Flashback Friday ↠ Two Favorite Pictures.

I have always been an avid reader and I know for that I need to thank those special people in my life that constantly read to me, bought me countless books, and encouraged my passion for the written word in any way they could. That's why, for today's Blog Every Day in May prompt, when Jenni asked us to talk about a favorite picture of ourselves and why we liked it, I instantly knew which pictures I would choose.

These two pictures have always been a favorite of mine and no matter how many times we move, they end up front and center on my desk every time. The first picture I couldn't find the digital copy (I blame the fact that all of my belongings are in boxes about to be shipped to Alaska), so you'll have to deal with the picture of a picture version. They're both so old that the quality isn't the best, but that doesn't matter to me, I love them both dearly...

My Grandpa reading to me ↠



My Great Grandpa Pop (my Grandpa's Dad) reading to me ↠

Do you have a favorite photo of yourself? If so, I'd love to see it! If your joining in today's link up, feel free to leave your link in the comments so I can see yours! Happy Friday loves!

Iris in bloom ↠

Purple irises were my Grandma's favorite flower, which always made them one of my favorites as well. She has some planted in their backyard and many trinkets and decorations that have purple irises all over them. I think of her every time I see one, and that makes them even more special now.

My Mom has a big batch of irises planted in her backyard and we have been waiting anxiously for them to bloom this summer, but they sure took their sweet time. It was well worth the wait. We didn't know what colors they were going to be, and they turned out to be the prettiest things...all purple irises with one white iris (that has purple on it). Beyond gorgeous.

It's sad they don't last longer, but we will be soaking up their beauty for as long as they're here. I can't wait to have a house of our own to plant some of these beauties in my own backyard.










Aren't they breath taking? My Mom's backyard is already an oasis and these just complete the scene. It's the perfect spot to take a break in the middle of the day and give my eyes a rest from this computer screen that I tend to stare at for far too long.

What about you, do you have a special flower that means something to you? I'd love to hear about it!

Makes me happy...

Today's challenge for Blog Every Day in May (which I'm making up my own rules for, obviously), Jenni asked us to share ten things that make us happy. I'm a pretty simple girl when it comes to these kinds of things and tend to be easily excited; so some of the things on my list are very fundamental, but make me oh so very happy.

≫≫ Sunshine. I've said it once, I'll say it a million times. The sunshine on my face makes me ridiculously happy.

≫≫ Hugs from my sweet nephews. And when my oldest nephew says, "Mawrie, you're pretty." with the most sincere look on his face. I melt.

≫≫ Flowers, whether they are inside my home, in my yard, or down the street...it doesn't matter. I just love the happiness they bring.

≫≫ Dancing in the kitchen with my love.

 

≫≫ A fresh cup of coffee or tea.

≫≫ Adventures. Road trips with Dave. Flying. Seeing new things...

≫≫ Reading a good book that you just can't put down.

≫≫ Catching up with a good friend, in person or on the phone it's just always great to hear a familiar voice and laugh at all the craziness of life.

≫≫ Making and giving my clients their packages of goodies. And seeing their faces when they see all of the pictures for the first time.

≫≫ Ending the day with a glass of wine or a cold beer.

...what are some things that make you happy?

The weekend in photographs ↠

Our weekend was filled with...

≫≫ Gorgeous blue skies.

≫≫ Quality time with my gorgeous Mama.

≫≫ Soaking up the sunshine.

≫≫ My wonderful family (love these three so much!).

≫≫ Finally upgrading to an iPhone 5(!!!!!!).

≫≫ And opening up the pool, but not swimming in it...50-some degrees is a little too bone chilling.

...what was your weekend filled with?