Good Monday Morning!  Wow, what a week this has been.  I was literally on the go every single day last week, rather Monday – Friday.  That’s quite unusual for me but it was good to keep myself on the go since my hubby was out of town. 

Once hubby walked through the door (Friday evening) we hunkered in for the weekend.  That was just what we both needed.  We talked about going out for a nice dinner but we quickly decided that we much preferred to stay in our comfy jammies and that’s exactly what we did. 

I didn’t get a whole lot of experimenting done but here’s a late afternoon shot.

I had my eyes dilated at the time of my eye exam.  Note to self: Don’t do this unless someone else is driving.  I did not enjoy that drive home even tho it was only just a few short miles.

Cheers to Monday and the fact that I’ll be getting some things crossed off my to do list.

Blessings – Debbie

After the flurry of this past week, it was time for hubby and me to catch up with each other.  Hubby was out of town all last week and worked what seems round-the-clock.

Hubby didn’t get home ’til late in the evening Friday but that didn’t stop us from shooting pool, visiting and we pretty much went nonstop ’til nearly 1am.

I’m celebrating the fact that our house feels like home with hubby back in it.

The yard is one great big bouquet.  As if to say welcome home.

This tree out back is clustered with the most fascinating blossoms.

I’m intrigued with every detail.

I noticed this bee climbing the wall, so I took his picture too.

Our afternoon was topped off with a visit from the Girl Scouts.  We have proof of our support.

This has truly been a weekend of celebrating home and I can’t think of any place we’d rather be than right here together.

Blessings – Debbie

is the name I gave this photo, it just seems appropriate.

I’ve looked at this old weathered piece for a long time.  I’ve studied it at different times of the day.  I’ve also shared this with you in the past.  But there’s more to it…

The final decision for my new frames is over.  In fact the decision was made yesterday.  I’m writing this story because it’s a big milestone, huge!  I do realize I’m repeating myself but I feel the urge to start from the top.

Changing frames as you know is not something I enjoy.  Looking for frames is worse than shopping for shoes.  Shopping for shoes is worse than going to a dentist.  People, shopping for frames is downright painful!  Shoe shopping is a story for another day.

As you recall, I fell in love with this pair from the start.

It was the pair that said “take me home”

However, one look at these and I was in love with not just one pair but two.  I much prefer my identity with one pair so getting two was not an option.

I really liked them, I did.

But for some reason they didn’t make me feel like me.

• I slept on this for two nights
• I went to another place with 1000 + frames a couple days ago to see if I liked something better.  Nothing.
• Posted on FB and 75% of my friends voted for the second pair (the ck)
• Drove myself nuts for days
• But nothing seemed to help me figure this out.

That’s when I had another visit with my hubby as I just couldn’t seem to make up my mind.  Hubby liked both pair and he encouraged me to go with the ones I liked best.

And just like that, the decision was made.  The cloud of doubt disappeared and I was good to go with my very first choice.

Yesterday dawned and I scurried around to run over to claim my new frames.

When I arrived, I went straight for the frames I had my heart set on.  I had no intentions of even giving the other pair a shot.  However, the Optician handed the other pair over to me to try on, just one more time.  I reluctantly tried them on one last time.

That my friends was the beginning of self doubt.  I went back and forth between the two and quickly made up my mind that I was taking the ones I intended to get.

At that point Joy the Optician had me take a seat and she began to take measurements and such for my new pair of frames.

A dot was made on the frames for the progressive part of the lens and the paperwork was nearly filled out.  When all of a sudden, I jumped from the seat and ran over to the frames I pushed aside as if to say “I heard you calling me”.

I came back over to the desk and began switching the frames back and forth frantically giving each a fair shot.  It was that “speak now or forever hold your peace” moment.  A moment I needed to pick up the phone and call hubby.  A moment I needed to know what the heck I was doing.  A moment of panic, if you will.

Thoughts came to mind that I could continue looking for frames.  Oh no, scratch that I really like what I’ve already found.  I just need to make a decision.

Somewhere between all my thoughts and doubt the Optician said in a soft warm tone “these frames will allow more room for the progressive lens”.

She was right, I could see it!  But was I making the right decision?  I must have shuffled back and forth a thousand times in my mind before I said with confidence “I’ll take these”! 

New paperwork ensued, new measurements were made and new dots were placed.

I say all that to say, once my final decision was made peace washed over me and I knew without a doubt that I had made the right decision.

When faced with decisions, it never hurts to sleep on it and give it some thought.  But at some point, a decision must be made.  And when the time comes, do it with conviction.  In the end sweet peace is sure to find you just like it found me.

