Photography

A Charlie Guest Post: Malaphors

/ Jodi / 58 Comments
charlie daisies

Charlie Stopping to Smell the Daisies

On a little walk the other day,
Mom made me pose for a
“Stop and Smell the Daisies” photo.

Now, I know I am only a dog,
but isn’t the saying supposed to be
“Stop and Smell the Roses?”

Daisies don’t even really smell that good.
I guess they are kinda pretty if you’re into flowers
and that kind of stuff….

But when on walks,
I’m a sniffin’ for rabbits and chipmunks
and squirrels and deer.

I’d rather smell what another dog
left behind for me to find.
Now THAT is a smell worth stopping for!

Daisies are for “pushing up,”
and that is NOT
a place I want to go.

I think Mom better
“Wake up and smell the Bacon!”
(which I think smells much better than COFFEE!)

Hey – Did you ever imagine a handsome dog like me
was smart enough to understand malaphors too – eh?!
Heck – Mom just learned that word herself!

Woofs & Wags,
Charlie

Charlie is an adopted dog with brown eyes and a white-tipped tail who brings joy and laughter to his family and friends.  Charlie is a gifted writer, raving food critic, cat, chipmunk, and donut lover, and exceptionally photogenic model.  Some of his best friends are Mike the UPS Man, Cliff the Mailman, and ANYONE who delivers pizza to the house.   If you would like to read more guest posts by Charlie, simply type “Charlie” into the Search box at the top right hand corner of this link: https://lifeinbetween.me/.   If you would enjoy a companion like Charlie, please consider pet adoption.

Life’s Curve Balls

/ Jodi / 58 Comments

Bridge Curve Kiskiminetas River Monochrome Black and White

Life’s Curve Balls

They often sneak up or crash in on us,
and they can try to trick us up.

but if we know how to respond,
and if we ready ourselves for them…

they can result in home runs!

Embrace life’s curve balls.

 

Father’s Day makes me think of the curve balls life can throw us,
but it also reminds me of how special life can be
if we take that swing – in a leap of faith – and give it our all.

Happy Father’s Day Dad – What a Difference You’ve Made in My Life! ❤

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Truths from the Tree

/ Jodi / 52 Comments
truth from trees nature lessons maple tree mars pa

Maple Tree, Mars, PA

Truths from the Tree

Stand tall and proud,
and reach for the sunlight.

Grow deep roots where you are planted,
and you will be braced and secure from threatening winds.

When those winds do blow,
bend and be flexible, and you will survive.

Stretch out your arms far and wide,
and welcome those that rest in your shade.

Delight in sharing with nature’s creatures
with nests and burrows and nourishment.

When your life is over,
give back to what gave life to you.

This is in follow-up to yesterday’s post – Reflections from the River – and a continuation in Lessons from Nature.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Pure

Reflections from the River

/ Jodi / 60 Comments
Kiskiminetas River lifeinbetween.me

Kiskiminetas River, Pittsburgh, PA

Reflections from the River

Still water grows stagnant…
keep moving.

Enjoy the journey…
it’s not always about the destination.

A single rock thrown…
can cause a ripple effect far beyond its initial target.

Sometimes what is reflected back from us…
is bigger and better than we are – so shine on.

It is hard work to traverse against the current…
but it is possible, and it is often worth it.

Hubby and I took a little boat ride Friday evening down the Kiskiminetas River – a peaceful little body of water that flows into the Allegheny River near Pittsburgh, PA.   With the sweet scent of honeysuckle still in my nose, I’ve been reflecting on the many lessons we can learn from the river.  Nature has so much to teach us if only we take the time to listen.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Pure

Life and Hope

/ Jodi / 64 Comments

Lane

My son snagged this amazing shot with his iPhone down the lane to our home one evening this week when the clouds were rolling in.

I love the beauty of the lush green “life,” the bright blue sky of “hope,” and the looming “sadness’ in the darkness under the puffy white clouds.

It reminded me of a dear friend who has been on my mind constantly lately who is going through a difficult period while she tends to her parents’ needs at her father’s journey at end of life.

It made me think of life and hope and sadness and how we all deal with all of it every day – –  often every moment of the day.

The lyrics of one of my all-time favorite songs came to mind, and I want to share them here for my sweet friend, Bub:

If the sky above you
Grows dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind begins to blow
Keep you head together
And call my name out loud
Soon you’ll hear me knocking at you door
You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I’ll come running to see you again

 

May we all find cherished moments of life and hope in times of darkness and sadness.
And may we all find comfort in friendship to get us through.

We may not be close enough in geographic proximity to literally always show up and knock on the door, but we can reach out in so many other ways to be there for each other.

Be life and hope in someone’s darkness today.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Bloody Mary Beef Pot Roast

/ Jodi / 50 Comments

bloody mary beef pot roast 1

Last weekend was unseasonably rainy and chilly here in Mars, so comfort food was in order for Sunday supper.

