My Summer Blog Series - "Backyard Exploring"

"SUMMERTIME SERIES"

Backyard Exploring

The kiddos and I love exploring in our backyard. We're always on the hunt for creatures, or any other things that grab our attention. And I always try to capture a photo of our finds (with the exception of a couple of snakes we've found and a giant 3-1/2 inch spider -- of which it became more like a running race in the opposite direction, LOL). Our most recent discovery were giant mushrooms. Yes, GIANT MUSHROOMS! Well, maybe not as large as some species of mushrooms around the world, but giant to us!

Here are a few pics...

The mushroom was about 6-1/2 inches in diameter.

I wonder if it's edible?

A family of mushrooms! :-)

Here are a few more pics from some of our past backyard explorations...

We found this green frog hiding inside our kids' inflatable water slide...hubby threw it in the grass!

Found one of these types of spiders in my bathroom...it was 3-1/2 inches BIG!!!! I nearly jumped out of my skin!!! I much prefer them in the backyard, not in the house :-)

Red ant seeking food. These little pests just love building mounds in our backyard. It seems the more we try to get rid of them, the more mounds they construct! UGH!!

Chloe is backyard exploring!

I was curious, so I couldn't help but do a little research on mushrooms (yes, I'm such a dork! lol). I think the above mushrooms belong to the Lepiota family of mushrooms, which depending on the specific species, could mean they are either "inedible" or deadly "poisonous!" Darn, just when I thought I could use them for cooking. Good thing the yard guys came today and mowed down these potentionally deadly saucers! LOL

God Bless!

T Denise Clary

How many are Your works, Lord! In wisdom You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures.

Psalm 104:24 (NIV)

How a Book is Born, LOL!

I know that many of you may have already seen Mariah Bear's infographic she created recently illustrating the publishing process. For those of you who have not seen the chart, I thought I'd share so that you can get as much of a laugh out of it as I did. Titled "How a Book is Born," below you'll find a funny, yet somewhat accurate assessment of a book, as it makes its way through the publishing process.

God Bless!

T Denise Clary

"HOW A BOOK IS BORN"

One Year Anniversary Month!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

The month of June marks the one year anniversary that my ebooks were first independently published.  What a blessing this past year has been for me. Although my numbers pale in comparison to many other indie-authors, I am proud to say that I have sold over a thousand ebooks in the past year. Yay!!

Many thanks to everyone, especially my husband Joel,  who has stuck by me and continues to support my dream!

God Bless!
T Denise Clary  :-)

NITTI GRITTI SMITTY
Published June 20, 2011

MY FORGIVEFULLNESS
Published June 21, 2011

VINNY VAIN LIKED TO COMPLAIN
Published June 21, 2011

MR. PITT & LICKETY'S SPLIT
Published June 21, 2011

My Summer Blog Series - "In the Midst of a Storm..."

"SUMMERTIME SERIES"

In the Midst of a Storm...

My family and I arrived back in town on Sunday from a visit to Florida. We initially traveled by plane to Tallahassee to visit  my husband's sister and family for a few days and then we drove to Tampa to attend my cousin's wedding. It was a great visit! We attended a beautiful wedding (indoors, thank goodness!) and both Tallahassee and Tampa were wonderfully scenic. However, halfway into our trip, the weather turned downright dreadful. We were able to see and experience some sites while there (mainly in Tallahassee), but Tropical Storm Debby (along with the many tornado warnings) put a little bit of a damper on our visit while in Tampa. Not to mention, trying to fly out in stormy weather didn't exactly give me a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. Through prayer however, I was able to be at peace in the midst of the storm and relax during the two hour plane trip back home.

In spite of the stormy weather, I was still able to capture some fantastic pics of our trip...

- TALLAHASSEE -

"Walking in the park with Auntie Kim"
My husband's sister with our 3 yr old.
Tallahassee, Florida

We embarked on the River Boat Tour at Wakulla Springs State Park along the Wakulla River.
Tallahassee, Florida

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The kids enjoying the River Boat Tour on the Wakulla River.
Tallahassee, Florida

The beautiful sites along the Wakulla Springs River Boat Tour.
Tallahassee, Florida

The beautiful sites along the Wakulla Springs River Boat Tour.
Tallahassee, Florida

The beautiful sites along the Wakulla Springs River Boat Tour.
Tallahassee, Florida

One of the MANY gators we spotted.
Tallahassee, Florida

Although difficult to see in the pic, this bird was HUGE with its wings stretched out across the river branches.
Tallahassee, Florida

A family of ducks in the Wakulla River.
Tallahassee, Florida

- TAMPA -

My cousin Sheldon (pictured right) and his beautiful bride-to-be Tanya. Taken the day before their wedding.
Tampa, Florida

The happy couple moments after the wedding ceremony.
Tampa, Florida

The view from our hotel suite at the Grand Hyatt hotel. You can see the overcast clouds as the storm was rolling in.
Tampa, Florida

I couldn't help but notice the amazingly picturesque Florida skyline (as shown in a couple of pics above), yet in spite of it's allure, it was also a reminder that a storm was approaching. How ironic that in the wake of a storm, God's grace can still show a glimpse of beauty. That little reminder of God's grace gave me all the peace I needed to enjoy the rest of my stay in Florida despite the stormy weather. Whether rain or sunshine, it's good to know, "God's grace is sufficient for us, for His power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9 -- or in this case, a storm! :-)

God Bless!

T Denise Clary

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 

2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)