Ruminations from the Temple

I'm grateful for the view at Seahurst Park I'm grateful for things that my sick boy feel better...like pudding. I'm grateful for dear friends who run me around when my car is in the shop. I'm grateful for an excellent car dealership and their service department . I'm grateful for air conditioners and fresh air. I'm grateful for medicines that enable me to breathe...I'd for sure be dead from suffocation by now. I'm grateful for wonderful and efficient emergency room staff. I'm grateful for oxygen - something you definitely appreciate when you are lacking it. I'm grateful for hopes and dreams. I'm grateful for those who are willing to write me letters of recommendation. I can't thank them enough. guardian of the keys I'm grateful for specialists that know what to look for...and how to treat it. I'm grateful for my key-rescuer. I'm grateful for times of relaxing and talking with loved ones. I'...

I love walking through galleries, especially ones that feature mixed media. So very interesting, not to mention inspiring. We just had that opportunity in the quaint town of Coupeville, located on the beautiful and lush Whidbey Island. Antique shops, boutiques, ice cream vendors and yes, galleries. I snapped a few shots of the day. Here's my gallery: my good friend, Chuck... I like to see him smile! summer flowers always capture my attention... After Coupeville, we headed to Deception Pass to see if we could capture the sunset... Ah, here it is...

I'm grateful today that I remembered to write Grateful Friday! (Better late than never, right?) I'm grateful to hear the most powerful thunderstorm I have ever witnessed - so unlike the PNW. Hours of rolling, booming thunder that shook the house. Amazing. I'm grateful for my new-found brother. Who knew I had a twin?? I'm grateful for blogs. I'm grateful for the fun widget YoWindow . I'm grateful for snax - thanks, Lis! I'm grateful for an evening planned with my sis. I'm grateful to be able to help those in need. I'm grateful for beautiful souls that are willing to write letters of recommendation for me. I am so very humbled and thankful. I'm grateful for scholarship opportunities. I'm grateful to be able to look forward to an exciting and challenging future. I'm grateful for the companionship of Taylor - what a gem. I'm grateful Alex is having a great time at camp. I'm grateful for my Dad and Conni...

As we indulged in beloved tradition this evening, I'm so very grateful. There is so much I could kvetch about... the fact that I am lied about; the fact that I'm not the only one; the fact that my prayers seem to go unanswered, and people are hurting. But, I'm not going to kvetch, I choose to be grateful. Grateful for the prayers that are answered to my way of thinking. Grateful for the ones that are willing to stand beside me in righteousness. Grateful for beautiful souls that I have the honor to love. Grateful for my children who exhibit mature growth. I'm ever grateful for comforts; flickering candles, the warmth of good wine and the centuries of others who have prayed the same prayers. I'm grateful for sunshine despite heartbreak. I'm grateful for fresh air. I'm grateful for places that take donations...like Goodwill. I'm grateful for the patience of Job. B"H! I'm grateful for Jedi. I'm grateful that I have...

Adventure Wednesdays . That is what we are calling the Wednesdays of summer this year. Last Wednesday it was exploring the Columbia Gorge. This Wednesday it was checking out Fort Nisqually nestled in the beautiful Point Defiance Park in Tacoma. We had a wonderful time talking with the costumed experts on site and snapping pics of the historic artifacts. The sunshine didn't hurt, either. Then, after a refreshing picnic in the park, we strolled Owen Beach... After a stop in Old Town, we went onto cruise along Rustin Way.  This guy was cruisin', too...   What a beautiful day in Tacoma!

There is so much to see in Seattle, especially if it is sunny. Absolutely one of the most beautiful places in all of the United States, Seattle's waterfront and Pike Place Market are two of my favorite places to play tourist. With camera in hand and the rich company of fellow Jedi, I enjoyed myself immensely. Come play tourist in my town...

What a beautiful day to head to the Columbia Gorge - sunshine! I do believe summer has finally arrived in the Pacific Northwest. And, what better day for it to arrive than the Fourth of July? We were trying to visit Multnomah Falls, but it was absolutely packed - no parking, for sure. That's alright, because I think we got the better end of the deal. We headed further along the highway and explored the Bonneville Dam. Ever been there? We had a great time exploring... a few tourist-y shots... Yes! There's fish in the ladder! Bonneville Dam day trips + summertime = PERFECT!

be-lieve , verb , to accept (something) as true; feel sure of the truth... Believe. Believe that the sun will rise in the morning. Believe that your heart will beat while you have breath. Believe in summer flowers happily showing their splendor. Believe in the smile of a friend. Believe in the sunshine streaming through the window. Believe in all that is good and right. Believe in hugs and holding hands. Believe in the satisfaction of a job well done. Believe in the Spirit of the One that dwells within you. Believe in sight and sound... the voice of a loved one, the chirps of the baby birds, the sound of rushing water, the giggle of a child. Believe in the sweet smell of the ocean breeze. Believe in the power of a waterfall. Believe in the watchfulness of the moon. Believe in sweet music that carries you along on a wave of emotion. Believe in the truth around you. Believe in dreams. Believe in anticipation, and in goals. Believe in a new da...

So grateful for summer! I'm grateful for this past week, although it went by extremely fast! I'm grateful for scholarship opportunities. I'm grateful for my proof-reader! I'm grateful for phone calls from traveling friends. I'm grateful for affirming emails. I'm grateful for days planned to spend with friends. I'm grateful for sunshine and ladybugs that pose for me... I'm grateful for times when I get the house to myself. I'm grateful for blogger, facebook and fun gadgets that make me smile. I'm grateful for the future and big dreams. I'm grateful for discount coupons at JoAnn's, gas rewards at Safeway and when I get a fast cashier at Walmart (which doesn't happen often, but when it does, I'm grateful!) I'm grateful for drive-through Starbucks. I'm grateful for awesome weather forecasts! it's summertime in Seattle! I'm grateful to feel wanted and needed - and that I can provid...