Just another Monday

This spring has been moving along at breakneck speed. While I love the early arrival of warm weather, I would like just a little more time to enjoy each phase before it's gone. Lilacs have bloomed, peonies are nearly gone, and now I see the first of my hydrangeas starting to open up. I want to hang onto each of those favorites a just a little longer, but it's not to be.

Time is a strange thing. The days can seem to go slowly, yet in the blink of any eye, another month is gone. It's crazy to think that we're almost halfway through this year. My head spins when I think of all that's happened already and all that lies ahead. College graduation for our son is just a few days away and I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around that. How is it possible that his undergraduate days are nearly over?

Today is one of those perfect spring days that follow a violent storm. Tornado warnings, hail and torrential rains of yesterday have been replaced by sunny skies and mild temps today. Much like many of life's events, wouldn't you say?

What are you savoring about spring right now?

Inspiration

The air is filled with spring right now, each day bursting with possibility. So much to love!

Speaking of love, go over and say "Happy Birthday" to my lovely friend, Jan. Her blog is fun and inspiring, and she's amazing!

While you're at it, there are some other creative women you should visit. Alicia and her home are featured on the Show and Tell home tour on The Stir. What beautiful spaces she's created!

And don't forget to drop by Heather's blog and say congrats on her big news! Be sure to spend some time looking at her art gallery, too. Her talent is really special.

Now that you're duly inspired, what will you do today with all your creative energy?

Wordless Wednesday

Benched* again

It's Monday, the sun is shining, and the peonies are finally in bloom. Sigh.



The weekend was great, too. We moved our son home from college, managing to get everything inside just ahead of the big storm. Things are a little more crowded, but I don't mind. I also tried out the new Mochi-yo frozen yogurt shop in Leawood. Yum!



Today I'll get some zinnia and sunflower seeds planted, and later this week I plan to visit the farmer's market in search of some heirloom tomatoes. How are you enjoying these gorgeous spring days?

*Be sure to check out more bench shots here!

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Spring!?

I was all set to post some of my spring photos last week. The sun was shining, the scent of blooms was in the air, and it was all so hopeful and new.



Then the cruelty of winter returned full force. Rain, sleet, snow--the works.



Luckily my trees suffered no damage, and I had harvested most of my daffodils before the storm hit. My next-door neighbors weren't so fortunate--they lost their Bradford pear when the ice was just too much for the fully-bloomed tree. So sad.

Yesterday the sun came out and the snow beat a hasty retreat. Only a few traces linger today.



Time to pot these beauties and say goodbye to winter once and for all!

Celebrate

It's been birthday madness at our house, with two teenagers celebrating birthdays within the past week. First it was our daughter's Sweet Sixteen, complete with lots of pink decorations, a fabulous cake, and a house full of friends.



Then it was our son's turn, commemorating his 19th birthday a few day early at home with gifts and a homemade cheesecake, before returning to campus for a rather ordinary day of classes and school obligations.

And now it's March, with the hope of spring and warmer days lifting my spirits. This week I'm on the hunt for green, and happily I'm seeing lots of it!







Celebrating birthdays and the arrival of spring reminds me there's much to be thankful for. What are you celebrating right now?

Hearts

Every year these flowers take me by surprise. The plant dies back completely in the summer and there's no sign of life for months. Then spring arrives and the plant makes up for lost time. One day, just a few inches of green peeking above ground. The next, a mound of leafy fronds and hearts dangling daintily from arched branches.





How I love the surprises of spring!

D is for Discover

I'm done with winter. It’s been too long since I’ve seen the uplifting colors of spring. I know the new season is just around the corner, but in the words of Veruca Salt, “I want it now!”

In search of some hopeful signs, I set out to discover what might be cropping up in my own yard . I was pleased to see some new arrivals on the landscape. Do you recognize them?






Daffodils, lamb's ear, day lilies and chives--oh my. I was so happy to see these little bits of green poking bravely through the ground. Spring's messengers have officially arrived!