Among the daffodils, this elaborate lady unexpectedly popped up. All of the yellow ladies cluster about, daily whispering to one another about the gaiety and elaborate beauty of the newcomer.
My brother-in-law (but loved as my own very dear brother) Nate, shared an abundance of bulbs with Linda, who then lovingly potted some away for me to enjoy out here. And do I ever. Anyone who visits Renaissance surely knows this, as I have noted the progress of them since the first green broke through the bit of potted earth.
After weeks of eager anticipation, they have peaked in glory this week.
The once empty pot is now quite full of sunshine.
I am enjoying every bit of it.
To break up the monotany of flower talk, I have something to share with blogdom.
Something I am ALSO enjoying every bit of...
In exactly 11 days, the children and I are going on a grand adventure. The adventure of our lives, really.
Monumental things happen every single day, to all sorts of people~but it is a rare thing, indeed, to notice them as they happen. When you do, though, you realize how wonderfully changed you have become by them.
My mother's dearest friend, Mrs. Bibby, decided it was high time for her daughter-in-law, Jean Marie and I to meet. I have grown to know and respect Jean Marie through the computer and am just thrilled that I will finally be able to meet her in person, and give her a bonafide hug-something I have wanted to do on countless occasions!
Mrs. B has invited me (and the children) into her home for a WEEK, disrupted her own schedule, did all the legwork for me about airfare (having only flown once, and then having my hand held by the newly-mine husband; I know next to nothing about ANYTHING airport related.), has become the soundingboard to my many questions and concerns and has gone out her way for me...why? One reason. Because she loves Jean Marie.
Has anyone EVER heard of such a wonderful thing being done for them? Let alone, by a MOTHER IN LAW?
Aren't mother-in-laws supposed to be evil? That is the stereotype anyway. Well, I am here to loudly proclaim that to be false. Not ALL mother-in-law's are such. In fact, some are just downright amazing.
Mrs. Bibby, in one fell swoop has shown her love for Jean Marie, graciously given of herself for me, and has shown me what it is that I want to look like, when I myself become a mother in law. Mrs. Bibby~if she reads this, she is likely to pishaw this post away, I am sure. But the truth is, this is a monumental thing and I am taking notice. You are an inspiration.
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In the days leading up to our trip, I am eagerly anticipating and busily preparing for take-off.
Monday, the 10th, with two children and one big 'ole camera bag in tow, I will tearfully bid Matt farwell until the following Tuesday and bravely make my way to the two seats reserved just for us-awaiting our journey into the clouds. Then, our adventure begins.
I am nervous, let me tell you! There is a layover in Cincinatti and the thought of missing my plane or getting lost just about throws my body into fits of convulsions. What is working to keep me calm is concentrating on all the photo opportunities I am going to have, that I NEVER have. Oddly enough, thinking about those things squashes out the trepidation and fills the void with bubbling excitement. The way I see it, it could go one of two ways: I come back with the most amazing portfolio of cool airport/plane shots ever OR, they never get taken because I get so nervous I forget-or if I do manage to take a few, that my hands are shaking so much that they are all blurry. :-)
As hard as it will be to be away from Matt for so long, I can't even begin to imagine all the fun I am going to have! I am just so thrilled and excited. And very, very thankful for the opportunity.
The countdown began the day it became official, but each day it draws closer, my thoughts are more fully consumed by it. You'll no doubt be hearing more about it as the days draw closer!
And now, once March 10 rolls around and there is no sign of life on Renaissance, you'll not wonder what happened. I am alive and well, and living it up in Indiana!
Well, that is, if my plane doesn't crash.
;-)