girl with a pearl earring

For the past few years I have been rather unimpressed with my literary choices. Yikes! That's a bummer since I love to read! After every book, I seem to say the same thing, "It's no Secret Life of Bees." Occasionally, I also say "And it's not The Red Tent." Of course, this book wasn't either, but I loved it anyway. It was lovely and it made me want to go to an art museum. It made me grateful for my life and curious about the lives of others. It inspired me to try to find more books that are not my old favorites, but wonderful in their own right...

spring life

My friend Ellie's baby is due today. I can't wait to see how happy everyone is when they are holding her. What a wonderful way to welcome in the springtime!! Doesn't that just seem to be what spring is about? New life? I love it. The flowers, baby animals (and people), fresh faces, bright air... It makes me feel warm and happy and new.

swimming

Remember that feeling you had as a kid after you swam all afternoon? Your muscles were heavy but your heart was light? That's how I feel now. I've been swimming a little for exercise the past month or so and it feels so good! i never understood when people said they felt energized after exercising. now i do. i feel healthy and invigorated. p.s. these are my new goggles. i love them....

a day away

a day away acts as a spring tonic. -maya angelou


Larry and I just went on a little weekend canoe/camping trip. It was wonderful. I think I need to subscribe a day away for myself every month or so. I come back refreshed and exuberant. Ahhh. :)

Pink Lady Slippers

Pink Lady Slippers are endangered and this past weekend I saw my first one in the wild. I loved how bizarre and beautiful they were. They are actually wild orchids. I wish I could have them in my front flower bed. I would feel as if I was walking through a cozy forest on my way to work!!

cupcakes

while i really don't make them, i do really love them. it must be part of the general theme that i love all things little. and yes, mini cupcakes are really my favorite! this cupcakeblog that i found has lots of recipies. the bar on the left has ingredients listed. you just click on say.... bananas.... and recipes for banana cupcakes pop up!! i'm already trying to think of where i might need to take some!

dice

my grandparents came to visit last weekend and it was so good to get to see them. my grandad taught us how to "shoot craps." we laughed so hard our sides hurt. at the end, i went "all in" and won about a million "dollars!" i must take after my grandad who won enough money playing his navy buddies to buy my grandparents' first vacuum cleaner!!