Happy 2nd Birthday Logan

Make A Wish!
⁀) ✫ ✫ ✫.
`⋎´✫¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•✫
..✫¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.✫
☻/ღ˚ •。* ♥♥ ˚ ˚✰˚ ˛★* 。 ღ˛° 。* °♥ ˚ • ★ *˚ .ღ 。
/▌*˛˚ ░M░A░K░E░ - ░W░I░S░H░ For Your Birthday ˚ ✰* ★
/ \ ˚. ★ *˛ ˚♥♥* ✰。˚ ˚ღ。* ˛˚ ♥♥ 。✰˚* ˚ ★ღ ˚ 。✰ •* ˚ ♥♥"

Happy 2nd birthday sweet Logan Love may your life always be enriched and enchanted♥

❦~❧~❦~❧~❦~❧~❦~❧~❦~❧~❦

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, 

and to have my senses put in order. 

~ John Burroughs ~

...

Happiness: (✿◠‿◠)

✿░ (¯`:´¯)░✿ "

.. (¯ `•.\|/.•´¯).. 

░(`✿◠‿◠).•´¯)░ 

. (_.• ´/|\`•._).. .•. ✿

Find it again through the eyes of a child 

"There is a garden in every childhood, 

an enchanted place where colors are brighter, 

the air softer, and the morning more fragrant 

than ever again." ~Elizabeth Lawrence

And so today my world it smiles

Your hand in mine we walk the miles

I will play in the sunshine.  I will sing for joy.  I will grow in the sunlight.  I will splash in the rain.  And I will always remember the wonderful days of my childhood.  Katie Melua

Rocky Mountain National Park, established in 1915, is a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. With elevations ranging from 8,000 feet in the wet, grassy valleys to 14,259 feet at the weather-ravaged top of Longs Peak, a visitor to the park has opportunities for countless breathtaking experiences and adventures.

Elk, mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, black bears, coyotes, cougars, eagles, hawks and scores of smaller animals delight wildlife-watchers of all ages. Wildflower-lovers are never disappointed in June and July when the meadows and hillsides are splashed with botanical color. Autumn visitors can relax among the golden aspens or enjoy the rowdier antics of the elk rut during mating season.

Photographs taken at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado
Photographs courtesy of my Son and his family

✿░ (¯`:´¯)░✿ "

.. (¯ `•.\|/.•´¯).. 

░(`✿◠‿◠).•´¯)░ 

. (_.• ´/|\`•._).. .•. ✿

"I began to realize how important it was to be an enthusiast in life. If you are interested in something, no matter what it is, go at it full speed ahead. Embrace it with both arms, hug it, love it and above all become passionate about it. Lukewarm is no good. Hot is no good, either. White hot and passionate is the only thing to be."

-Roald Dahl

A happy family is but an earlier Heaven

✿░ (¯`:´¯)░✿ "

.. (¯ `•.\|/.•´¯).. 

░(`✿◠‿◠).•´¯)░ 

. (_.• ´/|\`•._).. .•. ✿

The most valuable thing you can get from someone you love is his time. They are not the words, not the flowers, gifts. It's time. Because that is not coming back, and what he gave you is yours alone, no matter if you have an hour or a lifetime  

✿░ (¯`:´¯)░✿ "

.. (¯ `•.\|/.•´¯).. 

░(`✿◠‿◠).•´¯)░ 

. (_.• ´/|\`•._).. .•. ✿

✶~✶❇✶~✶❇✶☼✶❇✶~✶❇✶~✶

Let us always meet each other with smile,

for the smile is the beginning of love.

~ Mother Teresa 

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.. (¯ `•.\|/.•´¯).. 

░(`✿◠‿◠).•´¯)░ 

. (_.• ´/|\`•._).. .•. ✿

♥░H░A░V░E░♥░A░♥░B░E░A░U░T░I░F░U░L░♥░D░A░Y░♥

"Every day brings with it the promise

of a new beginning."

~ Katrina Mayer ~

Happiness: (✿◠‿◠)

✿░ (¯`:´¯)░✿ "

.. (¯ `•.\|/.•´¯).. 

░(`✿◠‿◠).•´¯)░ 

. (_.• ´/|\`•._).. .•. ✿

✿░ (¯`:´¯)░✿ "

.. (¯ `•.\|/.•´¯).. 

░(`✿◠‿◠).•´¯)░ 

. (_.• ´/|\`•._).. .•. ✿

May you touch dragonflies and stars, dance with fairies and talk to the moon.

May you grow up with love and a gracious heart

and always, always always know how very much you are loved♥

Loves greatest gift is its ability to make everything it touches sacred.

Rumi

ConGRADultions to this young man

This young man is the definition of resilience!
Despite being homeless he's the valedictorian of his class!

