L.G. checking himself out. ©Bonnie Druschel

Calla Lily. ©Bonnie Druschel

Through the Dark Sod – as Education -
The Lily passes sure -
Feels her White foot – no trepidation -
Her faith – no fear -

Afterward – in the Meadow -
Swinging her Beryl Bell
The Mold-life – all forgotten – now -
In Ecstasy – and Dell -

poem by Emily Dickinson

What an amazing poem by Emily Dickinson.  I found it on-line while looking for a poem to go with this photo I took on Saturday.  My husband, Tom, came home on Friday with these flowers for me and said, “Hey Bon, check out these flowers they are so cool.”  He didn’t know what they were but was so excited to give them to me.  I was grateful to receive them and really appreciated his thoughtfullness. A few years ago we traveled to  Costa Rica and were driving around the countryside and pulled over on the side of the road.  And, out in a field there they were…growing wild….Calla Lily’s … that was fun to see!!     Enjoy your week!

-Bonnie

Purple Spiral. ©Bonnie Druschel

Flowers are happy!  I’ve never seen a sad flower, have you?  I notice them wherever I go and  it’s  the first thing I see, they just capture my attention.    I made this spiral shape using dried purple flower petals.  A couple of years ago my niece, Lyndsey, gave me a spiral glass statue and  told me that meaning of spirals are ”the heavens.”  Historically, there are so many meanings, however, that stuck with me…it’s a very wonderful image!! 

Wishing you a happy purple heavenly week!!

-Bonnie

Pink tree and park bench. ©Bonnie Druschel

This tree is so pretty in pink.  Have fun doing something you love to do!

Happy Monday!!

-Bonnie

Earth Day. ©Bonnie Druschel

Tree reflection. ©Bonnie Druschel

PEACE. ©Bonnie Druschel

On my travels today I came across this sign next to a pink dogwood tree and wanted to share it with you!!  I’ve driven by this place a hundred times and never saw it … until, today!!  Look for the good!

- Bonnie

Bird bath. ©Bonnie Druschel

I watched this bird enjoying itself at the water fountain for a few minutes.  It was so fun to observe its every move.  They’re amazing little creatures!!

- Bonnie

DREAM. ©Bonnie Druschel

JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY ©Bonnie Druschel

There’s a whole lot of joy going on…. ]]> http://www.bonniedruschel.com/2012/04/10/joy-joy-joy-and-more-joy/feed/ 0 http://www.bonniedruschel.com/2012/04/09/i-am-that-i-am/ http://www.bonniedruschel.com/2012/04/09/i-am-that-i-am/#comments Mon, 09 Apr 2012 07:09:38 +0000 Bonnie http://www.bonniedruschel.com/?p=4296

I am that I am. Dried flowers. ©Bonnie Druschel

 We watched the movie, “The Ten Commandments” Saturday night and it’s always so entertaining.  The four hours flew by and it’s such a great movie with all the special effects and great costumes.  I love when Moses (Charlton Heston) comes down from Mt. Sinai with the words.. “I am that I am.”  So, I put those words together with some dried flowers that I gathered last fall. 

-Bonnie

Big red. ©Bonnie Druschel

The top of the barn looked so beautiful against the blue sky, what a great moment.   Tom and I spent all day on Saturday doing simple things out in nature together.  Happy Monday!

Clouds floating by. ©Bonnie Druschel

The other day the sky looked so peaceful with these few clouds floating by.  If you need to relax for a bit, look at the clouds…they teach you stuff.

-Bonnie

Crocuses. ©Bonnie Druschel

I like to call these flowers “little ones.”  The crocuses the first ones out of the ground in Spring.  Celebrate Spring!!!

A frog. ©Bonnie Druschel

Ribbit … “Happy Spring!!”

Snow capped mountains. ©Bonnie Druschel

Last month I was in Southern California and as the sun was rising I enjoyed my cup of coffee outside  mesmerized by the snow capped mountains and sky.  It was so majestic.

Beauty exists all around you!!

- Bonnie

Crystal. ©Bonnie Druschel

My quartz crystal was out on the table with the sun shining through it and casted this amazing shadow. I thought it looked really interesting and wanted to share it with you.

-Bonnie

Pink flower. ©Bonnie Druschel

The Spring bulb show is going on right now at Mount Holyoke College and I snapped a few photos.  I fell in love with the center of this flower,  I didn’t catch the name but it might be part of the gerbia family.  It felt so good to be with the beautiful spring flowers and all the amazing colors.

