Country Patch - Pictures

Shades of Lilac

2011-09-20T15:58:00.000-03:00

There is something innocent and pure about flowers... I was walking on a trail with the kids when we saw these beautiful flowers along a creek showing off their perfection. To me they seemed like a reward that day, for not being lazy and staying in the cabin reading a book that I could read at home. At the end of the trail they were there, waiting patiently for anyone who wanted to admire their beauty.

True colors

2011-05-23T21:59:00.000-03:00

This umbrella was against a white wall, each corner having different textures. So colorful, neatly folded, showing some rusty spots... I miss posting here my findings, and the friends I met through blogging, they both add depth and texture to our everyday lives.

Bright and vivid colors

2010-04-25T20:44:00.000-03:00

Colorful flowers do make our days shine... When these flowers start to dry out, little thorns come out replacing their petals. Even though I see them around every year in the garden I still don't know their names.

These flowers go to Today's Flowers, the virtual flowers blog that displays flowers from around the world.

Purple

2010-03-14T21:51:00.005-03:00

Some purple flowers I found on my computer. It rained a lot today and the song "Purple rain" came to my mind, I haven't heard it in a long time though. The first flower is African Violet, the second one is Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile) and the third one I don't know...

These flowers go to Today's Flowers, a blog that shows flowers from around the world every Sunday.

Marcela - a native plant to South America

2010-01-10T20:47:00.002-03:00

Macela, also known as marcela do campo - a medicinal plant native to South America.

To see more flowers from around the world, please visit Today's Flowers blog.

Tropical Santa Claus

2009-12-09T16:11:00.001-03:00

A local mall brings Santa to the tropics for a vacation and he seems to be enjoying the high temperatures this Summer.

Orchids

2009-11-29T15:17:00.000-03:00

Orchids can be found in different sizes, shapes, colors and scents... and they are fascinating. With all these qualities they still have a reputation as being finicky and hard to grow. I say it is a myth...

To see more flowers, please go Today's Flowers blog.

Giving Thanks

2009-11-26T15:20:00.000-03:00

And flowers...

I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High" (Psalm 7:17)

Red Roses

2009-10-25T21:52:00.002-03:00

Roses are beautiful, a favorite flower for many occasions throughout time. When I look at roses I see perfection, beauty and fragrance. Like roses I hope that my heart flows a sweet smelling fragrance to those who approach me.

Pease visit Today's Flowers to see more flowers from around the world.

Have a seat on a railroad sleeper

2009-09-18T11:33:00.000-03:00

A quiet time... leads me to benches, to a garden where I can sit and relax... this bench is near a friend's neighbor and it seemed just like the perfect place to sit and do nothing.

Say it with pink hydrangeas

2009-08-30T16:58:00.001-03:00

Flowers speak of love, friendship, gratitude, simpathy, forgiveness, respect, gentleness... Flowers express feelings. When I send flowers, I also send my love, I send a smile on a face, and a gesture of how much I care.

To see more flowers, please visit Today's Flowers, there are flowers there from all over the world that will make you smile.

A reflection over coffee

2009-08-21T18:50:00.001-03:00

Coffee beans

I grew up in a family of coffee lovers. My grandfather planted coffee and so did my dad. Nowadays my father-in-law grows coffee, so when it comes to starting a conversation, we don't talk ask about the weather, we ask for a cup of coffee...

But what do I thirst more than coffee? As a mom I want to make a difference in our children's lives and that their lives have a purpose... that even being ordinary people they can accomplish extraordinary things for God!

Glorious bushes

2009-08-09T19:56:00.008-03:00

The beautiful house dated 1924 and built by Letonians who immigrated to Brazil long time ago has near the front porch this faboulous shrub called Glory bush (manaca-da-serra - Tibouchina mutabilis). The reason we visited the Lethonian colony is that we have friends there, we enjoyed some wonderful traditional food and drinks.

This is my contribution to Today's Flowers this week.

Our sweet 15

2009-08-06T16:22:00.004-03:00

Today we celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary... We feel gratitude for the blessings in our lives...

Full bloom

2009-08-03T08:26:00.001-03:00

The holiday cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is actually known in Brazil as May flower, because it blooms in May, when it is Fall here. I have had this plant for about 15 years. All you need to do to keep it going is to water once a week and after it blooms, when the flowers dry out, cut the end leaves, this will make the cactus grow stronger and you can use the cut leaves to propagate new plants.
Today's Flower blog, the blog that keeps full blooms around the globe is celebrating its first anniversary. Please stop by to say hello and check the wonderful blogs that join in every week.

Country chapels along the country road

2009-07-14T19:37:00.003-03:00

Small chapels along the road... For over ten years over holidays and vacations we saw this beautiful landscape. Some time ago we decided to take the same road and we found out that everything looked just the way it was the last time we visited, and that was about five years ago...

