Freedom to Love. When Freedom isn’t Free.

A day to remember those who protect our nation and our freedom.

A day to connect, or reconnect with family as summer casts it’s golden spell on our country.

A day to remember what all of this means ~

A day to enjoy company of friends and neighbors at the Village Parade. This weekend, as my husband dresses in his Fire Fighter’s Uniform, dressed in their best, they ready to march in our town’s parade in honor of those who gave so much for our freedom . Across the country, children and their parents gather for their Town’s Memorial Day Parade ~ little ones will sit on the sidewalks and wave their flags as the band goes by, some will cower under Dad’s arm because the fire truck sirens are wailing too loudly. Gramma has her lawn chair settle near the curb, her eyes in her family and remembering the loss, the sacrifice other family members have made; but, her grand-children are free. These children are blessed.

Later, maybe, they’ll have a BBQ or a picnic at the lake or beach. And that’s good, because today is a day to be with the family and to remember.

”It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Abraham Lincoln,16th President of the United States ~ Gettysburg Address
Thank you all, who have given so much to preserve our Freedom and the Freedom’s of others.
God Bless America!
Pray for God’s blessing on America. Ask for God’s protection over all branches of our military.

If you can’t be with all of your loved ones…remember them as you enjoy your freedom.

Remembering, connecting, and enjoying all that these day have to offer ~ here on lil’ farm.

Be well,

Jess

Make a wish and blow!

 

Make a wish..if you make a wish immediately before blowing on dandelion, your wish just might come true.

 I have heard that blowing the seeds off of a fluffy white dandelion carries off your thoughts and dreams to your loved one.  Are you separated from the object of your love? carefully pluck one of the feathery heads, lend your wish, thoughts, hope or dreams to each of the tiny feathers ~ composing it with a tender thought..turn now in the direction of your loved ones…blow! The seeds will carry your message faithfully.

Is your wish to know if your loved one is thinking of you?  Go ahead, blow again. If there is but a single aigrette. Take this as proof your are not forgotten.

For me they are a symbol of hope, summer and childhood.  

Bleeding Hearts…

I remember someone telling me a story as she took apart a flower from the bleeding Heart plant. Here is one “active”  rendition perfect for a fairy tale loving child.

To begin narration of the story, hold a heart blossom in the palm of your hand.

Long ago there lived a noble prince who tried in vain to win the heart of a very beautiful princess. The prince had brought the princess wonderful gifts from his travels far and wide. Yet she had taken no notice of him. One day the prince returned from a long journey with very special gifts to surely win the love of the princess. First he presented her with two magical pink bunnies.

Peel off the two outer petals and set them on their sides to display two little pink bunnies.

The princess only sighed and barely looked at the little bunnies. The hopeful prince had one more gift saved for last – he presented a pair of beautiful enchanted earrings.

Remove the two long white petals and hold them next to your ears.

Again, the princess hardly noticed the prince’s gift. Now the poor prince was utterly heartbroken. He could try no more to win the heart of the princess. He rose up, pulled a dagger from his sheath and stabbed himself in the heart.

Remaining in the flower is a heart shape with the stamen, appearing as a dark green line down the center. Hold the heart up, carefully remove the dagger-like line, and plunge the dagger through the heart.

The princess was overcome by the dedication of the dying prince and his unending love for her. She realized too late that she loved him also. “Alas,” she cried out. “I have done wrong, my own heart is broken also. I shall bleed for my prince forever more!” And her heart bleeds to this very day.

There are many blossoms on a Bleeding Heart in full bloom, so next time you pass such a delightful array, perhaps you’ll have permission to pick a heart and discover the mysteries within.

Be well, Be hopeful,

Jess

I write like I talk…

It is raining here while I am sharing my thoughts about about rain. I love rain. Its so refreshing..I love how the animals seem to look out into it from their cozy and dry hay beds; I love listening to it especially at night while I’m all warm and cosy in my bed…

This beautiful rainy night brings back so many thoughts and emotions. Of my childhood, of my children, of my siblings. Rain is grace.

summer rain drops…tears of joy are my sunbeams….
It is a proven fact, no really, if you go camping with young children it will rain, it will pour, the sky will crackle and the air will rumble. There will then be puddles, muddy, muddy puddles. Sopping wet sneakers and leaky tents. There will be 20 mile road trips to the nearest laundromat to dry sleeping bags, sneakers, jeans, and t-shirts; while the little ones sit wrapped in the only dry bath towels eating Happy Meals and half frozen Popsicles. There will be cozy story time, read by lantern while snuggled into our newly laundered sleeping bags. The smell of freshly scrubbed toddlers, zipped into their footy pajamas, tired from the lakeside air and the days activity.

Sitting on the front porches of childhood; still and contemplative as the rains came down. Sometimes it was calmer outside in the damp air, it was a refuge, a soggy blanket of solace. There was peace to be found out there alone in the dark, rain…singing it’s comforting lullaby; leaving the messy mud inside. I loved walking in the rain, no one knew I was crying. Healing rain. My brothers, sisters and I walked in the rain, with sacred tears, together we were messengers of overwhelming strength…and unspeakable love. Still.

Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet.
Roger Miller

And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.
Gilbert K. Chesterton

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“Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain”