Thursday, December 30, 2010

To develop oneself

Group think - a mode of thinking where participants strive for unanimity...  It' s kind of like being part of a blog community where self expression unites all.  I felt compelled to create this space after the passing of my father as if I needed to place bits of myself out in the universe.  An eloquent writer I am not, so I use pictures who always have much to share, if only you look closely.  I have benefited from the time I have spent thinking about Shades of Blue and what I might share in this my little corner of the universe.  I hope you, who I see reading this right now, can see what I see and be richer inside as I am.   Here's to more time spent being closer to the spirit living inside you.


Monday, December 27, 2010

The feel of Christmas

A walk outside to enjoy a few sparkles.



The table awaits the food prepared just so.


Sangria sweetened with tangelos and pomegranate.


Brussels sprouts, carrots, and yams before cooking.


Ham.


French bread pieces which will be toasted and used in the stuffing.


 The tree.


The desserts.

And it was a good Christmas...

Thursday, December 23, 2010

These walking feet

Have you given some thought to feet, your feet, and what freedoms they bestow on you? 












My photo essay on my feet...  and the shoes they wear...  or not.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree.  That's me.  As seen by Snowden my daughter, who places me in the middle nurturing all members of the family, dogs included.


:-D

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Humility

"The way to Christ is first through humility, second through humility, third through humility."



- Augustine of Hippo

Cacti

Nature's beauty lives in Arizona.



Monday, December 20, 2010

Kleiners

Four generations of Schroders have been making a batch of Kleiners at Christmas time.  This danish tradition is traced back to TJ's grandfather who made it for his family in keeping with his homeland celebrations.


 Crisco for frying.


The dough is taken out of the refrigerator.


 TJ starts to roll it.


 It has to be thin...


 He cuts the strips.


 Grasshopper loves these cookies...  She lobbies for them every Christmas and likes to roll them.





Snowden and I did the frying. We have a very nice batch of sweetness to enjoy over Winter Break and share.  That is, of course, if our cookie monster in residence doesn't devour them quickly.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

These trees stand out in an otherwise man made green desert.  I love them.




 









It reminds me of the brilliant colors of the east coast.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Splendid Torch


"Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."


- George Bernard Shaw

Friday, December 10, 2010

What are your capacities?

"We all know well that we can do things for others and in the process, crush them, making them feel that they are incapable of doing things by themselves. To love someone is to reveal to them their capacities for life, the light that is shining in them."



- Jean Vanier

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Giving - my way

Christ does not save all those who say to him: Lord, Lord. But he saves all those who out of a pure heart give a piece of bread to a starving [person], without thinking about him in the least little bit."



- Simone Weil