Five Minute Friday ~ View

It's Five Minute Friday when I link up with Lisa-Jo of The Gypsy Mama.  We get to write for five minutes flat on a word we're given each week.  The word for today is VIEW.

GO

I've experienced my share of turbulence while riding in airplanes. That up and down agitated motion causes my stomach to drop. Looking out the window, I can't see much except the color gray.  I hope the pilot knows what he's doing.  Just as suddenly, the shaking motion stops and we're cruising above the clouds at a higher altitude.  I can breathe easier now.

Sometimes life seems like that.  I don't always get to see everything clearly.  Life becomes turbulent and I don't know what will happen. Changes occur that I hadn't planned.  My perspective is blurred and I don't like it.  And yet through the turbulence I've learned to trust my Navigator.  

I cling to God.

Psalm 63:8: "My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me."

My view isn't clear right now.  But one day it will be.  In the meantime, it's my faith in God that propels me on.

STOP

Blessings and love,



photo credit: Eustaquio Santimano via photopin cc

End of School Year Blessings

This is the last week of our school year.  I've been going through photos and writing up some of the funny things the children have said this past year.  And now I'm feeling a bit sad.  It's hard to say goodbye to children I've grown to love.  Although most of them will still be at the school, it won't be the same.  It's time to let go ...

Heidi and I work so well together.  She gave me a photo album as an end of school year gift.  We think alike as my album to her should be in my mailbox by Tuesday at the latest.  Thank you Shutterfly!

In the album I received, Heidi interviewed each child and asked them questions.  She recorded them in their exact words.  I loved each one.

I had to laugh as Saniya said "Miss Debbie is special because she ties my shoes."  If you only knew how many times I have to tie her shoes!  But I really don't mind.  One day she will be able to double knot her shoes all by herself. :)

Photo Credit

At the beginning of each school year, I collect cute things the children say.  I place them in a jar like this one.  This weekend I took them out to review.

Here are a few:

• Indira told us her grandma likes to eat lots of chocolate and she lost her teeth
• One of the children had hiccoughs and Melika yelled out that they had the 'pickups'
• I told Heidi that I exercised that morning and Sam yelled out "you're losing weight Miss Debbie"
• We were talking about being good and Hadley said "we're not going to have another cranky day"
• Violet said "I told mommy I didn't want a sandwich for lunch and she said TOUGH"
• Vivian told me that she was happy.  I asked her why and she answered "because you're here"

Is that cute or what?  I will miss their sweet faces.  And I may even miss all their boo-boos too!

#830 The sweetest photo album 

#831 Laughing as I read the cute sayings I collected throughout the year

#832 Reviewing the children's photos from the school year

#833 Hugs galore

#834 Feeling the love of the children

#835 Having the privilege of watching children grow

#836 Seeing the delight in their eyes as they learn new things

#837 Cherishing these special memories

I love counting my every day blessings.  I'm linking up with Ann of A Holy Experience for Multitudes on Mondays.

Blessings and love,

Arcadia's Edible Garden Tour

Arcadia is one of the older neighborhoods in Phoenix.  Many people have lived and grown up here.  But a growing number of younger families are moving in.  They're making improvements to their homes while still staying true to the original character of the area. Many are creating their own edible gardens in their backyard, with organic vegetables and a variety of fruit.  Orange, lemon and grapefruit trees line the streets and yards.

I love Arcadia!  It's where Greg and I relocated a little over one year ago. When I read about Arcadia's Edible Garden Tour, I knew I had to purchase a ticket.  I'm so glad I did!

Early Saturday morning I was prepared with my map, bottled water, sunglasses and camera.  I decided to create my own route instead of the numbered list I was emailed.  I was hoping to avoid the crowds. I headed out to my first stop.

The Boho Farm is located within walking distance of my condo. Since I had other gardens to visit, I decided to drive.  This 'farm' is nestled in a quiet neighborhood.  From the moment I stepped on to the grounds, I felt comfortable and welcomed.

I noticed many of the garden decorations.  I had an inkling that this was a Christian family.  And I was right! 

How inviting is homemade lavender lemonade?  I couldn't resist.  

I made several stops at other edible gardens on the tour and learned much about growing my own vegetables.  I really don't have much space at our condo but I have a back patio and front entryway that could accommodate containers for gardening.  I was getting some great ideas!

I was looking forward to my next stop; Hal and Jill's Sweet Life Garden. I follow her on Facebook so I was anxious to see their garden and orchard located in the heart of the city.  I wasn't disappointed.

There were numerous tables set up in the yard where you could purchase lots of goodies.  I immediately noticed The Simple Farm's caramels made with fresh goat milk.  I've tasted these caramels and they actually melt in your mouth.  I was so happy to meet Lara of Hotdish as we talked about Lylah, the owner of The Simple Farm (and my friend).

Carol of Grano de Vida was handing out samples of her homemade cinnamon raisin bread.  I couldn't resist buying two loaves after tasting this most delicious bread.  Carol bakes the breads for The Simple Farm.  When I mentioned that I finally got to meet Lylah in person at a recent tea at the Ritz Carlton, she asked me if I knew Venous.  Venous is a parent of three children in the school where I work and she hosted the tea (I wrote about it here).  She volunteers at The Simple Farm each Thursday. 

I decided to make one more stop on the tour.  This home was located on a very large lot.  As I entered through the gateway, I had to laugh.  Do you see them?  Two pigs roaming around looking for a drink.  

I was so glad I spent my Saturday morning visiting edible gardens in my neighborhood.  I was especially delighted that a portion of the proceeds go to benefit the House of Refuge community garden.

I look forward to next year's tour.

How thankful I am to experience the beauty of these gardens.  I love the way people are getting back to working the land, planting and harvesting as they feed their families.  There's something so pure about this to me.

#817 The beauty of God's creation

#818 Meeting new friends

#819 Tasting sweet lemonade

#820 Thankful for a beautiful neighborhood

#821 Appreciating all that I have

#822 My health is good

#823 I am getting exercise once again

#824 Looking forward to creating my own edible garden

#825 Tasting the best cinnamon raisin bread

#826 Seeing glimpses of God 

#827 Proceeds benefit a Christian organization that helps others

#828 Beautiful weather

#829 A respite from a busy week

I'm linking up with Ann of A Holy Experience for Multitudes on Mondays as I count my every day blessings.

I'm also linking up with Joan of The Beauty in His Grip for Sharing His Beauty.

Blessings and love,