You Can Never Have Too Much Happy

Rain on a metal roof...

The softest down bed...

Sweet, sweet comfort...

Adventures in beautiful places...

Bringing your beautiful little home on wheels with you...

Happy...

You can never have too much happy...

The perfect wine glass...

A wonderful magazine filled with adventures...

Pretty little flowers...silk or real...they are beautiful...

Peace...

Love...

Happiness...

You can never have too much happy...

Colorful scarves for curtains...

A lovely view on a gray and damp spring morning...

The smell of coffee perking in the little kitchen galley...

Bacon in the electric skillet...

A good book...

Bird song and cello music drifting on a soft breeze through the Airstream...

You can never have too much happy...

Pretty plants...

More colorful scarves...

Wind chimes...

Peacefulness...

Such peace brings happiness...

You can never have too much happy...

A favorite chair to curl up in...

Throw blankets and cushions...

Little tables and cotton tablecloths...

A special place to sit while sipping coffee...

A place to use the Ipad and computer...

Being removed from the chaos of everyday living,

doesn't mean cutting ourselves off from the world...

I love sitting here and reading inspiring blogs...

It feels good...

Peaceful...Happy...

You can never have too much happy...

Hippie gypsy lights with tassels...

An old futon and a feather down bed for seating...

A cotton duvet of many colors...

A sacred little space

roaming the universe...

That is 'happy'...

You can never have too much happy,

and I never want to forget that.

Happy blessings,

Yaya

Time Out

Sometimes you need to be alone...

Alone to reflect on life...

Take time out to take care of yourself...

You deserve it...

Pack up the Airstream and go...

Blessings

Yaya

Little Gypsy Dress and Pink Blossoms

It is made of the softest cotton,

and flutters in the springtime breeze like butterfly wings...

The little gypsy dress.

A soft spring rain brings magic to the garden...

Reflections in the water

of a beautiful little girl...

Dreaming...

She wants to camp in the Airstream

under the light of the stars and moon.

We're gathering and collecting our gypsy attire...

Our flowing dresses, bangles,

and magic shoes!

"This lifetime of yours...

Does it blossom?

Is it fun?

Does it glow at the center

like a miniature sun?

Does it find its own meaning

in the great scheme of things?

Is there joy in it?

Beauty?

Does your life have wings?"

Blessings

Yaya

Gypsy Love

My husband and I went junking,

looking for treasures to decorate the vintage Airstream...

This gorgeous oil painting will have its place, front and center...

It was there just waiting for us...

He found it for me,

and knew it would be love at first sight...

It is true 'Gypsy Love'...

I love the colors...

I feel its spirit.

I can hear the music...

I see the camp fire...

Gypsy Love...

This long and flowing silk skirt will be packed...

Worn with many bangles,

and sandals,  sparkling with jewels...

A shawl of the finest silk,

and fringe fluttering in a night breeze under the stars...

Far away...

Like roaming gypsies...

We will wander the land,

and sleep to the music of the desert...

Gypsy Love...

Bold and beautiful jewel tones...

Gypsy colors...

Fire and ice...

Gold and silver...

Reds and sunset pinks...

Sky blue, and burnt orange...

Elegant and gaudy...

Gypsy Love...

There is such comfort and elegance in a silky maxi dress..

Soft as baby skin...

I am packing for a trip,

and have no idea when or where we will go.

I love that feeling almost as much as the trip itself.

The perfect clothes to create the perfect mood...

The perfect music,

books,

food...

Collecting campfire and crock pot recipes...

The perfect decor in the Airstream...

Down bedding,

Linens of 100 % fine finished Egyptian cotton, so soft and silky.

Everything resonating with hippie gypsy love.

Peace...

Love...

Happiness...

Blessings,

Yaya

Dream Gypsys

I want to spend weeks and weeks

wandering....

Wandering through wide open spaces...

Just us, the dogs...

Good music...

Books...

A little wine under the stars and moonlight...

Living like beautiful gypsies, 

if only for a little while...

I want to wear long flowing silky maxie dresses,

long silk skirts, bejeweled sandals,

bangles on my arms, 

large hoop earrings...

Hippie Gypsy...

unfixed hair, long and messy...

A woman and her Airstream...

Dreaming and planning...

Decorating...

We will go back to New Mexico,

and feel the spirit in the air...

Colorado,

where the wild horses run,

California,

through the vineyards,

and redwoods,

arriving on a cliff in Elk,

looking out over the Pacific Ocean.

We will stay awhile,

and sip our wine on the empty beach,

like old gypsy hippies...

But first,

the Airstream must become a glamours camper...

A glamper with a chandelier,

down bedding...

'She' needs a name, too...

Maybe Dream Gypsy?

Dreaming and planning...

Dream your dreams,

then go out there and live your dreams.

Blessings

Yaya

Beyond the Sunset

She journeyed with angels

through Heaven's gate.

Sweet Mother of mine...

I thank you for giving us such a legacy...

Achievement...

Perfection...

Faith...

Laughter...

Music...

Love...

God...

Believe...

Travel...

Two piece suits and pearls...

Books...

Jewelry...the love of...

Flowers...

Gardening...

