I am still enjoying a photography class that I have been participating in–  the prompt was for us to find something that was “still lingering”

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The prompt from last week was to share something that was “Precious and unexpected” to us…

He was 5 yrs old; as I unwrapped it he told me I should have something “pretty and not something to clean with.”

This was 25+ years ago… he had just gone shopping with his Dad who had bought me a vacuum.

It’s plastic and still one of my most cherished gifts ever.

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For this mono-tone shot — the assignment was to keep it simple with few colors.   I love the many grasses that surround us.

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Today will be our FINAL — Friday Finding Beauty.

It’s been so much fun meeting you all on Fridays and seeing all the glorious things you find Beautiful in your life.

I know that this time of year it is just crazy in many of your lives— I appreciate all of you lovelies who tried to remember to join us on Fridays– but the number’s have been dwindling and the last thing I want any of my friends to HAVE to do — is feel obligated to participate.

I certainly will be here in blog land– joining in with many of you in the various memes.

Be sure to register to my RSS feed (located on the side bar — the Far right ORANGE button.)  All you have to do is enter your email address and it will remind you when I post something. AND — ahhh heck if you can’t get that to work, just check back now and then and see what’s new!

I know many of you don’t turn up your music — but just for today — turn on your music and listen to this cute lil song I found JUST for today.

Please post your link for today — and comment if you want to.

I adore you!  You are certainly something I found every Friday that was BEAUTIFUL!

Hugs!!
♥~~Claudia~~♥

I’ve never been able to wrap my brain around how an enormous metal tube can “fly” … with people AND their luggage…

In science classes I had a difficult time keeping a paper airplane aloft.  (btw– visit SKYWATCH for some awesome sky shots) oh and Mary at Little Red House

None the less, there in a huge metal tube, along with my luggage (that I had to pay $25.00 extra to check— this will be another topic of conversation)

I sat looking out the window this past week.  The clouds were fluffy and fast changing.  It is such a different perspective about our world from up there.

I had never been to Portland and went there for a workshop.

I learned tons!

… Mostly I learned that I have a lot to learn.

I arrived late in the evening—I had reserved a mid sized car but this  big Guy was all that was available — the Rental girl called it her “Mafia” car!  (lucky for me there was no dead body in the trunk.)

One of the BEST items I rented was the Garmin!  This little gem helped me get around Portland with not one twinge of worry.

The weather and scenery was perfecto!

This bridge was just out the door of my hotel.

I had one suggestion to go to the Pearl District– but the Garmin couldn’t find it with me just typing in those words,  so I just took a ride up and down some very cool streets.  I came upon a street that had some interior design stores and cafes, I parked and started walking.

To mark my car I looked at the street sign…    Wow… another perfect example of how the Universe has always got a way of giving you what you put out there.

Cafe’s were on every street corner… I couldn’t help but notice a very busy one with smiling happy patrons!  Smiles = good food and happy people.

Come to find out it was a Peruvian Restaurant– I had no idea what to order… so I told my waiter to bring me what he knew was fantastic.

Voila!  Look at what was delivered.

See that purple and yellow tower?  While I really couldn’t understand everything that was explained to me… it was something along the lines of potato salad atop some chicken salad.

That was unbelievably yummy… as well as the others.

Admittedly, I get a wee nervous venturing off by myself… but I was blessed by this new adventure.   If I push myself, I am seldom disappointed at the view I get from another perspective.

Just another way of looking at things………………….

Join with us — Celebrating Beauty that is around you!

Please don’t forget to link YOUR post to us… and please leave a comment.

Tell me about something you have tried that changed your perspective?

TTFN~~ Claudia

She would often say…  “this looks like the Psycho house!”  She, being my darling sister– we call her Beeb. She really really disliked the color of this house. In fact she thought last Halloween it was perfect for the scary one on the block. (this is where you would see me simply shaking my head back and forth… you are nutzzz Beeb… it’s a nice house.)

Beeb and Popz have often been a subject of my blog – thank you for the inspiration you crazy KIDS!!

So, she went on a quest! Beeb and Popz happen to live in a community where they have VERY strict CCnR’s (did I say STRICT???) as in you sometimes see the community police slinking through the neighbor hood checking to see if you have planted a flower you didn’t get permission to plant.  Ok, it’s not THAT bad… but almost.

Beeb drove around her community for a month I swear, and practically wore her lil eye balls out deciding on the color scheme for her house… then they had to go to the board to get approved…sigh… after a couple of tries… FINALLY they got the go ahead to change the paint color — and it started to rain– another delay.

Finally the transition began. These painters were awesome– they did such a great job.

This is a great shot to show the REAL contrast I thought.

At last!!  Complete — I love it to pieces.  The neighbors who often are out walking in the evening would stop by with their wonderful complements.  They loved to see the progress.

The transformation is dramatic!

Yum!!

It doesn’t hurt that Mother Nature’s incessant rain–then snow–then more rain –have helped the colors to pop.

