Beauty Or Beast?

 There is incredible beauty in the air tonight. This storm produced near baseball sized hail when it hit Cedar Falls and Waterloo, Iowa on June 15, 2017. The back side of the storm was incredibly gorgeous with its hues of coral, pink, blue, gray, and purple. 

   Awesome colors, the rhythmic pounding beat of the rain drops, the smell just before it starts, the brief but striking illumination of the lightning as it fills the sky, and the clean fresh feeling when the storm has passed are major draws for me. Where others see only destruction, I see great beauty, even when they are at my door step. A little strange? Maybe, but I love storms. I may not love the destruction and pain they can cause, but I do love the graceful brilliant scenes they create. No painting could ever turn out as beautiful as anything that God creates.

Amazing! Is it a beauty or a beast? It is all in the eye of the beholder, I suppose. Take time to enjoy the little things.

The Flood of September 2016 In Cedar Falls/Waterloo Iowa

Coffee Chat: Scarves!! The one accessory that I won't be without.

To me, there are few things more comfy feeling than a scarf around my neck. Weird, I know. But during the cooler months when the house feels drafty and the wind outside is howling, you will often see me snuggling up in one of my favorites. Even in the house, though they are meant to be accessories, I enjoy the fact that my neck and upper back are covered and the cool air can't get to them. Being cold is not even remotely enjoyable for me. Call me a wimp, but it seems to take forever for me to get warm again after catching a chill. The last three days, though it hasn't been really cold but still breezy, they have come in handy. Recently I acquired a small collection from my daughter, when she moved, that I was more than happy to add to my own collection.

This beautiful green scarf is a gift from my oldest daughter for Mother's Day. Stunning!!

I have scarves for every season.

Hey look, it is me not catching a chill!

Love the vibrant colors!

Of course, there are other advantages to wearing a scarf other than warmth. They can cover or make up for a low cut blouse or shirt, a stain or flaw on a shirt, or a blemish on the skin of your neck. Also, a nice scarf can be worn over the hair to keep it in place during a windy day.We all know how that can go, don't we girls?  Yes, they are a beautiful accessory for color and style.  Scarves are the one accessory that I need in my wardrobe!

A Place To Listen To The Rain!

I love to spend my mornings, with my coffee, on the back deck looking over the back yard. It is so relaxing to wake up with nature every morning, feel the sun on my face, smell the fresh clean air,  hear the birds and other critters, and feel the crisp breeze. It is important to have that one place to go where you can clear your mind and start your day right. Unfortunately, the weather isn't always cooperative. Of course, it is Spring and nearly Summer so rain and heat are inevitable. This being said it was time to get creative.

My solution for this dilemma? Fortunately, I have an enclosed front porch that was just waiting to be decorated and used for just this purpose. I took a few things from the house like a comfortable rocking chair,  some other furniture, a picture of some pretty flowers, some actual pretty flowers, books, and small knickknacks. Put together, this created a space that would be relaxing, allow me to open the windows, enjoy the sound of the rain and feel the breeze but still remain dry. Then it poured!!

But the storm had a beautiful ending.

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