Mom's Treasures ~ Kalanchoe in Pink

 

~ Mom's (1933 - 2010) plant, Kalanchoe in pink ~ 

Mom's Treasures ~ Kalanchoe plant

 

~ Kalanchoe in red ~
Mom had the Kalanchoe plant in a variety of colors.  

It's been a while since I have had the time or opportunity to take photos or to post to many of my blogs. For the last two months, I have been slowly packing up my mom's three bedroom, two and a half bath, two story home and bringing it to my small three bedroom, two bath home. My living room was full of boxes, plants, bags of linens . . . couldn't even walk in there and things were (are) everywhere. Mom had a beautiful home with many heirlooms from Germany . . . some of which I would like to share here from time to time. 

Mom lived about an hour and forty-five minutes away from me so each trip would be an all day project.  One load was plants and flowers alone! I couldn't even bring them all to my home so several of her neighbors were pleased to inherit some of her wonderful plants along with a bit of her personal belongings. 

Her neighbors are missing her very much, as we all are . . . it's been difficult to pack and move her things . . . I am blessed and very fortunate to now be surrounded by many of her treasures. Slowly, I am getting settled again . . . it's been overwhelming and quite an emotional journey . . . as I packed and unpacked her personal belongings, I would recall our life and times together . . . some would bring smiles and others would bring tears but, all are beautiful memories to hold and to forever remember.   

Morning Glory's in black & white ~

 

I had forgotten all about this photo I took while visiting a friends home a while back . . . I left my camera at home so I used my smart phone . . . I didn't realize you had to change the setting on the phone to "color" the phone was factory set to black and white photos. I have always liked black and white photos and I like how this one came out, so not so smart me was very happy I hadn't figured out the settings on my smart phone sooner.

Letting Go ~

~ Letting Go ~ 

To let go does not mean to stop caring, it means I can't do it for someone else.

To let go is not to cut myself off; it's the realization I can't control another. 

To let go is to admit being powerless, which means the 

outcome is not in my hands.

To let go is not to try to change or blame another; it's to 

make the most of myself.

To let go is not to care for, but to care about.

To let go is not to fix, but to be supportive. 

To let go is not to judge, but allow another to be a human being.

To let go is not to be in the middle arranging all the outcomes, but to allow others to affect their own destinies. 

To let go is not to be protective; it's to permit another to face reality. 

To let go is not to deny, but to accept. 

To let go is not to nag, scold, or argue, but instead to search out my own shortcomings and correct them.

To let go is not to adjust everything to my desires 

but to take each day as it comes, and cherish everything in it. 

To let go is not to regret the past, but to grow and live for the future. 

To let go is to fear less and love more. 

~ Author Unknown 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My dear (ex) sweet sister-in-law and friend (we met when I was 15 years old and are like sisters!) sent this wonderful poem and card to me today, she tries to read it everyday . . . she knew I needed a hug and smile . . . mission accomplished. Things have been very stressful and difficult  . . . I can't share now but will be able to down the road . . . I just had to share this wonderful poem of "Letting Go" . . . Thank you, Honor, I love you too ~ 

Johnny Jump-ups in the rain ~

These Johnny Jump-ups are enjoying the rain we have been having the last few days.  

Happy Heart Day ~

~ Wishing you all a Happy Valentine's Day ~

Daffodils in Winter ~

Each year these Daffodils bloom . . . I am always happy and surprised. They bring a bit of Spring time in the middle of Winter . . . even for Southern California. Sending a bit of sunshine out to those surrounded by the cold and snow.