Random Hearts

A Heart for Susan

2012-01-28T15:29:00.000-08:00

It is with great sadness that I post this heart for my friend Susan.
I met her 5 years ago when I first joined Gleaners, and she helped me feel comfortable and fit in. Her generosity overwhelmed me, her genuineness humbled me.

When I first met Susan, I didn't know she had fought cancer.
I didn't know her husband had survived a heart attack.
Susan was an aspiring writer at that time, and went on to publish two very successful books.
(You can read about them HERE). She loved my first name, and vowed that she was going to use it in a future book ...

When she moved away, we kept in touch via e-mail, and occasionally she would send a prayer request - always for someone else, never for herself.

She was planning on moving back to our area ...
She wanted to get together ... do lunch ... get caught up.

She sent me an e-mail January 12th at 11 a.m.
I'm not sure when she had the heart attack, but she passed away at 1:30 that same afternoon.

I know she is in a better place - she knew where she was going.
But she will be missed here.
So much.

Goodbye, Sou-Tuz, I will miss you.

Guest Heart Thursday #94

2012-01-26T07:20:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Guest Heart Thursday -
A place to share YOUR heart!

Winter has indeed arrived over at Abe's "My Birds Blog".
If you have never visited Abe, I sincerely urge you to do so! Even in the dead of winter, his incredible photography is so detailed you can clearly see the hearts on these adorable starlings!

Thank you, Abe, for sharing your heart!

I introduced you to "Pieni Lintu" last week ...
Since then, I have been back to visit her again and again. What an amazing artist she is!!!
I hope you too will find the magic of her blog.

Thank you, Pieni Lintu, for sharing your heart!

I was delighted when Inger posted this heart some time ago ... I adore glowing hearts!
And I adore Inger - who finds the most AMAZING hearts - which she posts each week on her blog, "A Picture in Time".

But as much as I enjoy Inger's amazing photos ... I am awestruck by her jewelry!
Be sure to visit her, and take a look at the beauty she creates!!!

Thank you, Inger, for sharing your heart!

My brother was cooking breakfast for Dad, when he started laughing, and asked me to bring my camera into the kitchen.

To take a picture of the sausage heart he found in the cast iron frying pan!!!

Thank you, Darren, for sharing your heart!

One world. One people. One heart.

As always - a huge thank you to all who linked up with Guest Heart Thursday last week. I loved seeing all of the delightful and amazing hearts you found in your world!

Would you like to share your heart on Guest Heart Thursday?
The rules are easy ...
There are none!!!
As long as your post includes a heart!

If you have found a heart (or drawn a heart, or designed a heart, or written a heart-felt poem, or ...), please join us for Guest Heart Thursday. Just link the URL of your heart post to Linky! It would be nice if you linked back to Random Hearts ... but it's okay not to ... we just want to see your hearts!
The link will be open from Thursday morning until Sunday night.

Have you found more than one heart?

Put in more than one link!,

Is your heart from a long time ago?
It doesn't matter, as long as you put the direct URL to that post!

Behind the Coffee Pot Heart

2012-01-25T15:43:00.000-08:00

Someone spilled some coffee ...
I won't say who ...
But when I moved the pot aside ...
To clean up the mess ...
There it was!
A spilled coffee heart ...

Lichen Heart

2012-01-24T06:34:00.000-08:00

All of the rain we've had lately has brought out the fungi ...
This tiny lichen caught my eye ...
Since it was a heart!

Acorn, Squashed

2012-01-22T16:54:00.000-08:00

I was walking quickly, not really watching where I was stepping ... when I felt a "crunch" under my foot.

I stopped and looked down.

And saw this acorn heart!

It's not the time of year for acorns, nor was there an oak tree nearby (those leaves are maple leaves - I think). I can only assume that a hungry critter (I've seen bluejays hiding nuts ... and squirrels too) grabbed this out of a stash nearby, and dropped it by accident.

I left the squashed acorn heart where it was - hopefully the critter will be back for a "hearty" meal!

Frost on Hearts ...

2012-01-20T06:33:00.000-08:00

The early morning sunlight reflected on these tiny hearts last week ...
This week we just have rain.

To see reflections from around the world, visit James' "Weekend Reflections".

If you have found a heart, be sure to link up with "Guest Heart Thursday" - the link is open until Sunday!

And be sure to share your macro shots on NatureFootstep's "NF Macro"!

Also ... be sure to link up your favorite photo each week to "Life as this Mommy Knows It's" wonderful Linky party - "Look Whooooo's Snapping "!!!

Guest Heart Thursday #93

2012-01-19T06:45:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Guest Heart Thursday -
A place to share YOUR heart!

"Pieni Lintu's" entry to to this week's "Macro Monday" (more about that later) really caught my eye.
Was it the excellent photography?
Was it the brilliant color?
Was it the heart?
Actually it was YES - to all three!

Thank you, Pieni Lintu, for sharing your heart!

