Beloved Zinnias!

I was going to write about the ants invading my kitchen like wildfire on dry trees. I was going to write about this blasted heat wave... I no longer do well in summer. I was going to write about how I found out someone has invaded my privacy and has gotten into my email account. I was going to blast about tolerating ants and heat, but not hackers. Or more like stalkers.

But since there's nothing else I can do but be mindful, watchful and... change my password.... I'm going to treat myself to something more soothing and which I dearly love: ZINNIA'S.

Zinnia's are my favorite flower. They are easy to grow, easy to keep. They bloom for as long as you let them. If you cut them, they bloom even more. They don't ask for much, just some water. They come in all shapes and sizes and colors of the rainbow. They are blissful! I love to watch how some will turn their head to follow the sun. But mostly I love how they change as they open. They start out as a big, round bulbish bud. Then they start to open and look like FIREWORKS as the leaves pop out. Then the leaves unfold and they are GLORIOUS! And then the middle pops up like a dome and then these sweet little flowers circle around the dome like a garland. SPLENDID!

Aren't they wonderful? Inspiring?

Smacking an ant off my shoulder, while fanning myself as I sit here. I feel better already.

Sign of the Times ~ How Time Flies

This lovely tranquil spot happens to be where I take my night class. We have a break and I come out here and enjoy the serenity.

RELAY FOR LIFE, my sister is a survivor!

This is my sister Kitty's luminary at the Relay For Life. (more on that soon!)

Sign of the Times

A sure sign of the times... we are all so busy we don't even have time for each other. But, do make time for what is important to you for TIME IS SHORT! I always joke that "Life is like a roll of toilet paper ~ the closer you get to the end, the faster it seems to go." Isn't that so true?

So I've decided to go back to school, because I STILL don't really know what I want to be when I grow up... but at least I am heading in a positive direction and I'm really proud that I ACTUALLY am doing it. I tried to talk myself out of it. I said outloud that I didn't know if I could do it. My sister and my niece said "YES YOU CAN!!!" And then when the financial aid seemed like it wasn't going to go through in time, I almost was glad... (it did come through in time) but then I realized that I NEEDED to go out of my comfort zone and do this. Part of it was my mindset that I might not be smart enough. But most of it was that I was just AFRAID to try it, to jump forward, to leap into the unknown. And of course now I am glad that I am doing it. IT'S HARD! It requires a lot of organization, planning, concentration. Not to mention juggling... juggling family time, cleaning the house, sleeping, homework, class time (on Thursdays I am in class for 6 hours) and the absolute knowledge that it is CERTAINLY TRUE what they tell you, that for every hour of class you should expect 2 hours of homework.

So, I am making the time, (and the leap!) into college. For me, for my family, for my future! Step outside of your comfort zone ~ there's a lot of life there waiting for you!

WOO HOO