Life Lessons


"Figuring out our gifts in life is part of our journey to becoming enlightened human beings.” – Allison DuBois

Sunday, April 12, 2020

All We Need is Love

Song - Have I Told You Lately That I Love You by Van Morrison




When my oldest son and daughter-in-law were married in our garden several years ago, we had these little paper floats that had a candle in them and at dusk we asked everyone to write a wish for the married couple and then float it in our pool.  It was lovely.....and it feels like people are showing more kindness and love to their neighbors and even strangers right now.  A nod of the head or wave from a stranger with gloves and a mask on says "We are in this together and I hope you are safe".

Saturday, April 11, 2020

Hippity Hoppity

Song - Peter Cottontail by Gene Autry




Wishing you all a very safe and happy Easter however you choose to celebrate. Our family is having a virtual brunch with each couple making two dishes.  We will zoom together with well wishes and a mimosa toast and then dig in.  The above photo is of me in 1955 at my grandparents home in Oakland. Gotta love the purse!

Thursday, April 9, 2020

Here's to Hearts

Song - My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion cover by Karolina Protsenko



Yesterday I took a lovely walk with my buddy Jill. Now most of you know I haven't been out much in the last 7 months due to respiratory issues.  But taking a stroll around the neighborhood sounded perfect.  We were walking over a bridge and I saw these colorful little hearts.




 This one looks like a bird flying to its nest filled with eggs and love.






The hearts were on both sides of the bridge.  Most of them were giving thanks to doctors and nurses.



But most were a reminder about love and caring for our community.  I was delighted to stumble upon them!


Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Paris Painting Returns to Paris (Kind of)

Song - Little French Song by Carla Bruni



I had a happy surprise several months ago when a woman named Isabelle contacted me through my painting website.  She was wondering about purchasing a painting that I did a number of years ago.  Unfortunately that specific painting had sold several years ago so besides making sure she was legit and not some hacker, I did my research and put on my thinking cap.  Isabelle has a French language business in Paris and she is a tutor.  She wanted my painting for her website. 

Here was my solution.....anything sent to Paris would be incredibly expensive to send and since she only needed an image of this painting (which I still own the copyright on) I offered to send her a high resolution copy for a nominal fee while the money transaction would go through PayPal.  She was very happy with that idea and the most charming thing is that we still email each other every few weeks wondering how each of us is dealing in this time of craziness!

If you would like to take a French language class in Paris or on Skype her contact is here:

https://french-in-paris.com/


Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Checking In

Song - Everlasting Arms by Playing for Change - Song Around the World




Hello there little beauty!  I do mean you.....

Just wanted to check in to see how you are coping with all that is happening in our world right now.  Are you able to find something to do at home that fills you up?  Or are you bouncing from one project to the next due to lack of focus?  Are all of your closets and drawers clean and orderly? Have you been cooking up a storm or baking?

I am a little of all of the above.

Hang in there...we will get through this together!

Saturday, April 4, 2020

Living Alone

Song - I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry by James Taylor & Keb' Mo'





There are times during this SIP when it can be pretty lonely especially if you live alone.  Think about connecting with a neighbor, friend or loved one during this time.  Write a note, send a card, bring by some flowers in a Mason jar, call them or better yet FaceTime with them as it is great fun to see and hear the other person.  Hopefully share a laugh!

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Singing Your Heart Out

Song - All My Loving by Paul McCartney






Several years ago we rented a home in Idaho right on the Snake River. Every morning and every afternoon this little bird would hang out on the deck singing like no one was watching.  

Such joy in a tiny package!

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Two Pots

Song - Loch Lomond by The Corries




Mr. B eating his Beef Pot Pie and Mash in a little cozy pub in Luss, Scotland.  It was pouring rain that day and the pub in our hotel had a fire going and a great wine list as well as some very delicious food. Luss is a small village on the west side of Loch Lomond.  After lunch we walked around the village and visited the small church and graveyard while our umbrellas were turned inside out.  They had several Viking graves from the 1200's. Just image that!

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Support

Song - Lean on Me - Playing for Change - Song Around the World






Just checking in on you.....are you coping?  How are your loved ones?

