Alvin

Taken at Irvine Nature Center

Today I am grateful for all the artifacts and ephemera 

from my parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

It is so interesting going through old family documents,

cards, letters, V-mail, scrapbooks, etc. 

It makes me feel connected my past,

gives me a sense of history

and gives me a glimpse of my ancestors that have passed on.

I've always loved documenting my thoughts, ideas, and experiences

in journals, diaries, and scrapbooks

so it was great to realize that I get it honestly...

many of my kin did the same and it is a treasure

to discover the things they thought were important enough to keep.

Hopefully one day my children and grandchildren will enjoy

looking through my scrapbooks and journals some day.

xo

En Plein Air

I so enjoyed my walk at the Irvine Nature Center today.

I woke up in a horrible, sad, crying mood and I knew I couldn't stay indoors.

Moping around feeling sorry for myself is no good,

especially on a gorgeous summer day like today.

So, with lunch packed, I headed out to explore.

In the children's outdoor learning classroom at the Center,

I found this plein air painter and stood watching him for a while.

I really do wish I was talented like that.

I could so see me being outdoors and painting beautiful scenery

with the sun on my back and my paints surrounding me.

Only one little problem is holding me back...

I have no idea how to paint.

None.  Zero.  Zilch.

Maybe one day.

On the way back home I stopped to visit my 

maternal grandmother's grave.  

I have only been there once before and since I had to

drive right past the Maryland State Veterans Cemetery,

I decided to stop and visit.

It was good to see it so well taken care of.

xo