly recommend this book. It is one of Pewaukee High School's 13 for '13 Summer Reading List. Students, staff, and community members are encouraged to read as least one of the books before the PHS September iRead book club events. So far, I've read six of the thirteen books, and summer hasn't even started yet (2 more weeks of school)! I hope you find time to read a good book this summer and to play with your favorite canine companions!