Carefree-Day 170

What a refreshing morning spent in the park observing two 16 month olds, exploring the rough bark on tree trunks with smooth palms of tiny hands, pulling on blades of fresh green grass with chubby little fingers and scooping up handfuls of tiny rocks only to let them sift through dusty fingers and fall to the ground.  Adrian and Noah have recently discovered that they are making a trip to a park full of adventures if only they will sit still long enough for someone to wrestle a pair of socks and shoes on their precious feet!  Swinging with not a care in the world is my favorite part of watching the boys conclude their morning field trip!  Such happy little guys, and so peaceful! 

Exploring My Creativity-Day 169

This day has been on my calendar for weeks, and I eagerly anticipated taking a Water Color Media class with my friend, Melissa, and many other amazing art teachers!  I was originally worried about signing up for this class with so many artistically talented individuals, and was afraid I would embarrass myself with my total lack of knowledge and skills in art.  Thanks a million, Melissa, for encouraging and motivating me to step out of my comfort zone and join you for the day!  I loved my experiences surrounded by so many wonderful teachers, including the demonstration lessons, helpful tips and pointers from others, great food, and getting to know new people.  My first attempt this morning was fun, and didn't seem too intimidating.  My product is shown above.  My second piece(shown below) was much more challenging as I learned additional techniques to enhance my work.  I decided to embrace different colors the second time around, and then struggled with my decision all afternoon.  I am proud of my new learning and what I accomplished in a 6 hour class, and think that I might really enjoy playing with watercolors again really soon!  Compliments to Lisa Miller, our instructor of the day, for a terrific workshop, and much gratitude to the very kind art teachers from the Brazos Valley who encouraged me along the way!  What a rewarding experience!

Amazing Tree-Day 168

This tree caught my eye as David and I explored many little side streets during our daily walks in Key West.  This was located on the site of an old building that perhaps might have been an old school building.  I'm curious to know more about the history of this site, and the tree! 

Church-Day 167

One of my joys during my travels is to visit beautiful churches, so while in Key West, we spent some time in this one.  Much to my surprise, there were magnificent door panels that opened to the outdoors on each side of the church to welcome in cooler air.  Loved the wooden-beamed ceiling, stained glass windows, and the quiet reverence from the hustle and bustle on Duval Street!

Wondering Why?-Day 166

While strolling through the cemetery one drizzly June morning in Key West, a melancholy feeling overwhelmed me as I passed by this family grave site.  Located in the front were headstones commemorating the very brief lives of three precious babies in the 1800's, all under the age of 1 year.  So many questions were looming before me as I silently grieved for this mother!  What caused the deaths of each of her angels?  Were their deaths sudden because of illness?  What sweet memories did their parents have of their infant and young toddler days?  Why should one mother have to suffer  such a tremendous loss time and time again?  Before leaving the cemetery that day, I returned to the site to capture this photo as I was so moved by my thoughts and feelings for this family and so many others.