In Memory of …

On August 19, 2011, we laid to rest a member of our family. This man was not only a veteran, but a husband, father, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend to many. I would like to recognize the compassion, efficiency and respect awarded to those that serve their country. Out of respect for his family privacy – it’s enough to say that God knows his name. Through the ceremony, and still, I think of what his life as my brother-in-law taught me, and I will be forever grateful. His kindness, respect and consideration towards me sealed my view of his character. I enjoyed his sense of humor and being around him gave me many memories of pleasant family times together. We are blessed to have a large extremely close family. We are a diverse group of people, each...

In my opinion ….

If we agree that opinions are conclusions based on available information, we may still differ on the interpretation of that information. Every bit of data is subject to change affecting the foundation of any conclusion. Have you noticed everyone forms opinions? After thinking about that for a while, I began to try to understand it better. You might wonder what this subject has to do with the huge Native Pecan Tree. There it is in the pasture – tall, full and grand in every way. To me, that tree is a symbol of something I believe – influence, with or without leadership, carries a responsibility. It has thrived for over one-hundred years in a beneficial relationship with everything around it – providing shade for the livestock, nuts for the...

Sunrise in Texas

What is your favorite time during twenty-four hours? Mine is the sunrise. It sets my senses for the whole day and influences my mental energy level. Maybe that’s the barometer of biologically diverse ‘day versus night’ people! To benefit most by my preference in time, I wish I would separate plans I need to do and those I want to do. On a gorgeous spring morning, I want the world to go away and leave me alone! I don’t want to think about anything else except taking in the beauty of the earth I can see, smell, touch and feel. For a short period, time is irrelevant as I simply exist and breathe. Universal energy revives my soul. The birds sing in agreement! In those few minutes I feel love for the earth, for everyone and every critter alive....

Life is….

Recently I was out walking with my camera. When the scene came into view, it spoke to me. I wonder if I see it differently than someone else might. It’s located on the edge of a rise in the land, with thick trees, rocks and brier vines. Some trees are young and fresh while others are dead or dying. Broken boulders and rocks litter the land up to the path. The sun-baked grazed grass abates the idea the area has been abandoned. I find that life can be a lot like that scene. It’s difficult to witness life without seeing death. Many times each of us seek a path through the rocks in our life…or swear at the briers with every step we try to take. With gratitude, just as I stood on the clear path that day to snap a photo, I have been fortunate to stand...