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!

Boats in Paris

Song - I Love Paris by Cole Porter cover by Avalon Jazz Band

A beautiful little girl sailing her boat in the Luxembourg Gardens.

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!

Chanda mama

Song - Chada mama by Song Around the World - Playing for Change

Chada mama is moon in India

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!

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!

Little Bit

Song - A Little Bit of Love by Jack Johnson, John Cruz and Friends

My little bit of love is my grandson Henry.  This is a photo of Henry helping his daddy cook breakfast last week.  Such joy!

Remember When?

Song - I Won't Give Up by Jason Mraz

"The Picnic" (Holyday) by James Tissot

Just remembering the good old days.....(sigh)

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.

Song Around the World

Song - Gimme Shelter - cover by Playing for Change - Song Around the World

If you don't normally click on the songs at the top of my posts, please click on this one.  

It will lift up your heart - J

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!

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

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.....

4G

Song - Grandpa by The Judds

A page from my fourth Great-grandfathers sketchbook - July 8th, 1839.

I just love genealogy!

Fifty Shades of Gray

Song - Dream Weaver by Chase & Sierra Eagleson

Stark raving magnificent......Lake Tahoe!

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!!!

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.

In the Air

Song - In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins cover by Sierra Eagleson

After a few days of rain we have been seeing some amazing cloud colors and formations.

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!

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....