Dear Reader:

I woke up yesterday feeling so good with a big smile on my face. There was no particular reason for it besides just being happy to wake up to life. Now that I think about it….that’s a really BIG HAPPY SMILE in itself.

These days when I look out at my garden and fence I see the large wooden disk that Vickie gave me and it sums up the delight over my garden sanctuary.

Yesterday I was ecstatic over finding my old Carole King tape-Tapestry.

I found myself singing all the way to Mt. Pleasant and later back last night to those fabulous tunes on the album.

In fact my latest updated items to put in my bucket’s list (got this name from the expression “kicking the bucket”) is to go see Hamilton on Broadway and Beautiful (the Carole King Story)!

And that was the song on the tape (“Beautiful”) that got stuck in my mind yesterday… and I am still half humming/singing it as I type right now. (Be thankful you aren’t within hearing distance.)

I sang the lyrics to “Beautiful” Monday night to Rutledge (captive audience) and then told him how important it is to wake up every morning with a smile on your face and show people all the love in your heart.

He thought about it for a moment but then started giggling….saying he wanted to wake up with a “pout” on his face like his favorite series of books about a pouty fish: The Pout-Pout Fish.

A NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER

Deep in the water,
Mr. Fish swims about
With his fish face stuck
In a permanent pout.

Can his pals cheer him up?
Will his pout ever end?
Is there something he can learn
From an unexpected friend?

Swim along

………

I had to laugh when he made his pout-pout face and I told him that memory of his expression would put a smile on my face the next morning….and it actually did!

What I love about Carole King’s songs, beside their memorable melodies, are the lyrics….Each song tells a story, delivers a message that “we can all take to the bank.” The lyrics to “Beautiful” sound like a daily devotional, especially when you add the music!!!!

Beautiful

You’ve got to get up every morning with a smile on your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
Then people gonna treat you better
You’re gonna find, yes, you will
That you’re beautiful as you feel

Waiting at the station with a workday wind a-blowing
I’ve got nothing to do but watch the passers-by
Mirrored in their faces I see frustration growing
And they don’t see it showing, why do I?

You’ve got to get up every morning with a smile on your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
Then people gonna treat you better
You’re gonna find, yes, you will
That you’re beautiful as you feel

I have often asked myself the reason for sadness
In a world where tears are just a lullaby
If there’s any answer, maybe love can end the madness
Maybe not, oh, but we can only try

…………………………..

Now here’s the melody I couldn’t and still can’t get off my mind….(Warning to all who listen… the same will happen to you)….but it will put a smile on your face and a giddy-up in your step today. I guarantee!!!!

carole king – beautiful – YouTube

So until tomorrow…Remember…we’re beautiful as we feel so let’s go out into the world feeling good to be alive in God’s beautiful Creation.

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

Update on the Open Garden Celebration! 

The Magical Moon Gate fence has been bleached and scrubbed…just for you! And now it is wide open like the invitation I am extending for you blog readers,

Just drop by for a morning tour any time from 9-11 or an evening tour from 7-9 next Monday May 23. (Hoping by then this monsoon week of rain will be over….keeping my fingers crossed. The rain should, however, just make the garden and yard greener and more “gor-rog-ous”… as Eva Cate told me about her princess attire one year.)

Dessert and drinks will make your tour more pleasurable and each person will receive a lucky penny to throw in the fountain…so be thinking of a good wish before you come.

Will send out directions later in the week…but the house is very easy to find. Come casual, shorts, whatever is comfortable, and feel free to plop on a big ole’ straw hat or any kind of garden hat for some fun candid photos.

Just didn’t want May to get away without a chance for anyone to stop by and see the garden who wishes.

• Walsh sent me this photo of Rutledge (a.k.a Bob the Builder) as he played at home with dad yesterday….Love his outfit…it does appear to be missing some pants, however. This “loss” didn’t stop the construction  Walsh assured me.