HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE - MOTH PAINTING EXHIBIT AT LEWIS GINTNER BOTANICAL GARDEN - JUNE 25TH, 2026

 Today I thought I would take you back to Lewis Gintner Botanical Garden. We were there on June 25th where we met up with our family. 

As I have been talking about moths and butterflies and others lately, I am sharing the paintings on display inside the visitor center. This is truly incredible art. I have provided links where you can see an actual photo. 

My first is of the butterfly (and moth) display in the visitor center. It was on the right as you walk through the doors. I wish I had taken more notice as there are artist tags identifying them. They have a very nice butterfly garden inside a section of the Conservatory, which is in the large greenhouse structure that you will see once you get outside. It is in the next photo in the background. The frog fountain is a definite favorite of mine. 

The exhibit is on the walls of a very long hallway on the left. These paintings are by Deborah Davis. Link here to see these paintings. 

Luna Moth

Pink-striped Oakworm Moth

Hollow-spotted Plagodis

The ID is at the top of each photo on my collage below. I could have happily pulled up a chair to study each painting. The detailing was exceptional.

I have included additional links below for more information.

Small-eyed Sphynx Moth

Polyphemus Moth

Rosy Maple Moth

Pink Shaded Fern Moth

Nais Tiger Moth

White Spring Moth

Here is a pretty graphic I found on pixabay.com

Thanks for looking and 

I hope your day is a great one.

HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE - ODDS AND BODS FOR 7/5/26

Good Morning - may today greet you gently and give you plenty of 

reasons to smile.

I am sending a bit of sunshine your way, hoping it will add a smile to your day.

How are you? You matter to me.

It’s another hot day.

 It's another hot day here too, 100 degrees F. - about 38 degrees C (wrote this on Saturday the evening of the 4th). What's it like in your part of the world?  Here is our weather for today and the coming week. Looks like it's cooling down a tad.

I hope you have a nice cool drink handy. It's important to stay well-hydrated. Yes, I know, preaching to the choir here.

For those of you who were celebrating America's 4th of July Independence Day yesterday, I hope you all had a great time, everyone else also however you spent the day. We had several fireworks going off in our neighborhood the night of the 3rd. In the early evening of the 4th, our neighbor was setting off a few in their front yard. There were about 12 little kids watching him, at a safe distance and none over the age of seven (our neighborhood is cycling through a younger age - the older kids have all grown and moved on - such is the way). All the girls (more girls in the group than boys) were shouting over what he was doing wrong, giving him advice on how to do it properly, lol! You gotta smile! He was a loving patient man, and all those kids were having a great time. At first, I thought I was hearing thunder in the distance, and then realized more fireworks were being set off throughout the neighborhood. We spent our 4th quietly otherwise and thoroughly enjoyed our day. 

Here is some pretty art for you, which includes my dream cottage and pet sheep. My whimsical personality is telling me there is a dog and a cat around somewhere, a family of hedgehogs too. 

I am having a bad hair day, but that’s okay. It’s too hot to go out anyway. 

You might guess I am going through my sheep phase but…

there is always room for rabbits…

isn’t there my dear?

Wouldn’t this be a pretty gate to walk through to the vegetable patch? Rabbit is already on the other side waiting for you, nibbling on your carrots.

How about pretty photo art?

Which one is your favorite?

Another word…

Ubuntu (oo-boon-too) noun - a profound African philosophy that

Embodies the spirit of togetherness; the belief that our humanity is 

intertwined, and through compassion and community, we rise.

And another!

Whist / Verb / Meaning: (rare) to hush or silence; to still; to become silent.

And one more...

Feathe - otherkinwords@tumbler - Noun/Meaning: (in a person) the state of being calm; 

peacefulness; absence of worry, anger, fear or other strong negative emotion; (in a place or 

situation). The state of being calm; absence of noise and disturbance.

Fun with food.

How about a recipe or two? I hope by this time I have actually made them. 

Nope, not yet! 

Pork Chop Supreme - 4 boneless pork chops - 4 thinly sliced medium

Potatoes - 1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup Mix - 1 can cream of mushroom 

Soup - 1/4 cup milk - Salt and Pepper to taste. 

Brown the pork in 1/4 cup of oil, then drain. Slice potatoes into a medium

into a medium casserole dish in even layer. Place pork chops over potatoes. 

Combine onion soup mix and cream of mushroom soup and milk, pour

over top of pork chops. Bake at 350 for 1 hour. 

Cookies?