Hydrangeas

2009-06-14T21:25:00.002-03:00

Starting with a small blossom they grow into beautiful flowers. Hydrangeas or hortensias have been a part of my life since I was a little girl. My cousins grew them in the garden and their beautiful color, shape and size amazed me every time I came to visit.

Please visit Today's Flowers to see what is blooming around the world.

Perfect pansies

2009-06-07T19:28:00.001-03:00

Valentine's Day in Brazil is June 12th and for Today's Flowers I am adding these pansies, because the Portuguese word for pansy is literally "perfect love" (amor perfeito).

We have different stories, and no matter how simple or elaborate, may love and joy grow more each day in our lives...

Please visit Today's Flowers to see more perfect flowers blooming around the world.

Lavender

2009-06-01T09:00:00.000-03:00

Tiny and naturally fragrant. Lavender flowers... these are not from my garden, not yet. I have a pot of lavender growing in my balcony and I found out the plant started to look better when I moved the pot under a glass table that has my other plants.

Can anyone tell me what type of lavender is pictured here? English, French, Spanish, none of them? Thank you.

PLease visit Today's Flowers to see what is blooming around the globe.

A light for my path

2009-05-29T17:41:00.001-03:00

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

These are the words that came to my mind when I "developed" this picture after visiting a home decor exihibition recently. It was getting dark, we were tired, and the woman wouldn't come out of the way, then I shot... and I have to admit that I appreciate the fact that she stood there. Sometimes life takes turns for the better or for the worse, and we want to be in control, but then we find out later that God had better plans in store for us...

Sleeping beauty

2009-05-24T21:11:00.007-03:00

Another small flower... Sleeping grass, touch-me-not and sensitive are some popular names for this shrinking plant (mimosa pudica L. - known as dormideira in Portuguese). My kids were playing in an open field when they found the sleeping grass... and they had so much fun touching the leaves to see them fold.

To see more beautiful flowers, please visit Today's Flowers.

Handmade bird feeders

2009-05-20T15:45:00.003-03:00

A local artist created these ceramic bird feeders and the birds... they look so happy standing there.

A really small flower

2009-05-17T18:25:00.007-03:00

A delicate small flower spotted during a weekend walk with my family. All that grass around it made me think it was a grass floret, not sure though.

This is my contribution to Today's Flowers. To see more flowers and visit other blogs, please pay a visit to them.

A duck tale

2009-05-12T16:40:00.008-03:00

Ducks in a quiet afternoon. I could just sit there forever taking pictures of them, but then they decided to jump... and I wasn't fast enough to capture the exact moment they jumped!

Mothers and roses

2009-05-10T17:55:00.005-03:00

My son picked these flowers for me today... from my folder of photos on my computer! I asked him to help me with this special post. Mother's Day is celebrated today in many countries, including Brazil. Little fingers pointing to my computer screen and saying: "Momma I like these flowers" is priceless...

I am the guest today at Today's Flowers! The wonderful team there has this weekly meme to show wonderful flowers from all over the world.

La fiesta

2009-05-05T00:33:00.001-03:00

Even though Cinco de mayo is not celebrated here, I have friends who have just moved to Mexico and I am thinking of them today... Both their kids attended the same preschool as mine, and the little girl was in same class as my four year-old son until a few days ago, when they left... just before the swine flu outbreak.

These pictures were taken at the International Festival last year and there was a kid whose father lives in Mexico and he sent the school a huge package with so many typical items.

Bottles with a purpose

2009-05-03T22:30:00.001-03:00

A bouquet of freshly picked flowers (gerberas) and reused bottles.... This is how I decorate my place: with clean bottles of wine and olive oil...

A late contribution to Earth day... these flowers go to Today's Flowers that display the most gorgeous flowers around the world on a weekly basis.

I'll be the guest on May 10th, so watch that space!

Yay! Earth Day is also my birthday!

2009-04-22T08:13:00.002-03:00

Good times... fun memories... good friends... true blessings... a beautiful family... Today I celebrate the big 40... I thank the Lord for all the days planned for me written in his book...

Happy Easter!

2009-04-09T08:31:00.000-03:00

More than a wish, it is a prayer that His message of hope, joy and love may be the reason for our Easter celebration!

Consider the lilies...

2009-03-30T08:06:00.000-03:00

How they grow!

And how they remind me that they brighten our days with their generous beauty and fragrance. They also tell me that I don't need much to live happily, that what impacts the lives of people who surround us is God's love shining through our lives. Choose... to spread joy and sow generously the seeds God has given to you. Sow generously, reap generously.

These lilies go to Today's Flowers that shows beautiful flowers around the world every week.

Summer is over...

2009-03-23T19:49:00.001-03:00

The winds of change started to blow last week in our hemisphere. Leaves fall and temperatures drop... Summer is officially over. By the end of the Winter we will see many leaves on the ground, it takes time... leaves may turn red or brown down here too, on a much smaller proportion though.

Pink Friday

2009-03-13T17:46:00.004-03:00

Pink backpacks, it's Pink Friday...

