Karen O'Connor

This week I’m making a point of walking among my flowers and appreciating them all over again, as they lift their pretty heads each morning. I will enjoy them while they last and remember their gifts of love and beauty and friendship and contentment right where they are, reminding me to give the same.

“Life is the flower for which love is the honey.” – Victor Hugo

“Minds are like flowers; they open only when the time is right.” – Stephen Richards

“Earth laughs in flowers.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Flowers don’t tell, they show.” – Stephanie Skeem

“Flowers are like friends; They bring color to your world.” – Unknown

“Where flowers bloom so does hope.” – Lady Bird Johnson

“Love is the flower you’ve got to let grow.” – John Lennon

Friends, please tell me about the special flowers in your life. There’s never a worry wherever there’s a flower.

“God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars.” Martin Luther

When you read this I’ll be in Mammoth in the Sierra Mountains enjoying a reunion with some of the great gals I’ve camped and hiked with over the years. Some of us (me included) are now too old to do what we used to do–hike to high elevations and far destinations. No more. My buddy and camping friend Kathleen and I will stay in a motel this time. I gave much of my gear to my daughter Erin and her family.

I am second in from the left with Kathleen to the right of me.

I’m sad to have arrived at a point where the inevitable is now reality but I remember saying years ago, I’m going to keep going till I can’t, and then be grateful for all the years doing what I always wanted to do–spend a couple of weeks in the wilderness each summer camping and hiking.

Funny, isn’t it, how these changes sneak up on us? Another one that I didn’t see coming is a change in my hearing. So the next stop when I return is the Costco Hearing Center for a hearing test and likely hearing aids to follow.

One more opportunity to be grateful–for the gift of hearing all these years and now for the ‘aids’ that will keep me going.

Precious is the gift of life and the love and guidance of our God from whom all blessings flow all our life long.

The other day I was cruising through my house at high speed, dusting and rearranging items, when I suddenly stopped to simply enjoy what I was touching. Several of the things were sweet gifts from various friends over the years for a variety of occasions.

These ‘little’ things brought on a few tears as I recalled the face of the giver and the occasion we shared.

Beautiful mini cactus from Sherry for a birthday.

A jewelry box from my husband Charles on a trip to San Francisco.

An unexpected surprise from a reader of my books on senior moments.

A sweet mini basket from a woman I met at a retreat. She gave me this darling basket in honor of my book, Basket of Blessings.

My friend Carol gave me this cute little castle in remembrance of my husband Charles the year he died–a reminder of his heavenly home.

My neighbor Jean made this for me the day we became friends.

My tennis friend gave this to me over 30 years ago when I launched my writing career.

Right now as I write these words I feel filled to the brim with love from so many people in my life. Little things do mean a lot and big acts of love mean even more. May I honor people in my life with such love and remembrance and encouragement.

“At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” –

Albert Schweitzer

I looked through my closet a few weeks ago and what did I see? Too many old clothes–pants, skirts, dresses and jackets that simply don’t work anymore. Time for some new duds for sure. So I packed up a few bags and hauled them off to Good Will.

Then I went shopping at my favorite online stores. I picked up a summer sweatshirt, a pretty yellow sweater and two beach dresses. I felt so much better.

During the Covid sheltering I got used to wearing whatever I laid hands on, whether I liked it or not. No one saw me since I stayed home or in my neighborhood day after day for over a year. I figured why bother. Make do with what I have.

Before long, however, I started feeling down, less than others, poor in spirit and dowdy in appearance. So I challenged myself to turn a new leaf. Dress attractively every day. Add earrings and take care of my hair, even if I’m the only one who sees me–in the mirror.  😉 I’m worth it. And so are you.

“Every morning, look in the mirror and affirm positive words into your life.”― Lailah Gifty Akita

Here I am with my son, Jim, who lives in Henderson, NV (in the Las Vegas Valley) for a few days during his birthday week. While there, he and I visited the Valley of Fire National Landmark and did a bit of walking and photography. Such an incredibly beautiful place. The last time I was there was about twenty years ago for a camping trip over Thanksgiving weekend. It is as beautiful today as it was then and eons ago when created.

I know a lot of people come to Vegas to put a few dollars (or more) on the line or coins in a machine, but when I looked all around us at the natural setting I was brought to tears and hoped everyone on a Vegas getaway would include this spectacular side trip when it’s just a short drive out of the city.

Jimmy and his wife Michiko–my hiking pals.

On another day we hiked part of a trail in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area.

Now that the pandemic is beginning to phase out, many of us are returning to somewhat of a normal routine, including visiting family members we haven’t seen in a year or more. It is so wonderful to hug our loved ones and to thank God for the gift of these opportunities that we pray we will never take for granted again.

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. (Psalm 9:1)