Again, small and simple things...

Two posts in a day! I know... I just wanted to separate them since they were not really related.

The scripture that provides the title-of-sorts for this little blog is truly something that always helps me. I'm preparing for my Senior Violin recital, and am very aware of how quickly my performance is approaching. I was feeling ill-prepared, even though I know that that is not the case. My fears were not aligned with reality. The truth is, yes, I have a lot of hard work to do, but I will be prepared, and I will be proud of the finished product because of this hard work. I just have to continue to do the small and simple things-practice smart every day- and great things truly will come to pass.

Such a pattern to live by. Do your best, be diligent, and continue in the small and simple (albeit concentrated, focused, and meaningful) and you will receive your reward.

My joy is overflowing. Life truly is wonderful!

A beautiful day in the neighborhood

Today was an absolutely beautiful day! I wished that I could just take a blanket and sit out on a lawn of green grass and enjoy the sunshine.

I love my neighborhood. I love going on walks around my neighborhood-All of the houses have so much charm and personality, and I thoroughly enjoy their uniqueness as I go on my walks. There is the red brick house with the zen garden (?), the house that looks like a southern plantation, with its large lot of green grass surrounding it, and the house with the twisted trees in the front yard that looks like it is straight out of a fairytale forest. Oh, I love it so much- I don't know what it is about man's choice of dwelling that intrigues me so. All I know is that I really enjoy just looking at things (in this case, houses). One of those little things that make me really happy.

Oh, and in our neighborhood, there are a couple of trees that are blooming with these wonderful purple flowers- I want to say they are lilacs, but I'm not positive. All I know is that they smell heavenly.

Isn't this earth such a wonderfully beautiful place? I'm so grateful that I get to call this glorious creation home. Even with all of the "stuff" that is going on in the world, and in my little corner of it, I can always count on the beauty of this earth to strengthen me, bring me joy, and help me remember what is really important.

Not the Edible Kind

Concerning Blackberries, that is...

I was walking down a hallway in the music building, and posted outside the door of a professor I have never had, there way an article that caught my attention. I stood there, read it, thought it was interesting, and just wanted to share it with you. I'll spare you my thoughts on this topic at this moment, but I'm sure with your comments, we can have quite a conversation.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/business/yourmoney/24every.html

Let me know what you think.