… And of course there are the details (it’s all in the details)  that Beeb is so gifted with. She totally refurbished this clock inside and out and moved it from one place to another so cars passing by could see the clock a bit more easily.

These little critters are just adorable.

Bottom line the house looks GREAT… but it’s not just a house… This house is filled with love that oozes out!

They love one another and every day spending time doing for others is what they are all about.

It’s the love and beauty in this house that makes it a home. (above- Ms J and her Son C  –Beeb and Popz Daughter and Grandson.)

If you stop by Beverly’s How Sweet the Sound you will find such fun things.

Also, if you are in love with fantastic yards stop by and see Tootsie and the other fantastic gardeners!

Join with us as we celebrate Friday~~Finding Beauty.

Please remember to link to THIS post.

Please leave a comment after you link — I love hearing from you all.

TTFN~~Claudia ♥ ♥

Welcome To Friday~~Finding Beauty

Another hick up in my system again– sigh– Thanks for the patience on the post.

When you change the way you look at things — the things you look at change.

Wayne Dyer

Straight out of the camera (SOOC)

Change — a little Sepia boost

Or maybe a little Gritt

This is called ” Holga” … reminds me of an old Movie

Love this Orton-ish

The same photo…just looked at a bit different –  Which do you prefer?

I like them all in a personal way… try this with a drive home from work?  After picking the kids up from school go a different way… Look at your home from the opposite way you drive home.

Change your perspective and I am betting that your vision will be a bit different.

Just a thought

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

Stop by Beverly’s for the Pink Saturday fun!

Also, a new found spot… Lovey’s place Fabric Photo Memories.

Join with us as we celebrate Finding Beauty…

Be sure to link back to this post WITH in our blog post today. Thanks!

***I added a NEW  FOLLOWER button (see the right side bar below the music player)– if you get a minute I would love you to follow me, and leave me a comment so I can do the same for you! ***

For years and years I have kept a journal. I recall one of my English teachers telling our class that if we kept a journal, some day we could look back and see how far we had come.

That concept, in part, was why I started DipityRoad. One recurring theme through all the years of keeping my journal has been  my constant yearning to “become a better me”.

A couple of weeks ago I finished reading Geneen Roth’s Women Food and God. I took one entire rainy day and stayed in and read and cried and became inspired. Then Oprah had Geneen on her show yesterday. This woman had me spot on. The women on their video journals could have been me.

Day after day, while I put on a smile and greet most with a positive me, I realized I  have been a fraud for most of my life. The voice inside my brain tells me daily that I am ugly, not good enough and certainly don’t deserve to be loved.  

I have tried more ways (reading every parenting book or marriage rescue guides to tons of self help)   to become a better me– it wasn’t until I read Geneen’s book did I realize that for the most part I have been trying to not face or feel my pain. I am the head Ostrich — putting my head in the sand thinking that if I don’t look at the pain it will go away. So goes my relationship with food.

Like spring and the flowers that follow many of us share the same belief… We want to become what we were born to be; to bloom and grow and inspire.

I have got to stop my daily mantras in my head — I have to face my pain.

Never before has my favorite quote been more profound than right now.

“When you change the way you look at things– the things you look at change.”

I intend to be that change!

Like the lyrics of Defying Gravity– I’m through with playing by the rules of someone else’s game.

If we think for one moment its about the food — we are wrong. (but then like one of the titles in her book says… Its Not not about the food)

Whether you have any issues with food, depression, alcohol, drugs; this book hits right at the core. It all stems from how we view ourselves and whether we think we deserve love and kindness.

Have you read her book? I would love to hear your feelings.

Join with me as I work on my pain and find the love, kindness and beauty we all deserve.

By the Way here are her food guidelines.

Eat when you are hungry.

Eat sitting down in a calm environment. This does not include the car.

Eat without distractions. Distractions include radio, television, newspapers, books, intense or anxiety-producing conversations or music.

Eat what your body wants.

Eat until you are satisfied.

Eat (with the intention of being) in full view of others.

Eat with enjoyment, gusto and pleasure.

 Join in with us on Friday~~ Finding Beauty  (Please be sure to link this post to yours — other wise I will have to pull it– I would hate to do that!

On Monday join Mary at Little Red House — every one participating there is sooo good. Check them out!

We have a new link operator — it will be really fun an colorful– let me know what you think of it!

Please be sure and comment after you link!

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

Welcome to Friday~~Finding Beauty!

These gorgeous clouds and snow capped mountains were what greeted me this week. Chilly wind and blustery days made me “sigh” a lot. ( I tend to be a sigh-er… always have been… good OR bad …   I sigh) My brain tells me I just need to be patient but my heat is yearning for spring.

Then just yesterday– the clouds pulled away and 67 degree weather brought these glorious buds.

Spring just makes me smile.  I really don’t think there is anything more beautiful, than spring– the hope of rebirth, forgiveness and a fresh start.

