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{ladybug dots}

{chocolate dollops}

Just the other day I saw the most clever way of pairing two of my favorite foods.  Raspberries and chocolate.  Separate they are wonderful but together they are “close to godliness” as a certain line from Ratatouille goes…  There was something so adorable about this pairing and they looked so easy to make so I ran to the store and found some plump little red berries and grabbed a package of chocolate chips.  After gently washing the fruit I stuck a chocolate chip in the middle of each and…WA LA! Raspberry dots!!! They take less than a minute to make and are quite delightful. I think they would be perfect for a party, bridal shower, or just because.

{outstretched petals}

{closing inward}

I was completely mesmerized by the gradient colors of salmon pink that flushed individual petals.  Each part unfurled to reveal a stunning picture, yet the fiddle head  fern beside it curled in on itself.  One plant a picture of vulnerability, beautiful and bright, the other a dark, hard stem closing inward and shutting out everything.  For me it is so simple to gravitate towards being like the fern.  I find myself scared and wanting to pull back.  Hardening myself so I won’t get hurt.  While the fern is interesting, it cannot compare to the delight of the flower with open arms.  I want to be an open blossom who draws strength from the light source.  Jesus is my light, his warmth and nourishment are never ending.

{perfectly golden}

Batter formed circles and then my pancakes were drenched in syrup and sunlight.  Off to church to hear about the true Light that refines us like gold.  Walked with a sweet friend whose hair is flaxen.  Sat on the sidewalk with mom and dad eating creamy, canary colored mango ice cream.  Popcorn drizzled with pale lemon yellow butter eaten with friends in the living room.  These lighthearted moments are truly golden.

{delectable delight}

Sunday after church someone gave me a chocolate torte they had made just for me.  After receiving it I resembled the seagulls in Finding Nemo, “Mine, Mine, Mine”.  (Don’t worry I did share…) You see this was not just any torte but an Elaini safe torte.  That means it was a labor of love, because I have a extremely limited diet.  As in no dairy, wheat, refined sugar, soy, and seafood.  And definitely NO nuts.  The legume kind. 😀  You try making a dessert with no dairy, refined sugar, or wheat that actually tastes amazing.  Good luck with that.  Needless to say when this incredibly kind and generous person went way out of their way to make me a dessert I could enjoy I was very blessed…as in I couldn’t stop talking about it.    (especially since he is busy with six children)  Still savoring my special plate of yumminess.

{a rose button}

{textures}

I dumped the contents of the bag out on the counter and my eyes immediately landed on the one perfect little button mushroom that fell out.  The unique pattern and texture instantly delighted me and the fact that it resembled a rose caught my fancy.  A regular mushroom transformed into a lovely blossom design.  I so often miss the beautiful in the ordinary, but now I am trying to live life with eyes wide open.  Not just seeing but looking, because our lives are unfolding and I don’t want to miss the beauty before the petals all fall off.

{off to the races}

This project has been in my mind for months and now that it’s coming down to just three weeks from starting I am getting really excited.  THREE WEEKS!!!!!! As I tried on the dress today for one last run through I realized it is like I have been preparing for a car race and now it is time to turn the car on, rev the engine, and let’s get going!!!

{ink stains}

Bending down to look for something in the refrigerator my gaze fell on the egg carton.  Hmm that’s odd I thought.  Not everyday that food items have quotes written on them.  So of course I had to pay attention. “Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Patience.  It’s golden just like the yoke of an egg.  Patience.  The time it takes for an egg to develop and become a baby chick.  Patience.  For things to come to fruition.  Patience.  When this project seems to be coming along so slowly.  Patience.  To wait on Jesus for his timing.  Patience.  Maybe it means having a different perspective.  Getting on a different eye level.  Taking in each moment.  I don’t have Patience but I am praying for it….I don’t like how learning this trait usually goes…

Standing still.  Standing solid and real while everyone else in the single picture frame of my mind rushes forward.  There are times when I want to stop the rushing train of life.  All too often I slip into the place of feeling left behind.  Yes, here I am.  Fear trying to grip my heart.  Will I let it stop me?  NO!  Run, heart pumping, legs shaking, insides turning inside out.  Jump.  Leap.  Straight toward the rushing train.  My train.  And hang on for the crazy ride.  I will not let this one pass me by.  Maybe it isn’t the train with everyone on it, but it is mine to ride.  The ticket on my life says these tracks are my path.  Most importantly I know the One that guides the train and his love casts out all fear.

(photo taken 5 years ago)

{happy face}

{shimmering petals}

They bended and swayed in the breeze and nodded their golden heads at me as I passed by.  The sunshine in their face turned up to smile at the warmth of light smiling back.  Ahh daffodils.  Every time I see one it makes me happy.  Maybe it has something to do with the cheery yellow color or maybe it is because I know that the spring is coming.  There is something so delightful about flowers.  Orchids are one of my favorite variety of flowers.  Those and daffodils… The shimmering petals and rich colors turn their beautiful faces at me and as I turn away from admiring them my face is just a little bit brighter for having encountered theirs.

{a joyful noise}

Pop, Pop, Pop!!! Each fragile bubble was bursting with excitement.  I grinned as they snapped and exploded like firecrackers beneath my feet.  My dad looked up and smiled at me.  Maybe it is silly that I was having such a delightful time playing with the packing material that I discovered in the box filled with love sent to me but I really couldn’t help myself.  Honestly it was just way to tempting.  The little things in life can be so much fun.  So enjoy them…because you can.