Happy Mother's Day!

Today is a precious, bittersweet kind of day, depending on who you are and how you perceive this day. I for one struggle with it sometimes. Mom passed away in 1998. Even though it seems like a long time ago, and no matter how much more time goes by, I'm certain I will always feel the same way on this day. I feel a tremendous void in my heart and life where she used to fill. She was first my Mom, but also so many other hats were worn by her. She was my very best friend, my champion, my therapist, my personal comedian (she was so quick witted), my teacher, my lesson of unconditional love, and best of all and most importantly, my prayer warrior. Suffice it to say that I miss her terribly today.

However, I also feel deep joy and appreciation for the opportunity to be a step mom. The Lord has given me an awesome stepson.

So, Happy Mother's Day to all of you out there with this blessed opportunity. Hats off to you for your commitment, sacrifices, love and guidance. No matter your age... a job well done is something to be proud of. And a little side comment, if you still have your own mom living on this earth, cherish every moment you have with her, because you will miss her... and nothing will ever quite fill that void.

Hugs,
Penny Sue

PS - Can you tell how many babies are in this nest... as small as it is?

It's beginning to feel a lot like spring... :)

Well, maybe not exactly. The temps here in NE PA are unseasonably cooler. But that's ok. Our spring flowers are lasting longer, along with the lilacs. I'm hoping to be able to collect up a few blossoms here soon and take some new pics. I can't wait to fill every room in the house with lilacs. My red peony is actually coming up nice and strong this year. My dear hubby transplanted it last fall to a new location, and it apparently likes it. I'm hoping for some blossoms this year. I'm so excited. Hubs and I went to one of the nurseries in New York (one of his faves)... and I picked up two fennel plants and an asparagus (sp?). He got a multi-colored butterfly shrub and something else (I don't recall). Also, some morning glory seeds he just planted this morning. When we go to the nurseries, he's like a kid in a candy store. He's too funny. We are planning to plant some of our perennial veggies right in with the perennial flowers. This is how they "cottage" garden in Ireland. I think it to be very sweet and quaint. Here in the Americas, we tend to gather everything together by type. Anyhow, I am looking forward to a little bit warmer weather, but not too hot.

Hope this finds everyone content and well. Bloom where you are planted! :)

Hugs all around,
Penny Sue

Sometimes I wish...

Did you ever entertain this idea? Sometimes I wish.... that I had finished college to earn my degree, that I had treated my son differently so that he would know "unconditionally" how very much I love him. I feel a deeper connection with him as an adult as opposed to an adolescent. But, I loved him then as much as I love him now! Sometimes, I wish that life wasn't so difficult. Sometimes, I wish that I wasn't so sad about MY life. That I wasn't ... just so... well anyhow, there's life.