Team Up Thursday ~ For Grandma

Thursday crept up on both my Team Up Thursday partner and I today. Kristina told me this morning that someone she was close enough to call “Grandma” passed away this week and she’s sad about it. I’m so sorry Kristina.

So no picture from Kristina today but in her honor I’m going to post my photo. The theme is “Landscapes.” It’s for her and for all grandmas out there.

It’s raining today – hard. God’s crying with you Kristina.

No Team Up Thursday here but you can see more at Melody and Megan’s.

Just Call Me Heloise ~ Chopping Garlic

I was at a very nice charity event a couple of weeks ago. Of all the photos I took, this was my favorite. Though it’s perfectly innocent, it does make Jeremy look like he’s doing something naughty.

But what I really want to show you the kitchen tip I picked up that day. I’ve never chopped garlic this way before and you may do this already…and if you do, then humor me ok?

After you peeled your garlic, chop it with a humongous meat cleaver. It will help you release your frustrations and pulverize that garlic to a pulp.

But before you pulverize it too much, add this …

… coarse sea salt.

Chop that salt right into the garlic. It will give it a nice crunchy texture.

Then add the mixture to the sauce for baked ziti … and I’m in heaven!

Bon appetite!

September 30, Pipe Dream

Though the smell of cigarette smoke makes me ill, I like the smell of pipe smoke. The fact that it was 9 am and this man was so content with his pipe and his coffee makes me think that he is probably in the midst of living a  life-after-work.

He was also dressed to the nines. It’s a through back from another time.

September 29, Annabel Lee

I came upon this couple and asked if I could take their photo. They kissed. Sigh.

For some reason I’m reminded of the poem Annabel Lee by Edgar Allen Poe. Though it’s a sad and haunting poem, the line, “a kingdom by the sea, and they loved with a love that was more than love” stood out to me when I saw this photo.

Edited with Topaz Adjust and TRA’s Pool Party with a vignette.

What’s Out Your Window #3

It’s time for What’s Out Your Window #3! This is the last of the series.

Leave a link in Mr. Linky for two entries to win a 24×36 Hello Canvas canvas! I want to see what you see…

Become a Facebook fan of LifeSignatures for an additional entry. Leave me a comment to let me know you did!

Follow Hello Canvas for another entry. Leave me a comment to let me know you did!

If you want to know a little more about this little giveaway then click here. Hello Canvas is a great company that offers a great product and they want to give one to you. Come on in, the water’s fine!

Those of you who linked for the two previous What’s Out Your Window posts – thank you! They are fantastic shots. I love looking through them! You’ve just increased your chances at getting your hands on a GREAT product! If you want to see them too, just click on the respective photos in the sidebar.

This giveaway ends on Tuesday, October 5 when Mr. Linky will be closed.

p.s. Do you see the moon in the above photo?

iHeart Chalk

This is my contribution to iHeartfaces theme – chalk. There aren’t any faces visible so I hope it doesn’t disqualify me:) And I did post this before, a year ago…I hope that doesn’t disqualify me either.

This is as rebellious this old soul gets anymore folks.

All but one of these neighborhood girls are now in first grade. I remember when they were babies, were born, or came home to her adoptive family for the first time. Seeing them grow so fast makes me really appreciate the passing of time.

See more chimerical chalk shots (say that three times fast) at iHeartfaces.

It’s A Pug’s World

For some reason my weekend was filled with the squished faces of these pugs and boxers. They are so happy in their own skins, not caring that what they look like or what others may think of them.

I want to be a pug in my next life.

Or rather in keeping with my theology, I know there are pugs in heaven.

Posted on Mosaic Monday.

The Fall Of Her Life

The girl has had her share of falls off horses. She started riding seriously when she was nine years old and I can count on both hands the amount of falls she’s had. I’ve witnessed some of the falls and though they were scary, she always seems to metaphorically land on her feet. And each and every time, she would get right back on.

But the fall two Saturdays ago was a little bit different. She was moving very slowly when she got in the car and confessed she had another fall.

She complained of a bad headache, nausea and body soreness. I wasn’t there for the fall, but apparently she didn’t land well. She had a little sore spot on her head.

We kept an eye on her but the symptoms got worse, and worse. I’m a worrier and so I worried.

I took her to the doctor and the doctor was worried too. One CT scan, a thoracic x-ray and one pain killer prescription later, she had a clean bill of health even though she didn’t feel healthy.

She finally felt well enough to go to school last Friday. In spite of not practicing for field hockey at all, she decided she was well enough to run a 5k with her field hockey team last Saturday. She finished and seemed not the worse for wear. But then she wanted to go to the farm. I told her that her body was tired whether she felt it or not. She had permission to go to the farm but she can’t ride. And if she insisted on riding, then I wasn’t going to take her.

I knew her trainer would not like it because the equitation season was near. And sure enough, she didn’t and said so. I usually jump when Miss Tina speaks but in this case, I played the mom card.

She had a full night of sleep and we all decided that the emergency has passed. But I still was cautious so I stayed for her lesson yesterday when these photos were taken. She rode beautifully, and Ella behaved herself.

I don’t remember feeling this concerned about a fall. I don’t know if it’s because I had an emotional week. Or maybe I was just being hormonal.

Moms, unite! Please tell me I’m not an over-cautious nimrod.

September 27, No Trash

Just your manure please…

Hey, happy Monday!

September 25 – A Shot In The Dark

This bright yellow flower stood out amongst the jumble of weeds. Make your essence stand out today, take a stand and do something kind for someone.

Oh September, where are you going so fast?

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