My Top 20 for 2020

My Top 20 for 2020.

  1. Do more things that matter not for money, but because they matter.
  2. Share smiles so genuinely that others can’t help but smile back.
  3. Hug tighter.
  4. Allow time each day to bask in gratitude.
  5. Create more. Paint more. Write more.
  6. Read more.
  7. Love myself more.
  8. Encourage others to love themselves more.
  9. Spend more time with those I love.
  10. Live each day as if it is the legacy I am leaving for my grandchildren.
  11. Embrace the wrinkles I’ve earned from a life of smiles and laughter.
  12. Treasure the tears of loss that wouldn’t happen if I hadn’t loved.
  13. Show respect for my body by eating better and moving more.
  14. Show respect for the earth by using less plastic and creating less trash.
  15. Respect myself enough to not accept disrespectful actions of others.
  16. Do not apologize for asking probing questions.
  17. Do not apologize for being a strong-willed woman.
  18. Speak kind words.
  19. Listen with an open mind and open heart.
  20. Cherish all the moments.

Happy New Year!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

April Showers Part II

April Showers Part II.

After painting April Showers, I wanted to expand on the idea with a mom and two daughters walking in the rain for this watercolor.

Those that know me may recognize the inspiration. ❤

The Easter bunny brought a yellow umbrella with pink flamingos on it to Grandma’s house for Grandie Girl 1, and she is such a good big sister to Grandie Girl 2.  They both (and I) adore their Mommy!

So this one is in honor of them as well as all mothers of daughters and grandmas of granddaughters.   It makes my heart smile.

Wishing you a joy-filled day!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

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After the Rain

After the Rain.

After the rain,
we walked at the park.

The grass was greener,
the air was fresh and clean.

The sun warmed,
and the blossoming trees popped

almost as if they were
smiling with the joy they knew I felt.

My heart swelled a wee bit more
like it so often does

in moments spent
with my grandie girls.

Mommy told Grandie Girl 1
about the time she spent playing ball on this field,

and asked her if she thought she
would want to do the same some day.

The sweet, high-pitched voice
in the miniature, but too-fast growing body,

responded so excitedly
and affirmatively

like she most always does,
wanting to be just like mommy.

And I smile at both of them with their muddy shoes
from the stop we made along the walk to float dandelions in the creek.

I steal a glance at Grandie Girl 2,
who is grinning and squealing with delight

as if to affirm her agreement
and wanting to be just like her big sister.

These are the moments…
the sweet precious moments.

After the rain.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Charlie and the Girls Next Door

charlie and the girls next door

A new girl moved in next door, and I’m in Loooooooveee!

My neighbor, Pippa, got a new sister named Twiggy!  She is a rescued dog, just like me, so she has a special place in my heart. ❤

She is beautiful and friendly, and I am one of the luckiest boys on the planet!

We had a little time to visit yesterday on my walk, because Pippa and Twiggy’s mom was taking them for a walk too!

Hope you are finding as much joy this weekend as I am!  And if you are not, you might want to go out to your local animal shelter and adopt a pet like our parents did!  We have so much love to give!

Woofs & Wags,
Charlie