Stop and Chill Awhile!

July 5, 2008 in A Bit of Fun! | Tags: , , , | | 7 comments

Almost the same time of the summer, two years ago, I posted this lovely  photo over at Veggies…. to happy reviews! 

Seems that other “wilted bloggers” LOL at that time apparently also found blessed cool relief gazing at this snowy winter wonderland scene. 

Seems to still work for me!  ;)

I’m looking at this photo right now, feeling cooler by the minute, in spite of the continuing sweltering heat and humidity, here in Interior BC.

If you are also suffering through a heatwave where you are, I truly hope this helps a bit.

Happy Fourth of July (it still is here ) and have a safe, wonderful weekend!  G   :)

Photo courtesy of: Flickr

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

July 2, 2008 in A Bit of Fun!, Hearth and Home, Personal Growth | Tags: , , , | | 4 comments

“The best way to begin, is….to begin.” GHH

  

 Do you find yourself with certain mundane tasks that you just keep putting off? Don’t we all!

For me and Joe recently, it was getting to the spring cleaning and in particular, getting the carpets shampooed.

Instead of taking the day off yesterday for Canada Day; we spent the day cleaning up a storm. Not a barrel of laughs but there is satisfaction in real physical work, isn’t there? And the results were worth it. The “pound” of cat hair that we extracted from the carpet and upholstery were reason enough to get this done, LOL!  ;)

So, if you find  yourself trying to “muster” up the effort to begin any project, chore, assignment….just begin! The inspiration/energy/moojooooo will follow; even if it’s not there when you start. It really does work. 

Have a great Wednesday! G 

PS: What a gorgeous photo, eh? Joe’s toes adds to the composition, don’t ya think?  LOL  ;)

Ruby Tuesday: Happy Canada Day!

July 1, 2008 in A Bit of Fun! | Tags: , , , | | 15 comments

I am happy to participate (first time) at: Ruby Tuesday. 

What a great idea for a weekly prompt, love it!  :)

Today is Canada’s 141st birthday so I thought our red and white maple leaf flag would be a great choice for this particular theme post.

Happy Canada Day to all Canucks   

and

Happy Fourth of July (coming up soon) to my U.S. readers.

Old Glory…now that’s a flag! Beautiful.  ;)

Photo courtesy of: Flickr

These are just 60 of my favorite things…

June 27, 2008 in A Bit of Fun!, VCT Archives | 17 comments

This was a post that I wrote and published over at Veggies, Crafts and Tails  back when I first started blogging, in 2006.  I recently took another look at this list and except for a ‘tweak’ here and there, the same 60 favorites still apply.

Thought my readers at MPP might enjoy sharing my favorites list too. Perhaps it will inspire you to then create your own list to share. I know I’d love to read some of my fav blogger’s favs!  ;)

So without further adieu: These are just 60 of my favorite things…

  • chocolate (brownies especially)
  • cats (all shapes, sizes, colors, breeds, ages )
  • violets (deep purple velvet!)
  • varigated yarns (in brilliant colors)
  • making earrings (so relaxing)
  • sewing (so relaxing)
  • veggie cooking (a passion)
  • avocados (yummmm…)
  • mountains 
  • islands (the smaller, the better)
  • crimson maple leaves (absolutely amazing)
  • brown basmati rice (can’t get enough)
  • potato soup (comfort food at it’s best)
  • scones (fresh from the oven!!)
  • velvet (tactile and memories of childhood dresses)
  • lilacs (still on the tree, fragrance and color)
  • a room with a great view (have seen a few)
  • Diana Krall (all of her CD’s)
  • Mozart (I am brought to tears, listening to his work)
  • Planes, Trains and Automobiles(John Candy was such a funny guy)
  • Casablanca (classic romance)
  • the late, great David Janssen (for so many reasons)
  • swimming in a clear, cool lake on a hot day (sigh!!)
  • garnets (my grandmother’s stone)
  • aquamarines (from my Joe)
  • Matt Dusk (another talented Canadian, wow can this guy sing)
  • the color green (all shades)
  • fires, in fireplaces (cozy, warm and out of the storm)
  • fresh snow on a calm morning (icy diamonds)
  • beaches (all sizes and locations)
  • good memories (recalling them always makes my day)  
  • rain (softly falling)
  • zebras (just the coolest animal!)
  • butterflies (freedom, color, beauty)
  • baby’s hands (so perfect)
  • mac and cheese (homemade, of course)
  • painting (pictures not houses)
  • crocheting chunky yarn (tactile pleasure)
  • honest, kind people (there are never enough, treasures)
  • walking in crunchy leaves (great sound)
  • fresh herbs (the brilliant color and aroma!!)
  • really nice pens (I have a couple, one for autographing books)
  • books (most genres, especially beautifully-bound ones)
  • pumpkins (since I was a kid, the look of them and great pies too)
  • a man with a genuine smile (my definition of SEXY)
  • a perfect day (many definitions)
  • a perfect night (mmmmm…..)
  • knowing for sure (not often enough)
  • poetry (touches my heart)
  • running (with energy to spare)
  • liy of the valley (remind me of my Mom, her favorite flower)
  • coffee (one of my last vices!!)
  • kaleidoscopes ( I have a handmade one, treasured gift)
  • harps (the large orchestra type, beautiful)
  • Danny Boy ( a song that I sing well)
  • lavender (the color, plant and scent)
  • Beatle tunes ( almost every one)
  • turrets (especially in houses, we want one!)
  • Where or When (another song that I love to sing)
  • beefsteak tomatoes (remind me of my grandma’s tiny but abundant garden)