Lily, the pink

2009-03-08T18:36:00.006-03:00

Pink lilies from my niece's "sweet fifteen" birthday party.

To see more flowers from around the world, please visit Today's Flowers.

Grab your masks

2009-02-20T10:36:00.003-03:00

Hang some balloons, toss confetti all over the room and listen to some samba or jazz (is that what they play in New Orleans for Mardi Gras?) over this weekend, it is Mardi Gras! Or Carnival as we call it. I am not a fan of Carnival, but since it is such a big event in Brazil I did not want to let it go unnoticed.

How sweet

2009-02-14T20:35:00.004-03:00

Penguins in love... Taken at the Aquarium in Ubatuba during Summer vacation. This scene totally made my heart melt... Happy Valentine's Day!

Eight is great!

2009-02-02T00:15:00.001-03:00

Two big events at our house this week... The first one is that our second boy turns eight today! He is smart, funny, sensitive, and loves to draw. He fills our hearts with great joy!

The second event is that our kids are back to school! Summer vacation is officially over now. I love having my kids around in the Summer, but they started to get bored last week.

Morning dew and gentle rain

2009-01-26T00:33:00.001-03:00

Early morning glistening dewdrops, always so soft... always a good reason to get out of bed early and take a few shots. Then it comes the rain... Love the gentle rain that makes flowers grow, filling the air with smell of hot ground after a dry spell. When I was a kid it seemed that it rained for days in a row and the humidity was high, I don't miss that but I haven't seen long raining days lately...

"Let my teaching fall like rain
and my words descend like dew,
like showers on new grass,
like abundant rain on tender plants."
Deuteronomy 32:2

Please visit Today's Flowers to see more flowers from all over the world.

Mountain and sea

2009-01-23T22:37:00.005-03:00

Live together in harmony... rainforest... calm waters... just 3 hours away in Ubatuba. Good to visit during Summer time, we had a great time there.

Houses by the sea level

2009-01-19T18:40:00.001-03:00

Paraty... I love this charming colonial town and its cobblestone streets constructed by the Portuguese settlers over 300 years ago. That is where we spent our honeymoon almost 15 years ago.

The full moon floods happen when the seawater invades the streets. It was pure luck that we were able to be there on vacation last week during full moon and high tides! I can't take any credit for that.

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

A Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T17:34:00.005-03:00

Wishing you a wonderful New Year! May your hopes be in Him alone and his mercies begin afresh each day throughout this year giving us guidance and direction!

Pink Violets and how I grow them

2008-11-09T18:37:00.000-03:00

Many people like to have african violets sitting on their kitchen windowsill, maybe because of indirect sunrays and because they are easy to grow indoors. They can make any corner brighter, and I have my violets on a small table in my balcony. I have created many new pots over the years just by leaf cuttings and I have never propagated them by seed! Each leaf I cut and plant in damp soil grows into a new violet after a few weeks. My mom used to cut many leaves and later transplant them into new pots then she would give away the new plants. After they grow, they do not like to be over watered... so I water them only when they are really dry. Also, I keep water away from their feet and leaves. Last time I posted about African violets I received many comments and I promised to post more violets, and here they are!

To view more flowers, please visit Today's Flowers!

Spring has sprung

2008-10-26T20:55:00.006-03:00

He loves me... he loves me not (in Portuguese: bem me quer, mal me quer). A little girl plucking the petals of a daisy... can you relate to that? I can! I wonder if this is a common rhyme in all countries, well, it is here in Brazil. Daisies are here... and it means Spring is here too!

This is my contribution to Today's Flowers hosted by Santilli.

A thank you note

2008-10-24T08:45:00.004-03:00

My friend Connie who has a private blog had a giveaway and I won! I love coffee and the gift was just perfect! I enjoyed the delicious chocolate filled wafer cookies with a cup of coffee in a quiet afternoon... And as for the book... it is filled with facts and anedoctes about coffee, I can't stop reading it! Thank you Connie for being so kind and generous!

Dutch shoes do grow on trees!

2008-10-16T18:32:00.004-03:00

A pittoresque Dutch town nearby and their traditional shoes on trees... A nice place to visit if you are looking for that Dutch accent, with beautiful flower shops, nice Dutch food restaurants and an European look and feel.

My amaryllis

2008-10-13T21:32:00.004-03:00

My amaryllis... special delivery with a special meaning... delivered 3 1/2 years ago at the time our third child was born...a gift from my husband... Last week new flowers came out... and here is the sequence of photos I was able to capture...

This is my contribution to Today's Flowers hosted by Santilli.

Moss rose or portulacas

2008-09-22T08:28:00.005-03:00

Moss rose (portulaca grandiflora) a morning bloomer... the blooms will go away in the afternoon to show their beauty again the next day. This plant reminds me of my childhood, many houses had moss rose (11 horas in Portuguese) in the garden, they are easy to grow and there are many colors available.
This is my contribution to Today's Flowers hosted by Santilli.

