Fun in the Sun (and in the Shade)

Welcome!

One of the worst fears that we have is fear of what others will think of us.  (This is something I'm currently working on.)

 Be yourself!  Be who you were meant to be.  (In my opinion, if it's not immoral, illegal, and doesn't hurt yourself or others, just do it!)

We are so serious.  We need to lighten up and have more fun!

Greg and I recently had a fun day out.  Here are pictures of ourselves and others thoroughly enjoying the day:

                                                                 Walking

                                                                Fishing

                                                     Enjoying the View

                                                           Shadow People

                                                  Fun in the Sun, Canine-Style

                                                     Chumly's Day Out

A perfect ending for a perfectly fun day-

Positive thought: Occasionally, be a kid again!
Thanks for visiting!  Until next Sunday, Becky

Memorial Day Weekend

Welcome!

As I said in last Sunday's blog post, Greg and I have been busy lately.

We've been house-hunting.

We've looked at so many houses, we almost feel like professional house-hunters!  (We're getting closer though!)

Greg has been very involved with his work, and I've been busy organizing.

My first book is only a couple of weeks from being published!  (That's for another blog post.)

We're taking a break from all this with Memorial Day weekend.

What a great holiday!  It's considered the official start of the summer season.  And, there are so many different ways in which it can be celebrated.  Take your pick: parades, concerts, cookouts, picnics, family get-togethers, and Memorial Day sales, as well as others.

This holiday is, of course, to remember those who have given their lives for our country.  This is so movingly expressed in the Lee Greenwood song, "God Bless the USA."

Also, in the rural South, especially in the mountains, where Greg and I are from, this holiday is to honor any loved ones who have passed.  On a Sunday near Memorial Day, we'd always meet other family members at the little cemetery, have a memorial service, and put fresh flowers on the graves.  Afterwards, we'd all go to someone's house for a potluck meal.

Greg and I are celebrating quietly this weekend with a picnic in the park (with carry-outs!   How great is that!).  Afterwards, we'll take a walk to enjoy the fresh air, warm sunshine (83 degrees), and lovely, fragrant privet bushes (The mountain folks call these "privy.") which so abundantly dot the landscape in this area this time of year.

                                                            Privet Hedge


Positive thought: Happy celebrating!
Thanks for visiting!  Until next Sunday, Becky

Relax, Refresh, and Unwind

Greg and I decided that lately we have been overdoing things quite a bit.  We've been working too hard, and playing too hard!  This weekend, we are just relaxing, refreshing, and unwinding.

 This would include:

 sleeping late, meditating, and just plain old doing nothing...

"Taking time out each day to relax and renew is essential to living well."
-Judith Hanson Lasater

some carry-out meals...

"For fast-acting relief, try slowing down."
-Lily Tomlin

leisurely strolls in the park...

"The mark of a successful man is one that has spent an entire day on the bank of a river without feeling guilty about it."
-Author Unknown

"A poor life this, if full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare."
-William Henry Davies

Happy relaxation!

Positive thought: "Tension is who you think you should be.  Relaxation is who you are."
-Chinese Proverb
Thanks for visiting!  Until next Sunday, Becky

Castle Gwynn and the Tennessee Renaissance Festival

Ever wonder how it would feel to be in the middle of a fairy tale?

You could find out by visiting Castle Gwynn during their annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival during the month of May.

Greg and I did, and we loved it!

We got to tour the magnificent castle...

and, its lovely grounds.

During the Renaissance Festival, we visited little shops that had all sorts of interesting items.

                                                      M. Sotherden Art Glass

                                                Zenobia, Psychic Consultant

There was luscious food galore.

                                                     Remedio Concessions

There was all sorts of entertainment.

Just watching the entertainers walk by in costume was fun.

             "I have a feeling we're not in Kansas any more."  -The Wizard of Oz

Some of the visitors even came dressed for the occasion.

It's not too late to take in this unique castle with its accompanying festival.  You might even want to come dressed for the occasion, as well!  (I'm already planning my outfit for next year!)

F.Y.I.
Tennessee Renaissance Festival
P. O. Box 309
Arrington, Tennessee 37014
(615) 395-9950
www.tnrenfest.com

Positive thought: May we all live happily and positively ever after.

                                                                    The end.

P. S. Happy Mother's Day to all mothers everywhere, especially to my own special mother.
Thanks for visiting!  Until next Sunday, Becky

A Celebration of May

Welcome!

May is such a beautiful time of year that I decided to celebrate it by writing a short, but sweet, blog post about it.

 So, here's a celebration of May in words and pictures.

"Another May new buds and flowers shall bring.."
-Charlotte Smith

"Sweet May hath come to love us,
Flowers, trees, their blossoms don,
And through the blue heavens above us
The very clouds move on."
-Heinrich Heine

Recently, as I was going toward a shop, I noticed some beautiful roses. Impulsively, I bent down and took in their lovely fragrance.  A passerby noticed me and said, "I like that, someone taking the time to smell the roses."  (I thought that, yes, I do need to do that more often, and I resolved then and there that I would.)

Positive thought: Always take time to smell the roses.

The celebration of May continues as Greg and I are on our way to our weekly adventure which I'll share with you on next week's blog post.  I believe you'll love it!  Please stay tuned!

Thanks for visiting!  Until next Sunday, Becky