Enjoy your day!!  Spring is right around the corner…

Pink Tulip. ©Bonnie Druschel

This is a purple tulip, however, in the sun it looked pink. 

Enjoy your day!!

-Bonnie

A bird, roses, and a water fountain. ©Bonnie Druschel

Here’s a bird enjoying the roses and the water fountain.  What a great place to hang out!!

Enjoy your day!!!!

Bonnie

Yellow flowers. ©Bonnie Druschel

Without  light you wouldn’t know dark and without dark you wouldn’t know light. 

Close-up of the stamen in an oragne lily. ©Bonnie Druschel

This photo is a close-up of the stamen of an orange lily.  The purple and green contrasted with the orange are just so beautiful.

-Bonnie

Close-up of some tulips. ©Bonnie Druschel

If you need a blast of happiness, check out the tulip show at Smith College starting on March 3rd.    I’ve been several years in a row and it’s never the same. The atmosphere is filled with warmth and with the sweet fragrance of flowers.  They have several different varieties of tulips as well as other spring flowers like freesia. 

Happy Monday!!

-Bonnie

Palm Trees. ©Bonnie Druschel

What an amazing sunset at Manhattan Beach, California.  Great to catch that moment!!

Joshua Tree. ©Bonnie Druschel

While visiting California last week, we happened to be close to Joshua Tree and took a drive over there.  For some reason it was in my mind that there would be only one Joshua tree.  May be I had that idea because of U2′s album “Joshua Tree” (which I found out was photographed in Israel).  Anyways, Joshua Tree is a town and there is the state park which we drove through many, many miles.  It was so beautiful and I took a photo of this Joshua tree.  I love how the blue sky goes from light blue to dark blue and how the rocks are kissed with light and also in shadow.

So amazing!!!  Have a great day….

-Bonnie

Joshua Tree, California. ©Bonnie Druschel

I took this photo between two massive rocks at Joshua Tree State Park in California. It looks pretty cool.

- Bonnie

Pink rose. ©Bonnie Druschel

When we fall in love with someone, we are also falling in love with aspects of ourselves that we see reflected in that person.  We may feel that our loved one has qualities that we don’t have, but those qualities exist in us too and are as yet undiscovered or undeveloped.

Today, think of each person you love and imagine him or her as a mirror, reflecting your own beauty and lovability.  The more you can love yourself through these reflections, the more you can truly love and appreciate others.

- Shakti Gawain

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

- Bonnie

By the way, this rose lives at Child’s Park in Northampton, Mass. at the rose garden. It is beautiful and extremely fragrant.

Pink peony. ©Bonnie Druschel

Last summer, I took a close-up photo of this peony. Their petals are so soft and the flower is so fragrant….ummmmmmmmm.

- Bonnie

Pretty tulips. ©Bonnie Druschel

I took a photo of these pretty tulips last spring–early spring.

-Bonnie

©Bonnie Druschel

Last Spring, I was sitting on a bench under this flowering tree and the sweet aroma was heavenly.

I didn’t sit under the tree very long may be a couple of minutes but it totally changed my state of mind to one of relaxation and connecting with nature and abundance.  It’s fun like that.

- Bonnie

Meadows, Northampton, Mass. ©Bonnie Druschel

I was driving through the meadows in Northampton, Massachusetts last summer and took this photo of the dirt road, corn fields, blue sky and clouds.

Magical lights. ©Bonnie Druschel

The other day I was on this dirt road and quickly took a photo and this is how it came out.

-Bonnie

A double rainbow!! ©Cynthia Neill

My sister, Cynthia, was in Hawaii last year and took this photo. It’s a double rainbow!!!  So beautiful.

- Bonnie

A field. ©Bonnie Druschel

Last summer I was driving through the country and this field caught my eye.  The golden amber along with the variety of shades of green and purple lit me up.  Just so beautiful!

-Bonnie

Robert Frost Trail. ©Bonnie Druschel

It snowed last night and this morning I went for an early morning walk on the Robert Frost Trail in Amherst, MA.  The air was crisp and cold and all the tree branches were covered in white.  The sun started to shine through and the wind created falling snow.  It was so beautiful.

-Bonnie

LG is relaxing. ©Bonnie Druschel

LG, our new kitten, is helping me work. He’s next to my “Play Often” mug which I’m using to hold my pens and scissors. He has the BEST energy!!