Family...

Southerness...

Front porch rockers...

White wicker and ferns...

Piano lessons and Sunday school...

And so, so much more...

Mother...

Wife...

Grandmother...

Teacher...

Friend...

My life was blessed by her presence,

and I have a heart full of gratitude.

An eternal source of inspiration....

"Swiftly we're turning life's daily pages...

How do I want each page to read?"

~KG~

Blessings...

Yaya

The Path of Life

 

The path of life

is ever changing...

It leads us where we are suppose to go.

I am at peace knowing that.

We have traveled the world,

but now it is time to settle in...

Into the countryside...

The old country house has become a haven of peace for me.

Always.

Even in the storm of Dementia.

My mother has been ill for sixteen years,

and has now come home to live out her days surrounded by family.

A sick mind can still be a caring mind...

A soulful mind...

A beautiful mind...

Dementia can be smiles,

in the mist of confusion...

Dementia can be kindness,

in the mist of agitation...

Dementia can be peaceful...

Surround the space with beauty...

Books, flowers, music, delicious healthy food...

Laughter.

 

It says in the Psalms,

"God has given us the power to reclaim calm

in times of adversity."

Exercise that power.

Don't give away your joy.

Joel Osteen

 

Today I choose peace and joy.

 

The windows are open...

The birds are singing,

and homemade vegetable soups simmers on the stove.

The ceiling fans slowly turn,

and the cello music drifts through the soft southern breeze.

It is all well with my soul.

 

Blessings

Yaya



December Blessings

Blessings are all around...

Blessings outnumber stress issues...

Good health...

Wonderful family...

Love...

Grace...Faith...God is good...

We (I) just need to focus on the positive...

And get busy...

Keep calm and carry on...

So, the dining room table is set for Christmas,

and that is IT...

But the garlands will be hung,

a tree will be decorated,

baking will begin,

hot mulled wine will soothe,

and all will be magical and well.

Thoughts from the country house on this frosty morn...

"Today will never come again.  Be a blessing.  Be a friend.

Encourage someone.

Take time to care.

Let your words heal, and your love shine."

"YOU have an assignment that nobody else can fulfill.

Someone needs your gifts,

your smile,

your love,

your passion.

YOU are part of a divine plan.

Know it, and believe...

Blessings,

Yaya

November List

So much to do...

Running here...

Running there...

Cleaning...

Decorating for Thanksgiving...

Planning the menu...

Finding the perfect turkey...smoked...twice...drizzled in honey.

Baked to perfection.

Finding the perfect ham...smoked...twice...drizzled in honey.

Baked to perfection.

Sweeping, sweeping, sweeping the porch every time the dogs go out.

I decided if I sweep the porch, the walk and part of the drive,

each time I am out with the three fur babies,

I can stay ahead of the leaves...

If not, just make a wreath.

Yes, a big fat wreath of leaves!

And always remember to be thankful...

As we move into the holiday season,

here are some thoughts from the country house...

Home should be a haven of peace and joy.

Laughter.

Good food.

Family.

Love.

Kindness.

Encouragement.

Gentle speech.

Serving and helping one another.

Respect.

Home must nurture mind, body and spirit...

I want our old country house to be a gathering place...

A place filled with love,

and a place where great memories are made.

Blessings

Yaya

I DECLARE...Day Thirteen

I DECLARE

that God is bringing about new seasons of growth.

I will not get stagnant

and hold on to the old.

I will be open to change

knowing that God has something

better in front of me.

New doors of opportunity,

new relationships,

and new levels of favor are in my future.

This is my declaration.

Joel Osteen

Blessings

Yaya

I Declare...Day Twelve

I DECLARE
I am special and
extraordinary.
I am not average!
I have been custom made.
I am one of a kind.
Of all the things God created,
what HE is most proud of is me.
I am his masterpiece,
his most prized possession.
I will keep my head held high,
knowing I am a child of the most high God,
made in his very image.
This is my declaration.

Joel Osteen

Blessings
Yaya

Appreciation

"Appreciation can make a day...

Even change a life...

Your willingness to put it into words

is all that is necessary."

Margaret Cousins

If someone has done something for you,

make them feel appreciated.

It matters...

It makes a difference...

A smile...

Kindness...

A simple thank you...

A hug...

Flowers...

An 'I Love You'...

A card...

Let them know...

It could lift someone up,

and make all the difference in the world...

Thank you, God,

for the rain,

and every single blessing you have given me.

Blessings

Yaya

Stay in Peace

Don't be upset

and caught up with things or people

you

cannot change.

Instead,

let go

and 

concentrate on what you CAN change.

Things that enhance your life.

You deserve to be happy.

As you journey along your own path,

remember to lend a helping hand

to those who cannot help themselves...

Old folks...

Little children...

Make a difference along the way

if you can.

Stand strong, and beautiful

in faith and grace.

Stay in peace.

Blessings

Yaya

Surround Yourself in Peacefulness.

Today,

be sure to surround yourself

with peaceful people

and only allow into your space

those that respect your time...

Bless all,

and keep making life beautiful,

one little space at a time.

Seek inspiration,

and wisdom,

and people who lift you up.

