Saturated Summer Color

The sun is out and so we are enjoying the smashing color of our blooms and garden that the daily rain has provided.  Usually by this time of the season, the grass is brown and the garden is shriveling.  It was a rough month of heartache and rain, with sweet moments that popped out like rare patches of blue sky.  I am learning how to recognize my emotions as they come and go.  Just being aware of their presence and the effect they are having on my relationships is making a positive difference.  Knowing that hard times are temporary and allowing myself to trust in God's plan for our lives has been a gift inside the pain.

I am happy today.  The sun is shining and I'm always happy when the sun is shining.  I'm happy today because even though the excitement of the party has faded and we are returning to the ordinary day, things are just a tiny bit different.

Dread has melted into comfort.  Richard wrote a love note and left it on my desk before riding his bike to work.  His sweet words changed the way I usually approach my day: with hot coffee and a trip to the monitor.  Instead I went outside to greet the morning and our little black cat.  It was bound to be one of those days that gives the heart a vacation.

I have decided to train my thoughts to seek positive ideas.  I have decided to relax and enjoy the daily, ordinary beauty that saturates my life in each temporal season.

Elliot harvesting green beans on a summer morning.

This is my new favorite summer drink: a mixture of sweet tea with all natural blueberry lemonade.

Blessings to you, my friends!  I would like to dedicate this post to my good friend Thisisme at Southhamsdarling.  She loves a beautiful garden and a sunny day.  My thoughts and prayers are with her as she faces a serious health crisis.