I have seen many mussel shells on the beach ...
But never one like this heart-shaped one that "Maboe" found!
(I found myself wishing I could curl my toes in that beautiful sand!)

Thank you, Maboe, for sharing your heart!

When Lisa posted this tiny little heart, I was amazed - but not surprised. Lisa takes the most wonderful macro shots ... but that doesn't surprise me either.
You see, "Lisa's Chaos" hosts the hugely popular "Macro Monday" - a great place to share the macro shots you take of your world!

Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your heart!

When I opened the e-mail from my sister-in-law, I had to giggle out loud at this picture I found attached. Who would have known Ernie has a heart shaped tongue!!!

Thank you, Bert, for sharing your heart!

"Tina's PicStory" is another place I love to hang out.
Tina hosts several memes ... and still manages to get out and take some amazing photos!

Thank you, Tina, for sharing your heart!

One world. One people. One heart.

As always - a huge thank you to all who linked up with Guest Heart Thursday last week. I loved seeing all of the delightful and amazing hearts you found in your world!

Would you like to share your heart on Guest Heart Thursday?
The rules are easy ...
There are none!!!
As long as your post includes a heart!

Have you found more than one heart?

Put in more than one link!,

Is your heart from a long time ago?
It doesn't matter, as long as you put the direct URL to that post!

Fragile ...

2012-01-18T17:57:00.000-08:00

I know you see the sign that was posted on this packing box ...

But!

Do you see any hearts?

I see several!

My favorite one is the flaming heart in the upper right corner.

Fragile AND elusive!

To see signs from around the world, visit Lesley's "Signs, Signs"!

CCA Hearts of Joy

2012-01-17T09:19:00.000-08:00

Our local KPTV Channel 12's "Out and About" guy, Joe V., caught my attention this morning as he featured "CCA's Hearts of Joy" - the 7th annual "Valentine's Day for CCA" campaign.

All proceeds from this campaign go to CCA - "Children's Cancer Association" as they bring "JoyRx to seriously ill children and their families, in the hospital and at home."

What a wonderful way to share their HEART!

As Joe finished his segment, the camera caught him racing outside ...
Why?
Well if you look at the bottom of the screen, you will see on the crawl the word ...
"SNOW"!!!

Sure enough, it is snowing outside!

And of course making hearts is my favorite part of a snow "event"!
(Our little skiff of the white stuff cannot in all good conscience be called a "snow storm"!!!)

Breakfast Heart

2012-01-16T09:16:00.000-08:00

Scrambled Egg Hearts for breakfast anyone???

Tansy Flower Shadow Heart

2012-01-15T12:38:00.000-08:00

Winter flowers are hard to find around here, so these leftover tansy flowers caught my eye.

As I focused on the plant, I noticed two hearts - a giant shadow heart, and a tiny shadow heart just below.

To see delightful shadows from around the world, visit Hey Harriet's "Shadow Shot Sunday"!

Guest Heart Thursday #92

2012-01-12T07:16:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Guest Heart Thursday -
A place to share YOUR heart!

You wouldn't think that wintertime would be a time for sharing the beauty of nature ... but don't tell that to Judy!

I have been following Judy over at "Lilac Gate" for a long time, and am constantly amazed by the beauty she finds in the outdoor world around her. Even in winter!

Thank you, Judy, for sharing your heart!

When Laura sends me a link, I know she has found something extra special ...
This beautiful flower heart is no exception ...
It was posted by Hilda on her blog "Hilda's Naturblogg".
When I visited Hilda, I was entranced by the beauty of her photographs.

Thank you, Hilda, for sharing your heart!
Thank you, Laura, for sharing the link!

It is said that friends come and go, but sisters are forever.
I know this is true when I visit Teri and Gina's blog "Our Wild Hearts".
The beauty of their friendship ...
The hearts they find together across the miles ...

Well, it just warms MY heart!

Thank you, Teri and Gina, for sharing your hearts!

I love it when one of my friends posts a heart by accident.
This desert cactus heart was posted by Diane ...
But I don't think she realized it was a plump little heart!

Diane's blog "Desert Colors" has proved to me that the desert, even in wintertime, is full of life, beauty, and (of course) hearts!

Thank you, Diane, for sharing your heart!

You all know Dani, right?
She's my heart-sister who lives in Macedonia, and goes to school in China.
Dani finds THE most amazing hearts!
She posts them on her blog, "A Lovely Home For Hearts" ... and posts her other wonderful photos on her blog "Snow Flowers".

Thank you, Dani, for sharing your heart!

One world. One people. One heart.

As always - a huge thank you to all who linked up with Guest Heart Thursday last week. I loved seeing all of the delightful and amazing hearts you found in your world!

Would you like to share your heart on Guest Heart Thursday?
The rules are easy ...
There are none!!!
As long as your post includes a heart!

Have you found more than one heart?

Put in more than one link!,

Is your heart from a long time ago?

It doesn't matter, as long as you put the direct URL link to that post!

Cheese Roll Heart

2012-01-11T18:14:00.000-08:00

I was trying out a cheese/meat roll that came to us from Gleaners ...
It was delicious!