Lemon Cookies - Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon

baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup butter, softened - 3/4 cup sugar

1 egg - 2 teaspoons lemon juice - 1 tablespoon lemon zest - 1/2 teaspoon 

vanilla extract - 1/4 cup powdered sugar for coating - Directions: 1. In a

large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Add the lemon juice, zest

and vanilla extract.  2. Mix in the flour, baking powder and salt until 

combined.  3. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.  4. Roll the dough into balls 

and coat in powdered sugar.  5. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12

minutes, until lightly golden.  Cool on a wire rack. 

Maybe you can get ice-cream to go with your cookies but be sure to get a cone first. Dinner is still a few hours away and it is a hot day. Me? I will take the Famous Hot Fudge Sundae…

The Scoop Ice Cream Parlor - Try our famous hot fudge Sundae - Sweet 

Summer Memories - Special - Banana Split 35 cents - Malted Milk 25 cents

Sundaes 25 cents - Cones 15 cents

…especially if it is only 25 cents! Which one would you get? Maybe other flavors not seen here?

I completed a couple of jigsaw puzzles. Two new favorites, plus info below on ladybirds/ladybugs depending on which part of the world you live in. I am sure there are some other interesting names for them.

https://www.timesonline.com/story/lifestyle/home-garden/2019/04/29/myths-legends-ladybugs/5314067007/

You killed her babies. They don’t look like her. They eat more than she does. The adult:

Red. Round. Beloved. Eats 50 aphids a day. The Larva: Black. Spiky. Alien. Eats 400

aphids before growing up. The feast: She doesn’t wear the red coat yet. She’s earning it.

The second one is very cute. I wonder what our little fox is thinking?

This was a very interesting analogy. 

The Train Station - Life Station. You are the train and your life is the 

track. Everyone you meet is getting on for one stop, for a few stations 

or will ride with you until the end. Most people don’t stay for the 

whole ride. They will hop on, teach you something, love you for a 

moment, and then get off. Some help you through the hardest parts 

of the ride before getting off at their stop. Others stay through several 

stations. Only a few become your forever passengers.

Wise words.

“Being there for someone doesn’t mean you have to fix their storm;

It just means you have to stand in the rain with them until the sun

comes out. I’ve got a big umbrella and plenty of snacks. We’re going

to be just fine.” - Aurelia Leafsong - Better days are coming.

Now for a little pep talk…

One day you’ll look back and realize that you worried too much about

things that don’t really matter - so breathe, let go and trust the journey.

Everything you need is already within you. Be kind to yourself.

Easier said than done I know, life can be complicated, but something to think about. These important words are ones to remind ourselves to “be kind to ourselves!” Let's look in the mirror and tell our reflection, “I am amazing! There is no other person like me.” Okay, you may be laughing by now, because your reflection has quite an expression but say it enough, and maybe you will eventually believe it. I have said it before but it’s worth repeating, “Know you are worthy!”

And with all that being said...

It is always a good idea to leave room in your life for a little magic, a little whimsy and the

possibility of woodland fairies and frogs in waistcoats.

Wishing you all a very happy Sunday, 

with the hope that your week ahead 

will be a great one.

With my thanks to Pinterest for today's inspiration. You can click on any picture to enlarge if necessary.

ODDS AND BODS FOR 6-26-26

Good Morning 

I hope your week has been peaceful. 

I thought I would start off with pretty artwork that appeals to me, with the hope that it does to you too. You can enlarge the images for more detail if needed.

Keep the music of life in your heart.

Even the fairies enjoy getting snail-mail.

Fairy Mail - Snail Mail

My dream cottage for today. Come through the gate and knock on the door. I will put the kettle on.

Loving the fence that comes with it. 

And the gateway to my secret garden. 

Breakfast? They were being very hygienic and careful when writing this one out. Please let me know if you make any of these recipes. I have not.

Veggie Omelet in a Mug - What you need: 2 eggs - 2 tablespoons 1%  low-fat milk

(or 1% nonfat/skim milk) - 1 pinch salt - 1 pinch pepper - 1/4 cup finely chopped 

mushrooms (or your favorite vegetables) - 2 tablespoons shredded Cheddar cheese

(or your favorite cheese) - What to do: Clean kitchen surface before, during and

Immediately after use when preparing food. Wash hands with soap and water for

At least 20 seconds. Lightly grease the inside of a 12 ounce microwave-safe-mug.

