blessing

Several months ago I figured out how to add new links to my list of blogs I follow  (I know, slow learner- seeing how I've been blogging for several years). As I follow links from one blog to another and I discover a post that speaks to an area of interest I've added it to my list. I have blogs on eating raw, being a minimalist (that's even funnier than the above comment if you know anything about Jay), homeschooling, art/decorating, and walking closely with YaHWeH.

When the calendar turned from 12 to 13 I read several articles on setting goals. Twenty-thirteen marked the transition to two students and three days to my homeschool routine. A simplified approach seemed a smart way to plot my course for the new season. I read posts about choosing one word...then applying that singular thought in all areas of life. I brain stormed a  list of words that I might choose but pretty-much knew from the start that I was going to choose  the word blessing.

BLESSING, I've become much more conscience of using words of blessing since my transition to a Hebrew Roots approach to my faith. 

All that to say....this morning as I was scanning recent posts I noticed the following blessing written by Emily at chatting at the sky . I want to echo her words of blessing to you at the start of this new week.


May your weekend be filled with people – the kind you love and the kind who love you. May you be brave in conversation, humble as you listen, lighthearted as you refuse to take yourself too seriously.

And if you spend a little time with someone who is hurting, may you be willing to offer your company without saying any words at all. And may you remember that really, everyone is hurting. Be slow to take offense.

happy welcome

My "Mexican Daisies" are blooming. They make a happy welcome at our front door. Their bright little faces create a mini-celebration each time I step out the door.

progress

I noticed this week that Tessa's potato people have sprouted hair and eye lashes. She is such a good natured, sweet girl and so fun to teach. She makes me smile from eye to eye.

garden tour, part three

The north wall of the garden is my favorite; not only is it the most pleasing to the eye but also to the nose. In the back row is mostly fruit trees, citrus, pomegranate, nectarine, plum and a newly added kumquat tree (a gift from my sweet Filipino friend). The front row is mostly herbs: basil, thyme, oregano, chives, sage, parsley, cilantro, and lavender.

The blue "rain barrels" in the back hold water from the swamp cooler that is mounted on the roof. I use the water to water the plants and keep my compost moist.

do the zoo

On Thursday two mommies, two little girls, and one grand-teacher went to the zoo. We arrived at 9AM just as the gates opened to try to avoid the 90 degree heat that was predicted. The zoo has lots of shade trees and also spray grounds to keep the little ones cool.

 

 

We made zoo books that we worked on during our lunch break. Tessa had an abc zoo animal book and Natale's book was catergorizing the animals into reptile, bird, mammal or primate. We used stickers, left over from 100's day, to start our books in during the drive to the zoo.

Two hams in a clam!

snack time

The girls both bring snack bags to school. When they are hungry mid-morning or afternoon they can help themselves. Snack time is always a happy.

welcome to my garden, part two

The first third of the long raised bed has lettuce and carrots. Natale and I harvested the first carrot Monday. She was a bit taken aback by the dirt attached to the carrot.  We also currently have a few sweet peas available for nibbling.

 The middle of the bed is pretty much new spouts, beets, onions, and garlic.

 On the far end are some beets waiting for harvesting, leaf lettuce, onions and a couple more pea plants.

After watching the Back to Eden Film I've started surrounding the plants with mulch from the pile of trees we chopped up two years back. Not only does it help with moisture retention but has the bonus benifit of eye appeal.