For the Infinite has sowed His name in the heavens in burning stars, but on the earth he has sowed His name in flowers. John Paul Richter

Ralph Waldo Emerson said " a weed is a plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered." These beautiful wildflowers are blooming everywhere. This picture was taken on our trip to Arkansas but I have these same flowers blooming all along the street where I live, and of course, they are some of my favorite flowers. Their "virtue" lies in the fact that they bloom at summers end when all other flowers have faded and died out. Their color is bright and happy and they stand out against the dried grasses and shrubs. But the best "virtue" is no one has to plant, water, weed or do anything but let them grow. And grow they do. They are planted by our Creator and His presence is definitely seen in their beauty. They survive the spraying and mowing by the road crews, I'm not sure how, but every year around this time, these same flowers show up and show off.

I think this is true of people. Most of the time, the people who get the most attention are the ones who require the most "tending." But the people who are the strongest, most dependable, and show up when they are most needed and appreciated, are the people who require the least maintenance. They quietly go about without much ado, with character and integrity, never realizing they are a bright spot in someone's day.

I am thankful our Creator has given me flowers, both cultivated and wild, and friends and family who fit the same description! They are all beautiful. I pray I will never take them for granted, but continually "discover" and appreciate their beauty. It keeps life interesting!

Hope you take time to enjoy the "weeds" this fall.

Aunt C

Petit Jean

Guess Who ????

Vacation: a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation that is restful.

We spent the week at a cabin in our favorite Arkansas State Park. Petit Jean is the oldest state park in Arkansas. The Lodge and several cabins were built by the CCC (Civilian Conservaton Corp) and showcase log and stone construction. The hiking trails there are the best. I once again made it to Cedar Creek Falls and back. Every year I think this will be the last time I will climb this mountain.......if I make it back up!! It is a 2 mile hike, moderate to difficult. The difficult part is the going down the mountain and then back up. Talk about an aerobic workout! The hiking trails range from 1/4 a mile to the 12 mile Boy Scouts of America Trail. David hiked the BSA trail in parts, 8 miles one day and 4 on another. (I sat on the deck and read a book)

The weather was perfect. The mornings were a very cool 50 degrees and warmed up to the lower 70's. Great for hiking. No matter how many times we visit and hike the same trails, it is a new experience each time. We always see something new and the beauty of those mountains never gets old.



With all the drama going on in the world with the financial crisis, Presidential election, and just the angst that goes along with every day living, being able to take a vacation is a blessing for sure. Even though we spent a lot of time walking and hiking, it still fit the definition of travel or recreation that is restful. Wish you could have been there!


Aunt C