Then there is always a spring “catch” with your Grandpa!

1- diving for a great catch

2- tossin  it back “don’t drop it Grandpa!”

3- Look at the intense focus

I’m not going to tell him he needs to keep his eyes open to be able to catch it– I bet he knows

Here’s to everyone breathing in the FRESH spring air!  At last!!!

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

Join with our Friday~~Finding beauty

(add you URL to Mr. Linky)

Welcome to Friday~~Finding Beauty!

I imagine that many of you have seen this before– I recieved this via an email and had to share. To me, this is simply one of the most BEAUTIFUL gifts anyone could give or recieve.

Look at the twinkle in EVERYONE’S eyes!

Please make sure to stop by Beverly’s Pink Saturday,  Melissa at the Inspired Room and Mary’s Little Red House.

Thank you all so much for joining in our Beauty Celebration!

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

April 1st– One could think Mother Nature was pulling a prank!

This is Spring? …. hmmm

But if we are to get SPRING snow – it was the best kind – we get the moisture and not much on the roads!

Hydrangea is one of my favorite flowers. I found these lovelies at our local grocery store. Look at the variety of purples and greens!  So Beautiful.  Don’t for get to stop by Melissa with Inspired Room AND Beverly for Pink Saturday AND  Mary’s for Mosaic Monday.

Also– VERY HAPPY EASTER! — May the Easter Bunny bring you lots of wonderful color and joy!

Thanks for stopping

Remember — When you change the way you look at things– the THINGS you look at change!

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

Please join us to celebrate the beauty in your life.

Friday~~Finding Beauty

~~ ♥ ♥ Happy Friday~~Finding Beauty ♥ ♥ ~~

I recently participated in an Easter Swap! What fun shopping for someone other than myself

I missed a couple of friends birthdays– and since it was near Easter what fun to use Bunnies as my theme.

Purchased these darling chubby bunnies at Hobby Lobby… undressed them (cute even Nekkid)

I used some trim I had from making tassels to doll up her neck line– cut a hole in a new hat for her ears– and flowered up her hat! Voila`

Cut the same hole in the hat for Ms Pink — broke out the feathers — and added a lovely Pink rose!

Added some ribbon to a sweet wicker basket and tossed in a decorated egg.

I think I love Ms Pinks basket the best!

Thinking of other’s as you create or work on a new project underscores the BEAUTY in giving.  It is always two fold. I smiled as I burned my fingers with hot glue

Stop by Melissa’s Inspired Room

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

Please join us with the link from YOUR blog — Beauty is in the eye of the beholder — share with us, what you are beholding.

As always, please be sure to drop a comment and tell us what you are finding beautiful.

Friday~~Finding Beauty

How many times do you find yourself seeing something unique and smiling and walking or driving by?

Well, Monday, after an early day at work, the sun was still shining– all was GREAT with the world. (I have to admit that this “day light savings time” really kicked my butt for a couple of days… but I am enjoying driving home in the sunlight even if its close to 7pm)

Back to Monday… I’m driving and humming a tune on the radio– when I see this woman WALKING a LAMB.

WHAT??

I slow a bit and smile and drive on. After I got passed them about 3 blocks, I said to myself… “Claudia if this isn’t a perfect example of Beauty– I don’t know what is.”  So I turned my car around and drove up near them and rolled the window down. I asked the woman if she minded me taking her picture.

She said, “Oh, by all means! It’s been a very rough couple days at our house and this is how I cope with stress.” I asked what was the matter? She said that the passed weekend they attended FFA (Future Farmers of America) and that this lambs mother had won first prize. I was “wow.. congrats!” She said, “well, yes good in a sense for the Blue Ribbon but we really had gotten close to the mother and now she is no longer with us. So much work and fun — you fall in love with them… they are part of the family… then you have to say good bye.  Everyone is sad  and this little baby lamb cries all the time for her mom.”

I wished them well– thanked them for the shot– and started thinking… how many times do we spend in our lives do we prepare  for something wonderful and forget that there is also a down side? Or do we choose to not think about it?

Example– a dear friend of mine spent 6 months preparing for her youngest daughters wedding. They were so close and had such fun with all the preparations then the wedding came– everyone was so happy and it went off without a hitch — THEN the mom and dad had to say good bye to their daughter, not only to a young man that will hopefully take great care of her, but they are also moving thousands of miles away.  One of her saddest days a work, I asked how she was doing, and she told me that while all the preparations were such fun — some days she wished she hadn’t spent so much time getting closer because now it was so hard missing her. I gave her a hug– I know she would never really wished they hadn’t spent that BEAUTIFUL time together… but sometimes life is hard.

Beauty comes in all forms — how are you celebrating it today?

Remember to link back to us in your post or it will be deleted.  Thanks so much for joining in the fun!

See what other’s are inspired by at Melissas (click here) at The Inspired Room.

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