totally random

Sloshing through

Apparently May did not get the memo that it’s April showers that bring May flowers. The soil’s little more than mud, early blooming plants lag behind, and pots remain bereft of color.The sun did surprise us for a bit on Saturday–just long enough to get a bit of yard work in; I pretended I was just soaking in the rays and not, you know, weeding.

I also dreamed of outdoor parties complete with good friends, good food, and flowers abloom. But, true to form, I didn’t stop there … there was a nice paved back area, complete with comfy chairs and a fire pit; a fountain sat amongst the herbs, and white twinkling lights adorned a new fence. {Sigh.}

Of course, blustery weather does tend to slow things down a bit–nice when you’ve managed to pick up the miserableness going around, again. I finished reading Bernard Cornwell’s Agincourt. Did I love it? Not really–but that could have been my state of mind. After all, reading of medieval warfare when your skin hurts is painful. All I could think toward the end was, “if one more eyeball got stabbed…” Which, I might add, it did. Repeatedly.

I also worked a bit behind the scenes of my book blog. Yes, I’m still working on it–fitting it in here and there. As the rain poured, I looked for books for one of our projects {Eek! I’m so excited!} Among other things, I discovered a new author: Lettice Cooper.  {snicker!} I wish I was friends with a Lettice. Think of the fun you could have: “Say, I like that hat atop the head of Lettice” or “Lettice away, friend … ” Unfortunately, not everyone appreciates such fun; so there’s a slight possibility our friendship wouldn’t last long.

Pity.

Bye, bye blackbird

I wore shorts for the first time this year. I scared my cat.  True story. He took one look, his eyes grew large, the hairs on his back rippled, then he raced down the hall; I haven’t seen him since. Sigh.

You’ll be glad to know, however, my pasty whites were relegated to working in the back {fenced} yard. I have enough issues without being arrested for public display of unsightliness. Not to mention, if I continue in my current state, it’s only a matter of time before my front button pops off, soars over the fence, and pokes an eye out.

Extra winter poundage is fraught with peril,  my friends, fraught with peril.

Thankfully, warm temperatures under a canopy of blue makes everything seem possible. Eat better? Sure! Exercise? Naturally. Have a better body than I did in my 20’s? Why not!

No matter that a blackbird has taken up residence right outside my door–all my problems are sure to disappear.

So to you, dear friends …  may your weekend be full of blue skies, warm temps, and the carefree hopes that often accompany them …

 

 

Color story | April | Grass

Jules, of Pancakes and French Fries, hosts a monthly color story series.  Each month, you see, she recaps the month before with a series of photos, each woven together with a theme of color.  She’s inviting us to join the fun.  You can find the details here. As you see, ‘grass’ popped up for April; ‘Jacaranda’ colors May.

Oh April, where hast thou gone?

I’m not sure if it’s due the blocking of tax season, or the grey clouds that overcast a sky of blue, but most of the month was a blur. Still, the year managed to pick up some color.

It was in April that I tasted me some Ugli—I didn’t really love it, but tried it all the same…

In April, the brown grass turned green, and the scent of freshly mown grass began to permeate the air. It was almost enough to take the pain out of weeding … almost …

April gave our plum tree a chance to shine. For a moment in time, we forgot all about the mess of fallen plums or the abundance of suckers that must be plucked before they truly take root.  For one month, our plum tree was admired, rather than cursed …

Rain—and snow—filled most days in April; but when blue skies did peek through, we got out and enjoyed it.  After all, one must take advantage of the free Vitamin D …

The month of April even allowed my toes to see the light of day. Sure, the first paint job of the season was the worst ever and my feet nearly froze, but it’s a start …

As with many an April, the river ran high and the foothills stood green … our backdrop to celebrating our risen Savior …

For most of the month, the news kept a grim storyline: Japan struggled to recover, massive tornadoes hit parts of the US, leaving a trail of death and destruction—the state of the economy slugged along, gas prices hiked their way upward. Then Prince William and Kate gave us a gift—a royal wedding worthy of the title. Finally, we could watch the news and have something worthy of celebration …

Of course, us commoners had reasons all our own to celebrate. There were birthdays and baby showers; we even witnessed a miracle, as April was the month our friends were finally able to bring home their little girl from China. Of course, after months of hibernation we were a little rusty in our party skills. We had to take pictures of balloons belonging to another, mind you—still, I like to think we’re on our way …

So to April, cheers; to May, no pressure or anything, but here’s hoping you bloom away!

Put on a happy face

In between thundershowers, the sun pokes through. Spring may very well arrive after all. And if my social calendar is any indication, I’m beginning to emerge from hibernation. I’m fairly giddy with anticipation, if for no other reason than to take my eyes off my dilemmas and focus on the good.

Speaking of good, I’m planning a trip to the airport this afternoon. My friends will be arriving back from China with their little girl. It will be fun to see her in person … and welcome her home …

Also fun? Boise Music Week.  At least, that’s what I’ve been told.  All these these years and I’ve been to a handful of events. It’s usually the first week of May, which always manages to be packed. But this year, thanks to Wicked conflicts, it’s a week early. And that means I’ll be going with my aunt and madre to see Bye Bye Birdie.

I must admit, I knew nothing when my aunt extended the invite. Well, I knew the name–and the fact that it was a musical. I know, I know, where have I been all my life? I’m just not a musical connoisseur. They’re too iffy; they can be fun, or they can be painful–there’s rarely middle ground.

So I set out to do a bit of sleuthing. Seeing how this particular musical is set in 1958–and I just so happen to be a throwback–I’m sure to enjoy it … except maybe for the screaming girls … which I’ve never understood. Even then, with good company, it’s bound to be some good times.

Now, if I can just stay awake past my bedtime…

Raindrops on roses

If I were President, I’d implement Rain Days … should you awake to rain falling in sheets, right outside your window, you could snuggle in knowing the day was yours alone …

… you could settle back into that dream. After all, how many times does a dream begin to make sense? You shouldn’t be left hanging … especially not on a rainy day …

… meetings for the next day would be postponed–since preparation must take a back seat to the likes of drinking vast cups of coffee … reading a good book … writing … drawing … tinkering …

… you could sleep in late, daydream, and nap in the afternoon if you wished …

… you could sing in the rain; or puddle jump the cares of the world away …

While clouds cried, you, my friends, could rejoice.

But alas, a President I am not. I suppose it’s for the best–I have enough grey hairs as it is. Plus, I suppose even Rain Days would not be all they’re cracked up to be. If I slept in, I would miss the raindrops on the Lenten Roses, which look suspiciously like teardrops. You know, Lenten Roses–Hellebores–are sometimes called the Christmas rose.  Legend has it, a young girl cried because had no gift to give to the Christ child; from her tears sprang the rose.

It just might be enough inspiration to get me through all I need to accomplish today; I may even have enough time for one or two things I love.  Because you know, that would be pretty great too.