No CAT Parking

So is it okay if a DOG parks here???

I know I've posted this sign before ... but it is perfect for

Signs, Signs ... over at Lesley's blog!

P.S. CAT is actually a local small town bus service (Canby Area Transit) whose logo is "Catch a CAT"

Big Brother Sign ...

He was on the street corner as I pulled into the Goodwill thrift store ... a dirty, disheveled, homeless-looking man, his long stringy hair pulled back into a ponytail. He was holding a sign, which I couldn't read.

But his smile was beautiful.

I forgot about him as I began to uncover hidden treasures within the store.

When I came out some time later, the man was gone ... his sign tossed into the bushes near where he had been standing ...

I wonder what happened to him.
Maybe "big brother" finally showed up?

I've decided to link this to the "Signs Signs" meme over at Lesley's "Signs, Signs" blog.

Hidden Notes Revealed ...

The clean-up at the abandoned mega-church has revealed some interesting notes, once hidden behind drywall and plaster. Like this one ...

I hope John enjoyed his Blue and Orange!

Deer ... Abstract

My niece Tiffi was looking out the window. "Look! A deer!" she said.
Sure enough, there was a young deer ... wading in Grampa's pond.
I grabbed my camera and took some pictures through the window.
We watched for a while, then ... another deer off to the side!
The mom!
And then more movement ... another young deer heading toward the woods behind the house. What a treat to see this precious family - a single mother with twins. They left shortly after, meandering back into the woods.

When I went to check my pictures, I found they were all blurry - and I remembered how much my old camera hates through-the-glass pictures.

But I like the effect of this one. It almost looks like a painting.

And now I finally have a critter shot for Camera Critters!

Our Hearts Are In Japan

My heart is broken for the people of Japan.
I am at a loss for words to describe the devastation that I feel.
Because we are all one world.
One people.
What affects someone on the other side of the world from me ...
Affects me.
Affects all of us.
We need to remember that.
Even if all we can do is pray ...
And cry as we wait.
And wait.
For news from our brothers and sisters.
One People ... One World.

Graffiti Reflections - Weekend Reflections

Graffiti on a mirror in a dark bathroom at the once-abandoned mega-church ... casts reflections and shadows at the same time ...

And is that a little shadow heart I see?

James over at "Newtown Area Photo" hosts the wonderful Weekend Reflections.
He has been such an inspiration to me - this meme has changed the way I see the world!

So ... when I found this graffiti, I thought of you, James!
Feel free to copy this picture if you want, just for fun.

To see reflections from around the world, visit James and join us for Weekend Reflections.

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts", and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday.

To see shadows from around the world, visit "Hey Harriet", and join us for Shadow Shot Sunday.

All Work No Play ...

Before the new owners of the once-abandoned mega-church took down the drywall, I found this wonderful statement.
Complete with heart!

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts" - and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

Kitty Eyes Reflection - Weekend Reflections

Meet Panda Bear (AKA Pandy, Little One, and Squeaky Toy). My daughter Victoria belongs to her.
She has the most gorgeous eyes, don't you think?

To see reflections from around the world, visit James at "Newtown Area Photo" - and join us for Weekend Reflections!

If you like hearts, be sure to visit "Random Hearts" to see hearts found all around the world on Guest Heart Thursday!

Big Brother ...

I've heard that employers are watching their employees a little more closely ...

But don't you think this is taking it a bit too far???

A Heartfelt Valentine for YOU

I found this wooden plaque at the Goodwill Surplus Store, and couldn't believe someone would get rid of it. Because this exactly describes my feelings for my dear and wonderful Blogging Friends!

Blogging has brought such joy, purpose, inspiration into my life. Each and every person that I have come in contact with has found a special place in my heart, and in my prayers.

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone. I love and appreciate you all!!!

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts", and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

Leaky Roof Makes Picture

In my wanderings around the formerly-abandoned and now-being-cleaned-up church across the street, I found where a leaky roof had dripped, then started to dry.

I don't just see a messy puddle. I see a beautiful bird kissing a heart.
What do you see?

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts", and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

Hold Your Children To Your Heart ...

