PositivehopeSparkP.blogspot.com

 Just some random photos of my journey these past weeks. Treating myself kindly, taking care of my inner Wild Child and Dictator has made the journey what I always dreamed it could be. Calm peaceful and happy. The journey to weigh loss has been like a jigsaw puzzle. Lots of little pieces and each one is important in its own way. For years I was missing the pieces that satisfied Wild child and Dictator. I think I always tried to deal with their needs with willpower which never ended happily ever after. Learning to embrace and appreciate them has created a harmonious lifestyle. Peace after decades of war. Really satisfying.  In this area, the beach is very rocky with steep paths to the water. It’s a lovely place to walk the dog. The salty sea air is so delicious and the rhythm of the waves is like a heartbeat that connects me to our beautiful world. All my cares slip away as we walk. We saw fishing boats, surfers and families playing in the water. We met other dog walkers and pe...

Went for a walk and found some beauty to share.  This tree is bigger than the backyard and the house. Beautiful shape. Can’t imagine trying to trim a tree that big.  Hibiscus is a very large bushy shrub with lots of these beautiful flowers that are as big as your hand. They can’t tolerate frost temperatures.  The depth of color just reaches out and grabs me.  This bushy plant had such lovely blooms. The variety of plant life is just amazing. Each one is special. I heard an interior decorator once say that green is the only color that every shade of green goes harmoniously with every other shade of green.  These caught my eye because they are such beautiful fall colors. The seasons will change here in October. We have very little leaf color changes compared with other places. We have one local tree call Liquid Amber that the leaves change from green to red to burgundy before they fall. Those often go on my Thanksgiving table along with pine cones. I love the fron...

 We went to a community meeting to learn more about the Good Shepherds Goat Service. Yup, we wore masks. These signs explained the benefits of utilizing the herd instead of weed whacking the hillside for Fire abatement. This is Bear, the guard dog.  He guards the herd and alerts the Shepherds who are in an RV near the herd.  There are 100 goats in the herd. There are very young goats and a variety of breeds in the herd. The herd was very happily eating the alfalfa near the sidewalk. The mama goats got a little pushy about getting their fair share.  The Shepherds have a family farm in the county where the herds lives when not on the job. Two young couples share the caretaking duties. They have chosen this lifestyle because they are all aspiring musicians and artists who need a flexible job for their chosen lifestyle. The car has a surfboard on top and drums inside. Watching the goad herds has been great fun. They have alienated a lot of pandemic boredom for us. Just l...

  The coast is a different climate zone than the inland valleys 20 miles away. The cool, moist air gives such depth of color to the leaves and blossoms. These simple ground covers are breathtaking.  This plant is 90% Thorny stalks that end with a few leaves and a beautiful flower. I suppose the thorns discourage animal life from eating the tender leaves and flowers. Thorns as protection. Need to remember that.  This plant is best viewed from below looking up. Squatting down to take the picture was a nice healthy fitness moment that provided me with joy and beauty to replace some recent frustrations.  This home has a patio in the front yard with a fireplace. I could imagine sipping a glass of wine with friends as we enjoyed the warmth of the fireplace after the sunset. Life is good. I feel blessed today.

 Sadly, my replies are flopping on blogspot. I am sending reply emails. Thank you all for your support. 

Life is good. Sometimes, I forget to let go and let God. This week was one of those weeks. Tough week. Don’t you just hate problems or dilemmas that don’t have solutions? I’m a “fretter” in those kinds of situations. Think. Think. Think. Search for a solution. Research for possibilities. Cry. Pray. DS lives in one of those states that is having a dire Covid surge. There are only 17 adult ICU beds available in the entire state. In the surging states, the pediatric Covid rate has gone up 84 percent during the month of July. The local hospitals have canceled all elective surgeries. The Governor has mobilized the National Guard to assist hospitals. The Guard has no medical personnel because they are already working in local hospitals. All of the state’s congressmen have implored FEMA to send medical assistance. Today, the newspaper reported that a Covid patient died in the ER while awaiting an ICU bed. The leading Health Science University projects they will be short 500 hospital beds by S...

 A most unusual plant in a garden of delight. Have no idea what it is but the garden was xeriscape. Cala lilies are so very tall. The gardens inspiration. Some homes, steps from the ocean, that could be featured on a coastal magazine cover. This one was the winner for me. It took me back a hundred years in time. Everything about it was breathtaking. It even had a carriage house the would only fit the smallest car you can imagine.  Above the window they named it Seaside Cottage.  And since I was in the romantic mood of nostalgia, this took me back in time to The Three Musketeers seaside vacation home. Celebrating yesterday’s pain free walk without medication. It’s been 6 months since I felt that way and I have missed it. The journey is much harder when exercise is limited. I remember my starting place. Getting out of my car and walking into the doctor’s office was excruciating. Getting around the house was done carefully to ensure I wouldn’t Heaven forbid, fall. When I was...