Griffin Furlong was 6 when his mother died of leukemia. Soon after, he became homeless.
Furlong lived alongside his father and brother in a shelter in Kentucky before moving to Florida, where they were kept financially afloat – barely – thanks to contributions from their extended family.
But Griffin applied himself in school, and never missed a day of classes. The effort paid off, earning him a 4.65 GPA that made him his class valedictorian.
Unfortunately, more bad luck struck: In April, Furlong became homeless once again. He will graduate on June 4, at the top of his class – without a home.
Furlong has been accepted to Florida State University in the fall, but he has not yet received the scholarships needed to be able to afford it.
Fortunately friends stepped in, setting up a GoFundMe account where Furlong could receive donations from the public. In 7 days, the homeless valedictorian collected nearly $36,000.
Wanna chip in for Griffin?
http://www.gofundme.com/9fa8uo

I'm strong, because I've been weak. I'm fearless, because I've been afraid. I'm wise, because I've been foolish.

That's why I understand.
Understanding leads to insight, insight leads to Love and forgiveness.
We all learn along the way.

Wisdom cannot be imparted, no matter how hard we try, it must be ripened, it does not come overnight and that's alright. Understanding and patience is the key.

Fear less, Love more.

A quote as seen on Facebook


✿░ (¯`:´¯)░✿ "
.. (¯ `•.\|/.•´¯).. 
░(`✿◠‿◠).•´¯)░ 
. (_.• ´/|\`•._).. .•. ✿

✿*´¨)*
¸.•*¸.• ✿´¨).• ✿¨)
(¸.•´*(¸.•´*(.¸. •*Petals of Peace to Brighten your day.
Have a nice Friday dear family and friends!

═════════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ═══════════

May the sun shine on you today and always

Starbucks Baby

This is the biggest, most expensive Starbucks drink you can order:
If you have a Starbucks "Gold" card, every 12th drink is on the house. Well, since they don't stipulate how big or fancy that free drink can be, every year, someone pushes the limit to create the biggest, most expensive drink they can think of. Here's this year's entry:
On Saturday, a customer the blog Consumerist identified only as “Andrew” allegedly ordered a massive, 60-espresso-shot 128-ounce Frappuccino, which would have cost an astounding $54.75.
Andrew's drink also included a mocha drizzle, hazelnut drizzle, caramel drizzle, and protein powder.
Andrew told Consumerist: "I gotta say, it was delicious."
He finished off an impressive third of it and saved the rest for later.

Photograph and content from the John Tesh sight on Facebook
Thank you 



Happiness does not dwell high; it is not in the condo above the city or the shimmering office removed from the squalor; it will not be in the next digit, the extra zero, the new mark; it is not grasped somewhere in the clouds when emotions soar; it is not felt when the victor places a foot on the skull of the vanquished; it is not on the pin of diamonds or behind the pile of trinkets; it does not fall from the unfolded sail of adventure or rise from the relieving sigh of comfort; it is not near or far, soon or later; it cannot be pierced with lofty aims or roused by a low and desperate prayer; it is not lifted by a flirty love, awakened by approval, or tempted or ruined by a sudden evil; it is not ensured by giving or getting, forgiving or following; no, no, you see, it rises and rings and surges and sings only for those who stroll faithfully upon that glorious and steady ground of GRATITUDE.

Brendon Burchard - Live. Love. Matter.

Be A Rainbow in Someone Else's Cloud - Maya Angelou - 

"A luminous light remains where a beautiful soul has passed." 

- Antoine Boveua

“My mission in life is not merely to survive,
but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, 
some compassion, some humor, and some style” ~ Maya Angelou 

"You are the sum total of everything you've ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot - it's all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive."
~ Maya Angelou~

Thursday, May 28, 2014
Statement from Dr. Maya Angelou’s Family:
Dr. Maya Angelou passed quietly in her home before 8:00 a.m. EST. Her family is extremely grateful that her ascension was not belabored by a loss of acuity or comprehension. She lived a life as a teacher, activist, artist and human being. She was a warrior for equality, tolerance and peace. The family is extremely appreciative of the time we had with her and we know that she is looking down upon us with love.
Guy B. Johnson

Maya Angelou's final tweet 3 days ago.

Listen to yourself and in that quietude you might hear the voice of God.
April 4, 1928-May 28-2014



"I've been blessed to have Maya Angelou as my mentor, mother/sister and friend since my 20s. She was there for me always, guiding me through some of the most important years of my life. The world knows her as a poet, but at the heart of her, she was a teacher. 'When you learn, teach. When you get, give' is one of my best lessons from her.

