Friday, August 31, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/31/12..."Hidden"


One of our favorite things to do when spending time on the beaches of northern Michigan is to hunt for petoskey stones.  But to find them...you have to get wet...even venturing out into the water... because their spots are hidden until they get wet.  But the hunt is rewarded.

For more info on the Photo of the Day challenge, go here.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/30/12..."Card"



This was an easy assignment for me...I'd like to share my "feel good" basket.  Packed into this woven container are gobs of notes and cards I've received over the last several...and I do mean, SEVERAL...years.  Some are birthday cards...some are get well cards...many are "just because" cards.  And the purpose of this collection? I can get a small dose of love anytime I need to.  And, just by looking at it, I am reminded of the many blessings in my life whenever I want to focus on the potholes.  And its sentry?  A sweet little doll given to me by my husband (then, boyfriend) as a gift for the first Christmas of our dating experience.

Now that you are done reading this...go send someone a card.  Not a text...not an email...but something handwritten.  Someone needs to add your love for them to their "feel good" basket.

For more info on the Photo of the Day challenge, go here

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/29/12..."Down"


Yesterday, my daughter and I ventured "down" to the yellow area that surrounds Detroit on the map.  Anytime we are in that area around a mealtime, we always try to hit a local favorite chain for lunch...Olga's.  I believe that a stray Olga's has been known to leak out of the area...falling into the yellow areas around Lansing and Grand Rapids.  We wish one would find its way into the Flint area...it could even turn the Flint economy around...maybe.  But until that happens...we will continue to visit anytime we are "down" in the Detroit area.

For more info on the Photo of the Day challenge, go here.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/28/12..."Clock"


Today I enjoyed a "getaway day" with my 12-year-old.  She has had an interest in the Titanic since seeing some of the hoopla around the 100th anniversary of the ship's tragic sinking on April 15 of this year.  So, we ventured down to the Titanic exhibit at  the Henry Ford Museum in the Dearborn, Michigan.  We had a great day, with the highlights being spending time together, enjoying a very interesting exhibit, beating the GPS original ETA on the way to the museum and the way home...and spending time together.

Knowing that today's "photo of the day" assignment was "clock", I had hoped I'd be able to get a picture of the clock at the top of the replica grand staircase featured in the exhibit.  Unfortunately, we couldn't take pics inside the exhibit.  Needing a plan B, I had hoped there would be some important clock on display somewhere in the museum...actually imagining an exhibition wall full of historic timepieces...or maybe one featuring clocks set to different time zones.  Again...no luck.  If there was anything clock-related in that museum, I didn't see it.  So, as we exited the museum I was beginning to formulate plan C...and there it was...standing tall between the museum entrance and the entrance to Greenfield Village.  Thank you very much.

For more info on the Photo of the Day challenge, go here.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/27/12..."Tap"


Tap?! Nope...had to POUND to break up the frozen toffee candy bar for butter brickle s'mores.  Now, it's time to add a toasted marshmallow...mmmm.

For more info on the Photo of the Day challenge, go here.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/26/12..."Dream"


Today I was reunited with my 12 year old.  Rachael has been visiting San Diego with her grandma...hanging out with my sister's family (you can find my sister here).  It was a "dream come true" kind of trip for my daughter.  You see...she has been a huge fan of surfer Bethany Hamilton since seeing the movie "Soul Surfer".  And...on the third day of the trip, she found herself face-to-...er, board...with the actual surf board Bethany was riding when attacked by a shark.  And the swimsuit she wore when she returned to surfing.  Rachael was over the moon.  But it was just the beginning...because the very next day, her grandma treated her to surf lessons.  Who knows how long this interest will last?  But I'm so happy that she got to taste it up close and personal.

By the way...I can't take credit for this pic...but I love it.  It was taken on Rachael's camera by her grandma. But it qualifies for the topic...and I love it!

For more info on the Photo of the Day challenge, go here.

Photo of the Day...8/25/12..."Fresh"


Started a "fresh" new book today...it comes highly recommended by my friend, Terri.  I started reading it at the beach, without the benefit of a pen.  This bummed me out, because I like to mark my books up.  So, when I returned to the beach after lunch...I made sure to bring a pen...and I started all over.  I've already committed one quote to memory and I guarantee that my kids will get tired of hearing it..."Hard does not mean impossible."

