Valentine's Day and Deep Thoughts

I am so bummed because I just realized that I never downloaded the pictures from my camera on to the computer from Valentine's Day and then cleaned off the memory card.  What?!  I failed.  Goodness.  Well, it was wonderful.  The kids had a fun pink and red Valentine Dinner on Sunday night in preparation for the loved filled day with strawberry fans, strawberry yogurt and pink applesauce spread in the shape of hearts on their plates.  Of course the main part of the meal was difficult, but barbequed chicken that was pretty red from the sauce worked great.   Then they had a (heart)y breakfast the next morning.   Cupid delivered each of the kids a stuffed animal that had candy hearts attached and a Valentine's Day book.  Pink milk and heart shaped waffles completed the (love)ly meal.  After the kids finished getting ready for school we were surprised by Mark with beautiful roses for me and Ella as well as some Starbucks, muffins and chocolate candy for us to share.  Spoiled much?  Yes.  Since I have no pictures to back this story up, I figured, I could take a picture of the roses as they are still beautiful.  I love flowers, I wish my yard was full of them as I have always thought it would be wonderful to have a cutting garden so I could bring fresh flowers all spring and summer long.

I couldn't decide which picture I liked best of the roses.  I am always captured by the intricate detail of the petals and how they are layered upon each other.  The soft, velvet texture and sweet aroma that makes them so beautiful are a creation from God.  A gift for us to enjoy.  I hope that you take the time to smell the roses and remember that the one who created them is also the one who created you.  He looks at you as I look at the rose.  Sure there are imperfections in each flower, but those imperfections are the things that make each flower unique and beautiful at the same time.  I notice the edges begin to tear and curl as the flower matures, but I also notice that the rose drops those petals and pushes new delicate ones from the center.  Releasing the old life from the new.  As we walk through life I know that each of us develop some blemishes that are evident to us and to those around us, but we are growing, changing, shedding the old for the new.  Remember that as long as you can release those withering petals you can renew yourself again from the inside out.  Thank you for letting me express some deep thoughts today.  May your eyes be opened to the blessing around you.

My practice attempt with SkeletalMass Textures!!  He has great PS tutorials and how to apply them.  I like how this turned out and think it would be a beautiful postcard.