Show me... something that relaxes you

2008-09-12T13:43:00.001-03:00

This is what really soothes me: a view of green pastures, farm life, hills and mountains. I grew up on a flat farm but married a man from the mountains! I took this picture on the way to my in-laws' farm. We had to stop along the way because of some unexpected road construction... I was about to complain when I thought to myself... There is got to be something good out of this situation, we had been traveling for almost 3 hours, the kids were tired of being in the car and we were very close to the farm... as I got off the car I was presented with the most relaxing view!

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul...
Psalm 23:2-3

Today's Show me project at Thought's of a father calls for something that relaxes you.

And this song came to mind mind: If you want me to (click to listen) performed by Ginny Owens.

Show me... a view!

2008-09-11T13:13:00.011-03:00

A view from our balcony. I can see miles and miles away... We have gray skies today which is not unusual this time of the year and Spring is just around the corner! The trees are blooming all over. I can see mango trees, tabebuias of many different colors and sky rises surrounding the city...

This picture is part of project Show me that Robert is hosting this week, if you would like to see more wonderful pictures and stories or join in, please visit his blog.

Another view, to the right of the balcony, I zoomed in so I could show you a church that is across town, it takes me about 15 minutes to get there by car...

Show me... a trunk of memories

2008-09-10T22:20:00.004-03:00

My mom gave me this trunk many years ago... it has a beautiful story behind it. When her father, my grandfather, made this trunk, her mother, my grandmother, was pregnant with my mom! I can imagine my grandmother wearing her long dress, and my grandfather carving the wood... Well, my grandfather passed away when my mom was only eight years old, and all I know is that he was a tall and very intelligent man, taught all his daughters how to read, and my mom still has his notebook with the birthdate of his children, they had 7 girls and only one boy. This happened in the 1930's... What a sentimental day... Robert at Thoughts of a father photo project for the day is to show an object of sentimental value and so many thoughtful and inspirational stories are being told...

Show me... your front door

2008-09-09T14:25:00.002-03:00

Welcome friends to my home and stay for a while... We live in a 3rd floor (4th in the US) apartment and the front door is boring, so I am showing here the balcony door too, which has a nice view of the city.

If you would like to see more front doors, please visit Robert at Thoughts of a Father.

Show me... your kitchen!

2008-09-08T18:55:00.006-03:00

I love coffee, tea, blue stuff, crafts and small things, such as the little guinea fowls in my kitchen. The old coffee pot belonged to my grandmother and I inherited it...

Robert at Thoughts of a Father is hosting his first photo project and today's theme is kitchen. For more details on how to participate, please visit Robert.

Annatto flowers - Urucum

2008-09-07T21:39:00.007-03:00

Annatto or achiotte, (bixa orellana L.) has the scientific name derived from a Spanish explorer in the XVI century. This plant is grown mostly in South America and Brazil is the main producer and exporter. Known here as urucum or colorau, the seeds are used as a natural red food coloring in the food industry, cosmestics (known as the lipstick-tree), to dye textiles and also for cooking, which I recommend. The color result is similar to paprika, it does not alter the flavor of the food though. Also, Brazilian indians and other Latin-American indians use the seeds to make body paint.

This is my entry for Santilli's project: Today's Flowers. You can add your flowers too!

Show me your glory

2008-09-02T12:12:00.011-03:00

I find it hard to glorify nature without glorifying the Creator of all things... in the kingdom of nature there can only be a king... that shows us His glory and all things speak themselves to proclaim the works of God's hands...

Ecological Day is a monthly event started by Sonia, at Leaves of Grass, and the purpose is to write and post photos about anything related to Ecology. Let us reflect the love of the Creator for us by respecting and loving the planet.

This post was inspired on the song Show me your glory, by Third Day - Click the link to watch the video.

Paper flower - Bouganvilleas in bloom

2008-08-31T21:24:00.002-03:00

Please click to enlarge.

This climbing vine is a native to Brazil, known as bouganvillea or paper flower, it was named after Louis Antoine de Bougainville, an admiral in the French Navy who discovered the plant here in 1768. The colorful bracts around the flowers can be pink, orange, red, purple, white, yellow... The white-cream flowers are very small and can go almost unnoticed.

You can grow bouganvilleas along a wall and you may consider pots too, but they prefer warm weather. They are blooming now where I live. In fact, they bloom almost year round!

You can see more flower photos from all over at Today's Flowers, please pay a visit and show your flowers too!

African violets are blooming around the house

2008-08-24T21:31:00.001-03:00

My first African violet was a birthday present a long time ago and I remember it bloomed all the time. When I was in college I used to buy African violets of all colors and of course I did not take care of them, but I soon found out that they grow and bloom better if you do not water them often! That's the type of flower you want to have if you do not have time to water a plant on schedule or travel a lot. They do not miss water, but they love indirect sunlight.

My purple African violet bloomed with two different shades of purple this time as you can see on first picture, the second picture shows how it bloomed last year... maybe because now I added African violet food?

