Juanita's 28

In this photo Juanita is 3, and I love it! She is so cute, and I love those dimples.
Now she is 28, and is a beautiful woman. Talented beyond measure, creative as all get out. If I had half the talent she possesses I don't know what I would do. She has a big heart and loves fully.
My daughter amazes me...

I love you Juanita!

Strawberries...

When I read the story that Florida farmers were destroying their crops I couldn't beleive it. A lot of people might say, "there are starving people all over the world" But I say what about the starving families in this country. I don't understand how such waste is tolerated in this country, we have so much and yet we would rather destroy than to give to those in need....
What a shame.

Do you know what I could make with all those strawberries? Strawberry pie, strawberry shortcake, strawberry lemonade, strawberry tarts, strawberry waffles....and on and on....
I love strawberries!

My Baby had a baby!

Gosh, it's days like this when I feel older than my 43 years. Krysia did an amazing job. With no help from me, her mama, or her sisters, there she was having a baby. I am so sad that our family is so far away and missing out on these moments.
Kryis and Lucas, our new grandson are doing fine.

When I talking to Krysia and she said this moment felt surreal. I understood, I felt that way when I gave birth to my first child, it just so happens had her birthday today. I remember that first night holding my baby, feeding my baby, talking to her, feeling her next to me. I had a baby! Oh my gosh, I have to take care of her, this is real...
The things we never think we can do, we do. I did and so will Krysia. She is going to be such a good mom. I could hear it in her voice, how much she loves her son, her little perfect ray of sunshine, beautiful.

I love you Krysia.

Mom

To Be a Woman

I read this quote today and thought about my role as a woman. What does it mean to be a woman, a woman today that is?

Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses, woman for their strengths.
-Lois Wyse

I have always been told I am a strong woman, a strong person to have survived what I have been through in my life. I guess that is true, but who made me this way? Am I product of my upbringing, have I evoled into a better person because of my past and to spite it? These are just some of the questions running around in my head.
What does it mean for a woman to have strength? Does it mean she can bench press twice her weight? Or out run a marathon runner, or maybe fight off an attack? Or is she the woman who beats herself up everyday for not being what people expect her to be? And what does that even mean?
Women, we are daughters, mothers, wife, friend, nurse, taxi driver, cook, homework helper, and all around handy man/woman....and more...and then we are more when called upon.

Just my thoughts for the day.

I love all the woman in my life... who have been my friend, who have supported me, who have not judged me, and loved me...Thank You!

P.S. women of beauty, women of strength, women of capacity, women of virtue, women of faith.
President Gordon Hinckley

I loved how President Hinckley referred to women, so beautiful, and full of genuine love.

Did I mention, I love being a woman!

Something we should all pay attention to. I am pretty sure we still live in America, right?....
We all have a voice, let's use it to tell the government to stop trying to make our choices for us. We are not stupid, let me repeat that, WE ARE NOT STUPID! We can and do think for ourselves.

Solitary Day

I really needed a day of solitude, to recenter my thoughts. There is usually a constant stream of drama in our family. There are those days where I want to run away, not forever, just a day or two or three. I think some of you know what I mean. Yesterday was such a beautiful day, so that is what I did for a couple of hours, ran away up the canyon...with my camera.

It felt good to breathe in the cool air...

Here are a few of my favorite photos from yesterday.

Need to de-stress

with my favorite activity, photography. It has been a while since I have used my camera and I am feeling sad about it. I need to get out of here and go hunting for something amazing to shoot...