Smiling Peanut Butter Jar

My second oldest daughter noticed the peanut butter jar smiley face this morning. 

I guess when you keep your eyes open for happiness you can find it almost anywhere.

Tree Change

On January 6th, I posted a snowy picture that includes a large pine tree on the left. Even as I write, I can hear the chain saws ripping it apart. 

Every time the wind blew, my neighbor was afraid the tree would fall on her house. With all the snow we've had, the tree has become more dangerous and scary. 

I didn't know that was how she felt so I said, "It's kind of exciting." Sometimes I like change and I was happy when our big scary pine trees in New York that were too close to our house were cut down. 

But she's lived here for over forty years. "It's actually sad," she said. Her husband, who passed away years ago, planted and cared for that tree. 

Sometimes we have to do things we don't prefer for peace of mind. 

Winter Birds

The tree in our front yard had many bird visitors a few minutes ago. 

I was surprised by the variety.  

I poured bird seed on the sidewalk for them. So far I don't see many takers, but they might be confused by the fertilizer all over that looks like birdseed but I'm sure doesn't taste like it. My husband used it to melt snow and it worked. 

I know this is a woodpecker because it was pecking the tree. 

This one had the prettiest red breast and face. 

Icy

 "What are you doing?" her brother asked.
"Art, I guess," she said.

Her arrangement of icicles reminded me a little of my trip to the ice castles. 

Was that really a couple of years ago?!

Extra Credit Hand Puppet

She designed the puppet, cut everything out, and glued on the eyes and teeth. I helped with the concept, bought the materials (felt, eyes, and $ boa), sewed what needed sewing, and helped with the hot gluing. It was a super easy and quick project. The mirror helps to sort of see the back. She insisted its hair be piled on to make it rounded and poofy. This was for her 8th grade drama class unit on puppeteering. I'd like to try to make a puppet with a moveable mouth sometime.

Be

My word for 2013 is "be." When I think of "be" I think of hopeful enduring which includes progressing in gentle ways. I took this picture the same day as enduring-snow-person pictures last November. The contrast of the snow, the blue sky, and the warmth of light remind me to feel hopeful.