"She won three Grammys, spoke six languages and was the second poet in history to recite a poem at a presidential inauguration. But what stands out to me most about Maya Angelou is not what she has done or written or spoken; it's how she lived her life. She moved through the world with unshakable calm, confidence and a fierce grace. I loved her, and I know she loved me. I will profoundly miss her. She will always be the rainbow in my clouds."

— Statement from Oprah Winfrey


God puts rainbows in the clouds so that each of us- in the dreariest and most dreaded moments can see a possibility of hope. Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud. ~Maya Angelou, Letter to My Daughter 


From my Son:

Denver is officially my new favorite city in 'Murica! Thanks for showing us around your splendid city, Brendan O'Rourke! Now off to Rocky Mountain National Park and Boulder Flatirons


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N5uyRCpR-k

Great song♫

"Try with a new method.
It costs nothing and yet is effective: smiles.
This method starts from the human heart, it is the smile that comes from an inner peace, the joy of a good heart. 
This smile makes beautiful every man. "

Phil Bosmans

Logan Love

Logan loving this mega adventure with his parents

and loving his miso soup

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy, 
they are the charming gardeners who make 
our souls blossom.” ~ Marcel Proust


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNCiTWusWqU#t=11

Memories of Windsor
Thanks to my dear friend Ilona for sharing this with me

Our Life's Journey

“Our life’s journey flows like the cycles of a tree. A tree changes from green leaves and flowers to bare branches then back to green leaves and flowers. With the right care, it can produce magnificent foliage yet it may still need a dormant period. How well we tend to our inner being, feed it with good thoughts and keep hope in our heart determines how well we weather life’s storms. We also need a dormant period to re-energize ourselves so we can achieve our full potential.” Don Shapiro, author Life Is A Fork In The Road

The Babemba tribe of Africa believes that each human being comes into the world as good. Each one of us only desiring safety, love, peace and happiness.

But sometimes, in the pursuit of these things, people make mistakes.

When a person acts irresponsibly or unjustly, he/she is placed in the center of the village, alone, unfettered. All work ceases. All gather around the accused individual. Then each person of every age, begins to talk out loud to the accused. One at a time, each person tells all the good things the one in the center ever did in his/her lifetime.

Every incident, every experience that can be recalled with any detail and accuracy, is recounted. All positive attributes, good deeds, strengths, and kindnesses are recited carefully and at length.

The tribal ceremony often lasts several days, not ceasing until everyone is drained of every positive comment that can be mustered. At the end, the tribal circle is broken, a joyous celebration takes place, and the person is symbolically and literally welcomed back into the tribe. Necessity for such ceremonies is rare!

This story is originally from the book, Contact, The First Four Minutes by Leonard Sunin. The Babemba or Bemba people make their home in an area of Africa that includes Zambia and the Congo. Another source: http://tinyurl.com/nt5xydr 

I am really enjoying a book called Detroit An American Autopsy

by Charlie LeDuff

recommended by Jim Harper.  You are right Jim no sugar coating on this book.

Mandarin Duck.
 In Asian culture the Mandarin Duck is a symbol of love and devotion, because it is monogamous. Images of Mandarin Ducks are commonly used as Feng Shui cures for people who are single. It can also be used by people who experience difficulties in searching for a life partner.

Image of Mandarin Duck and story both seen on Facebook.  Thank you 

Beautiful Japanese hair clips and story from Geisha Moments on Facebook thank you 

'Tensha' in Japanese translates to the English word 'transfer'. Tensha Beads are a handmade Japanese bead created by applying a beautifully detailed decal to an acrylic bead. It is then sealed and protected with an acrylic coating. Gold or silver accents are often used to highlight these stunning beads. Japanese Tensha Beads are light weight and strong and come in a variety of sizes, patterns and colours and are sure to add an exquisite touch to your beaded design.

"People confuse the source of their happiness. They become temporarily happy when they get a new car, or a new house, or a new marriage. And they think that they are suddenly happy because of this new thing in their life. In reality, they are happy because for a brief moment, they are without desire. But then soon another desire comes along. And the search continues."
Posted on Humans of New York


"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

I love Elephants

http://listverse.com/2012/03/05/top-10-facts-about-elephants/

Love is
An endless mystery,
For it has nothing else
To explain it.

