Blog Update: Learning About Flowers

It's been a while since I posted an update. There aren't any blog updates other than the domain name is going to change next month. It'll no longer have the blogspot at the end of it. This will make it easier to find the blog itself with a shorter url. I'm really excited about getting it changed! Finally:) It'll be so much nicer! Don't you agree? 💓

As for life updates, there is one in particular. I recently signed up on Penn Foster to take lessons in floral design. At the end of my lessons and exams, I'll receive a career diploma for it. The reason I chose this is because I love learning and also, flowers. So, you could probably tell by all the flower photos I take. I can't help it. I see a flower or plant, and I have to take a picture and study it. I'm looking forward to learning all I can about them. 

To improve my knowledge, I purchased a few books. I found some at the bookstore and some online. I got a journal, too. The journal will be a journey of learning. I'll document my learning of all the flowers. Now, this might seem silly, but I ordered a hoodie, cup, and sticker of Penn Foster. I know that technically I'm not going to school to get a degree online, but I wanted to experience it, anyways. And to be honest, I do plan on getting an associate's degree in something later (after the lessons). I'm just... super happy about it!

I've always wanted to go to school but didn't want to spend the money on it. I do have two career diplomas - one in web design and the other in graphics design. But still, it's not the same as pursuing a degree - which I hope to attain in the near future! It's been a dream of mine, so I'm going to do whatever it takes to reach it. Maybe throw in some courses and career diplomas in there, too! I really do hope it happens. I'm praying about it.

Well, that's it for life/blog updates. I'll try to add more updates as things change. A big thank you to anyone that supports my writing and school. Really appreciate all the lovely encouragement! Even though it's hard, I'm doing what I can. So, thank you again!

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Photo Quests: Busy Bees

Intro: I stepped into the summer air to take photos. I wasn't sure what to exactly expect. I mean, flowers for sure, but not bees, especially not a bumble bee. But I came across one - which I was excited about. I watched it work among the cone flowers. A busy bee!

Quest Ending: I discovered some honeybees, as well. All of them hard at work. I loved seeing them flit from flower to flower. While summer isn't my favorite, I do enjoy the little moments like these. They make the heat more bearable. Thank you so much, bees!

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Wordless Wednesday: Stories Among Roses

A Day In My Life: Celebrating Fourth of July

I woke up early but then went back to sleep. I got up at around 9:00. I chose to take the morning slow and enjoy the day. The weather was cloudy and sunny. We were expecting it to rain at some point that day, but it never did. It's pretty dry here, so rain is a blessing. I'm glad it was cooler that day, though. I didn't do much in the morning, but I did get cleaned up. Around noon, I helped my family. After that, I was really excited for the afternoon. I discovered that Hobby Lobby was open. My Mom and I had planned to go at some point. I was especially eager because I had never been to a Hobby Lobby. I had only heard things about it. Plus, it was a new store in town! In the early afternoon, we headed out to see it.

   

We arrived in the parking lot and walked into the mall. I won't write about our experience there, because I'm saving it for a post next Monday. So, if you want to read about it, come back on Monday! Once we were done shopping, we got into my car. I had to have a coffee, so we drove through Java Stop, which I keep calling it Java Hut for some reason. I drove through and got a 32oz Iced White Chocolate Mocha. It's actually my favorite coffee in the valley where I live. I sipped on my delightful drink, and we headed home. Once there, we started preparations for dinner. I also stepped outside to admire the flowers. I took a few photos of the cone flowers - they're so pretty! The bees were out and about, too. I then followed Dad to the grill. There, I visited with them while he grilled. Food looked good!

The food was finished cooking! I fed my brother dinner and then ate mine. My brother had a steak, and I had two pork chops with huckleberry bbq sauce that I had purchased from the bookstore at ...And Books, Too! It was amazing! I highly recommend getting some for yourself. After dinner, I joined my parents out on the deck and ate watermelon. It was the perfect way to end dinner. Once we were all done, my Dad and I lit some sparklers I had purchased from a place selling fireworks. We didn't want to do any other fireworks this year, because of the dryness. However, sometimes we just do fountains, because they don't leave the ground. I'm kind of glad we didn't do it this year, though. Satisfied. We were all pretty tired. Reflecting back on it, the Fourth of July this year was quiet and pleasant. We had a nice little party together with just my family. So thankful for what we have! 💓

I've learned over the years, that the simplest is the best. I don't enjoy being in large crowds or around loud noises. Fireworks are fun but can be too much. I'm glad we did something different that day, too, in going to Hobby Lobby. Maybe we'll make it a new tradition as my Mom and I love shopping. What did you do for Fourth of July this year? I hope it was nice and memorable. I honestly got the idea to do a day in my life for Fourth of July this year. I thought it would be fun and make for some interesting content. I know that a lot of people seem to like reading or watching what someone does in a day. I actually really enjoy this kind of content. And I want to make mine good, so that you're able to come on a journey with me. It might not be super adventurous, but I like sharing my life with you, friends. 💙

