If I had my life to live over . . .

"If I had my life to live over,

I would start barefoot earlier in the

spring and stay that way later in the fall.

I would go to more dances.

I would ride more merry-go-rounds.

I would pick more daisies."

-- Nadine Stair --

I think most of us have this feeling of doing and living more if only . . .

Father in law passed away Septerber 2009 on the brink of 95 years of age.

While sorting his possessions presently, I came upon this piece of embroidery. I remembered him showing it to us a few times. He told us of how his mother made their clothes, taught them and fed them during the most appalling life conditions of the 1930 ressesion. He was very young when she passed away, and told us how he had to look after his sisters.

He cherished this piece of work done by his mother. This embroidery must be about 80 years old, if not more. It will now claim a prominent place in our house and in our hearts.

Weekends are for . . .

. . . trying out something new

painting on old pieces of wood lying around . . .

. . . watching what the neighbours are up to . . .
or rather their canine specimens . . .

Slow dance

Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round,

or listened to rain slapping the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight,

or gazed at the sun fading into the night?

You better slow down, don't dance so fast,

time is short, the music won't last.

Do you run through each day on the fly,

when you ask "How are you?", do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in your bed,

with the next hundred chores running through your head?

You better slow down, don't dance so fast,

time is short, the music won't last.

Ever told your child, we'll do it tomorrow,

and in your haste, not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch, let a friendship die,

'cause you never had time to call and say hi?

You better slow down, don't dance so fast,

time is short, the music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere,

you miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,

it's like an unopened gift thrown away.

Life isn't a race, so take it slower,

hear the music before your song is over.

(a poem by a young lady diagnosed with cancer)

toe the ribbon -- ballet

"Some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle and end.

Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next."

~ Gilda Radner ~

The painting is done after a photo by Jeanette. Please visit Jeanette's blog to view her photos. Her photos portrays a very thoughtful, sensitive and stylish approach. I changed the background colour for more contrast.

The painting is in oil on stretched canvass.