Hope SPRIGS eternal.

Some attempts at color in the pit.

Hey y'all! It's Tuesday and it already feels like the week is flying by! Did you have a good weekend? I surely hope so (and should have asked yesterday). I feel like Spring is just around the corner and I'm beginning to see signs of it everywhere.  Keep in mind that I live in North Florida, so even though we had a heck of a cold snap last week (19 degrees!), it still doesn't compare to what's going on all over the country right now. My thoughts are still with all of you dealing with the ice and snow.

Anywho- I had a moment yesterday when I was full to busting over something so small (what else is new, right?). Well, let's just say my backyard has been a thorn in my side for...the entire time I've lived in my apartment. Measures have been taken throughout the years to make the most of what is essentially an 15x10 square of hardly useable space/dustbowl or mud pit depending on the weather. I love gardening too, but with our two pups running amuck out there, it's hardly been the serene sanctuary I'd hoped for. Mostly it's just been dusty and ahem- fragrant. I've been quite ashamed of it to be honest.

But a few weeks ago, on a whim, I bought some grass seed and tossed it out on a small patch of dirt. I watered it a little and then went about my business figuring if anything came of it, awesome. If not- it's no different than the pit it has always been.

Weeks have gone by and I've checked occasionally but nothing's come of it...then BAM! Three days ago, my hubs and I were talking about something or another and happened to be standing at the back door and lo and behold! Grass has started to crop up in a few spots in the yard! It brought such a soaring sense of joy to my heart. 

The next day I hopped out there in my bathrobe and sprinkled seeds everywhere. Even if it's aways a little patchy, I absolutely do not care. That depressing, sad pit of dirt is brightening up sprig by precious sprig and it's given me sense of hope I didn't realize I needed so badly.

It's getting me through some stuff and I know it may seem a little silly. But my heart is doing better for it.

Where can you find a little joy and hope in your life?

I hope you have a truly wonderful day! Also, I wish a wonderful birthday to my dad, Richard Carpenter up there is icy Nashville, Tennessee! I love you, Papa and I hope your day is magnificent!!!  Can't wait to get up there and visit with you!

Happy Birthday, Dr. King!

Happy Monday, y'all! I hope for those of you who get today off, that you enjoy it. Today I thought I'd share some quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Everyone knows the "I have a dream" speech, but he said many things I find inspiring, so I'm sharing them with y'all in the hopes you find them inspiring too. We can all use a reminder to treat others better, including ourselves. I know I do!

A rare picture of Dr. King smiling. He had such a friendly face!

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

"Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude."

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."

"Let no man pull you low enough to hate him."

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."

"The time is always right to do what is right."

"Everyone has the power for greatness, not for fame but greatness; because greatness is determined by service."

We have a lot of work to do, y'all. Inside and out. I hope you have a truly wonderful day.

Last but certainly not least!

Pacino (aka "Cheeners") our neighborhood nosy cat, keeping our New Year's safe and as hooligan free as possible.

Here, it is! The last P&PPS post for the year. Crazy. Hard to believe it has only been a little more than five months ago that I started it, this place has become a bit of a sanctuary for me. Hopefully for you too!

Well, it's New Year's Eve, and once I get done closing up the store, the hubs and I are going out for a cocktail and nosh with a pair of acquaintances. After that it's pajama time until the ball drops. I'll probably be reading until the big moment (just finished this and it was just as awesome as you'd hope). We're going to do the 12 grapes thing too. 

Usually I have a long and very specific list of things I want to accomplish for the new year. This year, I'm making the list a bit more vague. General ideas of lifestyle changes are the way I'm rolling into 2015. I can't believe we're halfway through the 2010's. It's so bizarre! Time, y'all. She's a bandit.

Anyway, I hope for much happiness, balance and abundance in your life this upcoming year. May old habits die quick deaths and new habits spring forth like crocuses from the snowy ground!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Have an extraordinary Sunday!

Take the time to relish the small, simple things today. Nourish your burgeoning wisdom.

I truly hope you have a wonderful day!

Photo courtesy of Always Wear Your Invisible Crown.