There is no failure except in no longer trying. ~Elbert Hubbard, American writer from Illinois
When is the “right time” for pulling the plug on an experiment?
Author Archives: Debbie
(Nearly) Wordless Wednesday
Watching the corn grow is part of an Illinois summer.
Here’s what one field looked like on June 6 of this year:
And, just three weeks later, on June 28:
In case you’re wondering, I measured one of the errant stalks:
A strapping three feet! And it’s not even the Fourth of July yet!
Sunday’s Gem — Amethyst
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ~Albert Einstein
The word Amethyst comes from old Greek words for “not” and “intoxicated.”
Amethyst beads, 6 mm round
This purple, lilac, or mauve quartz, you see, was supposed to guard against drunkenness and instill a sober mind. Ancient Greeks and Romans studded their goblets with Amethyst for just that reason.
Sticky Business
Don’t smother each other. No one can grow in the shade. ~Leo Buscaglia, American author and motivational speaker
Tell me I’m witty, clever, and pretty.
Tell me I make your world whole.
Tell me you love me, say it out loud.
Buy me more flowers and gold.
Take me with you whenever you can.
Call me from work every day.
Surprise me with baubles, trinkets, and such.
Never neglect me in any way.
They don’t call me diva for nothing, you know.
I’m needy, demanding, and rare.
I expect your attention, presence, and heed.
My pleasure, your only care.
(Some people are just like honeysuckle vines
And won’t stand on their own two feet.)
Reply to my texts the minute you see them.
Answer my calls when I ring.
Don’t make plans with your friends on Saturday night,
Only to me shall you cling.
I don’t like fishing or sports or hunting,
Don’t bore me with lifting weights.
Your job is simple: make sure I’m happy,
And the wolf’s away from the gates.
High maintenance? Yes, but I’m worth it, you know,
What else would you do with your time?
Look how much pleasure I bring to your life.
Without me, you’re not worth a dime.
(Are you sure you want such a sticky bond?
I’d beat a path ‘cross the street!)
Note: I’ve known people like this, haven’t you? They’re clingy and demanding; nothing but complete adoration will keep them satisfied (and even that sometimes isn’t enough).
Where’s the Sweetness in Parting?
The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The next best time is now. ~Chinese proverb
Perhaps nothing illustrates the passage of time more than looking back and realizing where you were and what you were doing two decades ago.
On the Job
Patience is also a form of action. ~Auguste Rodin, French sculptor
Meet my newest ally in an ongoing Battle against the Critters:
Fake Snake
Like Rabbits
There is much in the world to make us afraid. There is much more in our faith to make us unafraid. ~Frederick W. Cropp, Presbyterian pastor, United States
On edge.
Alert.
Waiting for
The other shoe to drop.
We tiptoe through Life
Like rabbits.
Afraid
Of what hides in the dark
Or what’s right before us.
Saturated with bad news —
Stormy weather,
Senseless shootings,
Poverty, and disease.
Who put us in charge?
Much remains outside
Our control.
We do the best we can
With what we can
For as long as we can
And leave the rest
To a Higher Power.
Trembling but trusting
Like the rabbits do.
Sunday’s Gem — Turquoise
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ~Albert Einstein
The name Turquoise comes from the French expression for “Turkish stone” in recognition of trade routes that brought this sky blue to blue- or yellow-green beauty to Europe from Asia via Turkey.
Reconstituted Turquoise beads (means they’ve been treated to eliminate the stone’s natural softness, brittleness, and porousness)
Wordless Wednesday
Exercise — you’re doing it wrong!
Pretty Peonies
Peonies
Long lived balls of fluff
Sun-loving perennials
Too bad they draw ants.
Note: These fragrant beauties are Peonies, which come in just about every color except blue. Ants feed on the sweet nectar of the buds and don’t harm the plant, or so the experts say. Best for growing zones 3-8.
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 