-Bonnie

Capen Gardens at Smith College. ©Bonnie Druschel

What inspires you?  This garden at Smith College in Northampton, Mass. inspires me.  My friends and I call it the “Secret Garden” because no one seems to know about it!!  In the summer, it is so fragrant from all the roses over head.  And, the colors from all the different flowers make me feel so good.  So, what inspires you?

Butterfly on a flower. ©Bonnie Druschel

Last summer, I was following this butterfly all around the garden and it finally landed long enough for me to snap this photo. That was really fun!!

-Bonnie

LG sitting on the window sill. ©Bonnie Druschel.

Our new kitty, LG (short for “Little Guy”) is so much fun and has such great energy.  What a bundle of joy!!

-Bonnie

The most amazing sunset...ever. ©Bonnie Druschel

It was so good to get outside after working inside all day.  I drove off towards my destination and noticed the sky looking … pretty amazing but was heading away from the sunset.  As I continued driving, I looked to my left and saw THIS most amazing sunset I have ever seen in my life.  Luckily no one was behind me because I stopped immediately to pull over and take a photo with my cell phone.  It was so breathtaking and intense color.   It’s good to get out.

-Bonnie

A sunflower field. ©Bonnie Druschel

Last summer, I’m in a sunflower field and it’s really a cool experience. There was no one else around except for the all the winged ones.

Tom and the Sequoia trees. ©Bonnie Druschel

Tom is the blue dot standing amongst the Sequoia trees at Yosemite. The trees gave off so much energy, I could hardly keep my feet on the ground.

The Giant Sequoia trees are the largest living things on earth, because they are among the tallest and are the biggest in width. The Coastal Redwoods of California are taller than the Giant Sequoias. However, the sequoia trees have much larger trunks and branches in width.

http://library.thinkquest.org/J002415/Facts/facts.html

Snowing outside. ©Bonnie Druschel

Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with the best of health, happiness, wealth, love, fun and success!!

-Bonnie

Wildflowers. ©Bonnie Druschel

May your life be like a wildflower, growing freely in the beauty and joy of each day.

- Native American Proverb

Rose and Rose Hips. ©Bonnie Druschel

Creativity takes courage.

- Henri Matisse

©Bonnie Druschel

Happy Holidays!!

Last winter, I took this photo at dusk and it was a beautiful moment.

-Bonnie

Statue of Mother Mary. ©Bonnie Druschel

I like to think of myself as an artist, and my life is my greatest work of art.  Every moment is a moment of creation, and each moment of creation contains infinite possibilities.  I can do things the way I’ve always done them, or I can look at all the different alternatives, and try something new and different and potentially more rewarding.  Every moment presents a new opportunity and a new decision.

What a wonderful game we are all playing, and what a magnificent art form.

-Shakti Gawain

I visited New York  City last year and stumbled upon the coolest store that sold “everything” including rocks, stones, lighting, furniture, sheets, towels, and religious statues to name a few.  The statue of Mother Mary looked so beautiful and peaceful that I had to take a photo of her. 

-Bonnie

**HAPPY WINTER SOLSTICE **

Milkweed pod seeds. ©Bonnie Druschel

On one of my walks, I was led into this field of milkweed pods.  It was so beautiful!!

Pink and blue sky and water. ©Bonnie Druschel

This is a place I love to walk whether it’s in the morning or at sunset. There are three different body’s of water with walking paths that go in, out, and around the water. The sun was setting and everything was pink and blue and absolutely beautiful.

Frosted trees. ©Bonnie Druschel

It was so beautiful driving down this dirt road to discover all the trees had been covered with frost, all the branches looked so soft.  I’m glad I took the “slower” way to where I needed to be — what a gift.

-Bonnie

Raindrops falling into a puddle at night. ©Bonnie Druschel

I took this photo of it raining outside at night.  The porch light was on and that was the only light source.  I was surprised to see how cool this looked after I downloaded it to my computer…pretty magical…and … fun!!

-Bonnie

Underneath a very tall sunflower. ©Bonnie Druschel

I took this photo while standing under a towering sunflower…it was the coolest feeling to be under this giant….it was so powerful!  This one was about 10 feet tall…it was so much fun…I love sunflowers!!!

Have a great day!!

- Bonnie

Pretty sunflowers to brighten your day. ©Bonnie Druschel

I have to admit, I am addicted to sunflowers….they just make me so happy…I LOVE THEM!!! And, I have such a good time being with them and taking photographs as well.  Happy Monday and wishing you a sunny day!!!