This is my entry for Today's Flowers, an event for flower lovers that runs every Sunday.

Olympic baloons to celebrate 08/08/08!!!

2008-08-08T08:28:00.003-03:00

Have fun watching the Olympic games!

Celebrate the date 08/08/08!!!

A real B&W wedding picture

2008-07-15T07:21:00.003-03:00

My grandparents got married in 1928, and they would be celebrating their 80th anniversary this year... I'm so glad I got to spend so much time with them and live close to them for so many years. When I left for the US to be an exchange student my grandpa said he would probably not see me again... so when I came back a year later, there he was, and he lived to the age of 86! Life is so short... and we live a hurried life...

My thought for the day is: take a deep breath and un-hurry, take a break to enjoy things that are important, make a pause to pray and thank God for the gift of life!

For more pictures featuring the color black, please visit Anna Carson Photography blog.

A church vitral

2008-07-14T07:32:00.001-03:00

This image is filled with memories of my childhood... the church we attended had beautiful vitrals that were even distracting to a child. Going back to my hometown now with my camera gives me the chance to focus on the beautiful surroundings and places that are so dear to me.

This is part of Project black that Anna Carson is hosting. There are many other blogs participating and you can join in the fun!

A black sombrero

2008-07-11T07:09:00.001-03:00

A black and white sombrero made in felter and embroidered with beads caught everyone's attention during the International festival we attended a few days ago.

This is my contribution to Anna's Project Black.

Shiny black

2008-07-10T20:04:00.005-03:00

Shiny black... two wheels... I tried to learn how to ride a bike many times, but I don't think I ever got the right bike for a beginner. Well, it was a dirt bike, no electric start, you have to kick start it... and so on. I still hope I will learn how to ride a bike, a regular bike... even though I love dirt bikes!

I shot this bike last week on our way to a friend's campsite and this is my entry for Project Black at Anna's blog. I had no idea black would make a such good theme for photograpy!

Brazil and Japan - 100-year friendship

2008-06-18T16:52:00.005-03:00

A friendship that started 100 years ago when the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the port of Santos aboard the steamship Kasato Maru on June 18, 1908. Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito is visiting the country to take part in the celebrations. An anniversary that certainly has a significant role in our country today.

Blue barn doors

2008-06-06T07:51:00.000-03:00

A barn with blue doors... the look of the distressed wood walls against the freshly painted doors brings me back to reality to tell me I am not in the last century... My grandparents lived nearby and I can only imagine what life was like in the 40's when my grandmother had 6 kids and my grandfather was the manager of this place. My dad has so many stories to tell about this farm where he spent his childhood...

If you are enjoying the Blue Project that Anna created, please visit her blog for more blue pictures!

A blue bench is so inviting

2008-06-05T13:35:00.003-03:00

This picture was taken at this farm which is mostly painted blue! That's where my dad grew up. I would love to be able to go there again and have some quiet time, read a book or just sit down and enjoy the sounds of nature!

If you like blue, please visit Anna's blog to find out more blogs that have joined this adventure!

A blue coffee mill or grinder

2008-06-04T07:43:00.001-03:00

One of my chores as a child was to grind coffee, not an easy task, so my siblings and I took turns, and we did not always did it for fun because we did not drink coffee at the time... It was a rough chore and I'm glad it did not affect our love for coffee today as we are all heavy coffee drinkers at home!

This old coffee mill was at display during the International Day held at my youngest son's preschool. I have a grinder that my dad gave me a long time ago, but it is black. Today I use an electric one...

For more fun blue stuff, please visit Anna's blog!

Jump!

2008-06-03T07:14:00.000-03:00

The weather here is good all year round and beautiful blue skies motivate outdoor parties with inflatables slides and even a trampoline.

I think blue is my favorite color. You can see more people blogging blue on Anna's Project Blue.

An old school desk painted blue

2008-06-02T07:32:00.002-03:00

The old school desk reminds me of my own rural school back in 1976. This one does not have the ink well holes.

My mother-in-law had them painted in blue and I love to sit there and chat. There are a couple of desks in the porch that has white and blue rails.

Please visit Anna's Project Blue to see how the world keeps spinning blue in many other blogs.

Patience... now!

2008-05-16T07:54:00.004-03:00

During a morning walk I saw this butterfly trying to fly and I believe it had just emerged from its chrysalis. It took me about 10 minutes to get shots of the open wings, as they flap so fast and stay closed for a long time afterwards, and all I needed was a small action, the butterfly to move its wings! That was a test of patience, which is not one of my best abilities...

This reminds me of certain events that depend on some small actions we take that can really make a difference in our lives or someone else's life and can be compared to the controversial "butterfly effect".

I wrote down this list of small gestures of love that can make a difference and I want to share it with you:

Call an old friend I haven't heard in ages, or write an e-mail
Remember special dates
Babysit for a couple or single parent who hasn't been out for a while...
Confirm my love for my husband and kids every day
Pick up a neighbor's paper when he/she is away for a few days
Welcome a new neighbor with a treat
Read a devotional or pray together with someone who needs support
Encourage someone who's depressed
Make my place pretty and tidy
Or... just smile at someone, hold a door, say nice words, think twice before letting the word out...

