Carolina In My Mind James Taylor (Cover by Carson Hill)

Oh my, where do I start. I have missed blogging so much. I have been really busy with my girls. Catie is finishing up her freshman year at UNC-Chapel Hill and Carson has been busy with homeschooling and trying to pursue a music career. We just got back from Nashville for a few days where we met with people in the music business and got a good feeling for where Carson needs to go with her music. Catie is getting ready to finish up her first year of college and we are so excited for her. I thought when my kids were little that life was busy. Never did I imagine how busy it could get! I still love every minute of my country life, however it has been put on hold for a while. I must help my girls follow their dreams! Life will be back to normal one day. Until then, I will try my best to keep up with what is going on with my blogging friends. Please know that I haven't forgotten you...I am trying to keep up with everything you are doing. I just may not comment on what I see. I love you all dearly! Please keep us in your prayers as we try to glorify God with our lives! Enjoy a little Carolina music from the Hills!

Temporarily Interrupted

My quiet country life has been temporarly interrupted. My blog posts have been few and far between. I don't know if I am coming or going. If any of you have been wondering where I've been, check out Carson's youtube channel. I think it will speak for me. Anyway, she has just finished recording her third song. She is working so hard. She has been singing anywhere and everywhere. Just this week she did her first presentation to an elementary school audience about the process of writing a song. She made the video to show at the end of her powerpoint for the students to see what it was like to record a song. She edited it herself. Of course this proud mamma really wanted it share it with all of my blogging buddies. Hope you enjoy!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to all of my blogging buddies!

Morning Sunrise (Repost from February 2010)

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures here below, Praise Him above ye Heavenly Host, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." Doxology

I woke up this morning to a dreary, rainy day. I really love rain most of the time, however, cold, winter rains can sometimes be depressing. Days like this are perfect for counting my blessings. Without the rains of February, there would be no flowers of spring. I am thankful that God has given me so many blessings in life; my family (I love my family), my friends, and simple pleasures to enjoy.

One of the simple pleasures I enjoy on most days is my Morning Sunrise. I'm quite sure this name has been used before, it probably is not original. A couple of years ago I purchased myself an inexpensive juicer from Walmart, and since then I have been making my own mixed juices every morning. This one is my favorites: I juice one orange, one grapefruit, and add a splash of pomegranate juice. I then strain the pulp simply because I am not fond of it. Yummy! It is like drinking the morning sunrise, hence the name. This can add sunshine to any day.

I think everyone needs to find pleasure in the simple joys of life. On dreary, rainy, winter days those joys can brighten any heart.

Winter Pick-Me-Ups

Nothing beats the winter blues as much as flowers. Have you ever noticed how a simple vase of flowers can brighten any room? I am so thankful that there are blooms that emerge in late winter to remind us that spring is coming.

The winter daphne not only looks beautiful this time of year...its scent is heavenly. My husband described it perfectly the other day. He said that it smelled like Fruit Loops. I have to agree. The sweet scent of this shrub does remind me of the many bowls of Fruit Loops that I ate as a child. I get to enjoy this scent everytime I walk into my front yard. It is planted right beside the front porch steps for visitors to enjoy as they pass by. I also cut some of these and bring them in for their beauty and lovely scent.


My hellebores are beautiful outside against the dull winter landscape, as well as, grouped together in a vase to brighten any room in the house.


Their blooms will not last quite as long as some cut flowers, but for several days one can enjoy their beauty.



I am so thankful for these little winter pick-me-ups. What are some of the pick-me-ups that you enjoy during the winter months?

Warm Winter

On the news last night I heard the weatherman say that this was the warmest January in over seventy years. I believe it! Around here it looks like spring has sprung. Although I am perfectly content with the warmer winter, I sure hope that my plants will not suffer from the early blooming. These blooms do not usually show up until March.


hellebores


Yum, I smell Fruit Loops!


Nope, Chord, it's a winter daphne!


Daffodils already?


Blooms on my star magnolia???


Unfortunately, the pretty pink blooms are turning brown after a couple of days. :(

Well, it looks like winter has been cancelled in North Carolina this year. How is winter treating you in your neck of the woods?

Kristina at Art Abundant

Do you know someone that can brighten your day just by being in their presence? Someone who is joyful and encouraging every time that you see them? I think we all can think of someone who fits this description. When asked these questions, one of the first people who comes to my mind is my friend, Kristina. She attends church with us and teaches Carson (and me) art once a week.


She has the most positive personality of anyone that I know. Just spending time with her can make our day brighter. Her love and enthusiasm for art and life is contagious. Recently, I found out that she is a fellow blogger so I thought that I would introduce her to all of my blogging friends. I love the spiritual insight that she brings into her blog through everyday experiences. She is a wife, a mother of two young children, an art teacher, an artist, and a friend. Each of these areas are reflected in her blog Art Abundant. Please stop by and visit her. I am sure that you will be blessed by her presence in your life just as much as we are.

I only hope that I bring as much joy to others as Kristina brings to me and Carson.