I savored the rosy glow of sunrise along the horizon, while walkin’ Blue this mornin’. The air has a snap o’chill, yet I’m thankful there was no bitin’ wind.
(Now home from walk. Ready to thaw with coffee, eggs and toast. Check my Weather App. Temp: 13 degrees Fahrenheit. Feels like: 0 It’s officially brrrrrr)

February 16, 2013

I made this valentine for my family yesterday. Chocolate kind. Inside and out. In the heart shaped pans my Grandma Thompson gave me, well over 20 years ago. Funny thing is, even though they’ve been mine for that long, I still think of them as hers, and think of her, with a smile, each time I use them. Happy Day After Chocolate Day! Yes, my two sweet boys had hunks o’chocolate cake for breakfast. Why not?! I count it as a pastry, along the lines o’donuts and cinnamon rolls. Plus, it’s a half day of school (Parent’s Day) and we’re going out to eat for lunch.
~ Janean

February 15, 2013

At 10:30 a.m. this morning my youngest son and I indulged in ice cream. Don’t judge. The M&M bowl was for him. I’m in full on Mom Mode today. First, I ate the two unwanted heels of bread toasted, with my over easy egg. THEN, I scooped strawberry ice cream into my bowl, after carefully just dishing chocolate and vanilla for my sweet boy. Doggone neapolitan. The ice cream aisle was sorta bare that day…

February 9, 2013

This is where I come from.
Sparkly hearts that say, “LOVE” on my parents front door.
They will celebrate 45 years of marriage on February 17, 2013.
Not every year was easy.
The hard ones thankfully few.
Mom told me once, “You don’t divide the love, you multiply it.”
Love Math is her Greatest Gift.
My dad loves GREAT BIG too.
I am theirs.
Forever and always.
This is where I come from.
From my parents abiding love.

February 2, 2013

I love the rain
Spring rains will come soon
thunderstorms and gentle mists
I welcome both

I love walking in the woods
and on a gravel road
lined with trees on either side

I love resting
whether on a proper bench
or plopping on the ground

I love the river
especially Grandpa’s river
the mighty Mississippi
standing atop his bluff
looking o’er her curving path
there I can breathe

I love to smile
and often do
a gentle curve of lips
or crooked at the corner
a flash of teeth and quick laugh
full wattage mega kind too
the best ones reach my eyes

I love the rain
I walk my dog without an umbrella
wearing rain boots with peacocks
splashing through puddles
with a grin
laughing at my prancing pup

I am not dead. I am here. Thank you, God, for these simple things and the ability to find joy in quiet moments such as these. Thank you for family and friends, and the powerful prayers of Your people who are lifting up my cancer fighting husband and me and our boys asking for the strength and courage we need to weather this vicious storm. We are thankful, humbled and oh, so very blessed. Hope bubbles fresh anew each day. Your love will see us through. ~Janean

January 25, 2013

Photograph taken on January 16, 2013, standing atop my Grandpa’s bluff, overlooking his river, my Heart Home, that place where I can breathe.