A Head Full of Clutter

The end of my summer vacation is coming to a close. And I am not letting go gracefully!  I have had a
summer break filled with so many experiences that are quickly becoming cherished memories. I have class tonight (Master's work) and will be giving a group presentation. I am as prepared as one can be I think so I have a couple hours to myself before leaving for class.  I have a head that has gone into committee! Thoughts by the thousands! Back to school, first day activities, classroom set up, unit plans, new reading programs, continued organizing around the apartment and garage, downsizing stuff, a baby shower to attend, a new exercise program, menus to create, and on and on! It may be time to look at my calendar, line up priorities and be sure to fit in some down time to think, meditate, and just breathe. I think I'll make some tea, kiss hubby, pet the dog, and just be!

Girl's Week-Emily's Graduation

The next leg of my journeyy through Girl's Week was my daughter Emily's.  We relaxed, had coffee, fabulous conversations, and shopped the local Goodwill store.  I love the time I am able to spend with the girls...cherished moments.  The pictures are actually from Emily's party celebrating her graduation.  Today she is officially a Paralegal and tomorrow maybe Law School!  John and I are so proud of her accomplishments.

Brian and Brandon relaxing and enjoying some conversation.

Baby Karli exploring the steps. She is the newest addition to friend's Jenna and Jeff's family.

Auntie, Uncle, and a very sweet cousin!

The grandma's...these ladies are both in their 80's can you believe that!

They are Beautiful!

Brian's niece and brother-in-law.

My sister Rosie and two of her darlings!

It was a wonderful day of visiting, stories, giggles, fabulous food, friends, and family.

God really is good to us!

Girl's Week goes to Chalkfest

Girl's Week took us to Chalkfest.  A wonderful creative adventure for all who participated whether artist or critic, visitor, or creative muse...

May your creative juices flow!

A Walk through the Flowers

          Our walk begins at the lake and the water lilies are in bloom.  

Enter through the arch and stroll slowly up the stairs.

Wildflowers and tiger lilies.

The colors are so rich and vibrant.

I love hollyhocks. They say home to me as we always had hollyhocks growing along the side of our home growing up.

Get a bowl there are ripe berries just waiting to be picked.

I love the randomness of this garden space.

Linger as long as you'd like...I spent hours enjoying it all.

Have a joyous, nature filled day...and join me for Day 2 of my Girl's Week journey at Amanda's New Digs.

Amanda's New Digs-Day Two of "Girl's Week"

    The next leg of my "Girl's Week" journey was to visit daughter Amanda and see her new digs.

She recently accepted a new position with the Marshfield Clinic and has had to make a quick move.

So she has moved into an efficiency apartment in town. It is on the second floor and is adorable.

A picture of the Marshfield clinic; Amanda's new employer.

We had a great time and did a lot in a few days.  We shopped the second hand stores,

had some wonderful meals together, played at the farmers market, and just explored the city she is now calling home.

These sculptures greet you when you enter the city.

These wonderful creatures are all made of recycled metals.

This last picture is of a mural dedicated to all our soldiers and veterans.

Our time together was fabulous and it put my fears to rest. You see when she told us about the apartment she had found I had visions of a dirty, disparaging downtown area and I feared she would not be comfortable or safe, God has been good to her. The new environment is clean, active, and safe. Amanda can walk to shops, restaurants, and coffee houses.  She is only minutes from work and now has time to shop for an apartment that will become a long term commitment. Our little girl has grown up and is doing what she always dreamed of doing.  She is a pediatric social worker being of service to infants in need and their families. We are so proud!

With that I am on my way to my next stop...daughter Emily's and Brian's.

Girl's Week in Wisconsin

     I had the best time traveling the country side of  Wisconsin and over the next few days I'll share my adventures.  My first stop was the "Girl's Only Weekend "with my younger sister Linda.  Her in-laws have this wonderful cottage on a small lake in the Kettle Moraine area.  The weather was beautiful, the wild flowers were in bloom and the lake was just waiting for us! We spent the weekend relaxing, sharing conversation, the water, and some wonderful meals. I am blessed to have a wonderful sister who is also a wonderful friend.

As we got unpacked I couldn't wait to take a walk down to the water.

The whole spot reminded me of lake side vacations we had taken with our parents as children,

The stairs ascend all the way down to the water.

At the bottom of the stairs is a second cabin that is adorable.

And the lake! I loved swimming, the row boats, and just communing with all the nature that surrounded us.

It just says RELAX! or PLAY!

We swam 3 miles on the second morning. There was a small sand bar at the other end of the lake and Linda wondered if we could make it? Just like kids we had to try!

This is the entrance to the property from the lake to the upper cottage. It is almost magical enough to be a the inspiration for a poem or short story. Note to self!

On Monday we visited an Antique Mall, had a fabulous lunch, and said our good-bys.  I miss her already! But she is only a phone call away.

Tomorrow we'll take a walk through the gardens...then onto daughter Amanda's new digs!

Happy Independence Day!

I just wanted to wish you and yours a fabulous 4th of July celebration.

May we continue to cherish freedom for all people.

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