My full and kooky life as a homeschooling mommy to 2 great kids, raising a child with HLHS (Hypolastic Left Heart Syndrome), following Jesus, and being much too camera happy.
“Time is purple / Just before night.” ~ Mary O’Neill
We went back to the San Jose Rose Garden again this month and was pleasantly surprised at these lavender color roses, as well as other colors, in full bloom. To me, the color is soothing and tranquil: a spa-like experience with absolute silence and no rush to do anything.
It’s only the 2nd week of homeschool, but I already feel mentally and physically stretched. Maybe it’s getting the kids on board that we’ve got to start leasons and summer vacation is over. I’m thankful I can do this with my kids yet the reality is demanding!
Thank you Cee for hosting this challenge! Have a wonderful start to this new month and upcoming autumn season.
On a recent park walk, my friend pointed out a large tree with drooping leaves and little berries on its branches as a pepper tree. I didn’t know what to expect since the bulbs were yellow and had no resemblance to a peppercorn. But when I rubbed the yellow bulb between my fingers, it released that distinct spicy smell. When I looked it up online, this pepper is called “pink peppercorn“; it’s an altogether different kind of pepper than commonly used in cooking.
My friend didn’t know it was a pepper tree until her mother pointed it out to her last month. I love how knowledge is passed down and we can keep learning from each other. Now that tree has more significance to me and my kids (since I had to take them to smell it).
We found these pretty blooms in a petite but unexpectedly spacious park in San Jose. All kinds of colorful roses were growing in rows regularly tended by volunteers. If you weren’t specifically looking for this park, it’d be easy to overlook. It’s nestled inside a charming neighborhood; from the exterior, it looks like someone’s very large and well-maintained yard.
It was a quick peripheral stroll with the family, but it seemed like a photo shoot outing for families and couples
Others vistors relaxed on the grass, either reading, napping, or drawing, between rows of roses. What alarmed me was that many park goers did not adhere to the mask rule even though a large official sign (visitors need to wear masks) was placed near the entrance.
We got nervous about this, but decided it would be okay: it’s outdoors; groups of people were unto themselves; and we wore masks; and maintained social distance.
It stirred mixed emotions of frustration and sadness that many people were not taking the COVID-19 precautions seriously. I realize that some individuals cannot wear masks due to health reasons but all those people couldn’t have had that reason. At least groups of people were spread out inside the park.
It’s been hard to stay home when the weather is this lovely and summer vacation is almost ending.
Here are some pictures of my finds, and I hope you all have a happy and safe rest of the weekend!
Thanks Cee for hosting this challenge! Have a great rest of the weekend. 🙂
Using the long lens for the first timeSurprised at the clarity. It was interesting to walk looking through the camera because everything seemed closer that it was. Filter free pics.Ellis’ attempt at the flower using the long lens camera. The strap around her neck pulled down her small frame and she could barely hold up the camera. I wish I had taken a picture of her like that but I was too nervous she’d fall face forward if I wasn’t holding onto her shoulder. Is it obvious I’m overprotective?!
This entry is for Cee’s FOTD photo challenge! This is my first time using the badge and putting FOTD in the tag. Whoohoo, learning slowly here.
