Out Living Life

I had a post planned for today, but it did not get written. Instead, I had an impromptu date with my husband last night! 

We drove 130 miles yesterday afternoon to watch my son's high school soccer game. Before heading home after the match, my husband and I decided to go out for dinner.  The soccer teams traveled by bus, so my son actually got home before we did. 

An action setting on a camera is a wonderful feature when photographing sporting events!

I have read that bloggers sometimes need to step away from blogging, and live life, so they have something to blog about! I agree. 

Yesterday was a good day of “living life.”  I spent a warm and sunny afternoon watching an exciting soccer game. (Our team won, so my son and his friends were happy.) My husband and I spent some quality time together, and we enjoyed a delicious meal. In fact, the food was so good that perhaps I will even write about the restaurant in a future blog post!

My husband and I, after a wonderful meal of international flavors!

The post I had planned to write for today will just have to wait - until this afternoon, or even next week. 

If ever you visit this blog, and I haven't published new content as consistently as I usually do - rest assured that I haven't stopped writing. I am just out living life - and coming up with more topics to write about.

Montana is a big state! How far do you usually travel to attend your kid's sporting events?

This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog. Check them out!

Apple Crisp Jars: A Perfect Fall Gift!

Apple Crisp - easier to make than a pie, and so cute served in these little jars

Yesterday I told you about how I am not always good at living in the moment.  Helping my daughter get ready to return to college was no exception.

In addition to helping my daughter pack, I had some rather ambitious ideas of things I wanted to bake during her last week at home. My daughter had mentioned a couple of desserts she would enjoy; Hershey Pie and Apple Crisp. Additionally, I wanted to make some cookies for my son's lunches - and I thought it would be nice to bake something for my daughter's new roommates. At first this all seemed feasible, but as the departure date approached, I became busy with other tasks. Also, I wanted to focus on enjoying the limited time left with my daughter, while she was still home.

If you have been reading my blog this week, you will know that I did manage to make a Chocolate Marshmallow Pie, and shared the recipe last Thursday.  I baked a big batch of Chocolate Chip Pan cookies - some of which I set aside for my son, and the rest I wrapped up for my daughter to take with her. But, it felt like I would be really rushed if I took the time to make an apple crisp.

Suddenly - I thought of an easy option, which would enable me to complete my goals without becoming too stressed.  I could make cute little jars of apple crisp as gifts, for my daughter and her roommates!

About a week before, I had come across a recipe for Mason Jar Apple Crisp on the blog New House New Home New Life. The recipe suggested that individual servings of apple crisp could be assembled, baked, and served in small, wide-mouthed mason jars.  I did not have wide-mouthed jars, but I decided my 8-oz jelly jars would work. 

Last fall, neighbors had kindly given me a bunch of apples from their trees. Using them, I had prepared a number of containers of cooked, sweetened apple filling; which I froze to be later used for pies or crisps.  There were still two of these containers left in my freezer - just enough to fill four-to-six small mason jars! Perfect!

We received this huge batch of apples from my generous neighbor just this week.  I will let you know what I do with them this year!

I quickly made up the topping for my apple crisps, as suggested in the recipe. (I only made half the amount, as I planned to fill only half as many jars as suggested in the recipe.) I put this crumbly mixture into a sealed plastic bag, and then I decorated my jars.

Using the metal insert piece from a jar lid as a template, I cut circles of construction paper.  In my best handwriting, I wrote the first initial from each girl’s name on each one, and then fit the paper circles between the metal insert and the screw ring for the lid.  Then I cut lengths of ribbon, long enough to tie around each jar.

Just before we left home, I popped the containers of frozen apple filling and the bag of topping for the crisps into a cooler.  When we unpacked our car at my daughters college ten hours later, the topping was still cool, and the apple filling was only partially unthawed.

Once the filling had thawed, in my daughter's new kitchen I spooned equal amounts of it into the jars, leaving enough room to place a generous amount of the butter-crumb mixture on top. It was important to keep the contents below the level of the jar, so the lid still fit after it was baked.

After tasting these, I bet the girls won't mind that I was the first person to use the oven in their new kitchen!