I just got a phone call from a friend from Gleaners.
She told me about my friend Trish.
She lost her son last week.
He took a pill someone at school had given him to "help him sleep".
He told her he was going to take a nap - and never woke up.

He was only 17.

My heart goes out to Trish and her family.
I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to lose a child.

Please hold this family in your prayers today.
And hold your children close to your heart.

Slow Down!

I couldn't help but stop and get this picture.
Looks like someone needed a little extra encouragement ...
to SLOW down!

I Heart My Coffee ...

When I was in the hospital after my stroke, I woke up the next day with a horrid headache.
This concerned my doctors, who treated me to yet another round of tests - blood tests, CAT scan, MRI, ultrasound ... until it dawned on me that I HADN'T HAD MY COFFEE YET.
This so galvanized the nursing staff that they pulled out their coffee maker, made a fresh pot, and came into my room - a full cup of coffee in each hand. Bye bye headache - Hello Room Service! :=}

So ... now you know ... I love my coffee.

I was at the grocery store when I spied a fellow coffee addict.
These are just a couple of the DB stickers that adorned this little car - there were at least 5. Of course my favorite one combined my two loves - coffee AND heart!

To see hearts from around the world, visit "Random Hearts" - and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

The Tree Won

I was walking down our curvy country road, when I saw the aftermath of a car-versus-tree.
The yellow sign in the rear window said not to call 911 - the accident had actually happened around Christmas.

Then I had a Mr. Toad moment and was compelled to climb down the hill and take a closer look at the wreckage.

There wasn't much left of the Mazda, just a bunch of scrap metal reflecting the beauty of the forest back at me.

When I zoomed in to get a better look ... I even found a heart!
Therefore, this qualifies as both a "Weekend Reflection",
and a "Guest Heart Thursday"!!!

I hope the person/s involved in this accident are okay - nothing has been in the newspaper so I'm thinking this was a very expensive lesson that the tree ALWAYS wins - and given the empty case of beer on the back seat ... DON'T drive after drinking. PLEASE.

Happy New Year!

Papa Bear's eyes reflect his true feelings ...

I think he's saying "Happy Stinking New Year. Enjoy it, or I will bite off your hand."

Actually he's a stray, and what he said was "Loy, Loy, Loy, Loy" - and I have no idea what that really means.

To see reflections from around the world, visit James at "Newtown Area Photo" - and join us for Weekend Reflections.

New Years Resolutions - Part 2

Just a few more hours of 2010 ...

Here are some more resolutions for 2011!

Resolution: To make the most of my, er, assets.

Resolution: To work out and improve my strength ...
(My next job could involve picking up the customers!)

Resolution: To take the road less traveled ... no matter who says I can't.

Resolution: To grow where I can.

Resolution: No junk food ... and a better choice of ambiance ...

More Resolutions to come!

New Years Resolutions - Part 1

2010 is nearly gone ...
It's time to review my year,
And make some resolutions!

Resolution: To put off the old ...

Resolution: To let go of the past!

Resolution: To accept that I am me.
I am beautiful.

Resolution: To continue to see and share what others might miss ...
(Sasquatch?)

Resolution: To put more Fireworks in my life!!!

And I'm just getting started!!!

Reflections I found - Weekend Reflections, Guest Heart Thursday

I was parked in front of the doctor's office, when I noticed my car's reflection in the main door and window. I had to laugh at the way it looks!

I also like the double reflections ... the reflection in the car window is a reflection of the building the car is reflected from! (Huh???)

This morning, as the sun was starting to burn off the fog, I noticed the reflections glinting off of the heart I have hanging by the driveway.

To see found hearts from around the world, visit Random Hearts - and share YOUR heart on Guest Heart Thursday!

To see reflections from around the world, visit James at Newtown Area Photo - and join us for Weekend Reflections!

Abstract Rail Reflection - Weekend Reflections

I was waiting to take my sister-in-law to the store, when I saw this delightfully abstract reflection of a handrail in one of the apartment windows. I also liked how the hood of the car next to me reflected the blue sky and the apartment building roof ... Unfortunately that was the last blue we will see for quite some time; and we are expecting a "Pineapple Express" tomorrow, with wind and rain - and lots of flooding.

To see reflections from around the world, visit James at Newtown Area Photo - and join us for Weekend Reflections!