There is something about new life that goes beyond fascinating.  Spring is the time of year when those new beginnings seem to be in full "bloom"!  I took this picture a few years ago when a mother robin laid eggs in a window sill just outside a bathroom window of our house.  How exciting it was to watch the eggs hatch and baby robins grow until they were able to leave the nest on their own!  Each day I stood in front of that window staring and studying those little birds as well as the reaction of the worried mamma.  It was the highlight of my spring!  By now, I imagine some of these little unclothed guys are sitting, fully feathered on their own nests somewhere in the general area of where we then lived.  Life goes on....and makes it's complete circles.  Completely intriguing.  Completely amazing!  Not long after these birds hatched and grew, my daughter brought our first grand baby into the world.  I have watched that little person grow and change almost daily...and oh how exciting it is to hear little sentences begin to form and smiles of understanding spread over a pleased face when something new is comprehended!  Now grand baby number 2 is 9 months old and I am captivated by the beautiful process all over again - only with a new personality and new expressions!  Just as life is predictable, it is also full of surprises and variations that continue to bring me awe and delight.  All gifts and wonders sponsored and provided by Almighty God!

This old sycamore tree was quite the center of attraction when I was a young girl.  It was situated on the bank of a bubbly creek that ran behind our home.  Many hours were spent climbing up and over the water where all kinds of dreams were imagined and my world mounted with make believe and fantasy.  Occasionally we would nail a board or two here and there so as to make stepping and climbing easier.  My brother even fell out of it once and broke his arm!  I remember carrying snacks up there in a bag over my shoulder, finding every comfort in it's broad branches.

Last year that big tree full of memories was blown down in a storm.  The place where I created my castles and princes toppled down and will no longer nestle little climbers with big dreams.  However, I will always love this picture taken not so long before the storm.  Though dreams and trees don't always last forever, their memories take me back to a carefree sunny day when nailing a board back in place was all I had to do to be all I wanted to be.

 ...Sometimes, isn't that just what we need?

Pictures of the tree after it was blown into the creek....and my dad gathering a bag of kindling that came from the tree for me to burn in my fireplace.  Ironic that the wood from that old sycamore is still keeping me warm!  The creek will never quite look the same, but the memories will ever make me smile!  

Sometimes when the air is clear

And all is calm; one can hear

The sounds that often go unheard

Whispering pines, a mockingbird

Falling water over stones

Breeze that makes the branches groan

Grasses rustle, bend and flow

Wild geese calling, flying low

Lonely sound of cattle moos

Across the field where green meets blue

Rolling meadows touch the sky

And I listen with a sigh

Sounds of heaven visit me

When I am still and hear them sing

On a cloudy morning.....need some sunshine!

I had a work cancellation today.....The Botanical Gardens might have to be a destination replacement.....just saying'.  

Glowing blossoms open wide

Bursts of brilliance touch the sky

Here below I stand amazed

As if they're singing songs of praise

Raindrops slide down petals pink

How they draw me, how they sing

Of One who paints the landscapes bright

Creating wonder, awe and life

If you notice you will see

The Master's splendid artistry