hope – photography

Spring is in full swing in the desert. Trees are budding out, cactus are blooming, the days are getting warmer. Easter is coming and Christians around the world will celebrate one of the most important observances of the year. All symbols of hope and renewal.

I was reading a lot of quotes about “hope” as I was trying to figure out what to write about this month. “Hope” is a powerful word that inspires millions of people. Hope reduces feelings of helplessness, increases happiness, reduces stress, and improves our quality of life. Or, according to Merriam-Webster, hope implies little certainty but suggests confidence or assurance in the possibility that what one desires or longs for will happen.

During the past month I have been hoping several things would happen as a member of my family is dealing with health issues. We hope the medication will work; we hope she will heal; we hope she isn’t in pain. People tell us to never give up hope. Hope is necessary and motivating. Hope gets us through difficult situations.

I realized I use the word hope a lot — “I hope you’re feeling better.” “I hope I can find a bathroom.” “I hope I get this blogpost finished!”

Here’s a few things I hoped would happen and now I know they will happen — I’m going on a cruise. I start work in May. The Easter Bunny will bring me chocolate!! Just threw that last one in to make you laugh.

Wishing you a Happy Easter, Happy Passover, Happy Earth Day and a basketful of chocolate!

I hope you enjoy these photos from my March adventures!

Another new month, another new blog post. For the first time in a long time, I had no idea what to write about. I usually have a few ideas and write a couple of drafts the week before I hit “publish.”

Hmmm, coronavirus and politics -nah, been there, done that. New job – still don’t have one. Movies – haven’t been to a theater in over a year. Upcoming cruise plans – nope. I also realized I haven’t taken many photos to share this past month. I guess my life has been boring!

Since it’s April 1st I thought maybe I would get creative and tell you I won the lottery or did something exciting, only to exclaim “April Fool’s!” But I just couldn’t get it together.

A couple of weeks ago I was watching a shopping channel on TV and they were talking about getting items in time for the holiday. What?? There’s a holiday coming up?? Oh, yeah, Easter and Passover! Who even remembers Easter 2020? For me, I think that was when the seriousness of covid-19 really hit me because it was the first time Americans were told by experts to stay home and not be with family to celebrate the holiday.

Growing up I loved Easter. It usually meant a new dress for church, a festive meal of Polish sausage and pierogi with extended family, and biting the ears off a chocolate bunny. Coloring eggs was a ritual. A big bowl of water, adding the different colors and swirling them around, then carefully placing the egg in the metal holder and dunking it into the water. My dad had a good time hiding eggs for me and my sister to search for.

As we approach the Easter in 2021, there is hope that life is returning to normal. Millions of Americans have been vaccinated against covid-19, students are returning to in-person learning, movie theaters are open, major league baseball just started. There is still a long way to go but if we all do our part, we can celebrate the next holiday with family and friends.

I guess I wrote about coronavirus after all!

Did you know that April is National Safe Digging Month? and National Straw Hat Month? and National Fresh Celery Month? and National Welding Month? and National Soft Pretzel Month?? Hey, the Internet says so, it must be true.