Taking a Break

I'm going to take a break from blogging for a while.

As my health ~ both physically and emotionally has been precarious, I've decided to make recovery my focus.

On that note, I'm not going to be posting for a while. It's been difficult to keep up with my reading and posting while I've been going through this struggle.

Thank you to all my "bloggy" friends who have supported me throughout the past few months ~ your comments and loads of personal emails mean so much to me. I don't know sometimes how I would have gotten through without "my friends".

So thank you ~ I hope and trust I'll be back soon.

May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields.
And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

Spring At Last

It is raining heavily outside, but between the lightening, thunder and heavy rains, I can almost see the buds opening on the trees and new life being born before my very eyes. If I stand quietly and listen, I believe I will hear the life coursing through the veins of the plantworld.

There is that wonderful earth wormy smell outside that screams of damp earth which is of course encouraging all the sleepy little things beneath the earth to spring up and drink in this beautiful spring rain.

Everything outside is surrounded by a green aura and vibrations of life.

It is mostly green outside, BUT how many words can I use to describe that green. Greens alive with splashes of citrus yellow in it, green deep and rich in its' freshness, green softened with tones of white and the new grass ~ green, but there are no words for this green ~ only lucious!

I digress here for a moment to say that these beautiful pictures were taken by my daughter, who recently started a photography business and I might add is realizing success after success.

So having said that, I just had to borrow some for the expression of spring colours in them.

Her pictures are so beautiful and artistic ~ they just plain make me happy.

This renewal of life inspires me to new heights ~ clean the house till it sparkles ~ get to work on finishing that darn exercise room in the basement ~ maybe get at some painting that has been hanging around annoying me for nearly 5 years ~ finish my quilt ~ get the pieces cut out for a lap quilt I am going to make for my mom for a Christmas present.

What is it about spring that renews a sense of hope ~ a sense that somehow everything will work out just the way it is supposed to ~ a sense of happiness?

Well, the sun just made its' third appearance today in between the thunderstorms, so I think I'll step into my Crocs and head on out to the garden heavy with raindrops ~ glittering in the sunshine like diamonds.

Just how much have the wee sprouts grown in the last hour?

"Everything is blooming most recklessly. If it were voices instead of colors, there would be an unbelievable shrieking into the heart of the night" ~ Rainer Maria Rilke

My Little Secret

Okay, here I go ~ I'm a closet American Idol fan. I admit it. I love watching these kids start out and grow in their confidence and abilities throughout the season. I've watched this show since Season 1, have cheered on many of the contestants as they took on different genres of music.

This year, I'm finding that the talent is quite extraordinary.

We are down to the final four ~ Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, Kris Allen & Danny Gokey. These are four very talented young people. They have also had some pretty amazing mentors on this year. Last night they highlighted Slash who helped these four young people tune into classic rock.

Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta were right at home singing respectively Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" and Janis Joplin's "Cry Baby". Good, strong performances by these two.

I could imagine either of these songs on their Cd's.

Then Kris Allen sang the Beatles "Come Together". His voice lends itself beautifully to a softer ballad sound but I think that he did a great job on this song.

Danny Gokey (my favourite) sang Aerosmith's "Dream On". He took a lot of risks with this song hitting (hammering a fingernail) notes. This song is definitely out of his comfort zone, but he nailed it.

Then there were duets, Danny & Kris and Adam & Allison. I have to give kudos to Adam and Allison who sang "Slow Ride". It was professionally presented, well choreographed and beautifully sung. It was more like watching a concert than a competition. Well done by both of them.

So now you know my dirty little secret. I love "Idol." Must be the "cheering for the underdog" in me that makes me faithfully pursue these shows. I just love to see a contestant who starts out nervous but talented turn into a polished, confident singer.

We are down to the final two weeks after the elimination round tonight.

I will continue cheering for Danny Gokey. Although Adam Lambert is an amazing performer and singer, I think Danny has the audience drinking up his understated sweetness and charm.