Leaves and grass frosted over. ©Bonnie Druschel

I took a photo of the leaves and grass with a fresh coat of frost.  They look so beautiful and I love how the leaves are outlined as well as every blade of grass.  Just amazing!!

-Bonnie

Bee and sunflower. ©Bonnie Druschel

This past summer I visited fields filled with thousands of sunflowers, the most I have ever seen in  my entire life,   I was so into it.  There were a ton of bees, butterflies, dragonflies, and birds flying around me and above me.  I felt so part of nature and it was the coolest experience.  What amazed me the most is that not one bee bothered me at all and I didn’t have any fear about them because I was just so engrossed with the sunflowers.  I’m so glad I took the time to go see them because it was the best gift I could have given myself this year.  What do ”they” say???….the best things in life are free?!!  I agree.

- Bonnie

©Bonnie Druschel

I am so grateful for the thousands of sunflowers I got to visit this year….here’s one of them.

-Bonnie

A close up of a red sunflower. ©Bonnie Druschel

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

–Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

Flying above the clouds on my way back from California. ©Bonnie Druschel

It was so beautiful looking at all the clouds on my way back from California.  They appeared so fluffy and soft and reminded me of the peanut butter and fluff sandwiches I had as a kid with my friends Cheryl and Debbie.  It’s fun like that….

Beautiful clouds. ©Bonnie Druschel

On my walk the other day, the sky was full of clouds and I spent most of my time looking up, it was pure enjoyment.

- Bonnie

A basket of flowers and leaves. ©Bonnie Druschel

The other day,  I went for a walk in the park and bumped into a friend who was with her children.  Her young daughter gathered marigold flower heads and oak leaves in her basket to take home  to add to her nature collection.  She was so proud to tell me about it and it was really important to her.  Of course, I asked permission to take the photo and she smiled big and said “yes!”  Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that make us the happiest.  And, what seems silly to someone else may be very important to you.  So, do what feels good to you and don’t care about what someone else thinks about it.  I love collecting rocks, flowers, leaves, shells and beads because they make me feel happy and I love looking at the colors and textures….do you! 

Have a great weekend!!

- Bonnie

Leaf trail in the water. ©Bonnie Druschel

If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.

Have a wonderful day…enjoy the sunshine!!    Bonnie

©Bonnie Druschel

Too often we focus on what needs to be changed about ourselves.  We are waiting for perfection before we’ll love ourselves completely.  You can change this self-critical programming by looking at what you like about yourself and giving yourself positive feedback.  Appreciate the beauty in your body and focus on the qualities you admire in yourself.  Your body will respond to this appreciation and grow increasingly beautiful.

Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass. ©Bonnie Druschel

The Universe blesses me with this rainbow of abundance.

-  Peggy McColl, my mentor and friend.  Here is her web-site: http://www.destinies.com

Oak leaves and building reflected in the water. ©Bonnie Druschel

On Sunday, I could have stayed in my pajamas all day long but I got it together and went for a walk around the pond at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Mass.  It was the perfect Autumn day…sunny, cool and crisp.  All the leaves were so vibrant and I took some photos of what I saw as I strolled around the water.  It was the best!!! 

Have a great day!!

-Bonnie

Photo of a gemstone I took at G.I.A. in California. ©Bonnie Druschel

You see I strive to be the very best…. shine my light for all to see……

cause ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE

when you BELIEVE!!!!!

Barn and fall foilage. ©bonniedruschel

What amazing colors there are in nature.  I love the vibrant colors of the foliage here…it is so amazing to see the leaves transform into different colors in this season.  WoW!!!! 

Happy Autumn!!!

Cleo is rolling around in the catnip. ©Bonnie Druschel

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can praise them, disagree with them, quote them, disbelieve them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Beca…use they change t……hings. They invent. They imagine. They heal. They explore. They create. They inspire. They push the human race forward. Maybe they have to be crazy. How else can you stare at an empty canvas and see a work of art? Or sit in silence and hear a song that’s never been written? Or gaze at a red planet and see a laboratory on wheels? We make tools for these kinds of people. While some see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

- Steve Jobs, Apple Computers.

A tall, beautiful, bright and powerful sunflower!! ©Bonnie Druschel

Is someone trying to mold you into something you are not?

Be who you are!!

