LadyD Books: April 2012

Seagull Flight by Konrad Lorenz

A lovely walk on the coastline of a nearby beach.

“The seagull sees farthest who flies highest” Proverb Quote

“One meteorologist remarked that if the theory were correct, one flap of a seagull's wings would be enough to alter the course of the weather forever” Konrad Lorenz

Happy Pink Saturday!

Flowers on Saturday: Cecile Brunner Rose

I really enjoyed our outing to the coast to experience the view of the horizon, smelling the sea breeze and seeing these charming pink buildings in a row. Setting the camera on C1 was a rapid fire multi-shot, so I was able to catch some birds in flight. How I loved returning home to the peace of the land and gazing at the lovely springtime pink roses.

Whatever you choose to do for your weekend, enjoy it all!

Best Regards,

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

InLinkz.com

Cheetah Sky

A few days ago we had a tropical rain storm coming up from the south. I was able to grab this shot before the warm winds from Mexico arrived in San Diego, bringing us 1/2 inch of water. All the trees (avocado, palm, jacaranda and oak) rejoice when free water arrives! I'm a wanna-be-photographer but if you have the time, visit some great professional pics at Skywatch Friday.

This week Lori is having an angle theme over at Foto Friday. I learn so much from the participants. My grandson and I went on a nature walk with his magnifying glass. The view is from our neighbor's south side of his property. You can see by the cloud cover how the sky has changed. It's amazing what a fast internet connection we have, surrounded by all these overhead power lines. Do you have them where you are?

Freda has a book meme that I enjoy following, The Friday 56. Currently I'm reading a very informative book from our local library, Built For Speed: The Extraordinary, Enigmatic Cheetah by Sharon Elaine Thompson.

"When a mother cheetah first takes her cubs hunting, they don't understand the process. Learning what to chase and what not to chase takes a while."

Built for Speed: The Extraordinary, Enigmatic Cheetah (Discovery)

A most unusual cat, Cheetahs live throughout the open plains of central and southern Africa. A cheetah's body is ideally suited for high-speed chases. The cheetah is the world's fastest land animal, running at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. They are 'Born to Run'.

Purring is primarily a social sound. Cats purr when they are interacting peacefully with each other, or with humans. This is a picture of 'Purr-fect Contentment'.

Author Sharon E. Thompson's Epilogue:

"Although cheetahs are threatened by predators, humans, disease, lack of genetic diversity and poor fertility, there is hope that they will survive. As understanding and appreciation of cheetahs grow, people will want to ensure that the world's fastest animal does not run into extinction."

I liked this book very much and enjoyed reading about the 'Lifestyles of the Swift and Famous'.

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

InLinkz.com

Wordless Wednesday: Red Letter Day

Mother's Day is just around the corner and I was thinking about how cards mean so much to so many folks, especially in their time of need. Everyone likes to get something in the mail or by email. If you're a crafty person, then you'll be able to design and create your finished product with so many scrap booking supplies and digital resources that are available. I like My Memories and CollageIt.

Here are a few special sites that offer free fonts, clip art, etc. that are popular amongst bloggers. I enjoy seeing these wonderful, creative blogs and gleaning some useful tips for my projects.

http://starsunflowerstudio.blogspot.com

http://quillcottage.blogspot.com

http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com

Do you have a crafting website that is a favorite of yours? I enjoy visiting this site in my free time and you'll find a very pretty homemade Mother's Day card at The Crafting Chicks.

This article that was provided by KCWC, points to an old fashion way of communicating that my mother-in-law and auntie love to give and receive; hand-written letters. Did you know...

April—National Card and Letter Writing Month

Writing the Cards and Letters That Matter Most

By Karen Jordan

National Card and Letter Writing Month is an opportunity for all Americans to rediscover the timeless and very personal art of letter writing. Both in times of peace and conflict, cards and letters are the most effective way to share and permanently record our thoughts, prayers, hopes and dreams. (Postmaster General John E. Potter).

What cards and letters have you held on to over the years? As I looked through my memory box of correspondence, I discovered several categories.

Old Christmas cards
Valentine cards from my husband and children
Letters to my mother, when I first moved away from my hometown
Birthday cards from my husband and children
Thank-you notes
Letters from my husband, when we were apart
"Thinking of you" cards from friends after I moved away
Mother's Day cards from my kids and grandkids

Even though I send few cards and letters now, I still enjoy receiving them. But I’m reconsidering this lost art of letter writing. I know others appreciate receiving them as much as I do. And a few friends and relatives don't communicate online.

I think the following messages would warrant an old-fashioned card or letter.

Thank-you note. I've fallen short with "thank-you" etiquette, but I know most people appreciate a written note of thanks, and many expect it.

Thinking-of-you note. Often it's hard for me to tell people how I feel face-to-face; so, I seem to express myself better by writing them.

Congratulations. I’m always thrilled when I receive blessings from old friends and family.

Love letters. These private notes can become treasured keepsakes for loved ones or even part of our recorded legacy.

Tribute. Words of praise might be difficult to write. But if you sense an expression of gratitude or praise is appropriate, you can be sure that you will find the words you need to express your thoughts.

Reconciliation. Have you written that letter to end a conflict, resolve some differences, or restore a friendship? “The moment you realize God’s purpose, which is to get you rightly related to Himself and then to your fellow men, He will tax the last limit of the universe to help you take the right road. Decide it now—‘Yes, Lord, I will write that letter to-night’; ‘I will be reconciled to that man now’" (Oswald Chambers).

What card or letter will you write today?

Karen Jordan is best known for telling the stories that matter most. She has multiple writing credits and trains other writers as well. Contact her for speaking events, writing assignments, and interviews at kj@karenjordan.net or visit www.karenjordan.net.

Karen has donated this article to be used by CLASSEMINARS to help get the word out about the next CLASS Christian Writers Conference this fall. Karen has attended every year except one, since 2004, and because of her interaction at the conference, she is reaping an expanded network in the writing industry as well as seeing amazing doors opening up for her this year. If you're interested in attending the conference, or would like to hear about their early bird special (expires the end of April), click here for more information: http://bit.ly/H4hMYu/.