Did you ever know that you're my hero...

Happy birthday, Dad. You're always in my thoughts and prayers...

I love you very dearly, Donna Doo

Mother's Day...

 Happy Mother's Day, everyone!

 (click any photos to enlarge)

 Just a little rambling post today... 

This is one of a small collection of Mother Mottos/Samplers I've purchased over the years since losing my mom in 1996 (I think I have a total of about eight).

Every once in a while I'm drawn to something that reminds me of my mom, so I have a small collection of Mother Mottos and books. I purchased this particular little book about 12 years ago on eBay. It was a very well read copy of "Mother" by Edgar Guest  (I already had a small collection of his poetry books, but this one appealed to me because it was all Mother poems).

This book has a place of honor on one of the shelves in our family room bookcase.

It's hardly a pristine version, but I've come to realize how that makes it all the more special. And perhaps because of this book I am all the more drawn to aged, well used, worn, vintage pieces.

I'm so ashamed of myself, though, when I think of my original reaction to this book. Although I knew when I purchased it that it was old and used, when I actually received it, I was so disappointed. The condition of the book was much shabbier than I had expected. 

I contacted the eBay seller, letting her know of my disappointment. She sent me the loveliest email, telling me the history of this lovely little book and a bit about the life of her amazing grandmother who had owned and loved this book. After reading the entire email (much longer than what I have shown above), I came to realize what a treasure I was holding in my hands. This was a prized possession of a very special lady, and I feel very connected to this book. The seller ended by offering me my money back if I was unhappy with my purchase. Needless to say, I kept this little gem and left her glowing feedback. 

I also printed her email and tucked it into the front of the book so I will always be reminded, in all situations, to never judge a book by its cover.

(copyright 1925, the year before my mother was born)

When I came into my office this morning, this card was laying on top of my keyboard from my Amanda. I absolutely LOVE it, both the image and the quotation!. Amanda, who is both an avid writer and reader, tells me it is because I read to she and her sister every night when they were growing up. I have to admit, it was my absolute favorite time of each day. (A bit later today we will be getting together with Courtney. I can't wait!)

 This card will be tacked to the bulletin board next to my desk which contains (in addition to work items) mostly sentimental materials (photos, the girls' artwork, cards, etc.) As a matter of fact, the b&w card in the center is another card Amanda gave me a few years back of a mother reading to her two little girls! An old Mother's motto that hangs beneath my mom's painting (painted by Amanda in college) reads:

FOR  MOTHER

This is my loving Wish for you...

A flower-lined path Your whole Life through.

Isn't that the sweetest sentiment and painting?

So, my dear sweet Mom, Happy Mother's Day to you! You will always be our beloved Mom, Nana, and always our beautiful Galway Girl... 

We all love you so very much!

Love, Donna

Love is in the air...

Love Story #1

You've probably seen and heard updates on Sam, the koala... but just in case you haven't...


Sam is the koala who was rescued from the Australian wildfires.


(photo by Mark Parden, AP)
She made international headlines after appearing in this touching photo (sipping bottled water being offered to her by Australian firefighter David Tree).


Volunteers lovingly tend to her burned paws, and she is expected to make a full recovery.



This little chap, Bob, was also rescued from the fires and and he happens to be recuperating at the same facility as Sam.

And now it appears that love is in the air (how fitting for Valentine's week!). Bob, it seems, has fallen hard for Sam and they've become quite inseparable. He has taken on the role of Sam's protector, often sitting with his arm around her. Ain't love grand? (And is this not the sweetest photo ever? Just look at those fuzzy little ears!)

Love Story #2

(click photo to watch 2 minute video)

This story made the rounds last month, so you may have already heard about Tarra (the elephant) and Bella (the dog) who live at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. But if you haven't, you must click on the photo to watch this very short video about a very special love story!

Love comes in all shapes and sizes; love sees beauty everywhere; love does not discriminate; love is unconditional. We can learn so much about love by observing animals!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!!!

Donna

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Update to Comments... Thank you ALL for leaving such precious comments! My dad, who isn't of the computer generation, saw his "birthday blog post" on my computer after supper tonight, and he got the biggest kick out of the fact that people who don't even know him took the time to leave such sweet messages/birthday wishes!! Thank you all - so much - for making his birthday all the more special!!!!! ...Donna


Doesn't he look cute out on the deck last night? The apple doesn't fall far from the tree... Look what he's holding - a peanut for Sammy Squirrel or Chip! He's a regular animal lover, and looks forward to the little critters visiting him when we eat out on the deck every night...


And here is is with the girls a couple of years ago... A mutual admiration society, I'd say!!


And here I am, with mom and dad, many, many years ago!

"Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog."

~ Sidney Jeanne Seward

This is one of the most touching photos I have of my dad... Dad absolutely loved our Mr. O'Malley - and vice versa. They were best buddies. Ever since Mom died about 12 years ago, Dad has come over for dinner most nights. Malley would always plunk himself down next to dad, knowing handouts from him were a sure bet. That, of course, earned Dad "top dog" spot in Malley's eyes... Here is Dad, saying his last goodbye to his buddy, the night before O'Malley had to be put to sleep last September... There are so many emotions attached to this ph0to, but most of all love...


No, they don't make them like you anymore, Dad... You are one in a million and we all love you so much!

Love, Donna