-Bonnie

Crystals illuminated in sunlight. ©Bonnie Druschel

A single fantasy can transform a million realities.

-Maya Angelou

An abundance of sunflowers….go visit them… ©Bonnie Druschel

A couple of weeks ago, my friend Heidi and I discovered a zillion sunflowers at the dog path in Northampton near the Northampton Gardens.  It was such a pleasant surprise because there have only ever been weeds or pumpkins growing in the fields.  What’s funny to me is that I thought I would have to go to Kansas to see such an abundance of sunflowers and here they are …… right  in my own backyard.  I love sunflowers!!!!!  Enjoy your day.

Four ducks drifting on the water. ©Bonnie Druschel.

I want to share with you my experience on my walk around the reservoir yesterday at sunset.  The cloudless sky was glowing like a fresh cut cantaloupe, the trees in the background were in shadow, there was a light warm breeze, four ducks drifting on the water, the sound of ”peepers” in the background, dragonflies buzzing around, the scent of wild grapes permeating the air and purple wildflowers lining the walk path.   Ahhhhhhhh……..Nature.

-Bonnie

Sunset in San Diego, CA in May 2011. ©Bonnie Druschel.

Ever notice that when you’re at the beach, you are so entertained by the water, waves, sand, sun, birds, shells, and wind that it feels like nothing else exists?   It’s really cool that you can feel that way and that vibe can stay with you for a while. 

When I was 10 years old, our family went to the beach and I was swimming in the ocean.  All the sudden, this boy pulled me out of the water–he SAVED ME from getting bit by a very large jelly fish.  He became my boyfriend for the next 4 days.  From then on, I’ve been afraid to go into the water where there are jellyfish.  A couple of years ago I went to the  beach with my sister, Cynthia,  we were swimming and having fun and I was making my way out of the water and she said to me, “Oh, Bonnie…look at all the jelly fish swimming with us.”  I instantly became scared and got out of there so fast.  But what is amazing to me is that they were there the whole time and didn’t even bother me at all.

So next week, I’m going to the beach and when I go into the water as this quote by Cabrillo Marine Aquarium states, I’m going to “Dance like a jellyfish.  Dance like a jelly fish.”

-Bonnie

Sunrise in Canada this past June. ©Bonnie Druschel

This past June in Canada, I woke up early,  looked out the hotel window and saw this very magical sunrise.  The land and sky were blue,  engulfed in fog and the was sun rising in the distance–it was so beautiful.

I’m not sure where the phrase, “I’m feeling blue” came from but I relate blue to water and sky.  Blue is my favorite color, it just makes me feel great!  Blue is a confident color and is also the hue of the 5th chakra-the throat.  Over 15 years ago I was working on speaking up for myself and I would wear this blue glass necklace around my neck.  It was a good reminder for me to communicate my feelings.  

So, I’m wishing you a blue day…one filled with a beautiful blue sky and majestic blue waters. 

-Bonnie

I love this quote by Henry David Thoreau, “My profession is to always find God in nature.”

A turtle hanging out on a stick in the water. ©Bonnie Druschel

On my walk today, I saw 8 turtles basking in the sun on the fallen tree branches in the water.  I counted them as I walked around the reservoir.   Usually, I’m lucky if I see one but for some reason they were out this day.  I wish I could have joined them it looked really, really relaxing.

-Bonnie

Tick-tock … tick-tock … ©Bonnie Druschel

My husband, Tom, and I like to go for walks at night when we can.  Right around the corner from where we live, there’s a  beautiful garden.  I’m smelling the flowers and I see Tom picking up the  fallen rose petals off the ground and placing them on the sundial and I joined him.  In the moment, it was really fun and relaxing.  I had my camera on me so I took this photo and I’m glad I  didn’t waste any time because within a few minutes, the wind came by and blew them all onto the ground again.  For me, I get so inspired by the simple things in life. 

I believe in you…do you believe in you?…meow! ©Bonnie Druschel

Good morning.  I need to be serious for a moment and tell you to, be kind to yourself… like I am.  I’m totally in the moment all the time…I don’t think about what a mess I make in my feeding area or the amount of kitty litter I dig out of my box onto the floor.  Nope!  I just keep going with the flow….it’s fun.  I eat…wash up…go outside…hope a treat is waiting for me when I return…eat my snack…wash up…take a nap.  I never criticize myself for anything.  I know who I am!  I’m a QUEEN …. not a princess….a QUEEN … so because I know who I am… I get treated that way.  That’s that…. So, to sum up my message… be kind to yourself…be happy with who you are….have fun…be thankful for all that you do have…relax.  Meow! 