Once filled, I put the jars (uncovered) in a baking dish, and covered the bottom of this dish with water. (I'm not sure this step was necessary, but I was a little nervous about the safety of putting the glass jars in a hot oven, and this seemed to work!)  I baked them according to the directions, 350 degrees F. for about 30 - 40 minutes, until bubbly and the topping was lightly browned.  I allowed the jars to cool, covered them with their lids, tied them with ribbons - and placed them in the fridge. (Like most crisps, these would taste best warm, but could easily be heated in the oven or microwave.)

To make these cute little apple crisps, either use your own recipes for filling and topping - or use the ones in the Mason Jar Apple Crisp link provided above.  I had more filling and topping than would fit in four jars, so I baked the remainder in a small pie pan.  I sampled this, and it was delicious!

The only thing I would do differently would be to use wide-mouthed short mason jars, instead of the narrow jelly jars that I had, as the crisp topping would be spread out over more surface area.

These apple crisp jars are a cute gift, even if the ribbons were rather hastily tied!

Such a quick and easy project! Now all that had to be done, was for my daughter to wait for her roommates to arrive, and to buy some vanilla ice cream!

Have you ever baked a dessert in a mason jar? 

This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog. Check them out!

Midlife Boulevard set up a Blog Hop where bloggers can submit their best post from 2014. It is impossible for me to pick a favorite, but I think most people like Apple Crisp, so I chose this one! Be sure to check out the other great links!

Stop and Smell the Roses (or the Chrysanthemums!)

Roses (in June) and “False Sunflowers” (currently still blooming in my garden)

About a month ago I read a post that made a lot of sense. I would like to share it with you today.

This post, by Wilma Jones, has the catchy title, Live in the Dang Moment, Please and you can read it on the blog, Happily Ever After.  The author encourages women to “stop and smell the roses” - or in her words, “take a moment to just live in the moment with yourself.” She says women are too often caught up in day-to-day tasks and planning for the future - - instead of enjoying the beauty around us, and each moment for what it is.

I am unfortunately frequently guilty of not living in the moment.  Just ask my husband.  He often scolds me for seeing every event as a “photo or video opportunity” - and he reminds me to put down the camera and just “enjoy the moment.” (However - he is always happy when we have the photos/videos to look at later!)

When we entertain guests, I often find myself so caught-up in the preparations and implementation of a party, that I forget to relax and participate fully in the event. While I derive a large degree of satisfaction from feeding my guests well and making sure they are comfortable - I need to remind myself that the main purpose of the event is for us to enjoy visiting with our company.

I am a list maker.  Sometimes I set pretty lofty goals, and then feel committed to carrying them out - even when I am the only person expecting me to do so.  This happens a lot when we are preparing to go on a vacation.  I usually have a long list of things that I want to accomplish before I leave. Trying to finish it all often leaves me stressed and exhausted, and that is not a good way to start a vacation!  It would be better if I would “live in the dang moment” and just do what is necessary, instead of tackling projects that are not necessary or can wait until we get back.

One of the advantages to living in Montana, is that my surroundings frequently remind me to enjoy life as it presents itself. When I look out my window I might see a bull elk on the hill behind my house, or sunshine making the snow on the mountains sparkle, or a red-tailed hawk circling overhead. I cannot help but pay attention to these gifts of nature when I see them, and remember to “live in the moment.”

Of course there are times when we must be task-oriented and put our own needs and comforts aside.  But perhaps we should all identify some triggers to remind us to slow down. Some things we can recognize as a reminder to enjoy life as it presents itself, not as it will be in the future.  All of the things I just described help me to do so.

Take time to “smell the roses” - or chrysanthemums - or poinsettias - or whatever flower is in season. Life is too short to miss out on the joy of it, while we are attempting to live it.

In other words, remember to make the most - of every moment!

I have good memories of “taking time to smell the flowers” and enjoy my family, when we visited this pumpkin patch.

What are some things that remind you to “stop and smell the roses?”

This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog. Check them out!

Six Months of Blogging

Yesterday was the six-month anniversary of this blog! 

I feel like I should have a party! Thanks to everyone who reads, comments on, and follows this blog!

To celebrate this mini-milestone, today I am sharing the very first article I ever had published - well before I ever thought of writing a blog. 

