Morning Fog Has Lifted

 We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us! -- 1Cor. 13:12

Fog

By Carl Sandburg

   The fog comes

   on little cat feet.

    It sits looking

    over harbor and city

    on silent haunches

    and then moves on.

      

Caution

Morning fog finds muted headlights
slowly coming into driving view,
roads wet, slick, slippery, 
blend into a gray eerie void, 
that frightens even seasoned drivers.

Traffic lights barely visible, 
caution is the order of this day,
brake lights unseen, accidents likely...
better to stay home unless
absolutely necessary.

Sirens scream through intersections...
paramedics rush to save lives,
police to restore order,
firemen diligently extinguish flames,
blessedly temperatures warm
from yesterday's freeze...and
morning fog begins to lift. -- By Mel Patters

 I love to see fog in photos because it seems so foreign and dimensional. Perhaps it's the sepia look to the photographs in black and white.

It's not the normal weather here in SoCal. I know it can be a drag to drive through and it sure leaves everything damp in its path. We usually get the 'June gloom' along the coast while experiencing hot temperatures inland.

 I've seen the awesome sights of the San Francisco Bay Bridge surrounded by mounds of dense fog. Here it has settled in our little valley for awhile but it will soon burn off.

Photos for Skywatch Friday 

How is it where you are?

  Children's Books About Fog

Hide and Seek Fog (Mulberry Books)

Fog Magic

The Friday 56 

My Aunt gave me a book by Charles Stanley, How to Handle Adversity (Charles Stanley Discipleship) It's a hardcover book, around 191 pages from Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Book Description


You lost your job. Your son ran away. A loved one just died from cancer. Your best friend is getting a divorce. The list is endless.

Adversity is a reality that no one can avoid. Everyone asks why when adversity strikes. Yet Dr. Stanley contends, "As much as we all want to know the answer to the why question, it is really not the most significant question. The real question each of us needs to ask is, 'How should I respond?'"

"Perhaps somewhere in your past you were dealt a devastating blow emotionally or even physically. At that point you could not reconcile the conflict of such injustice with the existence of a loving God."

I like Charles Stanley. The book has received lots of 5 star reviews. I'm enjoying it...
So, what are you reading?

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

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Book Review: Noah and the Mighty Ark

The beloved Bible story of Noah and his ark is brought to life with lyrical rhyming text by bestselling author Rhonda Gowler Greene and whimsical illustrations by award-winning artist Margaret Spengler. Children will love hearing how Noah comforts all the animals on their journey, whether they fly, hop, crawl, stomp, or s-s-slither. Full of fun sound effects and helpful word pictures, Noah and the Mighty Ark is great for toddlers, preschoolers, and early readers, as well as parents who want an engaging way to teach their children the stories of God.

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz (April 22, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310732174
• ISBN-13: 978-0310732174

 Book Review

 

A well-known Biblical story written with rhyme and rhythm is sure to delight a young child. My 4 and 6-year-old grandsons listened quite easily to the story line being read to them and followed along, pointing to all the animals. Very engaging for children to see so many different types of animals enter the ark, live on the boat and then exit to safety with a beautiful rainbow of God's promise at the end. I thought the change of color in the text, from black to white was clever and easy on the eyes but as an adult, the blurry illustrated images are a bit disappointing for me but not for the children. This is a great addition to the home and church library.

4/5 stars. Recommend.

Biography (I like this author)

RHONDA GOWLER GREENE is the author of over 20 children's books. Her books have received various honors, such as School Library Journal Best Book, American Booksellers "Pick of the List," Children's Book Council Showcase Book, Bank Street College Best Book, International Reading Association Children's Choice Book, Junior Library Guild selection, Michigan Reads One State One Children's Book Award, and also starred reviews.

A dynamic speaker, Rhonda loves presenting at schools, libraries, and conferences. She especially likes talking to students of all ages about how to improve their writing.

Noah and the Mighty Ark


I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”




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

Book Review: Gigi and her Girl

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Whimsical Books, LLC (February 11, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0991129008
• ISBN-13: 978-0991129003

Review 

 

Gigi is a fun, energetic young girl who loves to play with her puppy all the time. She smothers her with tons of affection, like most kids do. This sweet story is written in clever rhyme and it's about two different perspectives. I think this is a brilliant idea where the reader gains insights to the puppy's dilemma because you can tell when a dog is happy or sad and the shenanigans that goes on with kids and their pets. This is a great topic for learning about animals, caring for your pet and learning proper ways to bond with animal. Yes, puppies have feelings, too and Gigi learns a good lesson when her puppy would rather play with Gigi's older sister. A precious book with beautiful illustrations for toddler and little children. My favorite lines are, "Now we must practice the song for our show" (at the piano) and the dog says, "This feels so awkward! Oh, please let me go!" I highly recommend this heartwarming story!

5/5 stars.

Author Biography

 

Kathy Brandt lives in St. Louis with her two darling daughters, one gentle Gigi dog, a cute Cody cat, and a good Guy husband.