You can barely see them, but there are sheep in the grass.

A couple of weeks ago,  I took a ride by myself out to the country and parked my car on a dirt road and then went for a walk.  As I passed this field (in the photo) I admired the beautiful tall grass swaying in the breeze.   A few moments later…I noticed the sheep grazing in the grass…. I didn’t see them immediately.  It was so beautiful to see them doing their thing….I loved it!  Enjoy your moments!!

-Bonnie

The sunflowers are facing the sun. ©Bonnie Druschel

A tall sunflower standing out amongst the crowd. ©Bonnie Druschel

There’s a monarch butterfly flying over the sunflowers. ©Bonnie Druschel

A variety of sunflowers. ©Bonnie Druschel

A silhoutte of sunflowers against the blue sky and clouds. ©Bonnie Druschel

Sunflower magic. ©Bonnie Druschel

Some of the 350,000 sunflowers I visited today. ©Bonnie Druschel

On our way back from New York the other day, we passed a sign on the highway that read “Sunflower Maze.”   So, today, I visited the farm and yes…they planted 350,000 sunflowers…that’s a huge number!  I have never seen that many sunflowers in one place, it was beautiful, fun and magical.  There were little girls in the maze with their fairy dresses on waving their wands, it was so much fun.  Bonnie  www.lymanorchards.com

"Do I have to?" ©Bonnie Druschel

There are many intelligent species in the universe.  They are all owned by cats.

 - Anonymous

Tom and I laugh about how our cat, Cleo, owns us, it’s as if we are living in her house.  And we think we have her trained, however, she has us trained.  It’s all good and we love “serving” her…she’s GREAT!!

Happy Monday!

-Bonnie

Rocks & Black-Eyed Susan’s. ©Bonnie Druschel

On my late afternoon walk yesterday, I came across these beautiful black-eyed Susan’s contrasted with these rocks.  I felt really happy looking at the yellow petals of the flower.  Color has a powerful effect on the psyche.  I’m grateful for my eyesight!…and for all my senses.  My husband tells me I have the nose of a wolf, I guess I’m just extra sensitive to smell–which is really great b/c I get to take in all the fragrance from the wonderful flowers I come across.  Happy weekend enjoyment!

©Bonnie Druschel. A guy fly fishing at the base of Puffer’s Pond waterfall.

A few days ago, after a meeting I had in Amherst, I decided to go for a walk around Puffer’s Pond.  It’s one of my favorite places to go because you can swim from one end of the pond to the other end,  I love that!!  This one time I was floating on my back and a family of ducks swam by, it made me laugh…it was a real special moment.    However, my favorite is watching the waterfall, what I mean to say…is experiencing the falls–the movement, the sound, the spray, the color….it is so majestic.   As I made  my way back to my car, I stopped to see this guy fly fishing at the base of the waterfall.  It was very relaxing to watch him toss the fishing line in and out of the water.  We  waved to each other and I went on my way.  This morning, I saw Jane Fonda on an early morning television show and she fly fishes and went on to say that you have to be 100% present when you fly fish and that’s how she practices being in the moment.  I guess whatever way works best for you.   Enjoy your day!!

©Bonnie Druschel

©Bonnie Druschel

It’s pointless to run around trying to heal all of our friends. We cannot force others to change. Each person is here to work out his or her own lessons, and if we fix it for them, then they will just go and do it again, because they have not worked out what they needed to do for themselves. All we can do is love them and allow them to be who they are.

 - Louise L. Hay

Sniff, sniff, .... they smell so good. ©Bonnie Druschel

Our cat, Cleo, is sitting on the table next to the white roses I received from my sister Joanne.  It wasn’t my birthday or anything like that…she just gave me flowers because she felt like giving me something, she is so sweet.  As soon as I placed the flowers on the table, Cleo had to check them out.  I loved watching her brush her face in the flowers and smelling them, she is so cute.  I really appreciate Cleo and all the happiness she brings to our family.  So glad she is in our life thanks to my mother.  Here’s the story….

