When we're out of Options, we still have a Choice

I came across this poem below a while back, it encourages me to make the most of every situation and make good choices even when the going gets tough. I'm also reminded of Romans 5:3&4 "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." Here is the poem:

• There once was an oyster whose story I tell,
• Who found that sand had got under his shell,
• Just one little grain, but it gave him much pain,
• For oysters have feelings although they're so plain.
• Now, did he berate the working of Fate,
• Which had led him to such a deplorable state?
• Did he curse out the government, call for an election?
• No; as he lay on the shelf he said to himself
• "If I cannot remove it, I'll try to improve it."
• So the years rolled by as the years always do,
• And he came to his ultimate destiny-- stew.
• And this small grain of sand which had bothered him so,
• Was a beautiful pearl, all richly aglow.
• Now this tale has a moral-- for isn't it grand
• What an oyster can do with a morsel of sand;
• What couldn't we do if we'd only begin
• With all of the things that get under our skin.

Calligraphy

I'm doing calligraphy with the kids, they are really into it. I greatly enjoy the "Gothic" font, it's my favourite look. I also love making up my own "curly-whirly" style. We're having lots of fun, it can sometimes get a little messy with all these ink and pen nibs, but with practice, we'll get better and better. Practice makes perfect, certainly very much the case with calligraphy!

Garden Delight

Hi, friends, I just had a Greek Souvlaki Pie for lunch, it was an absolutely scrumptious and "what-a-pie" kind of pie. I also took some snapshots in my garden. Today I'm relaxed and taking it easy. Tonight my little brother is coming over for dinner, I know exactly what I'll cook. I treasure the time spent with my brother. The rose bushes in the garden are due for winter pruning, so I'm going to be a busy bee. These are some spots which caught my eye today. "Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, and Today is a Gift." (Author unknown) I thought it's mighty true, hope you'll have a blessed day!

In Memory of Leo

(Picture 1): Handsome Leo only one day before he went missing. I wouldn't have guessed this would be the last time he'd pose for my pictures. (Picture 2): The kids petting "Socks"(Notice the socks on his feet?)

Still no sign of Leo, not a meow..... "Socks" has been here everyday and his affection has been a comfort to us to a certain extent. He's not our cat, but he's made this his second home. We are reminded of Leo by all the small details of everyday life and realise he had become such an intimate part of our lives and very much a part of this family. The kids miss having him sleep with them at night. He used to take turns to sleep on each of their quilt during the night and he always looked most content doing that. There's the cupboard out in the garage he climbed up and sat looking like he was the "King of the Castle". All his favourite nap spots in the house, his scratching post, his snooze buddy TJ, his litter tray which he seldom used unless he had to. If there's any lesson to learn here, it is not to take anyone/anything for granted, one day they might be here, they might not be the next.

"Friends are Kisses blown to us by Angels" - Author unknown

These pictures are of all sorts of English Roses from my garden. My life has no doubt been enriched by friends who care these few days. These friends are like beautiful roses in my garden which I constantly admire. Someone once said, "A true friend reaches for your hand and touches your heart." I'm grateful and privileged that my friends have inspired me to be a friend myself. Last night many dreams were in my sleep, all of them had a "feline" theme. In one of the dreams there was a large mob of cats striding toward our door, but as I quickly scanned, none of them resembled Leo. Another one was of a skinny sickly looking ginger cat with ridges on its back walking archedly toward me. In my dream I recognised this wasn't Leo either. There were myriads of other shorter and not-so-memorable dreams filling my sleep. Well, I must've been thinking of Leo, our cat, for quite a bit before I fell asleep. You see, our cat didn't come home all day yesterday and we fear the worst for him, even though we also remain hopeful that he'll just turn up on our doorstep again. People say it's not unusual for cats to go "walk-about" for two days and then come home. It is, however, out of Leo's character to not come home intermittently during the day for his naps and food. We have put LOST signs up for him around the neighbourhood and this morning I got a phonecall, but this cat found is our Leo's best friend in this area. He is also ginger and white, but less white on the chest than Leo. He has the cutest white feet and we don't know his name, we call him "Socks". He lives nearby and he comes to play "fights" with Leo everyday. Yesterday with Leo's absence, he appeared so lonesome and he was obviously looking for Leo and waiting patiently on our doormat outside. He sniffed around Leo's blanketed box. Today he came again, jumped over our gate and sat on the mat waiting. I felt so sorry for the lil' fella and helpless I couldn't pull Leo out of the hat just like that for him. His display of friendship really inspired me.

Above are "Perfumed Perfection" roses (mauve) (with reddish pink Elmshorn showing through) in my front garden.

New Adventure

I've decided to venture into the Blog world, I love taking pictures, even though I'm not a pro at all. I simply get a lot of fun and pleasure playing house and taking pictures, probably lots of rosy pictures, because my garden is primarily a rose garden. My garden is not large, but I love cutting the roses and bringing them indoors for decoration. So I hope you'll enjoy coming along with me for this adventure.