Use a fork to combine the eggs, milk, salt and pepper 

Bread in a bag - don’t lose this recipe. All-purpose flour, divided (3 cups) 

sugar (3 teaspoons) - Rapid-rise yeast (1 package) - Warm water, 110 degrees 

Fahrenheit (1 cup) - Olive oil (3 tablespoons) - Salt (1-1/4 teaspoons) - 

STEPS: 1. In a resealable bag, mix 1 cup flour, sugar, yeast and warm water.

 Let sit 10 minutes. 2. Add olive oil, salt and remaining flour to the bag. Knead in 

the bag until dough forms. 3. Turn out, knead briefly and place in a greased loaf 

pan. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Dessert?

Dangerous Cake in a Mug - Five minutes away from Chocolate Cake

Any Time of Day or Night! - Ingredients: 1 large coffee mug (the

biggest one you have) 4 tablespoons cake flour - 4 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa - 1 egg - 3 tablespoons milk - 3 tablespoons oil

Vanilla (a small splash) - 3 tablespoons chocolate chips, optional 

Preparation: add dry ingredients to mug. Mix well with a fork. Add

egg and mix thoroughly. Add milk, oil, vanilla, mix well. Add chips,

if using. Place mug in microwave and cook 3 minutes in 1000 watt

microwave. If yours is smaller, it may take an extra minute.

A word?

Fika (fee-kah) - noun - a cherished Swedish ritual; a pause in the day to

Savor the simple joys of life, share a moment with loved ones and find

peace in togetherness.

Are you a…

Opacararophile (n.) someone who finds deep comfort, solace and profound 

peace in sunsets. For an opacarophile, a sunset is more than just a visual 

experience - it is a quiet introspective moment that reminds them of beauty in 

Endings, cherishing the way sky transforms into a fleeting masterpiece with

Each setting sun.

Quatervois - noun / French Origin - A pivotal moment; a crossroads

or critical decision point where you must choose a path forward that

will significantly impact the rest of your life.

A few wise words

It's okay if your life is messy and comfortable and has

that lived-in look. It's okay if no one else gets it. Make

a life that you love.

Let them judge you. Let them misunderstand you. Let them gossip

about you. Their opinions aren't your problems. You stay kind

committed to love, and free in your authenticity. No matter what 

they do or say, don't you dare doubt your worth or the beauty of

your truth. Just keep shining like you do.

and …

Keep shining your light - the world needs your warmth.

for…and I have said it before...

Sometimes amazing people forget how amazing

they are. This is your reminder.

And always remember because I will never stop reminding you…you are brave…and I am in your corner.

"I don't feel brave said the boy." "That was a brave thing to say."

Butterflies rest when it rains because it damages their wings.

It's okay to rest during the storms of life. You will fly again

when it's over. - @thinkpositivealways.com

Be that butterfly!

Old Times - I often think of bye gone days and joys which we once knew. 

Of good old ways, of dear old friends, of things we used to do. And each

thought brings some happiness my heart shall ever hold. So here's a health 

to you my friend and here's to days of old.

Ralph Waldo Emerson - He said, "Write it on your heart that every day is the best day

 in the year. He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day who allows it to 

be invaded with fret and anxiety. Finish every day and be done with it. You have 

done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in. Forget them

 as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely, with too high a 

spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This new day is too dear, with its hopes 

and invitations, to waste a moment on the yesterdays.'

"Give time, time." - Not everything can be rushed. Healing, growth and change unfold at their

pace - patience allows them to blossom - ikigai

Don’t forget to encourage someone who needs 

encouragement, especially in difficult times.

Sending Sunshine

…but never forget…

Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced

in the rain - author unknown-

Words from friends: From those who have eaten at his table: 

Frodo Baggins: I have walked far and carried heavy burdens, yet no comfort 

has stayed with me like Sam’s cooking. It tastes of home, even when home is far 

away. Meriadoc Brandybuck: I once thought myself a good judge of meals. Sam

proved me wrong, again and again, usually just before second helpings.

Peregrin Cook: There is a moment, just before the plate is empty, when you

wish the meal might never end. Sam causes this.  Gandalf: He understands 

something many do not. Food is a form of hope, and hope should be

offered freely.  Rose Cotton: He cooks the way he lives. With care,

patience, and more heart than he ever admits.

Perhaps this kitty would disagree. Where’s Sam when you need him?

Cat Haiku - Forever waiting…The empty food bowl taunts me.

Well? Where’s my dinner?

May today bring you quiet strength, unexpected kindness, and little moments 

that make life feel worth it.

And on that note thanks for visiting, and…

Have a great day! Hugs from Denise

(With my thanks to Pinterest for today’s inspiration)