Photo of the Day...8/24/12..."Path"


I love my family...I love summer...I love making memories with my family.  One of our chosen approaches to making those memories is camping.  This weekend we traveled to Tawas Point State Park for what would be our seventh camping trip of the summer...and this is the path to the lighthouse at Tawas Point.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/23/12..."Pair"


"Pair"?  Have to admit that I was thinking about my fave flip flops, a gift from my sister, as the perfect representative for this inspiration.  But then I decided to make tiramisu to a meeting today...and my pair of bowls for the mixer were very appreciated.  One took on the task of being the vessel for the egg yolk mixture...while the other stood strong to handle the whipping of egg whites...all without having to wash a single bowl until the recipe was complete and assembled.  Yep...that's my fave "pair" so far today...but it's early.

For more info on the Photo of the Day challenge, go here.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/22/12..."Home"


Last night, before falling sleep, I was contemplating today's inspiration for the Photo of the Day challenge..."Home".  My thoughts ran all over the place...


  • The theological aspect..."going home" after this earthly life passes
  • Is "home" where I grew up?
  • Is "home" just the literal location of where I live now?
  • Is there an analogy to the "home" key on my keyboard?
  • What about the "home" plate?
  • "Home"-field advantage?
  • My love for being a "home"body
And then it was settled...while I do look forward to an eternal life of being "home" with my Creator...a close second has to be being "home" with the most important person in my life...my husband.  And that is the perspective I can share now...because I have no idea what my eternal "home" will be like.  

"Home" isn't where we live.  For me, home is wherever he is.  Home isn't even dependent upon where my children are...because they will all leave me someday...but he will still be with me.  And "home" isn't a place, but a peace.  "Home" is a haven...unconditional love...acceptance...shelter from the cruelty of the world.  He has seen me at my worst...and has certainly been responsible for bringing out my best.  I've said it before...and I'll say it again (trust me)...he isn't perfect...I'm not perfect...but we're perfect for one another, as planned by our Creator.  And I am most at "home" whenever and wherever I am with him.

For more info on the Photo of the Day challenge, go here.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/21/12..."Cool"


You know what's cool? Technology!! This week my 12 year old is in San Diego with her grandma, visiting family.  Yesterday, she visited a surf museum and was able to see the surfboard that Bethany Hamilton was riding when she was attacked by a shark.  Since seeing the movie, Soul Surfer, Rachael has read the book and anything else she can get her hands on about Bethany, surfing and sharks...so this was a thrill for her to see.  And, because of technology, my sister sent me a picture of the moment.  And today...thanks to technology...I'm receiving regular pictures from Rachael's first-ever surf lesson and experience.  Yep...technology is cool.

You know what else is cool...my parents...because today marks their 47th wedding anniversary.  Yep...that's cool too.

For more info on the Photo of the Day challenge, go here.

Photo of the Day...8/20/12..."Today"


The prompt was "Today"...I didn't take the time to take a picture as we enjoyed our last morning of camping on the shores of Silver Lake in Michigan's northern lower peninsula...I didn't take a picture of our packing up process...or the travel home...but here's what my job was on our return home...laundry.  Are you impressed by my domestic version of Mt. Washmore?  I'm sure your life is changed.  Carry on...

For more info on the Photo of the Day challenge, go here.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/19/12..."Hole"


Originally I had planned on sharing the hole in my kitchen where my old dishwasher used to live and where a future dishwasher will live...but then we visited the sand dunes at Silver Lake in Michigan.  This is the upper ridge of a huge dune...you can see my 7 year old scaling the wall after running to the bottom.  I remember watching her go over the edge, unsure if there was even a bottom to this hole as it was not visible from my vantage point.  Also not visible from my vantage point...my husband's biggest wipeout when he ran down into the abyss.  Shucks.

For more info on the Photo of the Day challenge, go here.

Photo of the Day...8/18/12..."Inside"



INSIDE that tent are three teenagers...her sister and two friends.  And the 7 year old just wants to be INSIDE with them.  She finally had to reconcile that that space was off limits to her.