Blessings – Debbie

Took several deep breaths.

Second guessed myself.

Was told that a different choice other than the one I wanted may be a better choice.

Took several more deep breaths.

Inhaled.

Exhaled.

And came to the conclusion that no matter what happens, this would not be the end of the world.

This would not change my stance on happiness.

This would not dictate weather my day would be just ok or great.

And there was no way I would allow such nonsense to ruin this beautiful day.

Now for a few pictures

This cutie patootie can be seen in our yard on any given day.  Here he is hiding on me.

Bird of paradise in full bloom

As pretty as can be

And just for today, I discovered once again that happiness at the end of the day is such a beautiful place to be.

Blessings – Debbie

making a decision for eyeglass frames would be this difficult.  Evidently it’s downright pitiful.

The discussion with hubby proved to be a winner last evening.  He gave very good sound advice.  He encouraged me to continue shopping for frames at another store with a large selection.  He said, if you find something else that you like, how perfect would that be.  If not, you’ll be able to narrow your decision on the two from yesterday.  I took his advice hook line and sinker.

In fact, I think I tried on nearly every single pair of frames in the store.  I just wanted to be sure.  But there was nothing absolutely nothing that caused for overwhelming glee.

Oh, there’s an exception!  I tried these on and fell head over heals.  I love these sunglasses!

Now if my regular frames would be this easy, I would be good to go.

Guess I’ll continue to sleep on it…

Blessing – Debbie

We’re not drama kind of folks. However, my very core spikes into a dramatic frenzy when I have to change eyeglass frames. It’s like changing my identity and I don’t like it, not one bit.

If it were up to me, I’d keep my old frames forever! But these old frames have a minor/major problem of catching my hair in the metal. It’s kind of a pain and so far I can’t seem to find anyone to fix them.

So today was the big day for my (way overdue) eye doctor appointment. I knew I needed stronger lenses and I also need new frames (see above).

I can’t tell you how nice warm and friendly my new optometrist office was.

Why, even at the end of the exam, my optometrist put contacts in so that it would be easier for me to see. Things are pretty blurry when I don’t have my glasses on.

I can’t tell you how nice it was to be able to actually see the frames as I tried them on. There isn’t an office in my past that’s even offered to do that for me. I was impressed.

I got pretty excited when I tried on this pair.

And I knew at once these would be my very next pair.

And they felt like me.  If that makes any sense at all.

Then I tried this next pair on and I liked them too! 

Oh no, that’s not surpossed to happen!  You’re not supposed to like both equally.

I really like this pair…

…but they don’t feel like me.

Oh dear, how will I ever make this decision.  If my FB friends were in charge, it would pretty much be 75% in favor of the last pair.

I think I’ll sleep on it, baby baby let me sleep on it…I’ll give you an answer in the morning.

Blessings – Debbie

Good afternoon!  I’m having such a lovely day.  This morning was one of those mornings where I wanted to explode and grow and learn more about photography.  So I took myself over to Barnes and Noble and poured my heart into a vast amount of books.

I found a nice little nook with an empty comfy cozy seat.  That’s where I sat with my pile of books and Cinnamon Dolce Latte.  Words can’t express what a lovely combination that was.

There are some books that come across as highfalutin, intimidating and just downright no fun at all.  Then my friends, there are those books that grab my attention right from the start.  They’re the kind of books where the author is down to earth, fun and interesting and overflowing with life experience and knowledge.  Those are the kind of authors I enjoy and learn from.  They are also the kind I welcome to my library.

Four hours later, I walked away filled to overflowing and empty handed.  I just can’t see spending full price for books when I can get them on Amazon or E-bay.  I did come home and place a couple orders and my total bill was more than a 60% savings.  It makes me wonder how my favorite fancy schmancy bookstores will be able to keep the doors open.

I’m having such a great time growing and learning as much as I can.

I didn’t get many pics taken of myself this week but I like these daily mid to late afternoon outdoor visits.

Tune in next Monday, I’ll be back to share a little more.

Blessings – Debbie

Over our Christmas holiday, we had a photographer come out to the house to snap a few family pics.

Unfortunately we didn’t get all the pictures as promised but we’re thankful for what we did get.

Lauren, Ryan and Kristy

Kristy and Lauren – Love this pic of the two of them.

Kristy, Ryan and Lauren = Great Times!

That evening we enjoyed dinner at a nice little restaurant by the beach.  We walked around the back of the restaurant.  What a delight to arrive at sunset and just before our reservation.

Ryan and Lauren…

Adorable sisters…

A great candid shot (IMHO)

This was the view we enjoyed from the dinner table.  What a great day all the way around!

