Father's Day 2013

Yours truly and my daddy

I could not let today go by without acknowledging my "dear old dad" (he used to refer to himself that way!).

He was not only there for my mother and I, but for other relatives, siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, and even total strangers  (either while on duty as a NYC fireman or because he just happened to be in the 'right place').

Happy Father's Day in Heaven, Daddy.  Love you always.

xo

Just a Note

To say hi, and to let you know I am on a little blogging break, who knows, I may have a post sooner than I think.

But I am letting life take precedence over blogging,  and I am taking care of things that I have neglected.  Also the reason I am not too fond of spring - WEEDING!  I hate it and it is already overwhelming. But I have done some planting, and I will post picks.

I have been visiting as much as I can, and commenting as much as I can.  I will keep that up, I would miss you guys too much.

You can always find me on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.  

Be back soon, and with a long overdue giveaway in honor of my 2nd blogaversary! (which was in March).  


xo

Joy withers in our lives when we are too busy.  ~ Kay Warren

Honoring Our Fallen Heroes

Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.
       ~     Mark Twain 

As we take some time to reflect on the tremendous sacrifices that were made, and are still being made, for our freedom, let us also take a little time to pray for the political leaders of the world.  (even those some of us might find despicable.)  They surely can use some prayer.  

Enjoy your weekend plans, and I hope the weather is cooperating.  

Joining Seasonal Sundays, Blue Monday (the little boy's uniform) and Sunny Simple Mondays.

xo

"It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding.   ~ Daniel 2:21

Peace Be With You

My friend Lily sent me two photos today, taken with a point-and-shoot camera, from inside their home.

See the dove peeking out?

They have built a nest.  Lots of birds flock by Lily's house.  Thanks for the photos, Lily.  

See the two little grey birdies, top left window pane?

Just had to share, such a good sign, I think.  

Joining Elaine for Sunny Simple Monday.


xo

“When angels visit us, we do not hear the rustle of wings, nor feel the feathery touch of the breast of a dove; but we know their presence by the love they create in our hearts.”         ~  Unknown

The Great Gatsby

Some movies are meant to be re-made.  And The Great Gatsby is one of those classics.  It is definitely a contender for the "Great American Novel."  I remember reading the book in high school English Lit.

Tobey Maguire & Leonardo DiCaprio

Set in New York City in 1922, as well as a fictional town on Long Island (think Hamptons), F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote a tale of lavish parties, lots of decadence and,  gasp! debauchery.  

I am amazed at just how crazy the Roaring 20's were!  My mom was born in 1923, and she had older siblings in their teens.  But I am sure they did not "hobnob" with socialites.

Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan and Joel Edgarton as Tom Buchanan

Leo is aging so well, and I think he was born to play this role.  Jay Gatsby lives in Dreamland, and very childlike.  I remember seeing this in the 1970's with Robert Redford in the lead.  I like Leo better.

The lavish parties were so over the top, zebras splashing in the swimming pool with inebriated guests.  

The Moet was flowing.

Leo and Carey as Jay & Daisy

We saw it in 2D, but it was also available in 3D.  The cinematography was outstanding, so was the soundtrack.  Songs by Jay-Z, Beyonce, Rhianna, Will.i.am, Lana Del Rey. 

Isla Fisher as Myrtle Wilson, Joel Edgarton as Tom Buchanan

It is definitely a chick flick, so grab your best girlfriend or daughter (older one) or your momma, and go see it.  A matinee, early dinner with a friend, a favorite thing for me!

Sharing with A Favorite Thing and Seasonal Sundays, and Sunny Simple Mondays.


xo


Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's. Exodus 20:17 (Deuteronomy 5:21, Romans 7:7, 13:9)

Sky Watch Friday

Had to snap this as I was leaving the supermarket, with old cell phone and no editing (I HATE Picasa).  Cloudless, Cerulean blue sky.  An ordinary day, made extraordinary because of that sky.

Also sharing with The Dedicated House for Anything Blue Friday and Sally for Blue Monday.


xo

“There is one spectacle grander than the sea, that is the sky; there is one spectacle grander than the sky, that is the interior of the soul.” 
― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

Note Card Party!

This month I am sharing photos of a fine summer day back in 2011.  I am looking forward to new adventures and day trips this summer, too.  Please visit Vee here to see all the wonderful contributions to the Note Card Party!

Throwin' shade!

Showing age is not always a bad thing

Only way to go is UP!

Sniff sniff ahhhh Zyrtec sniff some more

Thanks so much, Vee, for hosting. 

xo

All photos taken at Alice Austin Park, Staten Island, NY, June 2011.  For original post, click here.


You have to sniff out joy. Keep your nose to the joy trail.~ Buffy Sainte-Marie