grandma memories

Sprinkled everywhere are these small pieces of nature that bring you straight back to childhood.

I saw these flowers and they spoke grandma to me in a most quiet way.

A huge (I now wonder how large it actually was) patch of flowers grew next to her house.

Our house was in the same yard as hers for all of my childhood.

I looked at these flowers and instead saw

grandma sitting on her front porch steps watching grands play or travelers come and go

an elderly woman in one of the same 3 dresses sitting on the wooden swing out in the yard

her toys for the kids that included the metal tops of juice cans 

(we were happy with those little extras that filled our worlds)

the opening of the closet door under the stairs that held her meager wardrobe 

and the scent that came out of that small space each time the door opened

the same kitchen curtains that never changed my entire life

I saw and felt so very many things when I spied these flowers.

It wasn't until I went to write this post that I remembered.

She didn't have these flowers growing next to her house.

What grew there was Black Eyed Susans.

And now I'm not so sure of even that.

Why is it that our memory is capable of conjuring up so many things and then questions others as if in a complete state of confusion.

Does it really matter if the memories that come flooding back with this small piece of nature

are warm and loving ones?

sunday afternoon drive

A week ago we took a drive down paths we haven't traveled for a spell.

It was a tad on the warm side, so we sat in air conditioning and gazed at water.

Maybe we even tested it with our fingers and toes, but never jumped in.

A stop at Saguaro Lake to check out boat ramps and parking availability.

A beautiful spot!

The blurred out sign says something about no picnics allowed.

However, it had a table with the pictures so figured it was legal to eat my sandwich in the truck.

I have never tubed the Salt River, nor do I have any plans to do so but we went to take a look.

I didn't get any pictures of that one.

Fast moving and cold was my opinion.

And ... from when Jari was romping out there years ago ... a whole different place.

Next stop was the Verde River.

Now this is my river.

I have personal experience with this deceptively calm piece of nature.

I could kayak here for days.

String a hammock from one side to the other and just chill.

The sunsets during monsoon season are divine.

Dust in the air mixed with clouds ... dreamy.

I still haven't seen more than a few drips of rain this year.

Hope springs eternal!

Sunsets are proof that endings can be beautiful too.

an early Sunday

Having a yen for the lake but not tolerating the temperatures during the afternoon this summer season. 

The alternative is getting up with the chickens.

If you don't have those critters ... that means early. 

Real early.

We live about an hour away from our favorite water hole. 

There must be a cool spot in that section of road 'cuz that 76 degrees didn't last more than a minute.

Little people joined us with their parents. 

Another reason to be out there early. 

Don't want this little guy overheating.

These guys like the water. A lot. Sebastian was my swimming partner today.
And ... they tolerate sitting on the back seat of the boat!!
Serious progress there!

I have stayed out on the water in the summertime and been croaking hot all nite long so am a wee bit nervous about doing it again.

This morning I was a bit bummed that we didn't stay out there last night.

The air this morning was delicious and the water absolutely perfect.

Kind of like my happy place.

Breathe. Deeply.

my senses

I like the convenience of the city.

I will admit to that.

There are many things in the place I live that I enjoy.

Like Hobby Lobby.

And then there is the place my heart and soul yearn for.

The place where the sky goes forever.

The place where you can hear the quiet.

Where diamonds sparkle in the morning.

Where rivers become canyons.

Where life's hard work is so rewarding.

Where God colors the sky.

The place where roads are traveled with care.

Where coffee meets the sunshine.

This world fuels the part of me that craves the life outside the city.

ice sculpture

promises

heber

we crafted

we drank coffee

we relaxed

we wore long sleeves

we visited

she cooked

i ate

 i'm ready for another go

starvation

It has been raining.

Perhaps they will live a little longer.

life is beautiful

she shared this place with me and my camera

a place where you can feel as if you're on top of the world

even if somedays it feels as if you're hanging on by a fingernail

and then you say "i got this!"

maybe life and people haven't been so kind

but that was back there behind you

you're stronger 

you have an incredibly brave soul and spirit

 you girl ... you got this

there are always days of rain

the clouds come and the clouds go

sometimes it is a balancing act this life we live

take it on and live it!

because ...

always remember

you are 

braver

than you think

stronger

than you seem 

and

loved more

than you know

another quick weekend

Brock, Liam and I flew back to North Dakota together.

It was a very short night before we left and an even earlier morning.

Selfie time with my travel buddy!

Target is a serious treat when you don't have one around. We shopped and then went out for some lunch in Minot before heading off down the road. 3 little boys + a restaurant = serious fun.

Although a flight into Williston is really nice ... a flight into Minot is a whole lot cheaper. It just takes 2 hours of windshield time to come get me. Thanks Anna! The roads were nice and clear. Whew!

Heart be still. 

Even in his sleep he wants to make sure baby sister is being taken care of.

This time, as opposed to our week there at Christmas, the weather was well above zero!

She seriously doesn't live in her hat and carseat ... I just must have snapped photos when we were on our way out the door.

Out to see some shops downtown.

There are some seriously fun ones!

The sun felt so good!

Aiden was my walking companion.

Well ... maybe he ran as I walked. 

By the end of our little expedition, his feet were moving just a tad bit slower.

If you're in Williston, make sure you have someone with you who has a stroller.

Run to JC Penney and ask to go to the basement via elevator.

You start in the storage section of the store, accompanied by a worker bee, get tucked into the oldest elevator I've ever seen, the cage doors shut and down you go.

It is the fullest JC Penney I've ever seen in my life.

And maybe the warmest ever.

You might want to be a minimalist in the clothing department.

The Princess does come out of her chair. 

In fact, this happens to be her favorite place in the whole wide world.

Right now it just might be her mom's favorite place too.

These two. I just can't tell you.

It's kind of heartwarming to get tears when you leave the room.

Uncle Blayde.

They claim to not like me ordering them around places to get a picture of them,

but they do it.

They're so good.

Kind of can't believe these hairballs are mine.

This child loves ... and I mean LOVES ... his food.

I want to see you have the patience to eat your popcorn with a fork!

And perhaps he should start an advertising career for Hidden Valley Ranch dressing.

Liam, on the other hand, could probably do so with Heinz Ketchup.

My oldest.

Too bad I didn't learn how to make home made mac n cheese when he was little.

He really missed out.

Cuz he seriously inhales this stuff.

My North Dakota tribe, minus Bridget & Lyla who were still in Arizona.

Liam was having a hard day, but ice cream cures just about anything doesn't it?

Wylon & Anna, with the kidlets, took me back to the airport on Sunday.

See? This is why I'm not a fan of making people drive.

The roads were okay and they made it home, but the snow was coming and there was 

some might precious cargo onboard.

Thanks guys!

Sometimes I'm just plain tired by this point and other times I'm just plain sad.

 Maybe a little of both this time.