************************************************************************************************

Why Write? 

How I Decided to Pursue My Passion for Writing

I am a nurse, wife, and mother, who - until a decade ago - never gave being an author even a thought. I was content with my days full of work, volunteering, and family. I never even acknowledged that writing was a skill I was proficient at and enjoyed. Recently though, I have spent time wondering if I should commit more effort to writing. But why? 

Why do I want to write? 

I never really have written much. I excelled in my English classes and always did well on written assignments. I enjoy the process of writing, but I am not the type of person who keeps a daily journal, or even writes with any regularity. In fact, I have always found much more pleasure in reading than writing. For years, the most writing I have done has been our family holiday letter. Whenever I do write, however, I always feel fulfilled.



Why now?

A few years ago, I had an idea for a plot and considered writing a novel. That led me to wonder if I have the ability and talent to be a writer. Self doubt and other obligations stood in the way, but my ambitions grew and now I am ready to devote a serious amount of time to the craft of writing.



What are the Reasons People Choose to Write? What are mine? 

I have been a stay-at-home mom for long enough that I have no real desire to go back to my old career. Is writing really an avenue I could pursue? Am I talented enough? Could I try to make money writing, or should I just write as a hobby? What type of writing is it that I want to do? 



People write for many reasons:

• To communicate an idea.

• To express their creativity.

• For the therapeutic benefits it provides.

• To tell a story.

• To change something.

• To create a legacy (thoughts in writing can outlive the writer).

• For themselves or an audience (so others may read what they write, or in fear that someone will!)

• To generate income.

• Because they want to - some even say because they "have to."

Every writer has a unique set of reasons as to why they write. Many writers would simply ask: "Why not?"

 I question myself:

• Is it the actual writing process that I desire?

• The glamour of having the reputation of being an author?

• The appeal of creating income from my home, on my own time, being my own boss?


I deliberate as to whether my motives are justifiable reasons to channel my time and energy into writing? What is the best way to begin?

 Should I become a writer? 

  

There is only one way to find out. I have begun to write.

***********************************************************************************                                                              
(A version of this article was previously published by Yahoo Contributor Network)

One of these days I will probably resume writing that novel I mentioned.  I plan to still be blogging here at least six months from now, however - and hopefully long after that! 

I am looking forward to the most - - of every moment continuing to improve and grow. There will be some changes in the near future, that I am hopeful you will really like.

What are the types of articles that you have enjoyed reading most on this blog?

This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog.  Check them out!

When Friends and Family Feel Far Away ...

The moon looked even closer when seen through our windshield than it does in this photo.

While still in Montana, but driving towards to the western coast of the United States last week, I was browsing through Facebook. My friend Sandra, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada had posted a gorgeous picture of the night sky. She had taken it the evening before. Her caption was "Oh, Super Duper Harvest Moon, you rock."

Her post made me smile. It was not quite yet dawn, and I had just looked down from the view through our windshield - of a huge, white moon. It seemed suspended low enough in the sky that we might almost be able to reach it, as soon as we crossed an upcoming mountain pass. 

It was, of course, the same moon my friend had photographed from where she lives, so many miles from our car. Suddenly Earth seemed much smaller, and far-away friends and family much less distant.

I wrote on my friend's Facebook wall: "We have had a beautiful view of it in Montana! Great photo! It is gorgeous at dawn this morning as well!" She responded, "I was up at 6, but if it was out it was behind some clouds, or more trees. Glad we could all share the same moon!"

Such a beautiful moon!

We all share the same moon. A comforting thought, knowing that my family was soon to be separated by hundreds of miles once again. Taking my oldest child to her second year of college was easier than the trip twelve months before, but I was still feeling the pangs of separation. Thanks Sandra, for a well-timed post.

If your friends and family feel far away - it may be helpful to remember that we all share the same moon.  Our moon, sun, and stars (though viewed in different locations in the sky) are something that we all can see.

My children and I will always look at the same moon every night, no matter how far they live from me.

Has the moon ever been a source of comfort to you?

This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog.  Check them out!

My Weekend Project: Buy a New Dog Bed?