Let me know what you think! 😀

But I digress. After watermelon, I got back to my place. At Hobby Lobby, I had checked out their cat section. They didn't have much, but I did find a tunnel for Kenji - my cat. I didn't know if he'd like it since he's picky with toys. I set it up in my living room and allowed him to explore it. He stepped into it. He was curious. That was a good sign. I've found him in the tunnel for a bit, but he hasn't used it a lot. I think he'd like it better if I grabbed a toy and played with him on or in the tunnel. A while passed, and I went to bed for the night. It was a good day. I got to spend time with family. We made some memories together. If you'd like to see more posts like this, let me know in a comment. It was awesome to take you all on this journey, my fellow wanderers. If you'd like to see more, I'll most likely do more! 💖

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Photo Quests: Adding The Irises

Intro: I was outside in the warm sun taking pictures. I seem to do that a lot. So, while I was out, I scoped out the irises. I knew there were a couple blooms, so I added them to my own collection (my photos). They're always so beautiful, and I'm pleased that I preserved them.

    

    

    

     

Quest Ending: Every spring is a wonderful season when the irises bloom. They're one of those constant flowers that come back, bringing with them a sense of hope. That's kind of how I feel about the irises, and I'm so glad that I could preserve their life in my photos. 

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Wordless Wednesday: So Many Daisies

Photo Quests: Admiring The Lilacs

Intro: I had taken photos outside with my camera. I was looking for flowers, and I definitely found some at home. The lilacs were some of the ones I discovered. They're beautiful, and smell wonderful, too. I was excited to see the bush in full bloom.

Quest Ending: I'll never forget the scent that Lilacs have. They may be one of my favorite plants. Of course, I find it extremely hard to not like any plant. I'm just so grateful that I'm close to so many of them. It's truly a magical spring. Like, always. Thank you, Lord.

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Wordless Wednesday: Surrounded By Flowers

Wordless Wednesday: Beautiful Blossoms

Photo Quests: Collecting Flowers

Intro: It's spring. Spring is here, and I finally got outside with my camera to take pictures. Mostly of flowers since they're my favorite subject for photos. And as for collecting them, I do that with my camera. There's so many to discover, too. It's been a lot of fun.

Quest Ending: Some of the flowers I know the names of. Some I don't. Some are weeds, but I find beauty in any flower. What was your favorite of the photos I took? Also, I'll have more to share next time. I'm actually eager to get out again and collect more flowers.

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Devotional: Seeing Flowers Fade

As much as we want flowers to stay alive, they often fade away. All plants appear to age and withdraw from life at some point in their existence. Their fragile beauty is something that I keep in my heart. And I look forward to them blooming each spring and summer. But can I completely count on them? No, unfortunately. Many earthly things can destroy them, and they can fade indefinitely. You know what doesn't fade? God's Word. It cannot be destroyed. His Word stands forever. Nothing can take His Word. Absolutely nothing.

Because God's Word is eternal, I can rely on it. We can all hold His words within our heart, mind, and soul. He can also speak into existence anything with His powerful voice. He can create with His words. He can do anything! His words that also were spoken through His Word - the Bible, will happen. They will take place in history. His words are unchanging, too. They won't fade, I promise. They cannot. This is something that encourages me, especially during my hard times. I know that I can hold onto hope with His words. 

Sometimes, though, we might want to hold tightly to what we see in the world. Earthly things seem tangible. And they might but won't last long. I know that God's creation is beautiful and inspiring. I, too, look forward to the flowers blooming. But we may find ourselves in a place that's devoid of flowers. And if we do, we can remember God's Word. It can give us what we need during that time. Flowers can bring beauty into our lives, but they cannot always heal us. That's when we need to switch to His life-giving words.

Take the time today to read God's Word. He may want to speak with you. Today, I pray that you receive wisdom and peace from reading His words. If you listen intently, you may hear His voice. It may even come as a soft whisper or as strong thunder. I truly, highly encourage memorizing some verses, too. Remember, God's Word will stand forever. The enemy may try to destroy it every chance he gets, but he'll fail. Nothing can, or ever will, make God's Word fade. I can promise that. I can also promise that He can speak to you through it.

Seeing flowers fade. God's Word eternal.

"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever." - Isaiah 40:8 NASB

Many blessings,

- Grace Thorson

Photo Quests: Life Is Growing

Intro: There are a few flowers blooming - two are violets and daffodils. When I went outside with my camera, my goal was to capture growth. I was able to find some plants making progress in growing. Soon, there'll be flowers. Like you, I'm sure, I can't wait!

Quest Ending: The photos I took may not be thrilling but seeing them gives me joy. When life is overwhelming, I look to nature. It fills me up with hope when I see life growing. It's so encouraging to witness new life emerging from the ground. And may they keep growing!

