Outdoor Wednesday 7/14- sweet butterflies

It is so hard to see wildlife here, at least the type that make me smile. Sorry but Iguanas, Hutias and Boas just don't do that for me..ugh! But every once in a while we do come across the pretty ones, like birds, tiny lizards are cute and of course these pretty little butterflies. I was able to capture a few yesterday, however the yellow ones seem to travel in packs. They hover over the trees and sometimes when we drive we feel like we're driving into an enchanted field of butterflies. The orange one in the middle is the only one I've seen of its kind. Just wanted to share them with you on this Outdoor Wednesday, hosted by Susan from A Southernday Dreamer.

Stop by Susan's blog to see what others have to share. Susan posted the most amazing photos of old graveyard stones. They are truly amazing, detailed and interesting. I love the angels the most. Thanks again Susan for hosting.

Blue Monday - Blue big and small

Hello again everyone. I've been missing all the awesome blues everyone has been posting here on Smiling Sally, hopefully I'm back for good. One thing is for sure, when I created this blog I actually had "early morning peace" time between 6:30 and 7:30 am. Not so much anymore. I go to work at the gym at 6 am and by the time I come home, around 7:30, the kids are up and, well, it's not so peaceful anymore. I'd have to get up at 4:30 am just to experience that great feeling again.

In the mean time I try to find little blocks of time here and there to get back to writing and reading and sharing.

Above are some tiny and big blues I found around the other day when I was testing my new Nikon D90 camara. So exciting, though I need to really learn how to use it. I could not help spotting that little birdhouse someone left in a tree in the front yard. I think it's the only one around and it is frequently visited by woodpeckers, but mostly by the house finch. Next to that is a view of the Guantanamo Bay and a pier just calling my name. However, I'd have to request permission to use it...can't just show up. Beneath that is my little peanut showing off her 4th of July tatto of the American flag, to her left is the bounce house and fun games set up for a day of family fun and finally the itsy, bitsy blue seaglass my peanut found and used on her homemade picture frame. I bet if I try harder I can find all sorts of blues, water not included.

I am on my way to visit many of the people who posted their blues on Smiling Sally. You should do the same... it's a great way to see other parts of the world or other people's ideas.

Until Next Time,
Terie

Celebrating me...and more

Spa Night at Terie's

I think it's really strange that while I was going to school, had a schedule packed with reading and writing and caring for the family I had time or took time to write.  Now that I'm done with school I can't seem to fit in any time to write and I really enjoy writing about everything.

Throughout the day I will have many stories written if only I could sending via ESP to my computer.  Maybe insert a little disk in my head and download all that's roaming inside there.  But such is life.  I have been so incredibly absent from my favorite blog, I actually miss sharing and reading what my followers have to say so I'm trying to get the ball rolling here.

An early morning peace moment in Guantanamo Bay it is.  Today, in the aftermath of my celebratory Spa party during which my girlfriends received a mini massage, smeared on some delicious chocolate face mask, ex-foliated their feet and hands and had a fantastic night.  I am so happy today, that everyone had a great time.

I was celebrating ME.  Yes, I threw myself a big bash party with the girls - no hubbies, no kids.  In fact, now that I think about it, the only man in the house was the Masseuse, Willi.  He's an older guy from the Philippines.  He's probably very happy that he chose to become a masseuse because only in this field do you get to rub so many women and have them pay you... ha ha ha!! But seriously, Willi was great and worked very hard to earn his keep. Everyone enjoyed their massage.

Back to ME.  I was celebrating the fact that I finished college and now have a B.S. in Social Studies and Humanities.  I am celebrating that I've been married to the same guy for 20 years.  I am celebrating my 43rd birthday and feeling more like 34!  I am also celebrating all the women who choose to NOT be co-dependant of anyone but themselves, women who choose to grow, love, laugh, and even break lose and do something wild.  I am celebrating perseverance, accomplishments, success, friendships, LIFE!!

I think the message was clear during the Spa party.  I shared with just about everyone how important it is to let go of negative feelings, to appreciate life and our short time together here in Guantanamo.  Holding grudges can often be debilitating and drag us down, depressing and viciously takes away precious moments in life.  So we learn to let go and move on.  Be happy.

Cheers to all my precious friends who shared in celebrating us!

Terie