Monday, October 5, 2009

Sunday, beautiful Sunday ~~~

I really hope you don’t think I’m a pampered woman. Although it is nice to have dinner and tea served to me, I think it’s about time things were like this around here.

I’ve raised two sons and when they were young, I couldn’t imagine life without us as a complete family unit, with all of us living under one roof. Couldn’t imagine it! And as they got older and in high school and college, not only did I begin to imagine it, I began to look forward to life on our own. If I’ve learned one single thing about life, it’s that it changes constantly.

My husband got sick, and then his personality changed (for the better). Our sons grew up and moved out. And now, with him disabled, and me supporting the both of us, things are just different is all. And all I can do is look for the good in them. Because there really is so much.

I don’t post about the bad.

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I collected this broken group of mums today and put them in a little oblong glass vase. More on how they came to be broken at the end of this post. And yes, I used textures on this photo. Most of them were from my new fave, Flypaper Textures, and one was from Florabella.

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Today for lunch I had a salad with the leftover spicy chicken from last night. It was wonderful. That’s iced tea up there in the left corner. I don’t want you to think I drink wine every day.

Besides, I had a busy day. I aimed for the middle rather than the low and had five things on my list to accomplish. Ok, I won’t lie. I had four things on my list but the second load of laundry counts as two. My list: Do two loads of laundry, sweep out the garage and move things around, sweep the stairs and dining room, plant mums in the containers out front.

I got it all done. Aren’t you proud of me?

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I’ve had my eye on this beautiful jar at the local gift shop I haunt. Five weeks ago I saw it for the first time and I thought, ‘if that’s still there the first week of October, I’m getting it’.

Believe me, it wasn’t expensive. I couldn’t have bought it if it were. And it has a floral arrangement in it. More to come later.

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I didn’t add anything to this photo. It was fine as it was. That’s natural bokeh in the background and I thought it was enough. There’s a story behind these little mums, however.

I bought these today at my favorite garden/gift shop. It’s near the wine store, so it’s very convenient (I’m only half kidding).

George went with me for the ride, and coming home we pulled into the driveway with our loot. I’d put the little mum plants right behind the driver’s side door on the floor. I opened the door, telling George to “wait”. And he bounded right on top of both of the plants, landing right in the center of them as I stopped him in my surprise. He got out and I yelled at him. Yelled in my loudest voice, “What a naughty dog,” I told him.

My husband called out the window and asked me what was going on.

I took one look at my dog, who was skulking into a crouched position, looking for all the world the outcast that he was and right away I felt badly for yelling at him. I used a command that we never use (wait) rather than “stay”.

My husband had come outside at this point, saw all the crushed flowers, George looking sheepish and me almost in tears because I just yelled at the dog I love. And you know what he did? He hugged me. He told me George didn’t know.

Years ago, he would never have done something so kind as to hug me.

And that’s all I have to say about that.

Some of these photos were used for Mosaic Monday, on my other blog. Have a wonderful week, all!

Until next time, my friends . . .

43 comments:

Jo said...

Oh, look! I'm the first to post!

Mums are my favorite flower at this time of year, and these are lovely. I like the beautiful little jar too. Just my taste. :-)

The other day I was in a gift store, and I saw a gorgeous amber glass necklace and earring set from Chile. I hesitated, and then left the store. Five minutes later I went back and bought them. He who hesitates is lost... Don't let fear and common sense hold you back... All that stuff. *heh*

And don't worry, George still loves you, and so does hubby. :-)

Hilary said...

I thought that George never did things like that. It makes him so normal! Like Benny! No, not like Benny.. like normal. ;) The photos are lovely. Give George a scratch behind the ears for me. And give that husband of yours a hug right back.. but not for me. ;)

Michelle said...

I completely understand about not posting about the bad. I usually don't, either, and as a result I have people in my face-to-face life who read my blog and think all I do is play with sheep and fiber and take pictures. And then they get jealous of my "easy life," or ask if I'm really devoting the time I should to homeschooling our son. Sigh. Lately I haven't been posting much because I'm not feeling positive, and don't want to post on the negative.

Please know that some of us understand, at least a little. And know that I LOVE your blog!

Char said...

the good thing about dogs is that they do not have long memories for being reprimanded. :)

i like you whether or not you have a glass of wine everyday. i like you for you. and that vase/jar is just gorgeous.

Sandy aka Doris the Great said...

I also don't like to post about the bad. My blog is what reminds me that I can "escape" by looking into the lives of others or by thinking of better things. I like your blog.

