Gratitude

Family On My Mind

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read594 views

It’s hot today and as of now, it’s above 99° Fahrenheit. Added to that it’s windy. Imagine steeping out and feeling a wave of hot air in your face. For a moment I almost forgot how hot it gets here in the High Desert and it’s only the beginning. Lovely day, dreadful weather. The laughter and beautiful sounds coming from the playroom transport my mind to a familiar place and for a few moments, I catch myself daydreaming. Reliving in my mind some wonderful moments we shared in Douala. How I love and miss my siblings.

I had a wonderful conversation with my Mom today and it felt good. It felt really good. She just got back home after spending a month in Cameroon and two weeks in France with my brother and his family. It was a much-needed vacation for her and she enjoyed the break. She returned feeling all rejuvenated, energized and revitalized. It felt good talking to my big Brother too; it felt really good. Everyone is in very good spirit and nothing else matters. As much as she enjoyed her vacation, she is happy to be back in the midst of her children and grandchildren and looking forward to do the things she enjoys the most.

Image Source: Willow Tree.com
Image Credit: Willow Tree.com

Family is the source and the foundation. Family is the ‘make’ or ‘brake.’ Family is created to withstand the test of time. Family is everything and if there’s anything meaningful I’ve learned in Life, it’s never to take anyone for granted as life can end abruptly. When down on your knees, broken inside, alone, lost, confused and without clear direction; Family will lift you up and nurture you back to health and back on your feet. Family will remind you where you are coming from, where you have been and will question you on your future goals.

Wishing you all great moments with your loved ones.

Happy Father’s Day

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read722 views

“There comes a time, thief, when the jewels cease to sparkle, when gold loses its luster, when the throne room becomes a prison, and all that is left is a father’s love for his child.” — King Osric (Conan the Barbarian).

Happy Father's Day. Image Source.
Happy Father’s Day.

“Being a father is a choice. Staying true to fatherhood is a duty.” ― Joan Ambu

Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful Dads out there!

Handmade Southwestern Lamps

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read497 views

Two weeks ago, we inherited this gorgeous pair of Southwestern Lamps from our neighbor across the street (the same individuals who gave us the Vintage Sea Shell Hanging Planter and the Vintage Wood Folding TV Tray). The lamps have cutouts in the center, showing a depiction of a beautiful Southwestern sunrise/sunset. The shades have a cactus, skull and cowboy hat for its pattern (cactus, skull, cactus, cowboy hat all the way around).

Usually they would ask if we are interested in anything before offering. This time they didn’t ask, they said they are passing it along to us because they know we will love and cherish the set. Those words were enough to make a grown woman cry. The neighbor told us that the set was a project by him and his wife, handmade, back when they both were into Pottery. The shades on the other hand, were purchased. What makes it even special for us, is that both lamps have been signed by the couple.

Southwestern Lamps.
Southwestern Lamps and Lamp Shades.

I really love the lamp shades, but their large size hide the top part of the lamp and it’s a little too big. I am planning on getting either Square, Barrel or drum shaped shades that will allow for the design to show thru.

The Lamps have two light bulbs on it, one on the top of the lamp and one that is on the bottom of the fixture which lights up the lamp cutout on the inside of it. This is a wonderful piece, which we will definitely cherish and which we are truly grateful to have received.

“No one has ever become poor by giving.”― Anne Frank

Last Day of School & Saying Goodbye

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read508 views

Ivan & Mrs. Cindy Wismer.
Ivan & Mrs. Cindy Wismer, Teacher.

Today was the last day of school at Cottonwood Elementary.

It’s been a bittersweet day for some of us parents.
We listened to a heartfelt speech by one of the Kindergarten teachers and watched a beautiful slideshow presentation of all the children activities during the school year.

I, for one, am happy that School is over because my Son can now enjoy the holidays and work on some of his projects. At the same time, I know that he is constantly looking forward to go to school and learn new things.

It’s been a great school year for my little boy. He exceeded everyone’s expectations. I am grateful that he was assigned an awesome teacher at the start of his school year. A woman so loving, helpful, encouraging and who shows patience to all. A woman who has given him the tools to advance in life, to reach out for his goals and nurtured self-confidence in him. These are all priceless and I am thankful.

Mrs. Wismer has been teaching for 35 years and this was her first and last year at Cottonwood Elementary as she is now retiring.

Gentle Breeze of Comfort

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read580 views

It’s a gorgeous day here today. I had a good night rest and I feel rejuvenated. The weather is awesome. Sitting next to my window sill, I am watching the leaves dance in the air. The sound of the light wind is music to my ear and I am enjoying the gently breeze of comfort. It’s the last week of school at my Son’s school and he is too excited. He received an award for Perfect Attendance this morning as well as a few gifts for being smart. Tomorrow is Field Day and he is looking forward to watch the 6th Grade vs the Staff play Softball game (if the weather permits). Thursday will be the last day of school.

On Saturday I got to talk to a very dear friend, whom I hadn’t spoken to in a while. It felt really good. I gardened a little and bought a set of inspirational Gnome Statues for my kids raised garden beds.
On Sunday morning, we surprised our kids by taking them to the movies to watch Epic, which they have been looking forward to seeing ever since they saw the movie trailer. The look on their faces was priceless as they realized we were ditching the park for the movie Theater. We had an awesome time together.

Cinema West, Civic Plaza 12.
Cinema West, Civic Plaza 12.

Our Memorial Day weekend was great and as I wish for a steady weather, I am looking forward to spending some time outdoors gardening and planning our next backyard project.

Wishing you all a lovely week.