Wow!  Am I the only one out here posting pics from Christmas?  If so, I hope all is forgiven.

Blessings – Debbie

Once again I’m reminded that I must get an extra battery for my camera.  Right about the time when my late afternoon stroll commenced is nearly when the camera battery gave up.

Here are a couple pics taken before the battery lost its juice.

I like the way he slowly moved along and didn’t hesitate to stick his neck out.

It’s been such a great day around the house.  We worked together, cleaned in the garage together, enjoyed lunch on the patio together and even played together.  This is what I call a perfect day in every way.

Blessings – Debbie

each day when these hummingbirds appear for a dip in the fountain.  I always run for the camera whenever I/we spy them.

Today was extra special as this hummingbird was visiting under much better lighting conditions.

What is it about me that doesn’t want to miss a beat.  Even as a child I didn’t want to miss out on the action.

If you’re not on your toes, you’re surely going to miss something.  I’m so happy I didn’t miss this display.

And just when I thought he was going to continue his visit, he was gone in a flash.  And all I caught was the trail of evidence.

Yes, words fail me no matter how many times a day we see these creatures.  And they keep me on my toes as I enjoy capturing a very small percent of their daily routine.

And as long as they are in our lives, I hope to be a part of the action.

Blessings – Debbie

Yawn – check

The sound of that last load of laundry is putting me to sleep. I think it has to do that calm gyrating swish.

Yawn – check

Errands – check

Clean House – check

And tomorrow start’s hubby’s 3 day weekend. We love these three day weekends – check!

The ironing does not yield a check – Humph
 
Stroll in the garden wearing boots – check
 
These are my favorite pair of boots ever. I purchased these back in 1995 and wore them nearly every day minus the office and church.  I wore these today for old times’ sake, we bonded beautifully.
 

For the record, I was wearing these exact same boots when I met my hubby.

In 1997, these would have been worn to casual functions with my sweetheart.  I wish they were part of this pic.

In 1997, they were worn to picnics with my sweetheart.  I’m telling you, I wore these boots for any and all occasions.

But today, these were worn in the garden.  And for some reason, the memories came rushing back.  My feet even remembered them like old buddies reconnecting.  And each step was a reminder of all the places we’ve been.

It’s official, I’m keeping these boots forever.

Blessings – Debbie

There are confessions in this post.  Confessions that really don’t amount to a hill of beans.

I was wrong (yesterday) about the flower below being no more than the size of a pencil eraser.  It is indeed a tad bit larger.  But I’m still in awe.

I’ve cried for days.  All because of this.  I’ll be crying again today, there’s no way around it.

I got so excited about said condiment that I forgot all about this hill of beans that would no doubt complement my dish.

So these guys were enjoyed all alone.

I confess, this post really didn’t amount to a hill of beans.  Or did it?

Blessings – Debbie

While I do love looking at the big picture, sometimes dissecting it can help understand what the big picture is all about.

Like this tiny little flower.  This flower would go unnoticed as it’s no more than the size of an eraser on the end of a pencil.  And it’s not until I stop what I’m doing and just observe all the different things around me do I even notice the tiniest of things.

I worked again with that spider web.  I like the way the sun drops weave in and out.

This bush is producing blossoms like I’ve never seen before.  To open our eyes to adjust to our surroundings, allows us to see things we’ve never seen before.

This amazes me…

Of course I have that little peach rose bud on my mind.  I had to run over for a little visit to see how it’s coming along.

Surprise, surprise!  This tree that just shed the prettiest yellow leaves last month is already in full blossom.  I can’t get over this new change already.

Looking up into this little tree I noticed the most unusual changes.  This is yet another thing I saw for the first time.

The world is full of change, but I’m having fun at home dissecting the little picture.  Sometimes change is at our feet while other times all we have to do is look up.

Blessings – Debbie

Good morning!  It’s Portrait Experiment Monday and here I am to share what I learned this week.  I have not learned a whole lot, but I have hopes to grow and learn with practice.

So far I’ve gathered that the mid afternoon sun is a pretty nice time of day.

I’ts about 2:30 with the sun almost directly behind my back.

A different day – taken around 3:30 or so.

This shot was taken around high noon.  I’m not liking my photochromatic/transitions this time of day.

At around 4:00 pm

And I leave you with this handpicked rose.  Taken with the last remaining light of day.

It should be another week of experimenting in the late afternoon sun.  But as soon as I get my new eyeglasses (no more transitions for me), I should be good to go practicing throughout the course of the day.  I’ll be back with more to share next Monday.

Blessings – Debbie