Today -- beautiful photos, beautiful flowers, beautiful food, beautiful blog! Blessings.

Leenie said...

Kate, your blog is a positive uplift for all your followers. I hope most of us understand there are shadows in everyone's life that we don't wish to whine about. Although the regret for impatience with sweet George does make you seem more human. ;). So glad your hubby's illness is responding to treatment and that he is able to help you in the kitchen.

Reddirt Woman said...

Sometimes I do post about things that are not wonderful in my world but I try to do it in such a way that I can figure out a positive spin on whatever is going on. My preference is to always try to be positive and fun and I, too, love my iced tea.

The mums are beautiful as is your treat for yourself, the unusual jar. And poor George as well as you feeling bad... Usually when I get on to one of my girls it's my fault for using the wrong command. And I imagine that he came around pretty quick to make sure you still loved him.

Didn't mean to write a book...

Great post, this one. Diverse.

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

I enjoyed the post. So, do you sugar your tea? I'm always curious--don'know why--it's certainly none of my business!lol

Oh well, George will forgive you and glad the hubby has lightened up. Mine hasn't always been so easy to live with either! V.

Anonymous said...

The post touched the heart.
Cheers !!!

Sugar Creek Beads said...

Men can really surprise us so when the sweet little things slip out. With all the problems in our lifes isn't it great to feel the love. Your hubby seems to really love you and George is like a wonderful child. I love the way our animals react when we smile at them or say we're sorry after yelling at them. They forget so quickly when they know they are still wanted. My sweet animal is a cat named Zoe. Your flower photo was as wonderful as ever. Love the treatment. You give me courage to try things with my photos. I'm going to have to get photoshop first. It's on my Santa list. Boy does that salad look great. What cheese did you use? Jeanne

Flea said...

I call my Hunny my second husband. He didn't have to get sick to be my second husband, but we did have to move halfway across the country, away from his parents, for him to get better. I'm so happy for you, even if it is difficult.

Skogkjerring said...

I love to read how your husband has changed for the better and your life has become better because of it and it's all because he is sick, isn't life odd? A constant give and take, up and down, when people compare it to a rollercoaster they are pretty spot on.
Poor George, I can just see him ashamed of what he did and I can feel your anguish in yelling at him, it happens so fast and you're not the only one guilty of it and the horrible feeling afterwards of yelling at a beloved dog is worse then whatever the dog did in the first place...as your husband pointed out, he didn't do it on purpose...that's the most important thing. A dog is never malicious...
Your photos are stunning, wish I had enough patience to throw myself into learning these texture techniques but I don't have it right now...maybe someday!
I'm off to Sweden to begin my Christmas shopping- have a super Monday my friend!!

BB said...

Love the action in the first image... I never use them but I love 'em. I think a great many of us 'edit' our lives fairly heavily - no-one is really Sunshine Sally, are they? And how boring if they were...

You hubby definitely deserves a cuddle for that sweet gesture... its not always easy for blokes to do something like that spontaneously. (I believe it's like having kids or animals, you want the behaviour repeated, you reward it well!!!)
:-)
BB

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

Thank you for the post. I have felt badly after yelling at one of my dogs, too, because generally they just want to help. Mishaps are often my fault. But, dogs are forgiving, no doubt. C

troutay said...

I would have hugged you too. Sometimes things don't "mix" well.
The dog, the flowers. And laundry will cause me to break into tears.

But then, sometimes things mix well
and you have a lovely moment.

Anonymous said...

Kate, if it makes you feel any better, my dog is in the "dog house",too. I worked half the afternoon making apple dumplings, and as they were cooling, I left the room. Came back to find her looking "guilty".......she had eaten the tops off of half of them!!! I still haven't forgiven her!

Heather said...

Kate :) - what can I say? You tenderize my heart, woman. It's so refreshing to feel the heart flowing through the words of another.

See...I am a tender heart, through and through and through...I am. I can admit it and it is good. My hubby is still on the fence with offering a hug for a hug and not more ;) but I think he'll get there some day. As for my boys, I know what you're saying.

I never would have thought that I could be ready for them to all be in school, or have soccer games away from me - even without me there from the beginning. But seasons allow us to change our colors, just like the tree's, huh?

Love to you, Kate. I'm glad that our paths connect :)

Kimmie said...

Thank you for sharing your heart, your gift and your life...may God hold you close and speak the things that will move you to new levels of Grace and Impact.

Nice to meet you...glad that you are finding things to take joy in.