Our dog is in her "golden years." Her joints seem sore and she naps a lot more than in the past.  Last week, when we were all downstairs watching a movie, she curled up and fell asleep on a bean bag chair. She barely fit on it - but she must have thought it was more comfortable than her own bed.

A 50 pound dog is pretty big for a bean bag chair!

Even in this awkward position, our dog is pretty cute, don't you agree?

I think maybe it is time for us to buy a new dog bed!  

Whatever your plans, I hope you have a happy - and comfortable - weekend!

This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog.  Check them out!

Mommy, The Firemen Will Get There, Right?

Fisher-Price Rescue heroes always save the world.  Real heroes do their best.

Like most Americans and a high percentage of world citizens, September 11 is a date that will be forever a time for me to pause and reflect. Yesterday (September 11), my husband and I returned home, after taking my daughter to college and helping her get settled. Miles ticked by and as the distance increased between us and our oldest child, I remembered a day when all I wanted to do was to hold my family close. During our trip home yesterday, I thought a lot about the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania. 

I was not acquainted with any of the people who died that day, but I have grieved for all of them. The way I pack a suitcase for air travel is much more complicated than before because of new restrictions for safety; as is crossing International borders. I never used to give much thought to airplanes passing overhead; now I find myself willing them to stay in the sky. Mostly, however, what has changed is a feeling of security.

The majority of us born before 1995 or so know exactly what we were doing when we learned of the attack. I had taken my daughter to preschool and returned home with my three-year old son. I turned on the TV, as one of his favorite children's shows was on at that time. I was in the kitchen when I heard him call, "Mommy, a plane just flew into a building!"

What? I thought I had accidentally turned on the wrong channel and he was watching an adult movie. I rushed out to correct my mistake, and saw the "breaking news" announcement. A replay was already being shown of what my child had just seen. Stunned, I watched and I remember I kept exclaiming, "Oh no, those poor people." When the second plane hit, my son asked what was happening - and I didn't know how to answer.

Then he said, " Where are the firemen, Mommy?  They will get there, right?"

That question brought my attention back to my responsibilities as a parent, and I calmed my demeanor and switched off the television. I gathered up my little boy, and tried to explain the horror of the news he had just witnessed, in a way that it would lessen the terror of it. My mind was reeling, and it was much later that the full significance of his question sunk in.

My son's favorite toys at that time were Fisher-Price Rescue Heroes. They are action figures, sold with books and movies about their courageous rescues. "Billy Blazes" was his favorite character - a brave, level-headed and compassionate fireman.  "Billy would find a way to make everything okay," my son probably thought.

There were a lot of "Billy Blazes" at the World Trade Center that day, and they did everything in their power to "make everything okay". The stories of the selfless rescue efforts of firefighters, emergency medical technicians, police, and other people who climbed UP towards the burning, crumbling floors of those buildings are heart-wrenching. The courage shown by the passengers and crew who acted to abort the hijacking of the fourth plane is humbling. The rescue efforts and many, many acts of kindness in the aftermath are heart-warming. Had it been humanly possible, these people would have accomplished the rescue a three-year old believed feasible.

The news of this terrorist attack was too much for me to handle without adult support. I found a children's video to occupy my son and distract his thoughts. (Another television show was not an option - every station was broadcasting the news, and he had seen more than enough.)  I called my husband and cried. Then I called a good friend whose daughter went to preschool with my daughter. Neither of us wanted to be alone, and we felt a need to be close to our children. We decided to meet at the preschool, even though pick-up time wouldn't be for another hour. When my son and I got there, there were at least half a dozen moms who had come early as well. We continued to try to find out more news, and talked and prayed. In the days following the attacks, occasions like this when Americans drew together and comforted each other were common.

After that first accidental viewing, I attempted to censor the television coverage my children saw of the attack. We had to give them an explanation though. Sadly, they no longer believed that adults could fix everything, and their world felt less safe.

So did mine. Just like my son found out that life doesn't always have the happy ending of a Rescue Hero episode, I found out that the United States is not as safe and secure as we all had believed it to be.  

We will be forever saddened by the tragedy of 9/11/01, in awe of the heroes of that day, and grateful to everyone who has worked to ensure our safely.  September 11, forever-more, will be a day we mourn our fallen and celebrate the courageous acts of true real life heroes. 

