It's Okay!

Hey, It's Okay...

~To have gone nearly a week without writing a new post simply because you couldn't think of anything to say even though you have a million thoughts running through your mind pretty much every minute of every day.  


~To be annoyed when a Jehovah's witness shows up at your door but to also think, "Man this lady has some balls guts behind her passion!"  


~To have still not finished painting the bonus room you started on Saturday because you ran out of steam at five o'clock and haven't yet had the motivation to get back into it.  


~To be a little sad that the Betta fish (that was supposed to belong to your son but would have died two years ago had you not stepped in to take care of it) died last night and is currently awaiting burial in a cardboard jewelry box because you are such a sentimental sap that you always bury the fish, hermit crabs and whatever other kind of creature dies or is found dead in your presence.


~To still have sore calves from going up and down the stairs to the bonus room so many times on Saturday.  Apparently those muscles don't get much attention in Pilates and Zumba.  


~To be more than a little sick of the sound of your neighbor's leaf blower.


~To not be able to watch Sister Wives without wishing one of the wives would break bad and demand monogamy.


~To think it's nuts that the town's Christmas decorations were put up the week after Halloween.


~To like Adele even more after finding out she has a Dachshund named Louie.


~To think this is hilarious because you.can.relate!...

*If you need more okayness, go visit Amber at Airing My Dirty Laundry!

In My Own Backyard...

The weather has been so beautiful here this week with high temps around 70, bright blue skies and glorious colors all around.  Monday afternoon I stepped out into the backyard with Dracen, the Darlings, and the Canon and tried my best to digitally capture some of that beauty.

Close up of the leaves from a small Maple tree in the backyard...

View from the sunroom...

One of the many big, beautiful oaks that surround us on all sides...

The Darlings in action...

Weathervane atop the well house...

We threw some old squash out over the fence several weeks back and ended up with several gourds that made their way into my dining room to join the others I had already bought since I had no idea I was growing my own...

My knockout rose bush out front is still in full bloom.  If you look through the dining room window you can see it.  I love eating in there and admiring it.  This old dough bowl belonged to my great-great grandmother.  I filled it with a few of my...ahem...many wine corks and some leaves Dracen picked up a couple of weeks ago...

And speaking of Dracen, here he is making his best shot from the trampoline...

Have  you ever seen a bluer sky?  

Another shot of the maple tree...

This picture reminds me of the motto of the preschool both boys attended, "Mighty oaks from little acorns grow!"...

This holly bush grows just outside my bedroom window.  I love the look of the red berries against the orange and yellow leaves...

I'm not sure who's advising whom here but I think this is a frame worthy shot...

I love the speckles on this majestic canopy of leaves...

Kicking up some leaves with sock feet and little paws... 

This shot was taken from the front yard. It's not often I find myself with the camera in hand at the exact same moment heaven is shining its light down like this. I've always found that so magical.  It takes my breath away...

Thanks for joining me for this glimpse of how fall shows out for us here in my little neck of the woods.  I hope it puts on a good show in your neck of the woods too!   


**This post inspired by Mama Kat's writing prompt, "Fall in your neighborhood! Share some Fall pictures that capture the season in your neck of the woods." and Jenny Matlock's  Alphabe-Thursday's Letter B.

25 Happiness Tips...

1. Believe that everything in life happens for a greater purpose.  


2. Focus on your strengths and forgive your weaknesses.


3. Learn to really see and appreciate the beauty of nature.  


4. Never turn down the chance to pet a friendly animal even if you can't have a pet yourself.  


5. Learn to laugh at yourself.


6. Just say no to negative people/attitudes.  


7. Pray often.


8. When someone is being difficult to deal with, try your best to imagine yourself in his/her shoes instead of allowing hate and anger to build.


9. Always try to find forgiveness in your heart.  


10. Never allow yourself to grow bitter or cynical for fear of being rejected or having your heart broken.  The world is full of people and animals who not only need love but have so much of it to give. 


11. Remember that everything is temporary.


12. Learn to appreciate what you have by imagining just for a moment what your life would be like without all the people and conveniences we are all guilty of taking for granted on a daily basis.  


13. Be respectful not only to strangers but to yourself and the ones you love the most.


14. Say no to commitments you do not feel are a good fit for your life and your personality.


15. Refuse to be sucked in to negative gossip.


16. Decorate your home only with things you truly love and that make your heart smile when you look at them.


17. Be kind and do good without expecting something in return.


18. Don't deny yourself the things you love.  Just remember moderation is key.


19. Always be true to yourself and try your very best to not compare yourself to others. God made you the way you are for a reason and you are special. Believe it!


20. Learn to accept and let go of what you know you cannot change.  


21. Hold precious memories in your heart but never allow yourself to live in the past.


22. Never be afraid to stand up for yourself and for that you believe is right.


23. Try harder not to judge. Just because someone doesn't believe what you believe does not mean they are wrong....just different.


24. Do at least one thing every single day that makes you smile.  


25. Keep your eye on the destination but remember to enjoy the ride.