Flashback Friday

Edward & Maria with Grandma Bouman, April 1992

Love Thursday

I think of this poem every year at this time because it helps me enjoy these flowers before they are nothing forever.

Peonies

This morning the green fists of the peonies are getting ready
   to break my heart
     as the sun rises,
        as the sun strokes them with his old, buttery fingers

and they open--
   pools of lace,
      white and pink--
       and all day the black ants climb over them,

boring their deep and mysterious holes
    into the curls,
      craving the sweet sap,
        taking it away

to their dark, underground cities--
   and all day
      under the shifty wind,
       as in a dance to the great wedding,

the flowers bend their bright bodies,
   and tip their fragrance to the air,
     and rise,
       their red stems holding

all that dampness and recklessness
    gladly and lightly,
      and there it is again--
        beauty the brave, the exemplary,

blazing open.
    Do you love this world?
      Do you cherish your humble and silky life?
       Do you adore the green grass, with its terror beneath?

Do you also hurry, half-dressed and barefoot, into the garden,
   and softly,
      and exclaiming of their dearness,
       fill your arms with the white and pink flowers,

with their honeyed heaviness, their lush trembling,
    their eagerness
      to be wild and perfect for a moment, before they are
        nothing, forever?  -Mary Oliver

Out in the Garden

Rose buds


Mallow


Violas


--- and just a few bleeding hearts this year.
“We don’t have to go far to find the treasure we are seeking. There is beauty and goodness right where we are. And only when we can see the beauty and goodness that are close by can we recognize beauty and goodness on our travels far and wide. There are trees and flowers to enjoy, paintings and sculptures to admire; most of all there are people who smile, play, and show kindness and gentleness. They are all around us, to be recognized as free gifts to receive in gratitude." -Henri Nouwen

Lying Down in Green Pastures

Color Burst

Flash Back Friday

Maria, 2010


Edward, 2008

Love Thursday

Bridget was surprised to see we were sitting right behind her!  We were too.


She got her diploma from her dad...

... who also closed in prayer.

Bridget's Besties

After graduation 2013, "the six of us."


Brothers and sisters


Some theatrical friends


Maria!

Amazement

“Ten times a day something happens to me like this – some strengthening throb of amazement – some good sweet empathic ping and swell. This is the first, the wildest and the wisest thing I know: that the soul exists and is built entirely out of attentiveness.”  - Mary Oliver


Geranium on the deck.

Happy Memorial Day!

Remembering those who fought for freedom and our flag...
July 2000

Flash Back Friday

Spring 2006, Edward & Bridget

Love Thursday

Last evening, Bridget graduated from South Christian High School.  We are very proud of her!

Leo

Leonardo needs to be photographed more.  This is an oldie but a goodie!

Congrats Bridgie!!!!!!!!!

I took a few pix at the beginning of Bridget's open house this past Sunday!  We had a wonderful time.  Bridget graduates this Wednesday evening.