Tag Archives: appreciation

Ambiance

Evening dinner at Solana Beach Fish House. Hubby says they have the best “fish & chips,” me, I enjoy their grilled fish tacos. Yummy food, lovely evening.

Sweetness

Late afternoon walk on the land
finds us checking new growth on plants,
contemplating irragation schedules.

The orange globes dot the tree.
We know, soon they will be ready
for harvest.

Suddenly the air around is filled with
heavenly perfume. The little white
stars of the tree are releasing their fragrance.

Orange blossoms, with the promise of
next year’s fruit, fill the air with the
scent of sweet perfume.

We forget all else as this lofty
scent fills us up. A great promise of
hope and good things to come.

Such a welcome treat for us.
A reminder to savor the
natural gifts of each day.

Home Again

Home again…after spending a week in Minnesota cold, where we enjoyed family togetherness, good food, laugher, holiday lights, and lots of family game time.

Today, the postman delivered this to to us, 

so we can continue a German tradition at our house.

More fun times to come.

Time or Timeless

I may be writing, or marketing the latest writing project, yet life goes on. That means getting ready for Christmas, and taking care of things on the property.

Time marches on, yet my hubby finished a project we’ve been brainstorming for several years. I am so delighted.

When we purchased the house, we gained an old cooktop. In its day, it had some interesting features. But compared to today’s cooktops, it was archaic and a gigantic step backward from what we previously owned. It was a twilight time for us. Thinking of changing it created many challenges. We did not want to switch out the countertop but knew that might be a last resort. The downdraft fan was more efficient than current models. With much research and some design ingenuity, my hubby solved the problem. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.

Below are a before and an after photo.

Before

…and now…

After

And life will continue to march on.

During this holiday season, I trust you will find moments of quiet celebration in your days.

Christmas is Coming

Out back are these pristine white blooms 

They rise toward the sky

Emitting their sweet fragrance

Into the air

Their message is simple

Christmas will soon be here 

The stark white speaks of the perfect

Love of Christmas

Enjoy the beauty

Savor everything they stand for

Breathe in the sweet fragrance

Fully embrace the Christmas promises

Extraordinary Beauty

Early in the morning, I looked out the kitchen window with only the tiniest hint of light in the early sky. But no, off to the right of this scene, the clouds hanging in the sky were like a stage curtain, scarcely able to contain the light from behind, which was bright white, toned down by the film of clouds hanging in-front of this light source. 

One might have considered this a sunrise scene. But no. It was the moon moving behind a layer of clouds so close to the horizon. I ran for my camera, found it and returned. Alas, the clouds were moving in one direction and the moon in another. The moment had escaped me. Yet etched in my memory is the reminder of how God creates blessings each day for those of us willing to look for them. 

The shot that I did snap was equally beautiful as rose tones were rising above the horizon and the morning light was lighting up the western skies. Another, but entirely different, beauty to behold. 

Enjoy the day, wherever you are!

A Different Perspective

This is one of our property lines, yet we seldom see it from this perspective. I love all the arching branches. During the rainy season, there may be water in the depression. Not at this time of the year.

A grand view from the neighbor’s property.

Low Tide at the Tide Pools

While others are combing the shore and the small tide pools, I’ve found a rock where I can perch, allowing my senses to soak in the beauty of nature and the reality of being on the edge of land. The pelicans fly overhead in formation, scoping out the landscape below. They head over the open water then pivot coming back toward land. Multiple broods fly in their individual formations. Scanning the waters and shoreline. Their grace, combined with the perfection of their movements, is a beauty to behold. The waves roar toward the shore with one white cap straining to overtake another. The blue-green rolls over to form a churning white mass racing toward the shore as the roar intensifies. Beyond, the dark grey blue of the ocean continues until it creates a solid dark line against the horizon. Then the lighter blue grey of the sky rises to transition into a deep blue. Shades of blue fill my view.

The wind continues to blow, ruffling my shirt and blowing my hair. The air is cool on my face, with the scent of salt water filling the air. 

Following the shoreline around the cove area, the grey of the water’s edge merges with the grey of the land, creating dull shadows of the buildings surrounding the water’s edge. 

The churning waves keep moving further and further inland. Soon my vantage point will be immersed. 

The sound of the seagulls laughing at the surfing crowd that has arrived to ride the wild waves of this afternoon fill the air. They’ve donned their gear and waded into the water with their boards. Slowly at first as they acclimate to the temperatures, then more quickly to position themselves for when they see the waves calling to them. Into the deep they paddle. A couple of quick runs and alas, they denounce. These waves are not for me today. Then they depart. 

Slowly, I arise to explore activity in some of the tide pools. What a peaceful way to clear one’s mind!

Left Behind

February left

Taking with it the jade blossoms 

In its wake are delicate almond blossoms, fragrant paper whites, fresh oranges,

And treasured memories of my sister’s visit

I’ll savor the “left behinds” while preparing for nature’s March surprises