When the Image Becomes Clear

Columbine growing in a Hermann, Missouri garden

May 11, 2011

We found this large patch of Columbine growing in an exquisite garden in the front yard of a home in Hermann, MO where we spent three days last week.  Columbine is easy to grow, but I can also show you large patches of it in my beloved Great Smoky Mountains National Park that grows totally on its own with no human TLC whatsoever.  Columbine attracts other things of beauty such as hummingbirds and butterflies.  

When searching for today's picture, this one spoke to me for reasons which have nothing to with flowers or gardens.  What I saw were the two perfectly focused flowers in the forefront with all the others beautifully situated in the somewhat blurry background.  And it became to me a lovely picture of the time I spent this past Friday with Karen who blogs at Waisting Time.  Because, until last Friday, Karen was just like all of you except Kimberlynn and Tish (two other bloggers with whom I've had the privilege of spending time).  Bloggers with whom I had much in common and with whom I had formed a connection.  Bloggers who were beautiful and attracted others with beauty.  But bloggers who remained a bit blurry because we all know that until you meet someone face to face, their image will never be totally clear.  I experienced that when I spent time with Tish and Kimberlynn and now I've experienced it with Karen.  She is everything her blog reflects and is a delightful person whom I wish you all could know.  There were hugs, there was laughter, there was sharing, there was conversation that went way beyond weight issues and the challenges therein.  What NEVER happened were moments of silence or awkwardness.  What was solidified beyond any shadow of a doubt, was friendship and I am so thankful that she and I had this opportunity.  I am thankful to my sweet Mr. B who enjoyed lunch with us, but then graciously went back to our hotel so Karen and I could have several hours to get better acquainted.  It was an afternoon I'll never forget and truly hope it isn't the last time we are able to be together.  Her personality is reflected through her writing, but there is so much more.  There is a kind, caring woman with a delightful sense of humor who loves her family deeply and cares about her friends, both in her "real" world and her blog.  

If you EVER have an opportunity to meet those you have become attached to via your blogs, please don't pass up the chance to do so.  If you do, those lovely "columbines" will remain forever in a slightly blurry background when they could be growing beside you CLEARLY reflecting a show of unity and harmony.  It makes me smile with pleasure even now two days and 600 miles later.  Thanks Karen - it was an afternoon of joy which I will never forget.

Sharon and Karen

May 13, 2011

Summer Trip 2011 is progressing nicely and I am writing from Colorado Springs, CO.  Unfortunately our first full day here was cold, drizzly and foggy.  If I hadn't seen it before, you'd never convince me Pikes Peak was anywhere near because you sure couldn't see it yesterday.  We went to the grocery store and wandered around the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center where the plan was to do a couple of short hikes while still acclimating to the higher altitude.  Being outside just wasn't pleasant, nor were we really dressed for it, so we came back to our cute little cottage and relaxed for the rest of the day. Movies and popcorn were all that was needed after almost a week of non-stop travel.

I have added a couple of updates to the separate journal that's going to our family and friends who do not know about this blog.  Here is a link to that journal if you are interested:

Bill and Sharon's Summer Trip 2011

Eating is going very well and as expected, I have lost four pounds since last Monday.  I have my trusty scales with me and my promise to you is that I will continue to weigh every day (as is my normal practice) no matter what!  We've enjoyed some treats and had a DELICIOUS lunch with Karen at Avenues Bistro in Leawood, Kansas.  Now that we are settled for a week in Colorado Springs, our level of exercise will pick up dramatically and we made some good choices at the grocery store. Yeah for a Whole Foods nearby and a KingSooper which is Colorado's version of Kroger, my normal grocery store in Tennessee. 

My posts will remain infrequent while we are traveling, but I'll let you know when I update the travel journal and I absolutely had to post about my visit with Karen.

Don't allow your blogger friends to remain blurry images in the background if you have any chance for the image to become focused and clear.  I promise, you will NOT regret the effort!  It will enrich your life and give you one more reason to smile!