This list could go on and on... Hope you all have a nice day!

My first Mother's Day

2008-05-08T22:40:00.000-03:00

I became a mom ten years ago and my oldest son was only a week old... time flies... Yes, he turned 10 this week... The other day we were shopping for Winter clothes and he wanted to try on the clothes alone in the dressing room. I told him I'd be waiting at the cashier... lost count of how many times I turned around to check if he was coming...

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13 (NLT)

Bench marks

2008-04-28T08:18:00.006-03:00

These pictures were taken last year after my niece's wedding reception. What I like about them is that the worn out grass shows that the benches are not just decorative, people really take time to sit and watch some really amateur tennis players. And they came to my mind after I saw Anna's post with a green bench.

To view more participants of Project Green, or if you want to join in the fun, please visit Anna's blog to add your name to the list, there are over 200 entries now!

An apple a day

2008-04-25T18:52:00.002-03:00

The funny thing about blogging is that you become more aware of your surroundings and not even a simple errand can be done without a camera... So, while doing my grocery shop I spotted green apples that were so nicely displayed... I am not sure whether we are allowed to take pictures inside a grocery store, but I could not help it... And you know I always have a camera in my bag even when running errands.

My entry for Project Green at Anna's blog!

My Wellies!

2008-04-23T19:31:00.002-03:00

Aren't they cute? I just wish these mini wellies were my size! My friend from the UK sent me this key chain and I love it!

This is part of Project Green, please visit Anna's blog and you will be able to view over 100 participating blogs!

Go Green!

2008-04-22T07:06:00.002-03:00

This week Anna's challenge focuses on green. An environmental theme for April 22nd, which happens to be Earth Day and my birthday too... No wonder why I love green themes, even though it is not my favorite color. My shot for Project Green features organic grape leaves.

How green is your life today?

Looking through a pizza oven

2008-04-18T08:04:00.000-03:00

This week both my themes revolve around food, first the window at a restaurant and now this pizza oven. I had made other attempts trying to shoot pizza ovens and failed. This time I did not have my tripod with me so it was more of a challenge but I liked the results. Happy Friday everyone!

Please visit Mark's blog to find out some great blogs that have been posting wonderful pictures for Project Looking Through!

Looking through the window

2008-04-17T12:03:00.000-03:00

Looking through the window from a nice country restaurant. Fresh air, good food and no rush to leave. The check won't be sent to you unless you ask for it. Oops... it has some yellow, am I in the wrong project? I meant to send this to Mark's blog and his Looking through project!

Yellow orchids

2008-04-16T19:30:00.003-03:00

My last shot for the Project Yellow at Anna's blog. The project has come to an end, but I am sure it was the beginning of many new friendships and great finds!

Yellow is the color of sunshine. It is warming, gets our attention (even more now) and it is very cheerful, just like the project. I had such a great time visiting so many blogs that I had never heard of.

I leave these yellow orchids in your window boxes and a big thanks to Anna for giving us something to think about (or not) while taking the pictures!

All that glitters

2008-04-14T23:04:00.001-03:00

Should I say I have organic and sustainable earrings? My earrings and my purse below are not made of gold. They are made of golden grass, a plant that has this unique and natural gold color.

Golden grass can be found only in in the Amazon region of Brazil, in a place called Jalapão, and is harvested only once a year. The artisans make beautiful earrings, handbags and other items.

This is my entry for the Project Yellow at Anna's blog!

The Earthmover

2008-04-11T07:49:00.000-03:00

This post is dedicated to my husband who started this collection a few years ago when he was a Consultant and implemented a project at Caterpillar. He is on his way back from India and will be home tomorrow! He is always on the move and on the Earth's surface! We miss you honey!

If you want to take part in the yellow project, please visit Anna's blog and find out more wonderful pictures that many fellow bloggers are taking!

Yellow balconies

2008-04-10T08:30:00.000-03:00

Visiting a friend this week I parked the car, looked up and saw what... yellow balconies!!! There were people around and this is an only shot, very unusual for me. I don't handle the camera well when people are watching, my favorite shots were taken when I was alone, funny huh?

So, here's my photo for Anna's yellow project!

My neighbor's yellow car

2008-04-09T08:17:00.001-03:00

A sweet old lady and her yellow car, that's our neighbor. Most of our parents had a Beetle at some point in their lives, mine did! We don't see many nowadays, but I remember when I was little and my sister had her first car, it was a 60's Beetle, around 1978 I believe. Boy, did we have fun!!! I was only 9 then...

It's been a fun week, I had never paid much attention to yellow but it is everywhere! Yesterday, I counted six yellow houses in one block! To see more yellow pictures, please visit Anna's blog.

