Seejaneexplore - See Jane Explore

Mother's Day present or presence?

I miss my Mom.  I think I’ll always miss her.  Even though I can’t celebrate with her earthly body, I will honor her in my prayers and in my  daily conversations with her. The annual celebration of honoring our mothers is approaching.  What are you planning for your mom? I would guess that your presence will mean more to her than a present.  So, why not start planning an adventure with her?  Maybe you could take her on a hike followed by lunch or dinner.  There are numerous hiking trails in Orange and L.A. Counties offering various ability and experience levels.  OR if she's not geographically close, what about a virtual tour with video on your camera? Or, how about painting a piece of pottery together?  It goes without saying that you would have lunch together! If you need some ideas, please visit my website, http://www.SeeJaneExplore.com to learn how you and I can co-create a custom passport to select just the right activity for you and your mom, grandmother, sister, or mother to be, or grandma to be and anyone in between!

I look forward to working with you!

Oh! I am loving this scene.  Snow makes everything magical.

I love this enchanting path.

Footbridge at the Old Mill in North Little Rock, Arkansas, USA (by justpics2007).

250 likes!

You can have this piece of art!!

A Red Dot Auction submission. Find out more here. 

My Big Sister and the Train Horn

My gifted and beautiful sister, who was thirteen years older, died three years ago yesterday, February 19. 

She lived in the Northern California mountains.  Very close to her home were train tracks.  When we talked on the phone and the train would blow its horn, we would stop talking so that I could listen.  I loved trains because they reminded me of special times during my childhood when my mom and I would take the train into Chicago from our home in Indiana.  Chicago was the "big city" to us living in a small town.  I felt so special on that train!

I've been especially tuned into the sound of the train horn in the distance from our home.  There is comfort in that sound because of what my sister and I shared during our phone conversations. 

In the recent past, I've explored locally with my GrandGirls via train trips. I experienced that special feeling again as the trips were the first time for them on a train!  One of the best parts of those trips is hearing the train horn as we rolled along.

There are tastes, tunes, smells and sounds that awaken good memories.  Is there a sound that brings you a little comfort?

Love ever gives, forgives, outlives, And ever stands with open hands, And while it lives it gives. For this is love's prerogative, To give, and give, and give. God bless all those that I love. God bless all those that love me. God bless all those that love those that I love And all those that love those that love me. - From a 17th century needlework sampler

Proud to be Polish.

Gdansk, Poland (by Małgorzata Rybakowska)

Legos Are Not Just for Children

I recently took my GrandGirls to a free event where they spent time creating artwork from Legos.  These 3 Girls have lots of experience with Legos since their Dad, my son, played with them endlessly when he was young.  He has passed this skill on to his Girls. Here is a picture of The Black Pearl which they built together during Christmas break:  Now, when we were at the free event, I watched the Girls meticulously select parts as they began building.  After a while, I wanted to test my building skills.  So, here’s my finished product:

Most likely I won’t create anything much more detailed in the future but I had fun participating.  And, I certainly won't make a living creating Lego art even though some people do.  Don't believe me?  Check out this video: http://youtu.be/flG-eJpjsLM

Have you, as an adult, ever created anything with Legos?

I love furoshiki!  I'm mesmerized when I watch this video.  Great idea for upcoming holiday gifts:  Mother's Day, Father's Day, weddings, graduations.

japanese gift-wrapping technique with no scissors and tape