Children Present

I couldn't resist taking this picture the other night at Stasia's. You know children are a part of the household when Lego guys hang out in drawer handles.

Makes me smile!

“In order to comprehend the beauty of a Japanese garden, it is necessary to understand-or at least to learn to understand-the beauty of stone.” ~Patrick Lafcadio Hearn

 I was off from work on Friday and had had this grand plan of driving to Central Oregon and hiking at Smith Rock State Park. A place I've wanted to hike for years and have never been. Timing has never worked out real well. It is recommeded that you hike early in the season or late in the season because in the middle of summer the heat can measure over 100degrees easily. It's always warmer in Central OR than in Portland and then with the heat coming off the rocks it can get real warm. I read one hikers account that by noon it measured 110 degrees up near the rocks. I thought that the end of May would be perfect. I shared my plans with a few people and everyone (minus one friend) was against it. They all had a variety of reasons. I was still going to go, but then on Thursday evening I was driving home late from work and feeling exhausted and had a stern talk with myself that maybe this wasn't the ideal time. Getting up early and driving 2.5 hours to Central OR and hiking and driving back in a day when I was already tired and hadn't prepared at all might not be the best idea. So...I had a game plan change because I know myself well enough to know that I needed to do something.

I decided I'd go to the Japanese Garden. It had been nearly 10 years since I'd gone. My mom and I went the summer of 2004 when she was visiting while I staying in Portland to take summer classes. It was a lovely time and one of my favorite charms from my charm bracelet came from there....and silver origami cane. I got up Friday and got all ready and just as I was walking out my door it started downpouring. Now, the last thing I really wanted to do was go to an outdoor garden in the West Hills of Portland in the pouring rain. So instead I ran errands, planned a spur of the moment lunch with a friend and continued to be a bit bummed, knowing full well that it was sunny in Central OR. Oh well. I'd get there another day.

Saturday was also a bit rainy so I decided to go to the Japanese Garden on Sunday after church-so that I did. As I was walking up the hill to the garden entrance I discovered that my camera was on its last of battery power and really debated about leaving and coming back Monday (Memorial Day) or another weekend. But, I decided I'd go and make it work.

Here is the lower entrance from above it before hiking (or you can ride in a shuttle) up to the main entrance. As the title quote says, it is necessary to understand the beauty of stone in a Japanese Garden because it is everywhere. I love it.

 Such a peaceful place.

I love the picture below. Love it. I don't know why exactly, I just do.

 Love watching the Koi. Fish are so calming.

So right about here my camera battery died so I pulled out my cell phone (my non-smart phone) and took some pictures and they weren't too bad.

It was a cool and overcast Portland day, of course until I was leaving the garden, but it was wonderful to go back and see things that I didn't even recall having seen 10 years ago. Maybe I will try for 5 years between visits this next go-round.

Also, plans for that Smith Rock State Park hike are being dreamed about for the fall. Stay tuned. I will get there sometime.

Kindergarten Bound!

My, how time flies. Seriously. I met this adorable little one nearly 5 years ago. He was about 3 months old when I'd met him as he was born in St Louis. He was adorable then and still is. This picture was taken July 10th 2009. The day he and his parents arrived back in Portland following his dad's seminary stint. Stasia was a good friend in college as was Dave once they got married. We'd spend evenings together, a fun Thanksgiving holiday together among other adventures. Stasia and I kept in touch while they were in St Louis, Michigan and back in St Louis. I was excited when Dave was called to be a pastor here in Portland. And, close to me. I'd met them at a hotel briefly when they were house hunting in June and met Myles for the first time. Little did I know how involved in his life I would get to be. It is such a privilege. 

The cute on above has turned into the more grown up looking 5 year old that just graduated from preschool below. Forgive the blurry picture...my camera didn't like the lighting when I refused to let its flash go off.

Saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

 Myles next to his cousin, John.

 Getting his diploma...

 ...and his memory book.

 With cousin John after the ceremony.

 I had asked Stasia to get a picture of Myles and me and Josie wanted to join!

It's amazing how this little one grew up to this kindergarten bound boy that is all arms and legs and smiles on this day. And, how blessed am I to have gotten to experience so much of it. From his sleeepless nights early on to bathtime fun, to adding siblings, having all of our grand adventures. There have probably been hundreds of books read, laughs had and questions asked. I get to experience a lot of the best parts of his life.

 Myles...I pray you go far in your upcoming years of education. Before long I hope to have a picture of you and me at your high school and college graduations! Getting ready to go off to live your life doing something you are truly passionate about. Much love from Miss Stephie.

And here, for enjoyment are a couple cute/subpar quality pictures of me and Josie because a camera can't be out without Josie wanting a picture.

My favorite....

Lot of love, cute kiddos.

"To me, flowers are happiness." ~Stefano Gabbana

Happy Mother's Day! Since my Mom is so far away and I couldn't spend the day with her, I decided to go see some pretty flowers, that she would have appreciated seeing as well. Down near Salem is a big Iris Garden called Schreiner's Iris Garden that I'd always wanted to go to, but had always missed for one reason or another. This year I decided to go. Saturday was filled with Rhododendrons, so it was only fitting to have another flower day. After church I headed south to see the beauty.

There was a display area where they had all the Iris cut and in vases and also bucketful after bucketful of Iris you could buy.

Out in the gardens were lots of other flowers as well. Lupine. I love Lupine.

 Such rich colors.

There were also loads of allium...many with bees.

Almost black Iris.

 Above picture: normal; below picture is the same photo but enhanced. I love my little point and shoot camera and its fun features.

 Above and below pictures are the same just normal and with a fun effect.

 Ditto to these...

 ...and these...

 ...and these....

 ...and this amazing clematis. I haven't seen this kind of clematis before. It was fun.

 More color to end the day.

I remember that I don't love Iris-at least the bearded varieties. I think they are pretty, but I cnn't say that I'd plant them in my yard. I do enjoy the dwarf Iris and would plant them I think. But God doesn't make an ugly flower-I still appreciate all the amazing colors and varieties and the sunshine of course. Such a fantastic day.

**Happy day to all of you who are Mothers, Grandmothers, God-mothers, Step-mothers, foster mothers, those who are mother figures to someone not their child, single father's and even moms to four legged children! This world is a better place for the difference you make in the lives of others. May you be richly blessed today and all days!**