NEYLAN

What a cutie!! My time with Neylan was fun-packed and very enjoyable, probably the most fun I've had in awhile. He was absolutely adorable. And that was a total surprise...he was very shy at first, just stared at me with the biggest dark brown eyes; he had no idea why this face behind the camera had come into his little life. 

But he warmed up to me with a little effort and from that point on it was all smiles. He was bundles of fun...not quite walking yet, but standing strong when he had something to steady himself, hold onto. It was one of those rare days of spring-like weather that we had here in March. Warm enough to kick off the shoes and get some barefoot pictures. 

We wore him out; his mother said he fell asleep on his way home. Just looking at his pictures now makes me smile.

Neylan, you can come back anytime!

OH! TO BE CONTENT

The calendar tells me it is now spring...but the weather outside my window surely makes me believe that our winter is not yet past.

It would seem at times that our circumstances fit the same pattern. We can see, right around the corner, that things are looking up. But hold on, there is still a little of the "winter" now and then. Peace of mind only comes with contentment...now, at this very moment, no matter the situation.

Impatience is but a form of discontent. I am reminded of The Winter of Our Discontent by John Steinbeck, the title taken from Shakespeare's Richard III. Both of these works show the downward slide that began with discontent. Dissatisfaction leads to desperate attempts to change, leading to ambition which can become obsession. We can lose sight what we already have and think the "grass is greener"...

I saw a beautiful illustration of that yesterday morning. The always welcome California poppy; against a gray sky, a very cool breeze, this beautiful and fragile little flower refuses to hide. It knows it is supposed to bloom at this time, and bloom it does. What a cheerful sight along the roadside. Funny how you spot them in unlikely places. And they "bloom where they are planted". Contented.

Yes, contentment is a way of life, a peaceful way of life. Weather the storms of life and relish the good times. It is all good, nothing is without purpose.

Change of Seasons

Change is inevitable...in life just as in the seasons of the year. As I watch my surroundings, the trees and flowers, the fields, rushing to burst forth with new life, new growth after the barren winter months, I am reminded that every day is new. The winter is a necessary component of life. All the old must die away to make room for the new. The beautiful blossoms on the dogwoods and plum trees around me would hardly be impressive if last year's leaves were still in foliage. 


How fitting then, that the dark "winters" of life are also a necessity. The difficulties and dark times in our lives produce untold strength and good in us. Firstly, it serves to build character and strength, humility and sensitivity to the hurts and needs of others. Secondly, we gain a new appreciation for the times when things are "easy", more pleasant. 


Life is a blessing not to be taken for granted. I am learning to appreciate, indeed even welcome, the winter. I see so much productivity in difficulty that I cannot do less than be filled with gratitude for the strength that it produces. Fortitude and perseverance...by-products of the "winter" of life. Springtime is a mixed bag...a little tease now and then of warm and beautiful weather. Then the wind and a little rain, a little cold, come along and remind us that winter has not yet fully passed. So in life we enjoy the good times and work through the tough times...not just merely survive them, but thrive.

DAFFODIL HILL

It's that time of year again. If you live in the Sacramento area and are looking for a picturesque day, something to bring a little springtime to your world on the heals of the winter months, take a little day trip to Daffodil Hill in the historic town of Volcano just outside of Sutter Creek. They have tentatively set this year's opening date as March 16. Check their website before making definite plans, though, as weather is always a factor as well as maximum blooming of the daffodils http://www.daffodilfestivals.com/insidetemp.php?festid=1359 Take a lunch and just enjoy the beauty. It's a great outing for the young ones who love to explore. There are more reasons to visit than just the flowers....Enjoy!

 

SEMPER FI

Seems like he just graduated from high school. Oh wait...he did! And now, here he is a marine. How proud I am of him. The commitment of a young man as he trains and prepares to dedicate his life in service to our nation, protecting the freedoms that we all hold dear. We can never take them for granted. Such sacrifice is made to keep our country strong and free. Such courage. I, for one, will forever be grateful to those who serve. Thank you does not say enough.

They take great pride in him...their son and brother; it was hard to watch him leave and they miss him greatly, they are tight-knit as a family. But they are oh so proud of him.

 

Welcome Little One

The anticipation, the planning, the expectations...then, suddenly your life changes forever as a new little person joins your family. What a blessing that is...such a gift from God. Life is to be treasured and nurtured. This little one will grow up way too fast. Enjoy her innocence, fully experience every little nuance as she takes in all of life around her, as she learns continually from her surroundings.

Just an adorable little bundle. Can you believe the hair?? I just love to see an abundance of locks on such a tiny little person?...just fabulous, absolutely perfect. She is a treasure for sure...and baby makes four.

WILLIAMS

Perfect fall day, fabulous weather, magnificent color in the trees...chilly, foggy mornings that clear into the most comfortable of days. I just love this time of year. Perfect time , great lighting, for those family portraits.

Lots of love in this family, you can really see the way they adore each other. They were a pleasure to spend time with...the little guy, is so full of life. His mother says I bring it out in him. Hmmm...I confess I have a soft spot for the kids and love to see them come to life and be playful. That is what makes this fun...let down and be yourself! 

Thank you Williams Family, for allowing me to have this day with you!