Sunrise!

Lately I've been seeing a lot of sunrises! I just thought I would share a few with you.

For the Love of Hydrangeas

Stop and smell the roses...or hydrangeas! In the middle of this crazy, busy life that I am living, nothing can make me stop quicker than a beautiful bush full of hydrangeas. I have loved this particular flower since I was a little girl. In fact, I think this is the first flower that I remember noticing as a child. There was an old abandoned house on our property that we used for a clubhouse. I still remember the old walls that were made of boards, the large cracked window in the front, and the door that we tied shut with a piece of twine. However, the best feature of this house appeared in June when the stick-looking bush outside turned into a green pillow covered with beautiful blue flowers. Although that bush has been gone for sometime now, my mom has a huge bush grown from a cutting of it. I am so glad that she thought to do that several years ago. Yesterday, I hosted a bridal shower in my home using hydrangeas from that very bush in my mom's yard. I don't think any other flower could have been more beautiful. Only these beautiful, blue, billowy blooms can slow me down long enough to stop and realize how my busyness has kept me from the thing I most enjoy...blogging with my friends. I have missed you all so much. I hope this post finds you and your families healthy, happy, and having a wonderful summer!

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?