Just follow the yellow sign

2008-04-08T12:31:00.001-03:00

Ok, I have done some crazy things to shoot a photo. And this was just one of them. This morning on my way back from Sam's Club, I spotted from a distance a yellow sign near the mall entrance, reached for my camera in the bag and turned it on! There were cars behind me, oh well, I thought they were not that close and I looked in the rear view mirror! So, I slowed down and took this shot! It was a little scary but it surely put a smile on my face!

And the sign goes for the yellow project at Anna's blog!

Yellow flower and a busy bee

2008-04-07T07:49:00.003-03:00

Anna has an inspirational blog that combines beautiful posts and photographs. This week, or for a while, she's challenging bloggers to take yellow pictures! So, off we go to the yellow mode and here is my contribution!

This bee started feeding on the flowers I was shooting. My favorite photos revolve around flowers... I think they make me peaceful as I never get tired of admiring how gorgeous they are and to me they act as little reminders of God's love and care.

What do flowers mean to you?

Spring and Fall - the equinox

2008-03-25T22:30:00.000-03:00

Mount Elbert - Colorado - 2004

These mountains are beautifully covered with snow in the Winter but when Summer time comes they reveal amazing flowers, wild rivers and gorgeous landscape. I found it hard to believe that such delicate flowers survived after a harsh Winter.

It makes me think of the many gifts that God has given us showing his faithfullness and how we use them through our callings to glorify Him.

"See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land." Song of Solomon 2:11-12 (NIV)

Happy Easter!

2008-03-20T19:06:00.005-03:00

It's a new beginning... May God continue to bless you and your loved ones...

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies." John 11:25

His birthday is on St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-17T08:00:00.000-03:00

Happy birthday dear hubby!

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

A view from my car window

2008-03-10T21:06:00.002-03:00

I took this picture as we were arriving in Sao Paulo. I love driving, but during a road trip with my family I feel more comfortable in the passenger seat with my camera ready to complement the fun! While I enjoy the view, I take a few shots to make some fond memories.

Did you notice the airplane on top of the blue building? Always take pictures... you never know what your lenses may catch, and there is only one way to find out!

I want to linger a little longer...

2008-02-14T12:30:00.001-03:00

A little longer here with you... it's such a perfect time to wish someone you love how much that person means to you... Look around and thank for the beautiful things, like the gift of a friend, a husband, a wife, a child or acquaintance who's been there for you in good times and in bad. That is unconditional love...

Happy Valentine's Day!

Fresh eggs from the old chicken coop

2008-01-29T23:08:00.000-03:00

A good reason to have chickens is to be able to collect fresh eggs and have a regular supply of delicious eggs to try new recipes. We visit this farm once a month but I would love to live closer to enjoy all the good things there.

And speaking of eggs... We still haven't gotten over Christmas and it won't be too long before we start dyeing Easter eggs! Mardi Gras is just around the corner, I just realized my blog turned one this month and I did not even notice, time flies...

Chicken out!

2008-01-25T19:15:00.000-03:00

White meat is in and it makes a perfect Sunday roast! But I started to wonder what kind of meat my family was eating when I saw a mass-production farm for the first time. The first set of pictures shows my husband's family farm where they raise organic chicken for their own consumption. Chickens there have room to roam and eat. The kids love to throw kale from the garden fence and watch the chickens running to eat their natural food!

As for this set of pictures, it clearly shows what goes on my mind when I see non-organic chicken sold in supermarkets, so sad... There is a campaign called Chicken out in Europe and you can read more about it here too.

Free as a bird

2008-01-19T10:13:00.000-03:00

There is nothing better than waking up to the sounds of the birds early in the morning. I have fun observing the birds across the farm. It takes time, but time seems to go slower when we are away from computers! And I feel free as a bird, going up and down the garden, with no schedules, no conference calls, just me and my camera! When I start to get bored, I watch the birds. The parrots pictured above come every morning!

Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola, canario-da-terra) standing on a lime tree. It is a common bird in Brazil that nest in cavities, like abandoned Rufous Hornero (Furnarius rufus) nests and house roofs. The male is bright yellow with an orange crown and the female is olive-brown. A lovely bird to watch.

Sweet Summer Rain

2008-01-11T09:46:00.001-03:00

What a refreshing moment after a long hot day, when the afternoon pouring rain hits, I stop everything I am doing and sit on my couch for a few moments just to watch and hear the sound of a good soaking rain.

When I am traveling and it rains, the washed out roads and the steam coming out dissolving the landscape look so beautiful to me.

And last... After the rain... there comes the sun up in the sky awakening the right seeds in well-prepared soils... I hope (pray) that the soil of your heart is ready enabling fruitful seeds to grow in the days ahead or to realize the value of the fruits that you already have in your life. Have a blessed weekend.

Gone fishing

2008-01-09T22:34:00.000-03:00

Over the holidays we visited family and I enjoyed some quiet time fishing with the kids. Time goes by so quickly when we are not working...

