And I think to myself, what a wonderful world

The heavens are telling of the glory of God;

And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.

Psalms 19:1

Flower; Datura
Sometimes bumblebees get caught in our Daturas….

While walking Mr. Bentley, our Shih Tzu, I took these pictures from our yard. Besides the recent post about the birthday party my daughter attended, It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything non fiber related, right? I’m thinking, it’s time I post photos of something else…

Curls recently posted lovely pictures of her flowers, and that was the kick in the butt I needed to post pictures of our flowers.

So bright and vivid!

I love nature, and being outdoors, and I must say it’s apparent if you were to visit our home.

 

Flowers; small flower garden
All the pretty flowers…

Parts of our yard is heavily scented with flowers.

Peach tree
Nothing compares to fresh produce, the flavor is unbelievable!

We have a few fruit trees in our yard; pear, peach, mulberry, cherry, and apple. We also have one chestnut tree.

Flowers
I love these flowers, simple but beautiful!

While taking the pictures, I couldn’t help but think how truly amazing our world is…

Flowers
We received rain last evening, I thought the rain drops looked lovely.

God created an awesome world!


Louis Armstrong: What a Wonderful World

Happy Easter; doves

Dove 1 04 08 12

Say hello to this friendly dove, actually there was another one close by, but because of the branches — I couldn’t get them both in the picture. This pair has been here for a few years, and have set up their home near our home.

This morning, while walking Mr. Bentley — our Shih Tzu,  the doves made an appearance. They usually ‘come to say hello, if I’m outside. Today, they curiously watched me snapping photos of them. I’ve never done that before.

Funny, since I love taking pictures with my Nikon… but for some reason when they’re out, I don’t have my camera. So it made Easter more special. The doves are no longer afraid of us. They watch us while we walk close to them.  Only flying away, when bored, or have other things to do?

Happy Easter

I always enjoy the services at my Lutheran church, and it was made special today by the reenactment of the resurrection scene. Our church has an amazing drama ministry; professional group of folks doing sharing God’s message through acting.

Over the years, I’ve been to many plays and I can honestly say the drama ministry, at my Lutheran church, is just as good as any ‘regular acting group’.

 

Matthew 28

1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

The Guards’ Report

11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

The Great Commission

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter, Jesus has risen.

Photography: Flowers; Pink Hyacinth

Flower Pink Hyacinth 1 03 23 12

Remember the flowers I posted yesterday? Well, they’re Hyacinths.

I thought that was what they were, but for some reason the purple flowers didn’t look like the ones I had last year? Hmm…  However after reading Karen’s comment, and actually taking another trek outside and looking at these pink flowers, which are the same type but growing at a faster rate — I agree with her.

Many thanks Karen, and if you get a chance stop by her lovely hand sewn quilting website.

Monday mornings, I normally go to a quilting group (which is part of one of the many small group ministries offered at the Lutheran church where I’m a member).

I’m unable to attend today, early this morning, I received a last minute writing assignment from a friend. I most likely would have passed it off to one of my writing pals, if it were a complete stranger since I have so much to do today.

Flowers in bloom

Flower 1

I’m completely drawing a blank on what this flower is called? When it comes to me, I’ll update this post. I took this picture, this past Friday which was the same day I captured my neighbors pigs.

Last week was fairly hot here in Maryland. So hot, it got into the 80’s F! Which is unseasonably warm for this time of year. The nights stayed warm enough for us to turn on the air conditioner. Because of the warm weather, it meant I was able to get a lot of gardening (weeding and tilling) completed, between client projects. I had a few aches and pains on Saturday, since I was using muscles in different ways than I normally do when exercising (running, inline skating, or working out in the gym) but it felt great! With the added bonus, that I completed my gardening chores in perfect time, since it rained all day yesterday!

Saturday, the temperature dropped to the 60’s… and it rained all day! Which sets the perfect scene for staying inside, however in the morning my daughter and me were at our Lutheran Church volunteering at their food pantry. Thirteen families arrived between 10:00 and 12:00 to receive grocery bags (filled with food) for their families.  I enjoyed chatting with the families, and the other volunteers.

Today our highest was 51 F. This evening, the temperature will be down to about 36F.

Edited to add The flowers are hyacinths! Karen, pointed that out in the comments section.

Screen shot 2012 03 26 at 11 41 50 AM

 

First day of Spring; Peach blossoms

Peach Blossom 1

This morning, I took above picture. Our peach tree has only been in bloom for a few days. It makes a lovely photo, right?

Spring is officially here! This past winter we received only a dusting of snow, but we had plenty of wet and cold weather, and so our large wood pile came in handy.  Can you believe, that wood pile is even bigger now?

Although I’ve plenty to do outside, today I most likely will try and rest before the little princess comes home from school. Yesterday, she wasn’t feeling well, and I had to pick her up from school early. Although I don’t require too much sleep; four to five hours nightly, any more and I actually feel cranky and lethargic, I didn’t get that much sleep last night… or the night before, so perhaps I’ll try to take a nap, since my clients project is complete.