Share your peace,

and your beauty,

and your inspiration.

Even if you inspire just one,

you have done a good deed.

Blessings...

Yaya

Angels Among Us

Do you talk to your angels?

Do you believe?

And so it is that I believe

our angels walk with us

as we experience the great unity of 

ALL THAT IS.

Blessings

Yaya

That Peaceful Little Place

A few roses,

a fairy or two,

angels among us,

fountains splashing,

birdsong,

my morning coffee in quiet solitude...

Carry on and face the day.

Isn't grace a beautiful thing?...

Walking in grace,

and strength,

with God,

along my life path that God has directed.

It's a beautiful thing.

I need my peaceful little place...

That place where I can go,

soak in the tranquility,

and come away feeling blessed and strong.

Blessings

Yaya

Life Is Beautiful, No Matter What...

Life is beautiful,

no matter what...

If not,

then make it so.

I refuse to submit to the stresses of life.

Instead,

I strive to make life beautiful,

no matter what.

Yoga, peaceful music,

little water fountains everywhere,

roses, flowers,

books, good coffee,

a glass of wine on the porch at sunset,

the smell of supper cooking,

grandangels, family,

visits with friends,

garden parties,

picnics,

a walk in the woods...

The list is long,

but if we seek,

life gives us so much.

I choose beauty over stress.

Blessings...

Yaya

Ponderings

Nothing ever goes away

until it teaches us what we need to know...

Smile,

Breathe

And go slowly...

YOU

are the child of an almighty king - 

A child of God!

Yes, 

YOU!

Blessings...

Yaya

Blessings On This Mother's Day From the Country House

Mothers and Grandmothers are forever.

'Mother' is just another name for love.

Mothers are the bearers of tradition.

"I thank God for my mother and my grandmothers

who stood on the word of God

and lived with the spirit

of courage and grace."

Maya Angelou

A mother's love

is like no other love in the world.

It takes but one woman to make a home.

Mother.

Mom.

Mama.

Remembering childhood visions...

My mother's smile.

My grandmother's porch.

Their love.

Their laughter.

As a mother,

teach your child to dream.

"Life is what we make it.

Always has been;

Always will be."

Grandma Moses

May your Mother's Day be filled with blessings.

Yaya

Country House in Bloom

We have been so blessed to travel the world,

always work related,

and we are grateful and love the adventures,

but returning home to the country house

is truly one of the greatest blessings of all.

I love this old house in the countryside,

and miss it terribly when I'm away.

I love walking barefoot over the old wood floors,

ceiling fans slowly turning,

the smell of morning coffee,

and the singing birds.

Everything is so green from so much rain,

and the blooms are bursting with color.

Oh so pretty...

I love my south in the springtime.

Roses and English Dogwood

The smell is divine.

They make the most lovely arrangements...

A few roses and a crystal vase...

Oh so beautiful.

Simple and ever so elegant.

Today's thoughts from the country house...

"At the end of the day, 

the only questions I will ask myself are...

Did I love enough?

Did I laugh enough?

Did I make a difference?"

"Choose your words carefully,

wrap them in love,

and create a masterpiece 

in the hearts of people in your life."

And on a last note...

"One thing that doesn't go out of style...

Being fabulous!"

Isn't that great inspiration?!!

I love collecting wonderful and inspiring thoughts,

and words of wisdom...

And passing it onward 

out into the big great universe.

Blessings...

Yaya

Red Bird, Oh Beautiful Little Red Bird

How pretty you are,

sitting up in the tree

singing for me.

You take my breath away,

you really do.

And your song...

Oh how I love your beautiful song.

Oh beautiful red bird,

please come into my courtyard

and stay a while with me.

 You will find water for bathing,

and all the food you can eat...

There is no better way to celebrate spring,

than with my fine-feathered friends.

Every bird feeder has been cleaned and filled.

The bird bath gets fresh water everyday.

My south is full of blooms and song birds.

Have a blessed and beautiful day.

Yaya

Happiness Is...

Happiness is...

Walking in faith everyday,

knowing that God has given us this day,

just the way it is,

for a reason.

Happiness is...

Kissed by spring

and angel glow,

yellow blooms

and butterfly wings...

A rainbow flower garden

filled with the magic that only a fairy can bring...

Happiness is...

The trickle of a bamboo water fountain

and distant zen music floating in the air...

A wood flute...

Wind chimes...

Birdsong and grandangels...

And so it is

that

happiness is

all the things above

and so much more.

Blessings

Yaya

Sick Little Grandangels, Dress Up, and Strawberry Cake

Spring is almost here,

and we dream of planting a rainbow flower garden...

We dream from the fluffy, down bedding...

We dream by the warmth of the fireplace.

It's chilly outside,

and baby girl is sick.

Baby brother, too.

We play dress up...

We read...

We take pictures...

We have tea parties...

We nap...

And we bake...

Strawberry Cream Cake.

It's so pink...

It's so fresh...

It's so perfect.

Thought for the day...

"There is no spot of ground,

however arid,

bare or ugly,

that cannot be tamed into such 

a state as may give an impression of beauty

and delight."

Gertrude Jekyll

Blessings

Yaya