Kathy has been artistic and creative since she was a little girl. To this day, her poems and artwork adorn the walls of her parents' and sisters' homes, located mere minutes away from her own. After graduating from Mizzou, Kathy worked as creative director, graphic designer and copywriter. When her girls were born, she began painting children's murals, and oil paintings, as well.

For more information, visit Gigi and her Girl

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

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Little Bird, Lorikeet Lori

The Rainbow Lorikeet is quite bold in color and so charming with all of its noise making!

The hang out for all these beautiful birds is in a huge cage at the San Diego Safari Park. I do know that these striking parrots are from Australia and Tasmania, too. Have you seen them before?

After the birds feast on nectar that the tourists buy at the park for a couple of dollars, you'll find them napping in the shade of a tree for just a little while. I've watched the children's faces smile with delight as these wonderful birds perch on their little fingers while eating.

Photos for Wild Bird Wednesday

Talking Parrot Video

Lorikeet Haiku

Bouncing colors bright

Feast the eyes and ears to hear

Birds are fun and sweet

Pet Care

These fun birds are nectar feeders. For more information, visit http://www.gladesvillevet.com.

 Pet Bird

I read that these fun-loving birds can live up to 30 years. If you're thinking of getting one for a pet, read https://answers.yahoo.com

  Singing Lorikeet

I would love to hear a Lorikeet properly trained to sing a song. Look here, http://www.ehow.com

Little Bird, Little Bird

I love this song because it's so gentle, peaceful and relaxing. The children will love this!

Little bird, little bird fly through my window,
Little bird, little bird fly through my window,
Little bird, little bird fly through my window,
And buy molasses candy.

Fly through my window, my sugar lump,
Fly through my window, my sugar lump,
And buy molasses candy.

Blue bird, blue bird fly through my window,
Blue bird, blue bird fly through my window,
Blue bird, blue bird fly through my window,
And buy molasses candy.

Fly through my window, my sugar lump,
Fly through my window, my sugar lump,
And buy molasses candy.

 Book Recommendations

Rainbow Lorikeets, the Complete Owner's Guide on How to Care for Rainbow Lorikeets, Facts on Habitat, Breeding, Lifespan, Behavior, Diet, Cages, Talki

Over in Australia: Amazing Animals Down Under





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

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The Friday 56: SMART Goals!

This book is a comprehensive manual on effective goal-setting for entrepreneurs, managers, and parents.

- It offers practical strategies to identify the goals that are meaningful and matter most to you.
- It teaches you to objectively evaluate your goals and eliminate the ones that are not realistic.
- It provides solutions for overcoming challenges that arise as you’re moving along the way to your success.
- It coaches you how to face fears rather than to avoid them.
- It arms you with useful tools and know-hows to empower you to take actions that will ensure the results you desire.

What I'm Learning

After reading some of the reviews, I see that the author helps one discover how to set realistic goals, how to cope with our mindset to overcome doubt and negativity and stage fright and replace those with self-accountability, self-discipline, and self-leadership. I like stories that reveal comebacks, second chances, motivation, perseverance and inspirational victories!

The Friday 56 

56% eReader

"Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles, and less than perfect conditions. So what? get started now!" 

          -- Anna Stevens

I'm really looking forward to reading more since it goes beyond a children's picture book (which I'm always reading) and has 124 pages! The book has received lots of praise.

"Anna provides practical information in a format that is easy to follow." -- Bambi S. Bellflowers

"I would recommend the book to anyone needing direction, or someone that just wants to find out more about how they really think or what they believe." -- Jen K

Read what others are saying:

Turn Your Dreams and Wants into Achievable SMART Goals!

Mostly we have warm daily temperatures here in SoCal, but there are some days where these 'smart layers' of clouds threaten us with a few showers and then they head out towards the mountains. I love this valley view. As you can see, the hills are not very green as we continue to experience drought conditions. The contrast is so huge between us and other parts of the U.S. having a hard winter this year. This week the kids will be on their Spring Break as we head towards Easter.

For more sky photos, visit Skywatch Friday

How is it where you are and what will you be doing for a little April vacation? I went to the Butterfly Exhibit yesterday and can't wait to post some of my pictures. Stay tuned and have a great weekend!







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

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The Avocado Hummingbird

I've decided that hummingbirds are just too fast for me to capture with their record breaking speed. There's a remarkable number of them lingering around the fruit tree blossoms and for sure, they're glistening on the avocado tree branches. They seem to be attracted to some of my perennials (Penstemon species) around the yard. I've noticed that the young hummingbird perches itself on one of my wind chimes that are placed near their feeder. I am so intrigued by these sweet, angelic birds. The popular Anna's Hummingbird in SoCal is so graceful and sparkling with its green back and ruby red breast. They seem to like the Sage and Salvia blossoms, too... and especially the avocado!

Do you have them in your area? If so, what camera tips can you share regarding their charming image? I guess I might need to practice zooming closer but sometimes when I do then my image gets blurry. I tried to get close before they vanished from my lens. I hope my iron hummingbird yard stake brought a smile to your face!

Thanks so much for the overwhelming response to last week's post from all the bird watchers. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

For more photos, visit Wild Bird Wednesday

Hummingbirds of North America: The Photographic Guide




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

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