New Banner - Some of My Favorite Things

I'm thrilled to introduce you to some of my favorite things!  The pictures that are posted in my new blog banner represent part of what makes me who I am.  The subjects of these pictures affect my heart, mind and soul and it makes me happy to surround myself with them.

My dear husband George planted a small, simple remnant of a rose bush twig and nurtured it with his gentle strength until it grew beyond its expected boundaries and now, for several months of the year, it spreads its sweet fragrance throughout the whole area.

My dear sons, Blayze and Adam, and my dear daughter, Catelyn, are far more daring than I think I could ever have been at their ages, and they're constantly seeking to live their lives to the fullest.  They bring me much joy, laughter, smiles and sometimes tears.  Oh, the stories they tell me now...

There are a couple of birds that build a new nest each Spring in a nearby topiary.  They're eye-level and so provide us with much entertainment and amusement as they care for their eggs, baby birds and protect their nest from intruding squirrels.  We're able to observe their circle of life and enjoy seeing the baby birds attempt their first flight.

I still enjoy being at home.  When I was a child, my family often had summer "staycations" where we'd cook out, swim in the pool, play yard games, and hang out around the house.  Family and friends would join us and it never got boring.

I'm lucky to have a spare room designated as my craft area.  It's full of my favorite crafting products and I've been known to spend many hours "lost" in that room.  It's a toy room for me and contains some very important genealogical information as well as significant proof of major family events and everyday life.

My dear granddaughter, Kaylie, looks fabulous in her faux fur, with her great big curious eyes and mischievous grin.  She often asks if we can "craft" and she'll happily use lots of stamps, inks and markers to make cards for her dad and mom.  One of the first things that she does when she visits is to look for her artwork prominently displayed on our refrigerator.  I don't see her enough.

Seeing a rainbow after a storm is a miraculous reminder that after foul weather brings you down, you need to look for the fabulous show that results from that storm.

I admire my George's quiet, gentle strength and his patience with me.  He's taught me about traveling and trying new things and is very generous with his kindness.

Seashells remind us that every living thing leaves something beautiful behind.

I hope you enjoy my new blog banner as much as I do.  I love that it's such a visual representation of my life right now and how it clearly shows me surrounded by some of my favorite things.