The beauty and serenity of the plants and animals in my garden. They just do their thing and are blissfully unaware of the turbulence that surrounds us.

My extremely cute little Mia dog who is curled up in my lap sleeping.

My atrium which is in full bloom even with all the destruction around it. The stargazer lilies are so huge.

The walls going up again! It's a beautiful sight and makes me hopeful I can be back home soon.

The air was still on my walk outdoors last night and I could smell the sweet scent from flowering trees and freshly mowed lawns as I walked. It was late in the evening, the air was cool and there were deep shadows everywhere. The park was a dark green as it sloped down to the river and people were walking and cycling nearby. Just a lovely, peaceful neighborhood experience.

I love coming home from work and looking at the flowers that have started to bloom. My blue wild geraniums are just gorgeous and the pink ones are starting bloom also. The day lilies that I transplanted are starting to grow. Love sitting on the porch watching the hummingbird and others birds in the yard.

I live in a nice, safe community. Walking the dog last night on a school campus, I admired the landscaping, lack of litter and overall beautiful surroundings, the dog's joy at being out, rolling on the grass, sniffing. I'm on my feet and moving. So many things to appreciate.

My heart aches for those suffering at this time.

Each of you are beautiful in your own way.

I have an extremely strong bond with both of my children. They are happy and safe. I have 5 siblings that I love dearly and that would do anything for me. As I would for them. I love hearing my windchimes sing. My husband and I are very blessed.

Just today....

- My cat, such a pretty black with those big green eyes.

-Bearded iris blooming in my garden, my cat is sleeping in that garden right now.

- Kissed my DH goodbye, before he went to work...he's a beautiful thing...lol

-Hickory smoked almonds....just purchased, eating right now...

After a morning shower, I walked by my beautiful petunia flowers and noticed a lovely, light scent. Never noticed that before, but then again, I'm usually in such a hurry to get somewhere I'm not walking, I'm usually running. Beautiful scent combined with the smell of a summer shower!

My parrot Joey flies to me and puts his head down because he wants me to pet him.

The sun streaming through my bedroom window at dawn.

A good parking space at the market this morning.

Idled...but very pleasant...chatter with complete strangers.

A gentle breeze blowing balmy 70 °F temps through my windows and my hair.

A clear blue sky to daydream by.

Smiles.

Memories are my beautiful thing -

Sitting on the open deck of a cruise ship, watching the water pass. And then opening my eyes about 30 minutes later and watch the water pass.

My wedding day.

My last day of work for pay.

Getting on my hands and knees and working the soil by pulling weeds; and then...getting up without grunting!

Volunteering at the nursing home, reading to the residents and watching the smiles as they recall reading to their children and grandchildren.

My Gardenia bushes just loaded with flowers with that beautiful fragrance is beauty to me as are these little hummingbirds at my feeder, the cardinals and other birds at the seedfeeders, those crazy squirrels running around playing in the yard, the rain we just received and needed so badly, and my wonderful hubby. There is beauty around me daily.

The beautiful blue of a Carolina sky.

Trying on a few clothes that I haven't been able to wear for nearly 3 years - and now I can!

A productive 1/2 day at work with respectful consideration of my thoughts and ideas by my superior.

A peaceful afternoon at home alone, looking forward to Yoga class shortly.

A clean, quiet and uncluttered home (see point above) to enjoy.

Leftover lasagna for lunch. (Always better the second day.)

A long-standing financial disagreement with DH resolved, with him finally seeing it my way. Bliss!

A phone visit with DS #2 about his plans to treat his dad on Father's Day.

A large pot of bright red geraniums just outside my patio door, that I can see from my spot on the couch.

Admiring the stunning beauty of fruit as I prepare it to have with cereal in the mornings. (Rubies are *nothing* compared to raspberries!)

Enjoying the lengthening days at this time of year...almost to the longest day here!

Watching the late afternoon and evening shadows with DH at the kitchen table during dinner.

Today, admiring the beautiful clear skin of our two grandchildren -- and counting a dozen little scrapes and bruises on DGD's legs, proofs of an *active* five year old.

Turning off the highway from the city to drive home 'the long way', under a canopy of trees.

Having fresh, organic fruits and vegetables grown locally.

Thank you Lucille.

Wondrous nature everywhere, especially in my small deck garden where baskets of pink and purple blooms flourish, herbs grow like small shrubs and hummingbirds hover and buzz before dipping in, all with stunning tall pine trees providing the perfect background. Too many blessings to list, but thankful for every one.

Thank you Lucille.

Wondrous nature everywhere, especially in my small deck garden where baskets of pink and purple blooms flourish, herbs grow like small shrubs and hummingbirds hover and buzz before dipping in, all with stunning tall pine trees providing the perfect background. Too many blessings to list, but thankful for every one.

My daylilies are starting to bloom and I love going out each morning to see what has opened.

After battling a major infection for a month just to be free of pain is a blessing. If you're not hurting it's a beautiful thing.

Having family and friends that love and care for you is a wonderful gift.

2 surprises in the garden:

A plant that someone gave me turned out to be a purple buddleia (butterfly bush), & there are a couple of hummingbirds flitting around!

I recently replaced my glasses, after too long a time between eye exams--my vision has actually improved with age! Now when I'm outside, I marvel at the crispness of the trees against the beautiful clear blue sky.

Night blooming primroses have started their display, popping open all at once, after a bit of a whirl of the stigma. So have daylilies, oriental lilies, afternoon primroses, Mexican primroses, zephyr and fairy roses, clematis, Soloman's seal, and butterfly weed, to name a few others.

Another simple thing--last fall we built a treehouse (really two platforms and a 'crow's nest'), for my grandson, among a small group of black willows. The lovely, delicate, light green leaves are out fully, and it feels like being in the jungle. I painted an old, faded curtain in a camo pattern, for privacy, although the platforms are barely visible from the neighbor's yard. My grandson takes a book and reads for hours, with the cats keeping him company, stretched out in the shade. I think I might love the treehouse more that he does!