I had recently read a recipe KR posted on AnotherFoodieBlogger for Bloody Mary Beef Stew and was inspired to use up a bottle of Bloody Mary Mix I had in the fridge that I bought on a whim a while back when in the mood for that particular cocktail I only hanker for occasionally.

bloody mary beef pot roast

Here is what I came up with, and it was a definite HIT with my guys here.  Served with some homemade mashed potatoes (which I haven’t made in forever) just sealed the deal.  Enjoy!

Bloody Mary Beef Pot Roast

Ingredients:bloody mary beef pot roast 1

  • 2 1/2 – 3 lb. beef chuck roast
  • 2 cups bloody mary mix (your favorite)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • A shot of two of vodka (or not – whatever you like)
  • 1 head (or bunch) celery, chopped, including some of the leaves
  • 1 large sweet vidalia onion, chopped
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp fresh rosemary, minced
  • 1 Tbsp horseradish
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil

In a large skillet, saute celery, onion, and garlic (the heavenly trinity!) in olive oil for a few minutes until softened and turning translucent.  Add salt and pepper to taste, rosemary, and horseradish, and continue sauteing for a few more minutes until you start to get some little brown bits.

Make room for the beef roast in the center and brown on both sides along with the veggies.  Once the meat is browned, pour all into crockpot.

Combine bloody mary mix, water, and vodka and pour over all.  Cook on high for approximately 6 hours or until beef begins to fall apart with the touch of a fork.  Break apart and stir shredded meat into sauce.  Cook on low another hour if time allows.

Serve with mashed potatoes and a salad or vegetable side dish.  It also tastes yummy on buns as a sandwich (which we had the next day).

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

I Have Officially Become a Bird Nerd

/ Jodi / 88 Comments
purple finch

Curious the Purple Finch, Mars, PA

I have to admit I have officially become a “bird nerd!”

After sharing Happy, My Blue Bird of Happiness yesterday (well officially an Indigo Bunting, but I like to give most everyone a name), and sharing what a stand out he is among the crowd, I thought I’d share some more of my feathered friends with you today from our little backyard sanctuary.

From hummingbirds that are only about an inch and a half long…

hummingbird

Hummer the Hummingbird, Mars, PA

to Woody, the Pileated Woodpecker who is about a foot and a half long…

pileated woodpecker

Woody the Pileated Woodpecker, Mars, PA

our backyard is just chirping with charming chatterboxes.

Here is where we all hang out.  I took a few pictures very early yesterday morning, while the dew was still dancing and the sun was just summoning its presence for the day.

backyard deck

Our back deck is southern facing, so it is warmed up quickly when the sun rises and is shaded by late afternoon when the sun is hottest.

backyard deck 2

I am still patiently waiting for the birds to discover they can bathe in the bird bath.

backyard deck 3 birdbath

And when the sun gets too hot, we can round the bend to the side of the house for shade…

rocking chair and fern

side porch

where it is undercover, and we can sit in cushioned comfort.

backyard deck 3 side

porch rules

Even Charlie likes a break from the sunshine sometimes.

backyard charlie

The birds come out rain…

male cardinal

Male Cardinal, Rainy Day, Mars, PA

or shine.

female cardinal

Female Cardinal, Sunny Morning, Mars, PA

Mr Rose-Breasted Grosbeak always dresses for breakfast and dinner in his finest formal wear…

male grosbeak

Male Grosbeak, Mars, PA

and carefully watches over the little Mrs.

female grosbeak

Female Grosbreak, Mars, PA

There are many more – the sparrows and cowbirds, the bluejays and the goldfinches, the warblers and the nuthatches. There is a wide variety of woodpeckers and a huge extended family of mourning doves.  An occasional blackbird stops by, the robins romp about, and we are always excited to see a Baltimore Oriole hang out for a while.

baltimore oriole

We sure love our winged wanderers and welcome them with wonderment.

I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse before you fly away to go about your day.

female grosbeak in flight

Cherish the moments!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

PS – If you too flock to the flight of fledglings, check out my blogging friend, Kathy’s site: Backyard Bird Nerd.  Kathy regularly posts photos of the birds that are lucky enough to call her backyard home.

Blue Bird of Happiness

/ Jodi / 54 Comments
blue bird

Blue Bird, Mars, PA June, 2016

One lovely, bright blue bird
has chosen to make our backyard his home.

Oh how happy he makes me
with every appearance.

Amidst your brown and white and black and red and yellow-feathered friends,
you truly are the blue bird of happiness.

 

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

That moment…. right before

/ Jodi / 48 Comments
peony blossom

Pink Peony bud ready to bloom, Mars, PA – June 2016

That moment….

right before

you open up
and come out of your shell…

It is when you reveal

your true colors,
your full potential,
your ultimate possibilities,
your complete self.

It is a defining moment,
when you reveal your vulnerability,
and step out of your comfort zone.

There is such beauty
in that moment….
right before.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

A Stand Out in the Crowd

/ Jodi / 46 Comments

white flower stand out

What makes you stand out
amidst those that all
seem exactly the same?

You stand tall
You stand proud
You proudly proclaim

You are beautiful
Life is beautiful
You are more than just one in the crowd.

This is your life
Make the most of it.
Don’t be just one in the crowd.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi