Phalaenopsis Orchid

Thou art thy mother's glass, and she in thee

Calls back the lovely April of her prime. ~ William Shakespeare

Today's Joy: Discovering Your Mother.

Had an epiphany today, Reader. After spending a lovely afternoon at the Farmer's Market and then picking up two new garden planters for Mom's front porch, we had lunch and got to talking about the past. She related to me a story of her younger married life and the struggles she went through that I'd never heard before, and suddenly I saw my mother from an entirely new perspective. The young woman she had been became clear to me in a way I'd never considered before and tears welled up in my eyes when I thought about all that she overcame in those years. I suddenly felt ashamed for the times I didn't make things easier on her. It was a big moment for both of us.

I look forward now to getting to know even more of this elusive woman and to a closer relationship than we've ever had. Thank you, God, for this opportunity to better understand my mother and to show her how much I appreciate all she's sacrificed for us. I pray that you will bring continued peace and joy into her life and bless us with her warm presence for many, many years to come.

Quote courtesy of The Quote Garden.

Today's Joy: Warm Weather.
Slept with the windows open last night, Reader, and was it delightful! Then woke up this morning and saw blossoms opening on the magnolia tree in the backyard. Here are a few shots of them and some of the other goodies popping up in the garden. Hard to believe it's already the middle of April! Am suddenly in the mood to put on a sundress!

Photos (top to bottom): magnolia, daffodil, yellow tulip, crab apple blossoms, daffodil, pink tulips, magnolia, white tulips. April, 2010, Hampshire, IL.

Today's Joy: Lounging Out on the Sun Porch After Dark on April 1st.
Well, Reader, it's almost nine o'clock in the evening on this glorious first day of April. Here I am, sitting outside in bare feet, typing away as a nice breeze drifts through the screens. Ahhhhhhhhh!
Is there anything more sublime in early spring than drinking limeade and listening to the season's first peeper frogs croaking out in the ditch?
I was elated to leave work and step out into an 80 degree afternoon. Very uncharacteristic for Chicago this time of year. But Mother Nature has a way of evening the score--I'm told Saturday will be a stinker.
In the meantime, I shall enjoy every moment of outdoor bliss! Am looking forward to many more warm & lazy nights of blogging from this very spot!