sun-kissed strawberries

strawberriesI’ve always thought I had a brown-thumb and rarely tried to grow anything because of it. Why? I’d kill it eventually. It turns out, I just needed the time, and the interest in making things happen. Wanting a pretty garden means sweating and weeding.

Isn’t that true of everything in life?

The forces of nature sometimes get in the way of this success. But all the recent rain, although dreary and often inconvenient, has produced all kinds of lush growth in the backyard. The strawberry patch is out of control. Out of control!

I love to sit on the porch with my husband after dinner and survey the crop. It’s amazing to see a big green berry one day, and the next day, watch it turn bright red, sweetened by the sun’s kisses.

Kisses can do that, doncha know.

afloat and buoyed up

boat

I suppose that’s the same thing — to be afloat or buoyed up. Well. Maybe not so much.

This park, Black Shoals, is fairly close to our home. My husband and I drive out to a wooden covered bridge there every once in a while. We used to walk on the trail by the water, and then just up to the bridge, where we’d look out across the water — mostly at nothing at all. It’s a nice way to spend an afternoon talking. Or not talking. After 30 years, the silence can be just as intimate. Maybe more.

These past few years have seen very low water levels due to drought, so when I saw this sailboat I was surprised. I didn’t think sailboats could handle such a small draft. Maybe the water here is way deeper than I thought. Anyway, it was quite a surprise to see the boat appear out of nowhere.

I enjoyed the couple sailing. They reminded me of us, my honey and I. Out on a quiet sunny day doing little more than enjoying each other’s company. More than just staying afloat and surviving, it’s a delightful way to keep each other moving on this journey together.

a little whimsy in thirds

Getting around to a little spring clean up with this little guy. Reminds me to enjoy the moment. What tickles your whimsy bone?

thirds

 

A Fun Lenten Photo Challenge

This is going to be both fun and edifying. Check out Catholic Sistas for the directions and how to link to them.

I’ll be posting my first picture soon, but wanted to get this out to all my photography followers who might want to take the challenge with me!Today is the 18th, so look up the date below and see SYMBOL!

Ready? Go! And don’t forget to come back and see what I put up, and share a link to yours, too!

lent