I smell rain

The wind is blowing the branches of trees,

and the breeze is welcomed by me.
It's a bit overcast outside and I can smell the rain in the distance.
I hope my senses don't betray me,

for I long to see the rain drops fall into my yard.
I yearn to hear the pounding of rain on my roof top.
Most of all,

I like how the rain makes me feel cozy,

all nestled in my living room,

watching old movies and cooking food in the crock pot.
I smell rain.
I hope it doesn't fail to visit me.

*************************************************************

I have posted a cute little letter from a grandmother to a bride on my other blog. I think you will find it interesting. Check it out if you'd like a chuckle.

Quoting The Quotable

Friday, My Town Shoot Out ~ Signs

SIGNS, SIGNS, EVERYWHRE ARE SIGNS.........THIS WEEKS THEME FOR THE FRIDAY, MY TOWN SHOOT OUT.

Remember to click on the photos to see more detailed images.

Yes, truckers need their laundry washed while they shower themselves. This sign was taken yesterday in the city of Searchlight, NV on my way to Laughlin.
I really like the slogan on this sign. They can rock my home anytime with that tone. This sign was also taken yesterday in Bullhead City, AZ, just across the river from Laughlin.

Apparently, the yogurt shop doesn't get enough business by just being in the middle of the shopping center, so they created this sign to sit atop a truck for heavy traffickers to take notice.

This happy faced prehistoric creature advises park goers the rules of play. This was taken earlier tonight in one of the parks I frequent.

Just to the right of enthusiastic Dino is this sign posted on the fence, listing all the free movies in the park this summer. My husband and I sometimes like to attend these viewings. Okay, I have to practically drag him out of the house, but enjoys the family movies more than I do. I just use that as an excuse to get out and see people.

There are so many ducks in the park that they get their own sign. It's funny that I never noticed this sign prior to tonight. These Friday shoot outs make me much more aware.

Last, but not least is my very own sign. I had this custom made back in 1994 when my husband and I bought our first home in Bakersfield, Ca. (we no longer own that home) Obviously, I was into country decor back then. It's not really my style now, but it still hangs in my house just above my sliding glass door in the kitchen. And yes, I suppose I still like it. After all, it has my name carved in wood.



I hope everyone who visits my blog also takes a little time to look at some other Friday Town Shoot Outs. Our group has some extremely talented photographers and writer's. I know you will be inspired.

Thank you!

Discarding My Outer Layer

Yesterday, I forced myself to get away from the computer. Ever since I closed my business in May, I have been spending the majority of my time on this machine. I throroughly enjoy every moment because I am inspired and awed by all the creative talent I have discovered, and little by little, I am discovering my own need to express my creativity. Even so, sometimes I feel guilty becuase I think I should be doing something more productive. I should be cleaning out the clutter in my house or planning menus or doing something that fits the standards of most people's idea of being productive. I should be outside getting some exercise or doing volunteer work.

I know those thoughts come in guilt only because I fear judgment from society. I fear judgment from friends and family that I am not doing anything worthwhile. I fear they will perceive me as being lazy and think of me as a loser. Those are the negative thoughts that consume me. Even so, I feel like I am finally awakening in me a passion for something that has been stagnant for most of my life. I am discovering that I need to be creative. I can no longer deny this part of myself.

I'm still uncovering things about myself through this blogging journey. When I started this blog, I planned on using it solely as an on-line journal. Right away it went in a completely different direction. I love writing and yet somehow, this blog has turned into so much more. I am discovering that I really enjoy taking photos. I like having assignments to do. It is fun and challenging. I am by no means even close to being talented in any area yet, but through this process, I now know that I have the potential to be really great at something creative.

I am unlocking the mask that has hidden this part of me for so long. The real me is emerging and I hope that my friends and family can appreciate this side of me.

Besides, not only am I not running a business any longer, but I am taking care of my husband in the same way I always did. The only difference is I don't have the added stress of deadlines and worry about my business to take away from the quality of our relationship. I no longer snap at him or feel resentful having to do it all. Now, I can take care of him and enjoy doing it. I really do enjoy it now. I love being a housewife. But I love pleasing myself more. Expressing my creativity makes me feel alive. It's what I'm meant to do. Now, I just need to find what it is I am good at or can become great at.