We Remember.

- Watch More Never Forget: A 9/11 Tribute


This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog.  Check them out!

Cooking: My Language of Love

My daughter returned to college for her sophomore year this week.  A few days before we drove the ten hours to her campus, I began to fret.  Had I made enough of her favorite meals this summer?

This worry, of course, was just a metaphor of my real thoughts: Have I spent enough time with her?  Have I done enough for her? Have I taught her well enough how to live on her own? Can I come to terms that my "little girl" no longer really lives at home? 

The meal plan at her college is so good, in reality she probably won't miss my cooking.  But, she had commented several times last year that she missed my desserts! So - with only two days left to spend at home, I asked her what desserts she would like to have.  

Even though she is excited to return to her college life, I think packing up her belongings was hard on my daughter, also. She carefully considered the possibilities, but then suggested her favorites

• Apple Crisp
• Chocolate-Marshmallow Pie 

Chocolate Marshmallow Pie 

Since she suggested two desserts, of course I made them both, and some cookies to take to her roommates as well!

For me, the real name of Chocolate-Marshmallow Pie will always be "Hershey Chocolate Preschool Pie."  When my son was in preschool, his classmates all contributed recipes, and I was responsible for compiling them into a gift for his teacher. The mother of a classmate named Nathan submitted this recipe, and it looked so good I copied it down!  I don't know where the recipe originally came from, but I suspect it may have been developed in the Hershey Company kitchens.

The rich, delicious flavor of this pie may not be the only reason it has evolved into a favorite of my family. We have a strong affiliation to Hershey's chocolate, as my husband and I met when we both lived in Hershey, Pennsylvania!

Chocolate Marshmallow Pie (a.k.a. Hershey Chocolate Preschool Pie)

1. Melt over low heat, stirring occasionally, until marshmallows are completely melted:

• 4 Hershey Bars (1.55 oz. each)
• 20 regular sized marshmallows
• 1/2 cup milk

2. Set melted chocolate mixture in fridge to cool.

3. Whip 1/2 pint whipping cream and fold into cooled mixture.

4. Pour into a 9-inch graham cracker shell. (purchased or homemade).

5. Let stand (in fridge) for several hours, or preferably overnight.

6. Serve with whipped cream as a garnish.

This dessert is so rich, for most people a small piece is enough.

I somehow found it comforting that before she headed back to college, my daughter asked for a dessert we have all enjoyed since preschool days. The time she was our little girl has not been long enough, but it was very special for us all.  

No matter how grown up they get, my husband and I will always try to provide a "Hershey Chocolate Preschool Pie" (metaphorically or otherwise!) whenever either of our kids need one.

My very favorite chocolate is Hershey chocolate.  What is yours?

This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog.  Check them out!

Mountain Goat or Bighorn Sheep?

Several years ago, my husband and a friend were hiking in Glacier National Park, and they came across quite a bit of wildlife.  My daughter learned a lot about Montana fauna in third grade, and she made sure her family knew the difference between a bighorn sheep and a mountain goat!  This trip, however, may have been the first time any of us had seen both species in the same day.

People often have trouble remembering the difference between mountain goats  and bighorn sheep, but the bighorn sheep are the ones with the BIG horns! 

I love this picture of a bighorn sheep, painted in school by my daughter, years ago.

You don't have to enter a National Park to see wildlife in Montana though!  About an hour after my husband left for that hiking trip in Glacier Park, our dog started to bark furiously.  I looked out, and just below our house was a black bear. 

Such is life in Montana: my husband goes hiking in Glacier National Park - and it is me (at home), who sees a bear!

You never know what will be around the bend of the trail; it is always good to make some noise!

What is the most wildlife you have ever seen on any single outing?This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog.  Check them out!

A Super Easy Snack: Tortilla Rollups

The perfect nibble for after school, a play date or a grown-up party

Any parent of teenagers knows how hard it is to keep up with stocking the pantry and the fridge. One day, my son brought home friends after school and they were all hungry. Ravenous. Like Mother Hubbard though, my cupboards were a bit bare; none of the usual snacks with teenage appeal were available. What to do? I wanted to come up with something fast to keep them happy!

