Dotta....We go Way Back

 My dear neighbor, Dotta.....the one I've spoken about so many times through the years...💛💛💛

I am thankful for my neighbor....

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It still makes me smile that she was my 5th grade teacher, and somehow life keeps circling us back together.  We have both moved over the years.. She has moved..we have moved...seasons have changed....addresses have changed, and yet we always end up neighbors again.  This feels like more than coincidence to me...  God winks!! This is exactly God's goodness upon both of us.  

Dotta and I have so much in common.  The way we raised our families as well as the value that we both place on our homes.  It's the love we pour into the little details and especially our shared joy of decorating.  If there is a season, a holiday or any reason to celebrate, I can assure you that she is already three steps ahead of it.  

I have to share her absolutely gorgeous Easter tree with all of you.  Is this not the happiest thing you've ever seen?  The oversized blue bow is perched proudly at the top, and then she had the pastel ribbons dancing all the way down....PLUS the whimsical garland of colorful eggs winding through the branches.  I told her that it looks like Spring took over her sitting room.  Even the little yellow wrap at the base of the tree looks creative and cheerful..  This lady amazes me.  

Dotta is 87 years YOUNG!!  This lady moves with purpose and she certainly plans with excitement.  She inspires me more than she probably realizes.  In her case, it is clear that creativity does not age out.  

She has been my teacher in more ways than one.... In the classroom way back in 1965, and now in life, she teaches me that friendship can span decades and that hearts run deep..  

Great job Dotta....Your tree is gorgeous.  I love You!!

Shug...💛💙💜💚

A Syrup, Sacrifice, and Sparkle kind of Hodgepodge

 A Syrup, Sacrifice, and Sparkle kind of Hodgepodge!! 💎

Joyce Asks the Questions

We Answer the Questions

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1.  The Hodgepodge lands on Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent.  Do you mark this season in some way? Will you be giving something up or adding something to your life in this Lenten season?

During this season, I am choosing to mark the season not just by what I give up, but by what I pay closer attention to.  I hope to be more observant of the needs of others. I want to lean into the small, intentional acts that often go unnoticed. I just want to slow down and examine my heart...did I respond with grace? Did I offer help without being asked? Did I choose compassion over convenience?  These things are so important.  

2.  Pancakes....are you a fan? Syrup or no syrup? Plain, blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, or some other add in? Are pancakes on you menu this week?

I do like pancakes and I always use syrup.  Are they good for me?  Not really...not when they are all spread with butter and the sweetness of rich Aunt Jemima goodness.  

3.  Tell us about a time recently when you felt spread too thin. 

I think I have been frayed since March of last year with my husbands cancer diagnosis.  I just have to keep in mind that God is in control.

4.  What's your favorite jewel or gemstone? In terms of your wardrobe would we find more gem tones, pastels, black and white, or primary colors?

A girl will probably always have a soft spot for diamonds, and I am no exception.  I love the way they sparkle.  To be honest, Black onyx holds a special place in my heart.  I think of it as being bold and classic.  

The same love for the color of black shows up in my closet as well.  I think black and white looks clean and simple.....and very dependable. I do have a few primary colors sprinkled in for personality.  

5.  What responsibility do you think is hardest about being in charge?

For me...  one of the hardest parts about being in charge isn't making the decisions...it's carrying them with confidence.  Sometimes, leadership has a way of magnifying self-doubt, which is something I have to always work on.  I just try to trust my instincts and move forward.  

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

"Random thoughts" is always a difficult prompt for me.  I am a bit overly organized by nature which means a lot of list and labeled folders.  I almost freeze when asked about random thoughts.  I suppose that for this question today, my random thought would be "What two books do I need to purchase for my long flights in a couple of weeks." I need something good to read.....any suggestions?

As always, I appreciate Joyce for hosting the Wednesday Hodgepodge.  

Blessings to all...

Shug..✝

Different or What

 Seriously....These are what I call very Different...  

Can anyone guess what they are??

If you guessed mushrooms then you guessed correctly.  

Yesterday was absolutely Beautiful...

I'm talking ...it was a gorgeous day!!

It seemed like the sun was lighting up the whole world.  

It was bold and golden.... and the sun rays felt so GOOOOOD.

So...I went exploring!!  

Not far... just around the yard.  I love it when adventure is just a few steps away.  

The first thing I found was these Odd little mushrooms.  

I do believe that they popped up overnight.  Look at them...they are fascinating.  They almost look as if they have been polished don't they?  

This is what I call true earthy finds!!

They were all nestled right into the straw-colored grass, and they reminded me of old fashioned chocolate drop candies.. lol.    Or perhaps two old friends just sitting there on the lawn, absorbing the warmth of the day.    

Hey y'all, maybe these are jeweled  👑 mushrooms!! What you think? 

I did do a little more exploring and found my first Bluebonnet plant for the season.  It is tiny, but I am very thankful to see that it made it through the ICE storm we had a few weeks ago.   

Leaving y'all today with this image

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Something that I saw yesterday that made me laugh...

Is this DOG tall or what?

Evidently it has found a way to climb up to the top of the fence.  I guess it enjoys watching the cars as they pass by....   So cute!!

Really Different stuff today...

Love, 

Shug...

Spring Is In The Air...Or Is It?

 Spring is doing a good job at flirting with us...

The daffodils have shown up and are being spotted all around town.  We also have Tulip trees blooming in the area...  Last evening....I snapped a few pictures from Shanda's Tulip Tree.

Just look at the blooms against the grey bark..Beautiful

I walked outside this morning fully expecting birds to be singing but to my surprise, what I heard was silence.  A heavy fog draped across the yard and the bare trees are standing very still and unbothered.  

No leaves, no buds....just branches stretching up to the sky.  The morning feels very quiet.... It feels like even the birds have decided it's just a touch too early to start rehearsing their sunrise symphony..

All of this brought me thoughts of how.... just like having flowers and fog at the same time, we also have promises and patience sharing the same space in our ordinary daily living.  

There are definitely signs that roots are strengthening and the sap is rising, which tells me this isn't confusion.  It's more like a choreography preparing for a big show. 

The daffodils blooming while the fog lingers...The tulip trees stretching open while bare branches still stand...      

These are not mixed signals.   It's called Timing!! 

Happy Monday Y'all...