~ Tagore ~

"It’s easy to become immune to, and much less grateful for, the small things in our lives. In our quest to experience the more seductive “highs,” we can lose sight of the fact that most of life, indeed a vast majority of it, is made up of small things and moments, one right after the other. The failure to appreciate the small things breeds an inability to be touched by life in a big way." Richard Carlson


https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=599616590084746&set=vb.146098378776595&type=2&theater

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NV5-DaI5ULg

Eminence Font The Who I love this song


If you planted hope today
(¸.♥´ In any hopeless heart
(¸.♥´ If someone's burden became lighter
(¸.♥´ Because you did your part
(¸.♥´ If you made someone laugh out loud
(¸.♥´ And kept their tears at bay
(¸.♥´ Then today has been 
(¸.♥´ A very special day... :)

Roasted Red Pepper Soup
(source of this recipe unknown to me)


5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 
1 large red onion, thinly sliced 
Salt and freshly ground black pepper 
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved 
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, or to taste 
3 large portobello mushroom caps, thinly sliced 
1/4 cup white wine 
4 tablespoons unsalted butter 
3 fresh thyme sprigs 
10 slices sourdough bread 
1 1/4 cups coarsely grated provolone cheese 
1 1/4 cups coarsely grated Monterey Jack cheese 
3 medium red bell peppers 
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil1/4 
1 medium carrot, diced 
1 medium celery rib, diced 
1 large red onion, diced 
2 28-ounce cans whole tomatoes in juice 
1/2 cup chopped basil leaves, plus more for garnish 
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 
Salt and freshly ground black pepper 
1/2 cup heavy cream


Kiss the cook often and season everything with love♥

Lessons Of Love

A ninety-one year old woman died
after living a long dignified life.
When she met God, she asked him something
that had long bothered her.
If Man was created in God's image,
and if all men are created equal,
why do people treat each other so badly?
God replied that each person who
enters our life has a unique
lesson to teach us.
And it is only through these
lessons that we learn about life,
people, relationships and God.
This confused the woman, so God began to explain.
When someone lies to you, it
teaches you that things are not
always as they seem. The truth is often far
beneath the surface. Look beyond the masks
people wear if you want to know their heart.
And remove your own masks to let people know yours.
When someone steals from you,
it teaches you that nothing is forever.
Always appreciate what you have,
for you never know when you might lose it.
And never, ever take your friends
and family for granted because today
is the only guarantee you have.
When someone inflicts an injury upon you, 
it teaches you that the human state is a fragile one.
Protect and take care of your body
as best you can, it's the only thing
you are sure to have forever.
When someone mocks you,
it teaches you that no two people are alike.
When you encounter people who are
different from you, don't judge
them by how they look or act;
instead base your opinion on the contents of their heart.
When someone breaks your heart,
it teaches you that loving someone
does not always mean that person
will love you back. But don't turn your back
on love because when you find the right person, 
the joy that one person brings will
make up for all the past hurts put together.
Times ten. When someone holds a grudge against you,
it teaches you that everyone makes mistakes.
When you are wronged, the most virtuous 
thing you can do is forgive the offender without pretense.
Forgiving those who have hurt us is the most difficult,
the most courageous and the noblest thing man can do.
When a loved one is unfaithful to you,
it teaches you that resisting temptation
is man's greatest challenge.
Be vigilant in your resistance against
all temptation. By doing so you will be 
rewarded with an enduring sense
of satisfaction far greater
than the temporary pleasure by which you were tempted.
When someone cheats you, 
it teaches you that greed is the root of all evil.
Aspire to make your dreams come true,
no matter how lofty they may be.
Do not feel guilty about your success,
but never let an obsession with achieving
your goals lead you to engage in malevolent activities.
When someone ridicules you, 
it teaches you that nobody is perfect.
Accept people for their merits and be
tolerant of their flaws.
Do not ever reject someone for 
imperfections over which they have no control.
Upon hearing the Lord's wisdom,
the old woman became concerned
that there were no lessons to be learned
from man's good deeds.
God replied that man's capacity to love 
is the greatest gift he has.
At the root of all kindness is love,
and each act of love also teaches us a lesson.
The woman's curiosity deepening, 
God once again began to explain.
When someone loves us it teaches us that love,
kindness, charity, honesty,
humility, forgiveness and 
acceptance can counteract all the evil in the world.
For every good deed, there is one less evil deed.
Man alone has the power to control 
the balance between good and evil,
but because the lessons of love 
are not taught often enough,
the power is too often abused.
When you enter someone's life,
whether by plan, chance or coincidence,
consider what your lesson will be.
Will you teach love or a harsh lesson of reality? 
When you die, will your life
have resulted in more loving or hurting? 
More comfort or pain?
More joy or sadness? Each one of
us has power over the balance
of love in the world. Use it wisely.

They are not just a solider; they are someone’s child,
They are not just a soldier; they are someone’s love,
They are not just a soldier; they are someone’s parent,
They are not just a solider; they are someone’s friend,
They are not just a soldier, they are our soldiers.
May we never turn them into a statistic and always remember all the hearts they touched, courage they personified and life they had lived. To the families of our fallen words can not express our sadness. We will not forget all you have given. We are so sorry for your loss.

~Unknown~