East Meets West

My nephews were very intrigued with our recent guest from China. Harry kindly entertained them by writing their names in Chinese Characters. They even learned a little Mandarin. Noah {in purple} presented his new friend with a picture he drew of the Great Wall.

Looking Back

When we returned home from China back in August, we hit the ground running. There wasn’t a good deal of time for reflection. We were pleased to be home; back to family, friends and all things familiar. However, as odd as it may seem, it was a bit overwhelming as well. What was second nature now took a bit more effort. Day to day life was calculated and careful, not effortless as it had seemed prior. The world I returned to was now seen through different eyes. There was a change and I felt it. Many people ask what I took away from my experience over there and that’s a tough question for me to answer. Not because I can’t answer it, but because for me the deepest things were acquired on a very personal level - the past two years as only I could experience them, feel them, and see them. However I will say, this homebody was given an unexpected, and let’s just be honest, slightly unwanted, chance to travel the world and I am grateful.

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Flashback

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The weekend is here. Kick-back, relax, and ENJOY!

Remembering Knox

Of the four cats, he was the most timid. He would hang about on the back porch, under the table or a chair, waiting for a handout but would hiss and promptly scoot away when reached for. Recently he seemed to warm up to the idea of us. If I was working in the yard he would follow me around, always at a safe distance of course but it was an improvement. A month or so ago I was taking pictures of my daffodils when I snapped the above photo. Shortly after, he passed within arms reach but I didn’t try to touch him for fear he’d run away. We spent most of the morning together, which was rare. {Sept. 09 – Apr. 10}

Oh Lily

You’ve arrived. Softly and quietly as you always do.

Flashback

Okay, so my last post prompted me to locate this photo. My memory served me well. The dress is blue, flowers adorn my hair, the shoes are MJ’s but the socks don’t quite reach the knees.

{Crab} Apple Blossoms

This little tree brings back a few pleasant memories. It resides at my childhood home; an old white farmhouse perched on a hill overlooking the Grand River. Per my request, mom would snip blossoms from this tree and pin them in my hair. It made me happy. I remember a particular Mother/Daughter banquet we were attending with my Grandma; I was wearing a blue dress, knee highs with Mary Jane shoes, and of course, these sweet scented flowers were the finishing touch.