My Beautiful Sister

This is my sister Kitty. She's not just my sister, she's my best friend. I love these pictures of her, with her beautiful smile and exudance of life (if "exudance" isn't a word, it is now). Kitty encourages me in ways she can't imagine. She sets me straight when I need it. She's honest with her judgement, guidance, opinions because she knows I need and appreciate it. She's my shoulder to cry on, someone to laugh with, take a country drive with, try something new with, and even at times she's been my grocery store. I have so much to be thankful for to have a sister like her. Some people don't have sisters...they don't know what they're missing. I feel sorry they can't feel the bond that we do. She's my right arm, and probably (since I don't have one) my better half. Our Grandma was always the one we trusted, turned to and admired. Now Kitty is the one I trust, turn to and admire. My sister is a part of me. I love you Kitty! Thanks for being the best sister and friend I could imagine!

It's A Wild Life & A Safari!

Life's Wild Ride!

Oregon's Wildlife Safari ~ sometimes hilly, sometimes flat. Some dry spells with nothing exciting happening (animals), sometimes more activity than you can handle. Charging bears, amazing eagles, and the curious that come to take a closer look. Sweet faces you meet on the way, others not so sweet. Sometimes caged, sometimes completely free. A beautiful view, and sometimes simply barren.

Isn't LIFE like that too?

Handprint On My Heart

Recently, my daughter who is now 10, left her handprint on the mirrror of my dresser. Every time I enter my bedroom I notice that handprint and it makes me smile. Today, I was cleaning my bedroom, removing stacks of clutter from my dresser, catching dust bunnies running rampant. When it came time to clean the mirror, it was easy for me to NOT remove the handprint she left for me. So I cleaned around it.

My girl is growing up. Sure, she's only ten, but I know the time is coming soon when boys and fashion will overtake her world and shift her attention away from me. I accept that, but I don't have to particularly like it. Gone are the days when all of my kids were beautiful babies, and huggable toddlers. Then they became gradeschoolers and now two of them are close to manhood. I miss those days when they were little, oh so cute.

It got me thinking.

You know the saying, "Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer you get toward the end, the faster it seems to go."

My parents are nearing their 70's. My siblings and I are pushing our way to 50. (oh ugh!). My sister had cancer. Luckily they found it quickly and got it all. But things like these got me thinking about how I live my own life.

I'm losing weight so I can live a longer, healthier life.

I'm decluttering my house and decluttering my life.

I wear clothes that make me feel good.

I call my mom or my sister more often.

I do more stuff with my friends.

I stop and notice how the sun hits a leaf.

I pay attention to the details.

I don't waste time on petty things.

I spend more time with my kids.

I spend less time worrying about dust.

So I think I will let the handprint stay on the mirror a little longer. She didn't just leave a handprint on my mirror.

She left a handprint on my heart.