About 15 years ago, Tom and I were going on vacation and my mother volunteered to watch our cat Cali at her home.  We brought her over and said that Cali is in heat….whatever you do…don’t let her go outside.  Well, we get back from vacation and ask where Cali is…the response was…I just opened the door a little bit and as soon as you guys left for vacation…. she took off and I haven’t seen her since.  Tom and I went outside looking for her all over the place calling her name  and, about 20 minutes later,  I saw her crawling out of a ditch all greasy, dirty, and looking exhausted.  We welcomed her back, washed her up, and took her back home.  Well, in a couple of months she had five kittens.  Our intention was to find homes for all of the kittens but a friend said to me that we should keep one.  So, we did…we kept Cleo…and I’m so thankful my mother accidentally let Cali out of the house.   I guess is was suppose to happen that way, otherwise it wouldn’t have.

Have a fun day,

Bonnie

©Bonnie Druschel

The other day I passed by this pink rose and I had to “stop and smell the roses.”  The fragrance was sweet and spicy all at the same time…..ahhhhhhhhhh…

Enjoy your day.

- Bonnie

Sunset Outside My Kitchen Window. ©Bonnie Druschel

Yesterday, I peeked through the curtains out the window and saw the sky looking like  red, orange and purple velvet,  it took my breath away.  So amazing!  

- Bonnie

"I'm on top of the world..." ©Bonnie Druschel

Use the talents you possess – for the woods would be a very silent place if no birds sang except for the best.

- Henry Van Dyke

“How do I look?” … “like you’re fun to be with!!” ©Bonnie Druschel

My husband, Tom, is known for his stories and always has a joke to tell.  He loves to goof around and make people laugh.  I love to watch him; he is so ON all the time and enthusiastic.

This month, we celebrated our 26th year wedding anniversary and I was telling our friend about it.  He said to me, “how do you do that?”  I laughed….and said that we’ve both been through a lot of changes over the years and some challenges as well but we really love each other.  I continued to say that if we need to talk about something or someone’s feelings get hurt, etc. we address it  in that moment.  Sometimes it can take a little while to process and other times, it’s over and we are back to having fun. 

I took this photo of Tom, at a store in California this year, when we were trying on sun glasses and hats.  We were cracking up laughing,  it was a blast!

Watering the flowers at Child's Park. ©Bonnie Druschel

On a very hot day last week, I stopped  at Child’s Park for a few minutes to take some photos  and was pleasantly surprised to see these spray hoses set up in the perennial garden.  In a flash, it took me back to my childhood.  Timing was everything.  I was contemplating for a few minutes…should I / shouldn’t I…. I watched the spray arch go back and forth a few times spotting the rainbows hidden in the shower then…I did it !!  A light sprinkle of water blanketed me and felt really good.  It was so much fun to try not-to-get-wet.  With that said, what good times from your childhood can you reignite to make you feel more alive today?  Bring back the fun!

- Bonnie

©Bonnie Druschel

Last year in California we, by chance, found Moon Stone Beach in Cambria.  I felt so happy to find all these different colored stones that we don’t have on the East coast.  It was so much fun to find the rocks and extremely relaxing as well.  When I got home, I displayed them on this teal plate and took a photo.   We are so lucky to live on such an abundant and giving planet.  As Spock would say, “live long and prosper.”  I have a story about Leonard Nimoy.  He is an amazing photographer and a couple of years ago here in Northampton had a show at a local art gallery.  My husband, Tom and I wanted to meet him.  Unfortunately, we had prior commitments on both nights.  I was so disappointed.  Anyways, I let go and on Sunday, Tom and I were taking a drive towards the Route 47 Flea Market in Hadley.  I got this strong feeling to go….I jumped out of my seat–TURN into the market.  We were looking for a parking space when all the sudden I glanced over and screamed…”There’s Lenoard Nimoy!!”  We parked the car, got out and I was soooo shy that I didn’t go with Tom to say hello to him.  What a chicken I was.  Here..I’m given the opportunity to meet with him and I’m too scared.  Tom came back and said what a nice man he was.  So, I got up the courage and as he was walking to his van to leave, I went up to him and said “hello.”  We didn’t shake hands…we ended up shaking arms….it was the funniest thing.  And, I also got his autograph on the back of my business card.  I’m so happy that I met him…what a great moment…..what a great day!

- Bonnie

©Bonnie Druschel.

May today there be peace within.  May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.  May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.  May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.  May you be content knowing you are a child of God.  Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.  It is there for each and every one of us.

- St. Theresa

I had so much fun playing in the sand.  It was so soft and warm and felt so good to let the grains of sand fall through my fingers. BTW I took that photo…pretty good, huh?