The Letter

PLEASE REMIT YOUR PAYMENT PROMPTLY!
Just words on a page, but they stung like a lover’s unexpected slap. Harsh. Vivid memories of four years of sheer hell rushing in. A knot tying itself in my belly.

I blinked. Trying to clear my vision. Trying to calm my thoughts.

The instant I saw the envelope I knew. The emblem by the sender’s name separated it from all other envelopes that arrived in today’s mail. Numbly turning it over in my hands.

I read the words again. All of them.

Your tax return doesn’t match the information we have on file.

I picked up the phone and dialed.

Saturday Centus time again. I think Mrs. Jenny's been sifting through my mail. How else could she have come up with this week's prompt (in red above), unless maybe she got some ugly mail, herself. Not only did she give us the prompt, but she also gave us a 100 word limit. I hope you never get one of these in YOUR mail, cuz it ain't no fun. Makes me want to hop in a balloon and float away.

Read your mail carefully. And when you're done with that, be sure to float on over to Mrs. Jenny's and see what unpaid bills the other Centusians have by clicking HERE. 

Joy in the Journey

I was thinking about that phrase, Joy in the Journey, and what it means. On our recent journey to Patagonia in Chile, there was continual joy and delight in the things that our eyes beheld.

I thought of a snow flake falling thousands of years ago upon an icy glacier, layer upon layer of snow settling on top of it with each successive winter storm...and then melting and tumbling down a turbulent stream until it finally rests in the ocean once again.

I thought about rough roads and old boats, and the journeys that others have taken on them and in them.

I thought about the birds that soar freely in the sky.

I thought about what a blessing it is to be alive and to be able to choose the path we take and the life we live.

May you find joy in your journeying, wherever it might take you.

Oh yes, and if you didn't know it, it's Alphabe-Thursday once again. Jumpin' junebugs...we're celebrating the letter J this week...which means the continuation of the random journey through Chilean Patagonia. Be sure to jet on over to Mrs. Jenny's (haha...we should probably be celebrating HER) and see what jingles and things the other Alphabetarians are jabbering about.

Purple Mountain Majesties

There is definitely something majestic and magical about living in the mountains.

Like a summer storm lighting up the night...

Two and Terrific!

Two scoops of the birthday party flavor, please!! Jake turns two today!

And so we celebrate this handsome, smart, affectionate (on his own terms), feisty, tenacious, sweet, sociable, mellow, friendly and loyal Scottish Terrier.

He's slow to rise in the morning, luxuriating in his bed and enjoying a good long stretch before following Albert, his young pesky cousin and best dog friend, out the door.

He learned his obedience and will do anything you ask, so long as there’s a treat and nothing more interesting going on.

Generous with his toys and personal space, he shares willingly with Albert.

He loves walks, hiking, rides in the car, chasing butterflies, and arranging the couch pillows just the way he wants them.

He loves affection, but doesn't like to be held longer than necessary.

He's talkative and will carry on quite the conversation with you if you are in a chatty mood....arrr-ooo-ooo aroooo arooo.

He loves meeting new people and is our official greeter. If he knows that you like him, he will eagerly greet you EVERY time he sees you, like his long lost best friend.

He loves pretending he's a race car and doing laps around the coffee table with Albert at top speed.

He has the most soulful brown eyes imaginable; they will follow you from under his eyebrows even when it seems he's not watching.

He's not overly fond of getting wet, would rather not have a bath or be groomed, hates having his toenails clipped and refuses to be turned over on his back by anyone, except me.

He's one sweet boy. We love him and are so happy that he's part of our family. And now he's a big boy – two years old!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Jake!! 



Co-ink-i-den-ti-cal-ly, it’s also Saturday Centus, and Mrs. Jenny must have had an inkling it was Jake’s special day when she dished up this week’s prompt (in red above). She told us we could have 100 words, plus the prompt and any photos we wanted. Since it’s Jake’s birthday, I took the liberty of taking 2 generous scoops of words. I’m sure she won't mind.

Be sure to head on over to Mrs. Jenny’s place and see what flavor the other Centusians have chosen for their parties. 

Home Sweet Home

I love waking up in the morning to the sound of birds singing. I love the smell of fresh mountain air, of pines that have been warmed by the sun, of alfalfa that has been nurtured by a neighboring farmer, of soil.

I love the cheery summer flowers and the bees that collect pollen from them.

I love my home.

And I'm fascinated by the homes of my neighbors.

Life is good. Happy Friday to one and all.