I love the way a list makes a big hodgepodge of things simmer down and behave. Blue Balliett To me, this is a perfect, succinct, definition of a list. As an aside; even if I didn’t love this quote, how could anyone overlook the fantastic name of the author. It conjures up parasols, crinolines and…

Commitment is what transforms a promise into a reality. Abraham Lincoln I admit to getting a head of myself, with”promises kept” when using it in reference to the 100 Day Challenge, which doesn’t officially begin until September 22. Maybe, just the plan to begin represents a promise. A commitment made.  I’ve heard lots of plans…

Hell is empty and all the devils are here. William Shakespeare, The Tempest I just began reading a, long awaited, book by, the mystery writer, Louise Penny. The story opens with this ominous quote from Shakespeare. I’ve been thinking about the quote and how it relates to our country’s current situation. It does seem the…

If you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are? T.S. Elliot One of my favorite blogs is, Every Day Parisian by Rebecca Plotnick. The title drew me in. Those of you who follow my posts know I’m an avid francophile. What has kept me reading is Rebecca’s charming way…

Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset. St. Frances de Sales St. Francis de Sales Today, I was given another glimpse of synchronicity. I don’t look at Facebook that much these days, although this…

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. Marcus Tulllius Cicero I agree with Cicero. It doesn’t get much better than a garden and a library. The natural progression is to carry a book outside into the garden and have the best of both worlds. Unfortunately, if you live in…

Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer. Ed Cunningham I looked up the definition of friend and the one I like best is from Merriam-Webster, “ A person you like and enjoy being with. A person who supports someone or something (such as a cause…

You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending. C.S. Lewis When I first read this C. S. Lewis quote, I thought about the pandemic and medical experts advice that, as a country, we could still do the right thing and make a difference in…

I like old bookstores, the smell of coffee brewing, rainy day naps, farmhouse porches, and sunsets. I like the sweet simple things that remind me that life doesn’t have to be complicated to be beautiful. Brooke Hampton This photo was taken at the Botanic Gardens just as a cloud passed across the sun and it…