(Almost)Wordless Wednesday

June 25, 2008 in (Almost) Wordless Wed., Personal Growth | Tags: , | | 7 comments

“Live your life: On your own terms. To the rhythm of your own heart. And to the beat of your own drum.”

Photo: Courtesy of Flickr

Quote: © Geraldine H. Hartman

The Melody of Life

June 22, 2008 in Family and Friends, Four/Life's Seasons | Tags: , , , | | 28 comments

                                
Mother’s: sigh.
Baby’s: cry.
Hushed by a gentle,
Lullaby.
 
Starlit, summer nights.
Giggles and childhood fun.
Round the campfire.
The old tunes draw everyone.
 
Teen’s rebellion; IPODs blare.
Feet flying fast. 
As passions flare.
In perfect rhythm, to the latest:
 Metal Stallion?
 
Sweet scents of lilac spring.
As young lover’s dance.
Hearts in time to;
tender notes of romance.
 
Mid-life’s song.
The beat goes on….
Hips a swayin’
While the golden groove keeps playing.
 
Old folk’s bliss.
Holding hands; they reminisce.
Bittersweet memories of their Autumn’s,
First Kiss.
 
The melody of life goes on…
Song to song.
As the years roll along.
Sealing memories in their own special way.
Pressed between pages that will never fade.
 
*
 
“The Melody of Life” © 2008 Geraldine H. Hartman
Photo: Courtesy of Flickr
Written for the OSI prompt for June 22, 2008: Melody

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

June 19, 2008 in (Almost) Wordless Wed., Nature Themes | Tags: , , , | | 6 comments

” A Rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.”

 W. Shakespeare: from Romeo and Juliet

PS: Yes, I know it’s Thursday; I’m a bit late for my new post idea for this week LOL. I’ll do better next time.

I love the concept of: Wordless Wednesdays; featured on several blogs. Less definitely can be More. I thought I’d expand on the theme a bit and add a quote or thought for the day to my version.

Hope you enjoy the beauty of this gorgeous rose photo and these timeless words from Will. 

Remember to “stop and smell the roses” today. That’s a great idea, every day.

Hope you will stop by again for another:(Almost) Wordless Wednesday. :)

Photo courtesy of: Flickr

 

 

 

 

The Fleeting Hours

June 15, 2008 in Four/Life's Seasons, Love and Loss, Seeking Answers | Tags: , , , | | 27 comments

Life goes on….
Like a carousel.
The days, into months, into years.
And finally; ready or not:
a lifetime.
 
Life’s fleeting hours.
Sand: Through the hourglass.
Sun: Warming the dial.
Each moment;
lived, used up, never regained.
 
No dress rehearsal.
We do our best.
Sometimes our worst.
With thought to time passing; perhaps not.
Milestones and mishaps.
Strides and stumbles along the way.
 
Life’s brevity brought to mind.
When loved ones leave.
And leave us behind.
But only for that moment.
Reminded of our own.
So limited and precious measure of Time.
 
*
“The Fleeting Hours” © 2008 Geraldine Hartman
 Photo: Courtesy of Flickr
Written for today’s OSI prompt- Transience
 

Happy Friday the 13th!

June 13, 2008 in A Bit of Fun! | Tags: , , , | | 6 comments

Wishing you all a GOOD contradiction today.   ;)

NO bad luck….only good luck and good things, heading your way. Like finding a four-leafed clover!

What are your thoughts on Friday the 13th? Any memorable ones that come to mind; do share.

 

Photo courtesy of: Flickr

Contradictions

June 9, 2008 in Love and Loss, Personal Issues, Seeking Answers | Tags: , , | | 11 comments

Contradictions…

Those you love and cherish: Gone too soon and often forever.

While….

The annoying people: Stay long after they have worn out any kind of welcome or purpose. Always there as a thorn in one’s side.

Resolutions to problems that should be easy to rectify: Rarely a simple solution, without many delays or a heavy “price tag” attached.

Give generously of time and resources, willingly and whenever possible : Get back little, if anything; in times of need.

“Them that’s got shall get: Them that’s not, shall lose.”

Good people: Struggling with illness, grief, pain and debts: “Bad” people: Seemingly untouched by life’s challenges. Merrily they roll along…..

*

What are your thoughts on contradictions?

Which one(s) do you struggle with the most?

Life is full of them. Hard to understand and accept at times.

The above are some that I have been pondering of late….G

Photo courtesy of : Flickr