I have been trying to bring you beautiful images from my garden or from trips I have taken.  Reading and music take me away when I am in my bubble at home. The music that has been inspiring me lately is from a group of musicians - Playing for Change


"Playing For Change is a movement created to inspire and connect the world through music. The idea for this project came from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people."

"These musicians come from many different countries and cultures, but through music they speak the same language."

These quotes are from their website which you can find HERE.

Friday, March 27, 2020

oh là là

Song - Brise napolitaine





Photo taken at Ladurée during one of our Paris trips.  Does anyone know the name of the pastry with the big lips?  Hope you are baking your hearts off at home if you are so inclined!

Thursday, March 26, 2020

New Exhibit



I paint with a group of amazing women artists and occasionally we hang exhibits together. 
After waiting 2-3 years for a show at the Orinda Library Gallery BASA's name finally came up.
We were due to hang on March 31st and then the pandemic hit.
So with Covid-19 on everyone's mind we decided to take what we have been working so hard on and give you a virtual show. How creative is that!
Here is the link: Click Me!
During this stressful time I hope our video gives you a moment to relax.
Stay well......Jeanette

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

SIP

Song - Gimme Shelter by The Rolling Stones





I know we are Sheltering In Place right now but Mr. B and I had a doggie to deliver to our son & his girlfriend who just returned home from St. Thomas.  We were very careful to not come in contact with anyone. We dropped Chewy's supplies off in the front yard and called from our car to let them know we were there. I dropped Chewy's leash and he dashed into his home without giving us a backward glance. I have to say it did me a world of good to get out of the house and watch the clouds, rain, newly planted crops, bright yellow mustard, many hawks and even a dusting of snow on some of the higher mountain tops. Nature gives me hope.....

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Sail Away

Song - Sail Away by David Gray





The boat cart in the Luxembourg Gardens.  

It's always a tough decision to figure out what color boat and sail you would like. 
Usually it's the one your sister just chose!!!

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Devonshire

Song - Carolina in My Mind by James Taylor cover by Chase & Sierra Eagleson








Bishops Nympton is a village in North Devon, England where my grandmother Violet was born.  It was so lush and beautiful when Mr. B and I spent time there in the spring of 2017.

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Proper Distancing

Song - Mother Goose by Jethro Tull



Above - This is NOT proper social distancing....




...and this is PROPER social distancing!


The geese have been enjoying our roof as well as our neighbors.

Here comes Spring!



Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Home

Song - Our House by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young





I thought "Home" was a bit of a softer post title than "Lock-down".  We have enough food, music, connection through social media, good books, dreams, birdsong, creative spirit, water, movies, sunlight and rain.  In fact we are blessed. I get occasional phone calls from family and friends checking in.

So I thought to lighten the mood, I would post some calming photos that I have taken through the years for the next few weeks or so.  My wish is for you to remember to look to nature and beauty to sooth your soul.

Above is a flowering quince that blooms in early April right next to our mail box.  I wonder if it delights our mail carrier when she drops off our mail?

Be well friends....

Friday, March 13, 2020

One Year of Giggles

Song - Teach Your Children by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young



Guess who has had one whole year of discoveries?


My grandson Henry!



He discovered that mommy is pretty cozy....



....and that naps can be refreshing.....



He discovered his tongue....





...and that playing in the pool is great fun!



He discovered his daddy will always have his back.



And he discovered baseball and football.....




...and that Lake Tahoe can be quite cold!





He discovered that sometimes people go away.....




...and boy is it fun when they return!










He discovered that both of his grandpa's are loving and fun!






And that hair cuts don't really hurt....




...and that Pat the Bunny is the best book ever!




He discovered his love for Great-Grandma Betty...



..and how to be gentle with flowers thanks to Grandma J.






He discovered food sometimes has a funny texture.....



...and that he isn't quite ready for a girlfriend yet!!!


For right now mommy will be my girlfriend....forever!




He discovered he has a very cool and funny uncle....





...and that he has a very loving family!



But you know the most important thing he discovered this year?







He discovered what happens when you go to sleep with damp hair....it's a riot in the morning!



"Love you to the moon and back Henry"

--Grandma J
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