Wordless Wednesday: There Is Hope

Wordless Wednesday: It's Beginning

Devotional: Spring Brings Hope

Spring officially starts tomorrow. I've been looking forward to it, and I'm sure that many others have, too. Out of all of the seasons, though, spring seems to be special. There's just something about it. I think it's because of the symbolism behind it. It's a season of rebirth, birth, and hope. It's also when everything comes alive. The flowers bloom, which is one of my favorite parts. Because of that, spring is my second-loved season. I love walking outside with my camera to take pictures of the birds, flowers, and yes, even bugs. This season itself awakens something inside me. I can't quite explain it, but it's wonderful.

Hope. It's what spring brings with it. A new beginning. Whenever this season enters my life, I get excited. I start planning, organizing, and preparing for the future. I look forward with anticipation of what God has waiting for me. Sure. Hard things can still happen, but I want to water the garden that's also within me. I guess that's what I'm trying to explain about how I feel with spring. Not only are there flowers blooming outside, but within my heart, as well. That garden is a lovely feeling all-together, and I know that God is preparing my heart for what's ahead. I can then tend to my growing garden within, too.

I know right now a lot of people need hope. I remember going through some of the toughest days without it myself, and it didn't matter to me if it was spring or not. I wish that I would've held onto hope, even if it felt like there was none. It may not have changed my situation, but maybe it would've helped me more in some way. The first time I went through hardship, I was devoid of hope. I couldn't believe things could get better. They did. But a second time came around, and once again, no hope. I'm in a better place now, but I still struggle. And maybe, things will get hard again. But I'll have hope this time.

If you're struggling, I pray that you find hope in your life. Even if it's in the small things. Even if you have to take one day at a time. Spring is coming, even so, an eternal spring someday. I hold onto both. And the hope of God. I know that I can still cling to His hope. I'm not giving it up. If you ever need hope yourself, read scripture, you'll find it there. It's also in the small, everyday things of life. Looking at the sky or at a flower, reminds me of hope. It's there. I promise. It even seems like the world itself is looking for some kind of hope. My wish is that many people will find it because God is hope's answer.

Spring brings hope.

"The blossoms have already appeared in the land; the time has arrived for pruning the vines, and the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land." - Song of Solomon 2:12 NASB

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Wandering At Home: Searching For Clovers

I found it before - the elusive clover. It was many years ago that I chanced upon one in our backyard. I can't remember if it was three-leaf or four-leaf, but I found one, nevertheless. Since it's St. Patrick's Day, I decided to search for one. I had eaten a really quick lunch and headed outdoors with my camera. I was skeptical at finding one, but I wanted to search, anyways. It's a cloudy, rainy day, and I went without a coat on. I love grey days, so it didn't bother me much. I actually always thought I'd do well in a country where it rained all the time, but I don't know for sure. But I digress, I walked around the green patches of grass.

I found many weeds, grass, and flowers amidst the green patches. All the green was, and is, lovely. My hopes of finding a clover were looking slimmer as I walked around, however. I came across some budding daffodils, purple violets, and flowering weeds. I enjoyed seeing that spring was upon us. Even though, there is often hardship, beauty still remains. All the greenery and flowers remind me of this. I don't know if hardships will ever truly lessen for anyone, but beauty is ever constant. You can especially find it in nature. I guess that's why I love take photos of the living, to preserve it for myself, and others. Beauty will live on.

As I was walking, I discovered some desert parsley, which was surprising to me. I usually think of it as a summer plant, but I guess I never noticed it blooming this early. I then found some other kind of plant that I have no idea of, and also, some pretty moss on a railroad tie. Still no clovers. I came across something that looked like one, but I had a feeling it wasn't. So, I pressed on. With spring coming near, I couldn't wait for more flowers to bloom. The birds were already anticipating it. I could hear the many birds chirping away. Everything seems to wait. Almost waiting impatiently, though, like the earth can't wait. 

A few droplets on a blade of grass. It had previously rained. While the earth gets a shower to prepare it for rebirth, I admire its whole process, impatiently. On St. Patrick's Day, I felt like I enjoyed the holiday the best way I could by looking for clovers. And truly, just taking in the greenery around me. I do have a little Irish in me, but not a lot. I always just like to celebrate this holiday in a simple manner, not doing much, except for being out in nature - one of my favorite places to be. I didn't do the traditional meals or drinks, only a walk for thirty minutes. It was really good to stretch the legs and take some wonderful photos. 💚

Close to the end of my walk, I found more of those plants that looked like clovers. I'm certain they weren't, and aren't, but it was fun to find them. They resembled close enough for me, and I was satisfied with them. While I didn't find any clovers, I still found treasure. And a little bit of luck. Getting outside for a brief walk was beautiful, and going on a hunt for clovers was pleasant. I felt blessed by God for this day. I'm just thankful to Him for His creation, and the beauty that I get to discover in it. By the way, today's post was special. It's a new series that will be posted on Mondays. Not every Monday, but it'll be posted randomly. I hope you liked today's post, and I pray you have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

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