I know I am great at exploring and bonding with my dog. Yesterday, I drove to Laughlin and took Sasha for a dip in the Colorado River. She enjoyed the refreshing, cool, clean water, but she did not appreciate it when a jet ski sped by and caused waves to splash her in the face.

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Isn't she cute? She'll be 14 years old in December.

I captured this photo of the sun reflecting on the water. I had a really great time with my dog yesterday. It definitely was rejuvenating.

ABC Wendensday (E)

It's ABC Wednesday again, and this week we showcase the letter, E. My "E" is for envelope.

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I love writing letters by hand and sending them through snail mail. Why? you ask. Because letter writing is an art. It's personable, it's intimate, and most of all it's cataloging an imprint of my heart and soul. So, whenever I send a letter to anyone, I like choosing an envelope that represents something more than plain white blah. I like to send envelopes that are pretty or fun so that the person receiving it will be excited to open it.

We may be in an era where technology is the way to go, and instant access is more convenient and less costly than sending a hand written letter, but I guarantee that anyone who receives a letter in the mail from me will appreciate it much more than an email. You see, I may not like being the center of attention, but I do like standing out from the crowd. I like leaving my imprint on people's hearts. How else will I be remembered?

And woudn't you prefer to know that someone took the time to actually sit down and hand write you an update, or tell you how much you mean to that person? It means you are important, special. You were worth the 45 cent stamp, or whatever the cost is now. So next time you go to your mailbox and see a colorful envelope that isn't junk mail, won't you be intrigued to discover what's inside?

To see other ABC Wednesday posts click here.

Mosaic Monday

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To see more beautiful mosaics please visit Mary at Little Red House.

Friday My Town Shoot Out ~ Relaxation

This weeks theme for the My Town Shoot Out is relaxation which was chosen by Lena at Spirits of Lena

My interpretation of relaxation includes things that I have fun doing. One of those things is listening to a good live band. The below picture was taken in Nashville this past Saturday. People in the place were having lots of fun and relaxing, including myself. The name of this band is The O'Donnell's, a father and son team. Country music is their sound.

My husband and I enjoy golfing with friends. We find that to be very relaxing and de-stressing.

During our vacation in 2006, driving through Montana, we saw some buffalo relaxing down by the river.

Taking the dog for a walk while on vacation can be relaxing. This is an RV park in Oregon. We weren't staying here, but this was right behind the motel where we stayed. We love exploring!

Driving down a grade, coming around a curve and seeing this view of the lake is quite a relaxing sight.

Wathcing our nephew play football in Oregon is relaxing and fun.

My other nephew relaxes as he sprawls out on the grass.

Snapping photos of barns and horses is very relaxing to me. It's one of my most favorite things to take pictures of.

Driving through quaint little towns always makes me feel relaxed. I really love small towns.

Boating and Jet Skiing with my siblings and my parents is quite fun and relaxing. We do this at least once every summer. We would do it more often, but they all live in a different state.

Even my parent's dog, Boomer enjoys a good ride on the jet ski.

I hope you all enjoyed my ways of relaxing.

To check out more photos from the Friday My Town Shoot Out, Click Here.

My Nashville Get Away

Nashville, Tennessee. My favorite place in the whole world. The first time I experienced Nashville was in 1995. My husband and I took a late honeymoon to the state of Tennessee because I had always dreamed of seeing Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. We stayed a few nights in Nashville before heading to Memphis. I fell in love with Nashville and the state of Tennessee. It was like I had returned home to a past life. There was an instant connection. Yes, I belonged here. That's what I thought then, and that's what I think now.

All these years, I have longed to go back there, to move there, to feel at home again. I finally got a chance this past weekend when I flew down there to meet my sister, who was there on business. My husband encouraged me to go, so off I went. It was an extremely short trip, however, we packed a lot of fun into the three days that we were there. This latest trip only confirmed my belief that I belong there. The following pictures do not do the state of Tennessee justice, nor does it do my fun any justice. The images are a bit hazy and amateurish, but my memories are as sharp as a tack and the images are clearly embedded in my mind.

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The above picture is taken from my plane while leaving Las Vegas. My excitement has begun.

Flying high above the clouds. I hope we don't crash.


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Oh my goodness! I'm here. Getting ready to land. Look how pretty it is down below.

