Springtime

We've had a mild winter this year, and, now, it looks like spring has sprung.  I have two small redbud trees planted in my side yard.  One is white, and one, purple. These trees are real prima donnas:  expensive and slow growing.  The blooms typically last only a few weeks, but when they do bloom...

I've got little reminders of spring popping up all over.

So today I decided to decorate for Easter.  Autumn is really my favorite season, but there's something crisp and new about springtime.

I've had this Easter basket since I was a little girl.  One of my grandparents' neighbors, a ninety-year old man named Luke Estes, made it for me from saplings that grew on his land.  I've managed to keep it intact throughout the years.  Some time ago, I took a class on pysanky, the Ukranian method of coloring Easter eggs.  The eggs in the basket are some I made.

The bluebonnets will be blooming in a few more weeks, and I'm looking forward to taking some weekend drives to find the best ones.  In the meantime, happy springtime, y'all!







The City of Lights

I've been thinking of Paris all day today.  No city has ever captured my heart like Paris.  Every time I go back, I see it through new eyes, and it never fails to disappoint me.  I don't speak French...I understand a little, but that doesn't even matter.  What I see with my camera spells it all out.  The City of Lights is indeed magic.  If I ever win the lottery, my suitcases will be a blur, and I'll be hopping on Flight 48 quicker than you can say bonjour!  Here are a few of my favorite Paris photographs.  I have thousands, yet I can't bear to delete any of them.  My next trip to France isn't until October, and I'm already counting the days.  I think I've got Paris fever; luckily, there's no cure but to go back again.

The Mayor of Murphy

Murphy, Texas is a little town located north of Dallas, and not too far down the road from Southfork, home of the "Dallas" television series.  The community's first settlers arrived in 1846, and throughout the years, it's maintained a beautiful country-style environment.

My good friend, Bill, has an interesting link to Murphy.  His father, Jules Kappes, was the mayor from 1980 until 1983.  Yesterday marked the grand opening of the Murphy Community Center, previously the old school building.  Mr. Kappes is now in an assisted care home, but he was happy to attend the dedication ceremony, where he was welcomed by many friends.  It was fun to capture the day with photographs.

When I arrived, Grace Atherton, ninety-nine years young, was addressing the crowd with more energy than you typically see in someone half her age.  Ms. Atherton was a teacher at Murphy School, and during World War II, also became the principal, coach and janitor!  At the ceremony, she assisted Mayor Bret Baldwin with cutting the ribbon.

Bill and his father enjoyed the festivities.

The crowd went wild when Mayor Baldwin took the first shot at the brand new basketball hoop...and he made it!

Afterwards, Mr. Kappes caught up with many of his old friends.

What a surprise to find photographs of all the mayors of Murphy in the "Hall of Mayors!"

We even got father and son to pose in front of Mr. Kappes' photograph.

Mr. Kappes was proud to find that he, his late wife, Del, and their cat, Mitzi, were featured in a recently published book on the history of Murphy.

 After looking inside all of the community center's rooms, we headed outside to enjoy some beautiful springtime weather.

It was a heartwarming morning, and one that Mr. Kappes will treasure for a long time.