Happy Monday!

I am happy. It's going to be an excellent day!

I'm going to get some stuff done that I've been wanting to for a while and enjoy the tremendous weather at the same time.

This rose is a climbing rose that I bought on a whim. It didn't bloom the first year and I wasn't totally sure what it would look like. When it started to bloom this year, I was stunned. It produces the most amazingly, shockingly pink blooms. The color doesn't seem real, but I assure the picture is accurate. It's started to send shoots up, which we are going to train it to grow on a wire, up the side of the garage, and so while thoroughly enjoying the show this year, I am eagerly anticipating next year.

"Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." Buddha

I hope your Monday is happy and all that you want it to be.

It's time to find the JOY!

Okay, July has been a tricky month. Highs, lows, celebrations, tragedy, challenges, accomplishments. I've had some trouble gaining my balance, but...

Today is a new day and I'm finding the joy again.

That being said, this blog started out as fun. I intended to use it to document my activities, interests and whatever struck my fancy. Then, it kind of became a task, which I never intended nor wanted.

Since I'm focusing on joy, I've decided not to write about the disappointments or challenges that don't go well and leave it out in the world for all to read. So, I may be editing or deleting some posts as they don't really say who I truly am. They just reflect a moment in time.

"Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery." Jane Austen

I wholeheartedly agree. I believe that life is what you make it and I'm making it beautiful.

This picture is of my oldest clematis. It's been moved three times, but is now in it's permanent home. It is a testiment to learning to adapt. Each time it's had to move, there was a period of adjustment, but each time it successfully rooted, and grew stronger. Did you notice the handcrafted garden teepee? A mother's day gift from my husband and kids. Quite something. This clematis knows it's finally home and has celebrated by growing to adorn the teepee and blooming for weeks.