Hogwarts

I am just now taking an interest in the Harry Potter books and movies. I've started reading the series and watching the movies as I finish each book. It is perfect reading for the last two weeks of my summer. Jacob has read them and wanted the new book when it came out - so when he came home with it and after listening to all the hype about it's release - I thought I should read the series. I read the first book then watched the movie - and am now reading the second book. They are just what I need for the end of my summer. I can be a part of the Harry Potter craze before I go back to work in a couple of weeks. I am enjoying them - and Jake will stay up and watch the movies with me. I found this picture of Hogwarts - I think my favorite part of the first movie is the castle/school. So I am off to read and finish book two so I can watch that movie. I can see myself becoming a Harry Potter fan.
Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain. ~J.K. Rowling, "Dobby's Reward," Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, 1999, spoken by the character Arthur Weasley

Summer Colors

There is always some small thing that makes me happy and I try to enjoy all the small stuff. Life throws all sorts of things at a person - and the big events and happenings are obvious (both good and bad). But so much of life is made up of small, everyday things that are so often taken for granted. I figure if a person can find some joy and happiness in all of the small everyday stuff - they will spend a lot of time feeling a little happier and overall more positive - which can only help you deal with some of the not so pleasant things that happen.
So I have been taking time to do a pedicure every week and using some of these fun summer colors. Plus they look great sitting out together. My husband just shakes his head when I make him come and look at the nail polish on the shelf and how pretty it looks - but I tell you - finding joy in all the small stuff really works. I even get a smile out of him when I carry on about silly things like lime green toe nails.

"I feel like a tiny bird with a big song." ~ Jerry Van Amerongen
"Joy is not in things, it is in us." - Richard Wagner

Beautiful Sadie

Isn't she lovely? I can't get over how much I enjoy this dear dog. I love this picture of her!

"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~ Josh Billings

108 degrees

When it is this hot - Baskin Robbins seems like a good idea. I went for the pralines and cream in a waffle cone. It is supposed to be well over 100 for the next few days - I believe I will be spending a lot of time in the pool.

"Summer has set in with its usual severity." ~Samuel Taylor Coleridge