Inner Beauty

Tree update 10/12/09, the tree that was blooming color from inside first is now so beautiful on the outside (see picture on right).

The leaves are changing which just puts me in the best mood. Not far from home is a tree that has been fascinating to me. I drive by it multiple times a day. It has become a reminder to me of things we should not forget. Normally it seems that the cold air creates leaf changes beginning with an outer branch here and there and then the color works its way through the whole tree. Well the tree I have been admiring this year (so far) worked slightly different. The color started from inside the very center closest to the trunk and has been slowly working its way out. The affect is lovely, definitely inner beauty. I wish my photograph did it better justice but it was kind of gray and misty out the day I took this.

Yesterday I went to the farmers market and bought a bunch of peaches to freeze. I love peaches and although hated the fuzzy outer skin as a kid I have grown to like it too. But for freezing I of course did not want peach skins left on. So I was going through the process of blanching the peaches and then pealing back the skin. I love when it just falls off. Anyway, each peach was this gorgeous reminder once again about inner beauty. Have you looked at the colors of a freshly pealed peach lately? The colors are so rich and blend in and out of these beautiful hues of yellow, orange and red. These aren’t even my favorite colors but I couldn’t help but marvel at how beautiful these colors were when blended together like that.

At least 2 frogs have taken up residence on our front porch. They come and go but when they come I find myself really wondering just why they picked that spot to sit all day! One frog is smaller than the other and is more green. The other is a bit more gray. They each have their own spot, not even near each other. They are curious little guys. I was beginning to wonder if I needed to find an inner beauty story from them as well. Hmmm still thinking and I don’t think my 8th grade dissecting experience counts! Is anyone looking for a prince charming? Maybe he is waiting on my front porch for you.

NOTE: The smaller, slightly more green frog has the bubbles on him. Think of it as a bubble bath. Sam had his bubble blower out and thought it would be fun to blow bubbles onto the frog.

It’s just a pair of glasses…

First day of school: I forgot to be sure that Sam had his glasses

Second day of school: Remembered the glasses and they were still on him, albeit quite dirty, when he got off the bus! But, still just so happy to see them!

Third day of school: Emptying backpack, realized he wasn’t wearing the glasses (or had his lunch box) when I saw the glasses in his outer pocket. OH are these his glasses they look different. Yup, no lenses (they were in the pocket too – just loose) and the frames, well they have seen better days…and worse. Although not sure both lenses have been popped out. It is hard to tell from the picture but the oval part of the frame is actually not true to its proper shape. Also if you look closely at the bridge one lense is pushed back further than the other.

Fourth day of school: Do I send the expensive pair of glasses on him or not…..?

UPDATE: Took glasses to WalMart today. They took one look at where the lenses are supposed to fit. You can't tell in a picture but in person - its really not true at all. He said "um WHAT HAPPENED?!" I simply pointed to Sam and said - who knows, I have heard three stories. I have seen them in worse condition but the lenses were still in tact. He pulled off a new pair of frames to match and simply replaced them under warranty! On a saturday afternoon I was in and out with a new pair of glasses, free in less than 15 min! I give WalMart a bad rap for MANY reasons. But honestly I didn't pay for a warranty, this is just their standard service. Darn you WalMart, you are making me have to appreciate you - but thanks! Ahh, next week its back to Pearle to get his first pair refitted so they are backup. They were lots more expensive and so we don't use them as much. But the warranty I have on those were well worth it as well. I have lost track of how many times we have had both pairs repaired so far this year.