There are a multitude of recipes available for making tortilla rollups or "pinwheel" snacks. I came up with an ultra-easy version that day, inspired by the ingredients in my fridge and my need for speed. The end result - a satisfying, appealingly attractive and healthy snack!

Cream Cheese and Ham Tortilla Roll-Ups

Ingredients*

• 6 or 8 oz. cream cheese
  
• 1/2 lb. ham, very thinly sliced
  
• 6 soft flour tortillas, 6-inch diameter
  
• 1 tsp. Italian Seasoning ( I used Safeway Brand, found in the Spice aisle)

*Different seasoning, meat or larger tortillas could all be substituted for equally tasty results. The quantities I have suggested made about 2-dozen pieces.  

Feel free to substitute other favorite sandwich meat, cheeses or spices.

Directions

• Soften cream cheese in microwave for 15-20 seconds, until spreadable.
  
• Add Italian seasoning into cream cheese, mix well.
  
• Place tortilla on a clean cutting surface and coat it with about 1 or 2 tablespoons of cream cheese, covering entire surface. Using an offset spatula really makes it easy to spread the cream cheese. 
• Add a few ham slices, arranging them to cover the surface in 1 layer of thickness.
  
• Spread a very thin layer of cream cheese over the top of the ham
  
• Roll up the tortilla, being careful it doesn't begin to buckle; press lightly so it seals.
  
• Cut into bite sized pieces and arrange these, cut side up, on a plate.
  
• Cover and refrigerate until eaten.
  

These only took me about five minutes to make. 

Whenever I cut any sort of "roll-ups" into bites, I am never pleased with how the end pieces look. Rather than discard them, this time I was sure to just cut off a minimal amount from each end, and they became MY snack!

Give this a try next time your kids are hungry - you may even get a "thank you." I did!

Do your kids have a favorite snack?

Note: I previously had a version of this post published by Yahoo Contributor Network. On April 8, 2014, in a post on this blog I provided a link to that article.  Unfortunately, much of the YCN content that was published no longer exists on the Internet, but full rights were returned to the authors - so I thought I would republish the full recipe here today. 


This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog.  Check them out!

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month - Please Be Aware

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month.  I was not aware of this - or that the color teal represents finding a cure for ovarian cancer, until a friend of mine was dying of this devastating disease.

My teal ribbon 

My friend was married for 21 years, and she was the mother of two boys, ages 13 and 17.  Their family learned first-hand of how insidious and vague the onset of this cancer is - and how devastating it can be. The statistic that ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly cancers for women became all too real for them.  

My friend's sons understood that too little is known about this cancer. Even while their mother, critically ill, lay in a hospital bed, they helped organize and participated in a school assembly to increase awareness and fund raise to support research for a cure.  The school gym the day of the assembly (three years ago today) was crowded with many children and adults - our clothing creating a sea of teal.

I mentioned Ovarian Awareness month on the Facebook page of this blog earlier this month. To help spread awareness of this lesser known, but prevalent cancer, I am sharing that post again here. I encourage you to read the article by Melissa Ford, and educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of this devastating disease. Early detection greatly improves chances for survival.

4 Easy Things You Can Do Today for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

I often think of my friend, and I miss her greatly. I remember her beautiful black hair contrasting sharply with a red coat she sometimes wore - - but it is the color teal that I now most often associate with her. I will always admire how hard she fought to live for her boys - and how important it was to her that other women not share her fate.

I will be wearing my teal ribbon today.   
R - you are missed.

#whyteal: signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer from nocc

"TEAL: Take Early Action and Live!"
~National Ovarian Cancer Coalition


This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog.  Check them out!

Different Points-of-View

High School Soccer-Season in Montana Has Begun

This mountain is named "The Sleeping Giant" - can you see why? (Hint: he is resting on his back, and his nose is on the right!)

Soccer pictures usually include some green grass. But why just focus on the ground, when the backdrop to the game is as beautiful as this?

Actually - these are just the tops of some photos that I took during a match in Helena this week. I will be publishing the complete version of these photos in a future post, but I like the perspective these cropped pictures offer.

A reminder that it is good to look at life from different points-of-view!

Do You?

This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog.  Check them out!