For more info on the Photo of the Day challenge, go here.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/17/12..."Face"


See that face? I said good-bye to it for about 10 days, beginning last night.  While I'm excited for that face to spend time with the faces of her grandma, uncle, aunt and cousin in San Diego...I shall miss that face.

For more info on the Photo of the Day challenge, go here.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/16/12..."Food"


We were low on some staples...not literally staples, but the food basics you should have in your pantry...like bread.  I mean...even prisoners have bread, right?  With their water?  So I made sure to make time to visit my local grocery store.  And while there, I managed to learn some things myself.  Here are those lessons...in no particular order.

I am a casual couponer.  I found I am intimidated by serious couponers...and they always seem to want to talk to me.

Engineering degrees are overrated...many a grocery shopper can defy physical science properties in the stacking of their cart.

I can't believe how long it took me to figure out to grab my TP and paper towels (aka huge packages that suck up lots of cart real estate) until end of trip.

I found I was talking to myself by the end of the visit.

For more info on the Photo of the Day challenge, go here.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/15/12..."Ready"


The Photo of the Day prompt for today simply said "Ready".  As we entered the venue above, to kick off a birthday sleepover attended by 7 year olds, all I could think of was "Are you READY to rumble?!!"

For more info on the Photo of the Day challenge, go here.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/13/12..."Simple"


See...I just had to let go of the pressure of getting a pic, inspired by the word "simple", and "Voila!"

The topic...getting back to the simple approach of getting things done...out of necessity.  Realized this morning that the water in the floor, near the dishwasher, was not evidence of need of further dog training.  Instead, it was water that had leaked from my almost-15-year-old dishwasher.  This trusted friend has lifted...or rather, washed...its load whenever called, sometimes more than once a day.  It may be time to retire it.  But, until I decide whether to stick with white appliances or to initiate the process of replacing all appliances with something other than white...I will return to the simple process of washing by hand...and my daughters will get the opportunity of appreciating the new dishwasher to come.  I imagine I will be mentally re-visiting all the memories of my sister's creative tactics to avoid or delay her role in this chore from our days of youth.  Good times.

For more info on the Photo of the Day challenge, go here.

Photo of the Day...8/14/12..."Arrow"


I saw this sign this past weekend while travelling in southwest Michigan.  I couldn't help but notice that the graphic looks like a shark feeding frenzy...which is appropriate considering how one may feel when entering their first roundabout in a busy shopping area.

P.S. I realize that I have not posted a photo, inspired by the 8/13/12 prompt "simple".  As I have considered it, it has proven to not be so simple.  Still on my radar...not sure when I'll deliver.

For more info on the Photo of the Day challenge, go here.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/12/12..."Spoon"


Poor spoon...decisions, decisions.

For more info on the Photo of the Day challenge, go here.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/11/12..."Purple"


Other than a cast worn as an infant for some bone issue, that I have no recollection of, I had gotten to the age of 42 without ever having need of another.  And when I got to choose a color for this one...I chose purple.  I don't know why...I just knew that I liked it.

For more info on the Photo of the Day challenge, go here.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/10/12..."Ring"


We have been camping a lot already this summer...loads of time at the beach...and this is my favorite tan line...the one made by my wedding ring.  Next month, we will be celebrating our twentieth wedding anniversary...and I'm already looking forward to the next twenty.  We had made a commitment to one another, for better or worse...and every day has fallen into one of those two categories.  And our commitment remains.  Marriage takes work...and it is worth it.  He isn't perfect.  I'm certainly not perfect.  But God made us perfect for each other.

Side note:  In this picture, my hand kind of looks like it is becoming webbed.  As I said...we've spent lots of time at the beach.

For more information on the photo of the day challenge, go here.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/9/12..."Messy"


How many times have I squelched their fun...their creativity...out of the annoyance that it would be messy?  Far too many to count...way more than I would ever care to admit.

For more information on the Photo of the Day challenge, go here.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/8/12..."Glasses"


I tried to put it out of my mind...but it would not go away.  The only logical picture to share...inspired by the word "glasses"...was my first school picture wearing glasses.  This is from kindergarten...loving the alphabet blouse!!

