Bottle girl

Last week, Natalie asked if she could have a juice bottle.  Ernie went and got one out of our recycling bin.  She then proceeded to draw a girl, cut her out, and tape her to the bottle.  Here is her final creation:

A little closer up picture of her:

Art day

I had this week off while Natalie was on a winter break from school.

Today was spent repairing the drip system in the yard, watering plants (we haven't had much rain this winter), and overall just enjoying the 70+ degree weather.  It was also a day where Natalie got to create some art.  First she "painted rocks" outside with her paintbrush and water.  We had lunch and made some crayons with her crayon maker.  While we waited for the crayons to melt, I asked her if she wanted to paint.  She said, "sure!"

I looked at her art easel, which is next to our island in our living room/kitchen (open concept), and realized that it was very low for her.  We had not adjusted it since she got it from my mom and dad for her 3rd birthday.  So, I raised the easel, and she proceeded to create her drawing for the day, while listening to Coldplay.

This is what she finished:

Rainbow of Hope

In every dark cloud there is a rainbow, waiting to brighten your day and remind you that life doesn't have to be difficult or hard.  Just remember that each day can sparkle and shimmer, if you allow it to!

Rain

We have not had much rain this winter here in N. California.  Perhaps Natalie's drawing will bring more rain to our region...

Remembering

Yesterday, I wanted to scan some photos that I had from my heart surgery in 1998.  I had assembled a binder which contained medical articles about the rare condition I had, all the cards I received while I was in the hospital, and photos that my family had taken while I was recovering in the hospital.  I couldn't find the binder anywhere.  I looked everywhere in the house.  Finally I remembered I put a box out in our garage that had been under our bed.  There!  I found it.


Pulling out the binder I looked at all the cards I had received.  I looked at the photos.  Sometimes it seems like it was just a year ago.  Looking back at the photos, I remembered that I hadn't even known Ern yet.  I was only 21!  14 years ago. 


 I pulled out 3 photos and scanned them:

April - My lifesaver, best friend, hero, living guardian angel.

My dad, mom, and grandma visiting with me during my recuperation.  My mom spent everyday with me at the hospital.  She slept on a fake leather pink chair in my room. And, I think my dad spent the days with me, but went back to mine and April's apartment to sleep, since there was no other place to sleep!   

My mom and dad the day I was able to go home (I spent 5 days in the hospital after my open heart surgery) 

Nature photos

A couple of weeks ago, April, Natalie, Mae, and I were in our backyard.  All of these yellow finches and bluebirds were coming to our fountain to drink water.  The bluebirds in particular were pretty neat to see; especially because there were about 7 at one time drinking from the fountain.  I wasn't able to catch all 7 in a photo, but managed to get one.

But, after looking at my photos on my camera, I thought this one was the greatest.  I caught one of the finches with both wings spread, getting ready to land.

Happy Anniversary

Dear Mom and Dad -

You have been such a wonderful influence over me.  Happy 38th anniversary.  Go for a drive, go out to dinner, and just enjoy the day together.  Love - Me.