:: July days... ::

" The rustling leaves above me,

the breezes sighing round me,

a network glimpse of bluest sky

to meet the upturned seeing eye,

the greenest lawn beneath me,

loved flowers and birds to greet me...

Oh happy, happy hour!

Whence comes all this to bless me.

The soft wind to caress me...

But, hush! let nature lead me.

Let even wisest questions cease

while I breathe in such life and peace

This happy, happy hour.

{In a Hammock - Elizabeth Porter Gould}

July, oh July...

you were a month to remember.

despite the surprise of a surgery and

hospital stay with recovery happening...

the departing of a loved one

all within a week

tiny glimmers shed their light

amidst the happenings of life.

despite it all

beauty and grace arrive

when needed most.

I look back on this month

with a reverence for acceptance,

for understanding that holding tight

is harder than softening to the flow

of what falls in my path.

I softened to the flow...

allowing help when needed

but also allowing time to heal

both body and heart.

even though at times it's hard,

I try my best to see these unexpected

life surprises as little lessons toward

growth and open-heartedness within myself.

I'm not perfect yet I try.

That's enough.

Happy to welcome our son safely home this month

from his summer abroad in the Netherlands.

Making plans to (hopefully) have our own

adventure abroad next summer.

Despite the topsy-turviness of this month,

my garden has flourished.

Zinnias, loads of sweet, bright red cherry tomatoes,

abundant sunflowers...fragrant, blossomy roses...

such happiness for my soul.

My heart is full of thankfulness

for these days of such

happy happy hours!