Your pictures are lovely, you are very talented indeed.

((hug))

Kimmie
mama to 7
one homemade and 6 adopted

ELK said...

yes those dogs and husbands can surprise us in good and bad ways...you do have an interesting perspective ...i am a candle in the fireplace person too, love the rusts throughout

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

Delightful in every way. So wonderful when your man knows just what to do!!!

Dagmar said...

Ohh those hugs are the best in life. Give one to George too my friend. (I've done the same to Storm ones but forgivness is all that matters in life). Hugs from me to you too. Dagmar

Daryl said...

Here's another ((((Katy))))

And George, dont feel too awful, things like this happen but next time she'll say STAY not that silly wait word

Candy said...

I so enjoyed reading...the rest of the story behind each lovely photo. And what a sweet hubby. A good ol' bear hug can cure just about anything.
Cheers!

abb said...

There's nothing worse to look at than a contrite dog. It just breaks my heart every time. Those mums are still beautiful and that hubby hug wonderful. Do have a peaceful week, my friend.

CarlaHR said...

Lovely post as always Kate, I so enjoy visiting with you daily.

Deb said...

Ohhh...I love your post for today or rather, yesterday. I'm off the computer in the evenings.

Mums are a fall favorite. And the colors of fall are so soothing to me. You have captured the essence beautifuly.

Mary said...

Yes, I'm always hesitant about posting about the complaints, the failures, etc... and gosh, do I ever have plenty of those.

Don't worry too much about reprimanding George. Dogs live "in the moment." I'm sure he has forgiven you. Give him a hug from me. :)

I'm glad you had a sweet Sunday. That salad looks scrumptious!

Driftwood and Pumpkin said...

I don't like posting about the bad either. It is a karma thing...what ever you focus on multiplies, so focusing on the good is fantastic!

Gorgeous images whether they are on auto or not ;0)

Sure you don't want to jump into class just for fun...it is on me.


Shhh...don't tell anyone I said that.

Brenda Pruitt said...

You have such a unique way at looking at things through your camera, and through your eyes. And your words, they too are very special. I hope you don't mind that I added your photography blog to my "Photography & Artists" on my sidebar.
Brenda

Swetha said...

lovely flowers.. i love the last picture !

Betty said...

I love your blog and your pictures and George,and your curly hair.
~~Hugs~~

Tes said...

Beautiful red mums. You have such dine things (love the jar) and wonderful photos! Life is made up of fine things that make us happy. You like it -that's what counts!

JC said...

I know what you mean .. I yealled at Maddy Jean and she looked at me. She didn't know what she'd done. She almost pushes me over all the time.

And, a hug ... wow. My H doesn't do that.

Mental P Mama said...

Poor George. He can come live with me. Yeah, right. Have a wonderful week. I'll be thinking about you....

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

We are all broken...but its ok as long as something good comes from it.
<><

Anonymous said...

Love the way George 'helped' you arrange your mums! Another artist in the family!

Hugs are a wonderful thing especially when they are returned!

"Live well", "Love much", "Laugh often"

I don't know who said that but I like it! Jeanne

Jeanne Walker said...

Kate, There's a comment from "James" who is my nephew who is staying with me for a few days. He forgot to sign out.

Rileigh'sLolli ~ Jeanne

Proud Mom said...

Hello Kate,
I'm new to your space so I hope you don't mind hosting another guest from day to day.

I had taken a break from blogging because I was not "feeling it" but am now ready to get on with "my life".

I'm so glad I took the time to stop by here, because you have breathed new life into me, although I cannot think of anything to post on my page at this very moment. Be patient, it will come...

Your post today made me cry... because it's obvious that you have passion. Passion for art, for flowers, for your doggie friend George & for you betrothed. How lucky you are!

And how lucky I am to have found you. Thank You for re-awakening MY passion... writing, sharing and making a difference.

Gail said...

And my husband does not know the "Whoa" command. We were doing farm work together, but he yelled at me instead of me yelling at him.

That is so sweet and I am sure George will forgive you too.

Donna S. said...

So, you too are human? Our pets are the biggest forgivers. We all have good & bad in our lives. You do a good job of focusing on the good!!

Sharon said...

You are trying to make me cry, aren't
you? ;)

The JR said...

Your post has me tearing up. Glad your husband has changed for the good.

Ramona

RoseMary King said...

Now, I have tears in my eyes (silly me) The story just made me cry. I must be "in a mood" How many times I have yelled or raised my voice in a moment of "not thinking" Thanks for the story, it made me feel better.