Friday, April 25, 2014

The ONE in the CROWD


Sometimes it takes a photo to remind you

that being unique is beautiful

And to stand out in a crowd is not about looks but 

Attitude..

As I share this beautiful picture

I also share my favorite Poem 

to go into the weekend

Enjoy and Be Yourself

There is only one You

Photo Courtesy of Marcia Springer

























PHENOMENAL WOMAN


Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size   
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips,   
The stride of my step,   
The curl of my lips.   
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,   
That’s me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,   
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.   
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.   
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,   
And the flash of my teeth,   
The swing in my waist,   
And the joy in my feet.   
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered   
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them,   
They say they still can’t see.   
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,   
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.   
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.   
When you see me passing,
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,   
The bend of my hair,   
the palm of my hand,   
The need for my care.   
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Maya Angelou






Saturday, April 19, 2014

Tulips! Welcome Me Home




I had the privilege of growing up in the 
Beautiful San Juan Islands
Just a bridge away from the ribboned highway of the 
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival



Each year cars come, full of family and friends, 
to catch a spectacular show of colors
All framed by beautiful Mt Baker on one side
 and the Skagit River on the other.







It begins with the Daffodils
 as they lift their golden faces toward 
the sun as to welcome you to the fields 




And the Tulips sway gently in the wind .
As if they are waving at you
Like they are on parade
Bowing from their Emerald stems 




Living and growing up in this
Piece of Heaven on Earth
Is a bit like having your own 
Secret Garden
And when you leave it stays with you
I am Thankful that friends still cherish
These colorful ribboned Tulip fields 
As much as me
A special Thanks to the Wonderful 
Marcia Springer for these amazing reminders of Home. 


Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Nooks and Books

“Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination, and the journey. They are home.” Anna Quindlen

This winter brought cold and snow,
and many opportunities to snuggle up
with a cup of Glitter Tea  to catch up
on the books and 3 captivating, independent
bookstores that I happily got lost in this past year.


While Innsitting in the Berkshires, I had time to exploreManchester Vt . 
I stopped for a coffee- I know that doesn't
surprise anyone who knows me and discovered
 an Indie legend of a bookstore. 
With floors of books, hand written reviews, a vast selection for all interests, I was in book heaven.
The Northshire Bookstore is filled with nooks and crannies to lose yourself in,grab a book, browse and drink your coffee in the comfort of an old stuffed chair.

Picking a local book is always a must and this one did not disappoint.
A true story of love, cooking and sailing in and around
Desert Island, Maine
Frankie's Place A Love Story
Frankie's Place: A Love Story

December took me 30 miles out to sea
Nantucket. Christmas Stroll, carolers and
Yes... Bookstores.
Snow framed windows lit with christmas lights.
Local books by local authors and a selection of books
that light up every readers eyes with wonderment.
Nantucket Bookworks and Mitchells Book Corner
are places not to be missed on this faraway Island.















Many books were purchased, but this one captivated
my interest. It focused on historical Nantucket and a strong heroine, who not only charts comets but her own life.
Inspired by Maria Mitchell

The Movement of Stars
The Movement of Stars



And then right back in my neighborhood, an evening walk around the lake isn't complete with out a stop at the very kid centered Wild Rumpus.


The staff consists of humans, 3 cats, beautiful chickens that roam the store,ferrets and of course the spooky section where the glass floor lets you see the pet rats that live below.
Complete with a canoe overhead, fish aquarium in the bathroom, this comfy store had this darling book that I fell in love with.
For the kid (or Adult) that wants to just play in the Puddles

Where My Wellies Take Me

Where My Wellies Take Me


No matter where your adventures take you.
Take time to browse the local bookstore
Pull up a comfy couch and get lost in a beautiful
story.