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Getting closer. Look at the pool in the yard.

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My sister and I in the rental car heading to our hotel. Look how pretty and clean the freeway is.

I took the above picture because I have never seen a speed limit of 24. I thought it was kind of quirky. Normally, it would be 25.

We are just around the corner from the Gaylord Opryland Hotel where we will be staying. I'm snapping pictures of EVERYTHING. So much so, that most of it is junk and not worthy of posting and/or sharing.

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This is a photo of the courtyard of the hotel, looking out from our balcony on the third floor.

The hotel was abuzz with lots of people. The atrium was incredibly beautiful and there were lots of gardens and pretty things, but I thought the room was just average for the price. It wasn't anything special at all. It was a great experience, but I'm not sure I would recommend staying here, unless you have the money to spend. The pool was great and they had a fully equipped fitness room, which my sister used, but I did not. The hotel is huge and you could easily get lost. Parking cost $18.00 per day, which I thought should be included in the room price but it was not. You can take a shuttle bus to downtown memphis for $12.00 which is a good deal if you plan on drinking. I highly recommend this.

We were out driving around looking for downtown (before I knew about the shuttle) and we got lost. I snapped this photo from inside the car because I just really liked the area. It's been a long time since I've seen a rail road crossing sign without the arm. I just thought it would make a cool picture. I don't think I could ever get tired of looking at trees and grass.

Still lost in an incredibly nice neighborhood. The houses and lots on this street were incredible. Very beautiful and sophisticated. Clean and crisp and refreshing. I enjoyed our little excursion that our GPS took us on. My sister, on the other hand, was getting frustrated.

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Yay! We finally made it downtown. Here is the Cumberland River. It's beautiful.

We had to park down the street in a parking garage and it's a little scary walking towards this area. We are prepared to put up a fight if we have to. You don't mess with us!








Carriage Horse.........

And people......

Now, we're talkin

A really cool guitar. We are amongst lots of famous little bars downtown.

And this little star is really showing his stuff. Very talented indeed.









OOPS! I downloaded it twice. I don't know how to delete it. Sorry!

Isn't he cute though?









Ah! the next night. Here we are at Tootsie's, a world famous bar where many famous singers have performed.

My sister, Cheryl on the left, me in the middle, sister's colleague, Steve to my right and another colleague, Kent in the back. I've already had way too much fun, as we came here after our private event at the Wild Horse Saloon.





Yep..........................




Proof that I am having fun. Evidence of alcohol intake.

My two second bull ride. And the power was as low as it could go.
I'm a country girl at heart, but I'm no cowgirl.











All I can say is..........................

It must have been a good song.












part of the band at Tootsie's

They played a good mix of country and rock music.













This is the lead singer. I thought he was really good.

To his left is a female vocalist in the band. During the song, "Sweet Child Of Mine" that she was singing, she jumped off the stage, grabbed my hand and pulled me up onto the bar where I danced in front of everyone and sang the song with her. I cannot believe that I did that. I was really having fun. I don't even do karaoke.













The next day, hungover, my sister and I decided to drive to Hurricane Mills to tour Loretta Lynn's Plantation Home.

The outside was really pretty. All I can say about the inside is that I am so glad the 70's decorating style is over. It was bad. With that being said, Loretta had some really nice collections in her curio cabinets. She collected salt and pepper shakers which she had displayed in a really large curio cabinet that her husband Mooney had built for her.

This is the front walkway looking out directly from the front porch. Very large lot and beautiful scenery.













the rest of the dude ranch.

A bridge over water. So gorgeous. I just love places like this. I find such serenity in being in this environment. This is also Loretta Lynn's property.




Well, I have a lot more pictures, but I think this kind of summarizes my trip to Nashville. We had a lot of fun. The downtown area was hopping and I only regret that I couldn't stay longer. I wanted to explore more. Much more. Next time.......


Also, I didn't post any pictures here, but the first night we stumbled into a little bar called Rippy's. They had a two man band playing and they were really good. When I got home I did some online research and discovered who the band was. It was a father and son team, The O'Donnells. They just put out their first CD. I suppose Nashville is a place where dreams come true.

Gaylord Opryland Hotel

Rippy's Smokin Bar and Grill

Wild Horse Saloon

Tootsie's

Loretta Lynn Dude Ranch