Hard work pays off

2008-01-08T23:38:00.000-03:00

Working at a large company has its benefits, like discounts (from the bank, stores, and hotels), a retirement program and... well, it does not happen often, but we had a training program at a nice hotel!

Leaving the roads

2008-01-07T22:00:00.000-03:00

Innovative and eco-friendly. My new flip-flops are comfortable, water-repelling and slip-resistant on wet surfaces. What else? They are hand-crafted and made from recycled car tires and... they were so cheap! Besides, I think they are cute and I can't get them off my feet now that Summer is here.

Simple things

2008-01-03T12:30:00.000-03:00

May your year be filled with beautiful and bright colors.

Simple delights as simple as country flowers, simple smiles that brighten a day...
I believe in simple things...

Born again

2007-12-26T21:22:00.001-03:00

Hope you all had a great Christmas. I really want to keep this blog going next year and I thank you for visiting. A friend of mine painted this Nativity scene and when I looked at Mary the first thing that came to my mind was that she looked hopeless and scared. I can relate to her, first child, away from family, looking at the baby and thinking "Will I be able to take care of this baby?" Joseph, on the other hand, looks so happy, like my husband did when he first laid eyes on our children. How beautiful it is to think that one child changed the world and gave us hope of eternal life with Him, a lesson of faith, hope and love. My best wishes for a Happy New Year!

"God loved the people of this world so much that He gave His only son, so that everyone who has faith in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

It's beginning to look like Christmas...

2007-11-28T21:43:00.000-03:00

Every year the Christmas decoration around town has little surprises. This year they decided to use recycled PET (soda) plastic bottles and thousands of electric poles have an unusual decor. At night, the ornaments are lit and create a beautiful and colorful effect.

What can we do to make happy green holidays? Let's try to use our creativity and limit the impact on the environment this holiday season.
- Recycle... Old Christmas cards into gift tags, bookmarks, decoupage boxes...
- Avoid unnecessary packaging and accept only the bags you need.
- Buy food and drink packaged in materials that can be recycled.

- Use a reusable shopping bag or reuse your plastic bags!
- Buy recycled... Or look for alternatives, there are pretty gifts that are made from recycled materials.
- Make decorations from scrap materials.
- Make a resolution to recycle in 2008!

A thankful heart

2007-11-07T20:21:00.000-03:00

I spotted this large white heron, the Great Egret, during a walk in the park with a friend. It was a sunny Saturday morning, a perfect time to just enjoy nature, chat and take pictures. I believe this bird is found across much of the world but I felt it was worth sharing with you.

As Thanksgiving approaches I want to give thanks for being given so much each day. A simple walk reveals so many wonderful things. It is a time to smile, look around and appreciate the things that we have.

Kelli is hosting a Thanksgiving event called "Giving thanks" with prizes! She'll be sharing decorating ideas, crafts, poems, prayers, games, table settings, activities for children and a daily cleaning schedule (with before and after pictures). If you would like to join, please go here for all the details, including pictures of the giveaway prizes!

So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. Ge 1:21

Just like the old days

2007-10-23T07:24:00.000-03:00

- Honey stop the car!
- What? Here? It's a highway!
- But the steam train is coming! Here, a dead-end roaaaaad! Pleaaaaase.
This dialog seems to have taken an eternity. We were on the road on the way back from church exactly at the same time as the steam train was coming! It only takes tourists on weekends and I was going to miss the chance to take pictures? Luckily, right after the bridge there is a dead-end road and I was able to photograph "Smokey Mary" or the steam locomotive-hauled train. The train rides about 16 miles (25 km) to a nearby town. School field trips have taken my kids to ride the train and they learned all about old train cars and wagons in a very amusing way.

Grab some coffee

2007-10-09T09:06:00.000-03:00

If you are a coffee drinker and ever wondered how that steaming coffee you grab every morning gets to your table, here's how it is processed. After the coffee beans are harvested, they are typically sun-dried on large patios made of asphalt or cement, where they are shifted at regular periods of time for several days to prevent mildew and fermentation while they dry. Then they are transferred to mechanical dryers. This method is widely used in Brazil. Additional processes include: sorting and grading; polishing, storaging and aging. Roasting is the last step, and it can be done either at the roasting companies or at home. I used to roast coffee for our family when I was a teenager, it was one of those chores my brother and I did not enjoy much, but I can tell you, I can distinguish a good coffee from a distance today.

The coffee farm: Chic Coffee (English) and Café Pessegueiro (Portuguese)

More pictures related to coffee on my previous posts:
1) Guesses anyone?
2) How would you like your coffee?

And that's my dad waving on the first picture...

Colonial Blue

2007-09-24T21:46:00.000-03:00

More farm pictures, the white and blue were popular in Colonial Brazil during the 17th and 18th centuries. This is a coffee farm, the owner was a kid when my dad was growing up and it was so nice to see them talking about old times. The farm is well-taken care of. Their oldest employee, who is over 80 years old, moved there as a kid, raised his family there and still likes to help out around the farm, taking care of flowers.