First of all, thanks to each of you for your kind comments about the loss of our poor dog. I cried when I wrote the story and cried harder when I read all your responses to it. What kind hearts you have! The children have been reading each comment and I plan on printing them so they can save them. Thank you over and over!
This afternoon I took my son with me for a little walk. It’s been raining for a few days and he was soaked (and whining) by the time we got home. Here are some pictures that I took as we were out enjoying God’s beautiful creation:
1. I love the colors of this wild rose bush. The dusky purple and greens inspire me.
2. in the field near our house (state land).
3. adjusting his shoe? I think this photo is so sweet.
4. This grass was so thick and healthy that it loudly rasped against my boots as I waded through it.
5. A soaking wet dandelion head looks so exotic! It’s a beautiful new way to see a common plant.
6. It was fun to find a natural trail of water running into the woods, which led us under an apple tree. You may wonder if it’s a stream– it isn’t normally, there just has been extra water lately from the rain. Son is amazed that Mommy is leading him through such a muddy wet pathway.
7. We discovered a small field of tall tall grasses in the edge of the woods.
8. I got really wet trying to get a clear picture of this Jack-in-the-Pulpit.
I hope you enjoyed the pictures from our walk. Whenever I spend time outside I feel refreshed and happy in the Lord. His creation is so beautiful. I see something exciting every day here at our country home. Yesterday we had a crane land near the pond and I also saw a sweet pair of warblers in the bushes. I need to start writing everything down in a journal! I can understand why some people carry journals around with them wherever they go.
And now, here are the words to a favorite hymn with words that are meaningful and unifying. This hymn came to mind as I read the comforting words in yesterday’s comments.
Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.
Before our Father’s throne
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
Our comforts and our cares.
We share our mutual woes,
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.
We we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.
John Fawcett
Have a wonderful evening!
Good to be Home 
Hi. It looks like you guys had a nice walk. I’m also glad to see your enjoying things, even after loosing someone you love. I love being outside too. It makes you feel free and healthy. I subscribed to your blog, because I just found it and already love reading what you write. I wish your family the best, and God Bless!! Have a nice night.
❤ Miss Nikki
I’ve never seen a “jack-in-the-pulpit”. What an interesting looking plant. My favorite picture is the wet dandelion, the way the drops of water are hanging on. It’s neat that you take one of your children out for some alone time, that’s special. I suppose with 5 it’s kind of a necessity! Take care friend.
Aww ~ I loved that bedraggled dandelion and the stately Jack-in-the-pulpit. Also enjoyed the expression on David’s face as he looks up ~ as we all should look up ~ in awe ~
The pictures are so refreshing! I love all the green! David is a blessed boy to have you for his mommy. Thank you for sharing the pictures from your walk!
I always feel inspired when I come to your site, Shanda! Thank you for beautiful pictures, and for sharing so much of your heart with us.
Someday I’m going to come knock at your day and say let’s go for a walk…even if I have to wait till heaven!I miss the the lush grasses of spring, our drought has left my hills brown and sad. Just looking at your photoshas lifted my soul.Your children are so blessed to have a mom like you.
I am just learning about different plants and flowers, so thank you for sharing some of the ones you see on your walks. I have never seen a jack-in-the-pulpit, it is a very interesting plant.
Have seen pictures of Jack in the pulpit, but never seen a real one, so delicate and beautiful!
What a beautiful walk you had, you are a great mom!
The pictures were lovely. I’m glad you got to have such a fun walk with David. I love the jack-in-the-pulpit…never heard of it! What a fun name!
Those are some really good pictures. And I love that hymn. We’ve been living overseas all year and I had to sing it alot at first because I missed “my people”.
Good job doing something theraputic
Your pics are so sharp and clear. TFS your walk with us.
Great post. I love the soaking, wet dandelion.
What a beautiful walk you had. Thanks for taking me on the walk with you. 🙂 I love being outside too, it is calming to me. I am happy that you and David got to spend some quality time together. He is so cute. Your pictures captured the beauty of God’s creation. I am still praying for you and your family. Love, Tara
Shanda, your posts are always so refreshing! i also am in love with those dusky purple and green colors of the plant you took. there’s something mysteriously feminine about them, don ‘t you think? so glad you got to recharge your soul by that little adventure. I alwasy come back a better person after having explored a little of God’s creation. sorry about your dog =(
Beautiful pictures, Shan! Thanks for taking me on your walk with David. That dandelion picture is exquisite.
I really did enjoy taking your walk with you! I especially enjoyed the photo of the dandelion – God’s creation is awesome – what wonderful little gifts He has for us when we look for them. ~Colleen~
I enjoyed these photo’s! David full of mischeif with that twinkle in his eye and that unforgettable laugh. I miss you and your children!
First, those pictures are so neat!
Second, you have a real talent for photos- you should go into business!
Third, I am so sorry about the loss of your dear dog. It broke my heart to read your post. I know he was a really special part of your family.
Have a blessed day!
Great pictures. There’s something so peaceful about tromping (my word) through the countryside/woods in the rain. I love it. Thanks for sharing your walk and your little guy. He’s a cutie.Hugs and prayersMelody
Dear Fellow Queen of Everything, I have no doubt that when your children are old enough to use hot things in the kitchen, your husband could teach them to make you a beautiful coffee drink, and they would, whenever you seemed to need it (which may or may not be when in actuality you do, but it’s the thought you know) . Blessings, ~Pam.
I love the first picture of David in the field. The wet flower and the Jack in the pulpit also were great GREAT pictures..you just keep getting better and better!!!