 

Morning adventures; photography and breakfast

Sunrise 03 09 12

I’m an early riser (usually awake by 3:30) because of this, I’m able to see some beautiful sunrises, this is what I saw this morning, and so I wasn’t disappointed. While my daughter slept, we took some time and watched as the world became lighter. I took plenty of photos, but am only sharing two.

Mr. Bentley (our Shih Tzu) is usually my companion on my brief adventures. I have to take him out to do his early morning constitutional. Afterwards, he usually pads along beside me, tongue lolling out of his mouth…

Stella dora lily

This is one of our stella dora lillies. As much as I want to hold on to winter a bit longer (and get that snow that never made an appearance) it looks like Spring is just around the corner. Our garden has been prepped; soil raked, stakes pulled, and ground tilled in preparation for the planting season.

Breakfast stir fry

Breakfast was made, and was eaten by my daughter a few moments ago. She said it was great. The meal was simples… pink beans and stir fry vegetables; cauliflower, potato, carrots, garlic, herbs, and other seasonings. Simple, nutritious, and delicious.

Photography: Hanging with my favorite person

Whoa… the time is flying by! It’s so busy in the real world that I’ve been scrambling to find time to do something as simple as sit down and compose a post to my website. Sadly my personal websites have been suffering, however I’m still maintaining my business sites.

Opalndaughter 08 02 11 1

This week was busy meeting up with colleague I hadn’t seen in a long time. His reply upon seeing me, Opal, you haven’t changed in twelve years! I guess he’s right… outside of the fact that I now wear dreadlocks, not too much about me is different.

What’s been keeping me busy? As a stay at home tech writer, my plate stays full. Additionally I have a few business websites that I maintain. This past Sunday, I did more volunteered at the homeless shelter, and I’ve been crocheting more amigurumi. Additionally, I’ve been introduced to a few more volunteer opportunities, and I’m trying to see how I can fit one local wheelchair non-profit organization into my schedule. I’m unsure when life will settle down, the winter is usually one of my busiest seasons.

A friend, took the above photo of my daughter this past August. I remember this photo, I was tired but wanted to see her that day. I met her a few years ago at the local gym where I work out. She’s 84 and works out daily. What an inspiration, right? My daughter and I stopped by and visited her today. Her husband died twenty years ago, but fortunately she still her daughter and family are close by, and she’s loved by many friends.

I’ve decided to include one of my favorite videos by Buju Banton (along with the lyrics). I love the rhythm, and the pictures shown in the video.Throughout my years volunteering, I’ve encountered many in similar situations that are mentioned in these lyrics. I

 

Buju Banton: Untold Stories

While I’m living
Thanks I’ll be giving
To the most high, you know

I am living while I’m living to the father I will pray
Only he knows how we get through every day
With all the hike in the price, arm and leg we have to pay
While our leaders play

All I see is people ripping and robbing and grabbing
Thief never love to see a thief with a long bag
No love for the people who are suffering real bad
Another toll to the poll may God help we soul

What is to stop the youths from getting out of control
Filled up with education yet don’t own a payroll
The clothes on my back has countless eye holes
Could go on and on and full has never been told

I am living while I’m living to the father I will pray
Only he knows how we get through every day
With all the hike in the price, arm and leg we have to pay
While our leaders play

I say who can afford to run will run
But what about those who can’t, they will have to stay
Opportunity is a scarce commodity
In these times I say, when mama spend her last to send you to class
Never you ever play

It’s a competitive world for low budget people
Spending a dime while earning a nickel
With no regards for who it may tickle
My cup is full to the brim
I could go on and on and full has never been told

Through this life keep getting me down
Don’t give up now
Got to survive some way some how
I could go on and on and full has never been told

I am living while I’m living to the father I will pray
Only he knows how we get through every day
With all the hike in the price, arm and leg we have to pay
While our leaders play

All I see is people ripping and robbing and grabbing
Thief never love to see a thief with a long bag
No love for the people who are suffering real bad
Another toll to the poll may God help we soul

What is to stop the youths from getting out of control
Filled up with education yet don’t own a payroll
The clothes on my back has countless eye holes
Could go on and on and full has never been told

I am living while I’m living to the father I will pray
Only he knows how we get through every day
With all the hike in the price, arm and leg we have to pay
While our leaders play

I say who can afford to run will run
But what about those who can’t, they will have to stay
Opportunity is a scarce commodity
In these times I say, when mama spend her last to send you to class
Never you ever play

It’s a competitive world for low budget people
Spending a dime while earning a nickel
With no regards for who it may tickle
My cup is full to the brim
I could go on and on and full has never been told

Could go on and on and full has never been told
Could go on and on and full has never been told
Could go on and on and full has never been told
Could go on and on and full has never been told
Could go on and on and full has never been told
Could go on and on and full has never been told
Could go on and on and full has never been told