Wednesday July 27 2016  A WONDERFUL DAY

I love Wednesday.  I know you are probably getting tired of hearing that.  When I have such a lovely day as I did today, how do I not say it again?    First of all, yes, you got it right NO WORKOUT SESSION!  Now don’t get me wrong.  I do enjoy working out at the gym on the days I am scheduled, BUT…my days off are like a little midweek Sabbath; a time I feel less pressured.

Yesterday our neighbor told me about a conservancy close by which I had never heard of it.  She told me about acres of sunflowers in bloom.  How could I miss the opportunity to see for myself a spectacle such as she described?  After I awakened this morning I pondered as to how I could carve out the time to go this week.  Each morning before I leave my bed, I cull my iPhone of unsolicited emails and web addresses.  There was an email from “The Camera Store” where I buy my photography equipment and receive information from a camera club in which I am a member.   I opened that email, and I noticed a photo of a sunflower with the name of the conservancy across the top.  I clicked on it and was immediately transferred to the very website of the place I was hoping to explore.  That was the answer to a question I hadn’t even asked yet.  I had been contemplating if I could possibly work it in today, and that sealed it.  I didn’t just work it into my day; I designated my priorities so that it became my first destination.

A photo can whet the appetite, but seeing the actual beauty in person, feeds the soul.  At least it does for me.  I was there for over three hours.  And of course I had lots of fun by taking family photos of those I observed trying to do “selfies”.  (Is there such a word?)  I saw some serious cameras there, so more than likely I wasn’t the only one that took advantage of God’s work in setting the stage for an unbelievable photo-op. 

On the way home I stopped by my favorite grocers and  I still had time to make my creation of a summer vegetable strata after I arrived home.  I then called my neighbors to join us for dinner on the patio.  Everything is cooked and out of the oven.  Only the salad is left to assemble and that won’t take but a couple of moments because I already have everything cut up.  So, all in all, I call it a wonderful day.  My food box will be delivered tomorrow and my refrigerator desperately needed some help in getting things used up before then.

There are so many more interesting memories I made as I spoke with strangers, snapped photos of them with their own camera, ambled around on the 150 acres conservancy, and had a great conversation with a personal trainer.  Well, at least I talked. 

ONE SIMPLE FLOWER MULTIPLIED

By Kathleen Martens

July 27, 2016

Sometimes we must take advantage

To enjoy a gorgeous display

Of God’s stunning creativity,

Hand crafted by man’s way.

In God’s likeness we are made,

Creativity he instilled in our hearts,

And because God is The Creator

Man too makes beautiful art.

So take time to do your best

And add your touch of beauty to the world

That others too will have the pleasure

To see what man unfurls.

And on this day I saw a sight

No justice with words can describe.

It simply filled my soul with joy

As if to heaven I had arrived.

One simple sunflower multiplied

Caused my heart to dance with pleasure.

Flowers as far as the eye could see

Will be a memory I will always treasure.

Thank You God for Your amazing creativity.

Thank You for confirming to me today that this was a gift for me.

And Thank You God for the insight the personal trainer instilled in my heart.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

P.S.  It is late now.  Dinner is long over, the kitchen back in order, my shower accomplished, and this blog cleaned up a bit before Dave edits it.  He just stuck his head into my office and gave me some additional news about Pope Farm Conservancy.  The news reported that there are 9 acres of sunflowers planted with over half a million sunflowers.  AND THAT IS A LOT OF SUNFLOWERS!  It was well worth the experience and only about 15 or 20 minutes from home.  Oh yes, one more piece of information.  I spoke with one of the volunteer workers today and he informed me that 1/3 of the sunflowers are left in the field for food for the birds that winter over in Wisconsin.  The other 2/3 of the sunflowers is harvested and purchased by a local pet food store chain that sells them as bird seed.

P.S.S.  I included a few photos below.