I started wearing glasses as a four-year-old...switching to contacts at the ripe old age of 13.  My sight is terrible...the last consultation I've had for corrective surgery (which was not recently) revealed that the best I could hope for would be the ability of being able to wear thinner glasses after surgery.

Someday...when my self-image can take it...I may share other school pictures.  It would be an insightful journey through the eye glass fashion of the 70s and early 80s (assuming, of course, that what I was wearing was actually fashionable)...wire frames...great big round frames...brown tinted lenses...and the classic initials in the lower corner of one of the lenses...in case I needed a memory jogger, I guess.  It would also be an educational course for photographers on what NOT to do to avoid glare in a person's glasses & still be able to get a good picture.  But...I'm not ready to provide that public service.  Maybe when I've moved on from this earthly life...and my family has quit laughing at the pics.

For more info on the Photo of the Day challenge, go here.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/7/12..."8 O'Clock"


"8 O'Clock"?  What am I supposed to do with that as an inspiration?  Then it hit me...that's the times the polls in Michigan close.  Have you voted yet today?  If so, way to go!  If not, get to it...you have until 8 O'Clock.

For info on the photo of the day challenge, go here.

Monday, August 6, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/6/12..."Writing"


(Sigh)...Writing...my mind went a hundred different directions with this inspirational prompt.  Do I capture a pic of a beloved recipe written in my mom's handwriting because I love those kind of treasures?  Do I confess, as a homeschooling mom, how I have always struggled to find any love for teaching the skill of handwriting?  Is "writing" just a mechanical skill or is it the art of stringing words together to paint pictures for a reader...whether written by hand, typed in a document or shared as a Facebook status? Well, whatever it is...I love it personally!  I love to journal...sometimes I do so with pen and paper as shown above, sometimes I capture thoughts in Evernote, and sometimes I inflict it on the reader here at this blog.  Each are therapeutic to put the mind at rest...to unburden oneself, getting it off your chest in as peaceful manner as possible...to capture a specific spot in a person's journey through life...to express thoughts and emotions that are not as easy to verbalize.  And with this love of writing in mind, I, as a homeschooling mom, will persist in passing that love on as a treasure.  And if I don't succeed...at least they will have my journals to draw a laugh.

You can learn more about the Photo of the Day challenge here.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/5/12..."Logo"


Logo?  How do I just pick one logo?  My fridge is filled with logos...my cabinets are filled with logos...our streets are filled with logos.  And then I saw this one...as we were finishing up another great weekend of family camping.  Over the last 5 summers, we have almost exclusively camped at Michigan state parks.  They always seem to have the best locations...they must have some great connections.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/4/12..."Somewhere You Sat"


One of my favorite places where I have sat this summer...so far...on the shores of Lake Michigan.  And it was wonderful...just sitting...watching my family play...reading...soaking up some solar power...feeling my smallness in the greatness of the Creator.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/2/12..."One"


So, today's prompt to get the creative juices going in the Photo of the Day challenge is the word "One".  I considered different places where the number 1 is found...a die...a dollar bill...humming "One" by U2 throughout the process.  Then it struck me...the first verse from the first chapter of the first book of the Bible about the first thing to ever happen...Genesis 1:1..."In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."  Yep...that should totally qualify.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Photo of the Day...8/1/12..."Outside"


Taken from a lounge chair at the Atlas Valley Country Club pool...beautiful day...beautiful sounds of kids playing...beautiful friends.

Update 8/1/12:  I was considering this photo today and why it was representative of "outside".  I realized that while you can take most items, usually found outside, indoors...you can't take the sky and it's inhabitants indoors.  I don't care if you are Disney or a Vegas mega-resort...you will never top the original.

Photo of the Day Challenge

Sometime last month, my sister (you can visit her over at A Minute with Falula) challenged me to participate in the "Photo of the Day" challenge found here for the month of August.  Really?!  I tried doing something on my own at the start of 2012 like this, but with no one bossing me around (i.e. providing suggestional prompts) I ran out of gas.  I don't promise to post everyday but I certainly promise to get a photo each day to post...when I get around to it.


And please don't make fun of my hair...that's after hanging out in a lounge chair next to the pool today...looking for the perfect "outside" shot.

Here's the list for August...