New Year, New Focus - One Little Word

Welcome 2018!

Well, here we are, a couple of days into the new year and I am knee-deep in getting my next box out for Dot To Dot Connections. I did most of the work just before the holidays so that I could sit back and just relax with family, but all of the last-minute details have to be taken care of before the box ships out this Friday.

This past year was one filled with grandkids, family and the beginning of my new business.
There were some difficult times, to be sure, but they were overshadowed by the good times, as is often the case.

The last holidays of the year, Thanksgiving and Christmas, were spent with family, which is pretty much my favorite way to spend any day. Carmelle, Chad and the kids came in for Thanksgiving and instead of squishing everyone into my tiny dining area, the weather cooperated and we had our feast outdoors in the backyard. Jordan fried a turkey for us, and I made all the trimmings.


One of the ladies from my Sunday School class joined us and it was such a nice time to remember all of our many blessings and enjoy each other's company.

For Christmas, all of Ron's kids and families were able to come to our house for the first time ever. I regret that I never got a photo of everyone, but I got a couple of so-so pictures of his kids.

This time it was too chilly to eat outdoors, so we just set up an extra table and enjoyed the meal crowded together.

There was plenty of food eaten, games played, "snowballs" thrown and new toys tested.

The day after Christmas, Ron, Dan and I headed to Georgia to meet up with Jana, Callie and their families for a few days.

We rented a wonderful Airbnb and once again enjoyed exchanging gifts, hiking, train rides and just being together.

The time together is always too short, but I am so grateful for any opportunity to be with family!

January 1st arrived quietly at our house. Along with it came a new focus for me, a new One Little Word to invite into my life this year. This year's word is "Gather". (This wonderful dough bowl was a gift from my dear friend, Debbie.)

In 2018, here are some of the areas I plan to focus on:

• gathering with friends, especially old friends that I have been missing 
• inviting people into my home (I have always felt a bit uncomfortable being the hostess, and it is something I really want to work on.)
• gathering the tools I need to become more organized (even if that means getting rid of things, too)
• gathering the materials for my business (supplies for my Connection Boxes, accounting paperwork, email addresses)
• gathering (and keeping on hand) ingredients for healthier food choices
• gathering flowers from a cutting bed I hope to plant this spring
• gathering and using veggies from my tiny garden

There are so many exciting things ahead and I have a tendency to try to take on more that I can handle sometimes, but most of the things listed above are things that I am already working on or things that I feel like I am really missing and willing to add, even if it means cutting back in another area. While I LOVE photography, I have generally spend so much time editing photos that I never get around to posting them. I've decided for this year, that I will edit only my very favorites and will post photos on here regardless of whether or not they have been edited. I have also decided to discontinue creating new Instagram challenges. I love taking a photo a day and will continue that practice, but I am going to use the prompts designed by Katrina Kennedy over at Capture Your 365. I'd love it if you joined me!

East Texas Swamp Tour

With fall in the air, Debbie and I set out on another photography adventure last week. Upon arriving at Captain Ron’s Swamp Tours in Karnack,TX for a cruise down the  Little Cypress.

It was a beautiful morning and we were virtually the only ones on the river at the time.

We enjoyed the peace and quiet and just observing the scenery. Although we were in east Texas, it certainly felt like Louisiana as well with the towering cypress trees and Spanish moss hanging from every limb.

While narrating the trip, our boat captain also educated us about some of the flora and fauna. Even after living in Louisiana all of my life, I never knew what gave cypress trees their flare at the bottom. (Can you spot the birds in the next couple of pictures?)

I learned that the flare is created when the cypress knees close to the base fold in and join the tree as it grows. In addition, cypress knees are only produced in standing water, not on land, and will not be adopted by another tree, even if they pop up closer to that particular tree.

As the knees fold in and are incorporated into the tree itself, the flared bottom provides additional stability as it grows.

And have you ever wondered what inspired manufacturers to produce a water repelling products like Rain X and Scotch Guard? According to our guide, scientists were inspired by the water repellency of the leaves of lily pads and lotus.

He splashed water on some to demonstrate the principle that also allows them to float on top of the water.

After our tour, we wandered around a bit until we found the tiny marina café that was recommended to us for lunch.  And I must admit, the fried catfish that I enjoyed was the perfect ending to a great day!! 

The only thing better than inspirational scenery to photograph is having a great friend who shares your passion!