But best of all, it had a heart in the middle!

Icy Leaf Heart Reflections

2012-01-06T07:09:00.000-08:00

The thin ice was melting fast ...
I had just a moment to catch this shot ...
Before a huge water drop fell from the tree ...
And broke my heart!

To see reflections from around the world, join us for James' "Weekend Reflections"!

If you have found a heart, be sure to share it on "Guest Heart Thursday" - the link is open through Sunday!

Guest Heart Thursday #91

2012-01-05T08:19:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Guest Heart Thursday -
A place to share YOUR heart!

Robert found this gorgeous bench in Athens ...
When he posted it on his blog, "Daily Athens Photo", I fell in love with the simple beauty of the heart that had been painted here.

Robert has a way of doing that ... finding the most amazing photos ...
and then pairing them with history (past and current!) to tell the stories of what he sees in the world around him.

Thank you, Robert, for sharing your heart!

"Barnyards and Barnacles" is where Sunny shares amazing photos of her world - and some of them take my breath away - like this wonderful heart she found!!!

Thank you, Sunny, for sharing your heart!

(This is not something I often do ... but Sunny - have you ever met Debbie?
Debbie, do you know Sunny?
I just have a wonderful feeling that you are kindred spirits - and would be great friends!!!)

Dani, one of my adopted heart-sisters, is traveling again ...
She's been going back and forth between China and Macedonia ...

And is going to be home for a while!
(Home would be Macedonia!)

I can't wait to see all of the hearts Dani shares on her "Lovely Home for Hearts"!!!
I know it's been a tough year for that ...

Thank you, Dani, for sharing when you can ... your heart!

JM posted this cute dog statue on his AMAZING blog "Oeiras and Environs Daily Photo" - I was fascinated by the blotches of lichen ...

Especially the one that's shaped like a heart!!!

Thank you, JM, for sharing your beautiful world ... and your heart!

One world. One people. One heart.

As always - a huge thank you to all who linked up with Guest Heart Thursday last week. I loved seeing all of the delightful and amazing hearts you found in your world!

Would you like to share your heart on Guest Heart Thursday?
The rules are easy ...
There are none!!!
As long as your post includes a heart!

Have you found more than one heart?

Put in more than one link!,

Is your heart from a long time ago?

It doesn't matter, as long as you put the direct URL link to that post!

Love Teriyaki

2012-01-04T15:34:00.000-08:00

It's funny how sometimes it's the most obvious hearts that I overlook ... this little restaurant is directly across the street from my bank - I've driven by it a hundred times over the years!

It was only recently that I noticed the delightful neon heart sign ... and knew it was perfect for Lesley's "Signs, Signs"!

And James' "Weekend Reflections" too!

Demolition Heart ...

2012-01-03T10:33:00.000-08:00

I found this heart in a pile of gravel rubble left by a demolition company ...
whose specialty is to grind up old buildings to make way for new construction.

There are bits of concrete, red bricks, white paint and more amidst the gravel in this pile.

Chewed up memories of buildings long gone.

Leaving a curious heart-shaped question ...

First Heart 2012 - Stained Glass Leaf Heart

2012-01-02T07:32:00.000-08:00

Okay I cheated ... I actually took this picture in December, when a small windstorm took down the few remaining autumn leaves ... a little late.

The sun had come out for a few minutes, and this sweetgum leaf glowed with color ...
I didn't see the hearts until later.

Happy New Year!

A Year of Hearts ... 2011 Remembered

2011-12-31T07:44:00.000-08:00

2011 started out cold; the first heart I found was this frosty one I called "First Heart".

Here in Oregon we had the coldest and wettest winter/spring/summer ever.

But there was still beauty to be found - especially when the flowers began to bloom in spite of the cold and wet!

The world recoiled in shock at the tragedy of March 11, 2011 - when a gigantic earthquake and tsunami hit Japan ... we all cried together at the images of destruction ...

Our hearts are still hurting for Japan ...

On a personal note, I lost one of my favorite people in the world in 2011 ...
Howard. I still miss everything about you. My world is a little dimmer with your absence; heaven is a little brighter with your presence.

In May I found out that one of my favorite bloggers, Yolanda, had passed away from the cancer that she had been fighting for so long.
Heaven is a little brighter with her presence too.

In July, a large portion of my beloved woods was stripped away ... unnecessarily.
I hated it ... and did something about it! You can see what I did here.

The year wasn't all gloomy ... family played a huge roll in 2011 ... one of the highlights for me was our annual 4th of July pilgrimage to Independence (Oregon) to share the festivities with my sisters and families!!! My darling niece shared the heart worn into the nose of her favorite stuffed bunny. Sweet!

As the summer wound down, and fall started to sneak into the air, I found myself in the Emergency Room - with a heart attack. It didn't seem right ... I'm only 50 years old! After the placement of a stent in my heart, I rapidly recovered, and was able to enjoy Autumn in a special haze of thankfulness - filled with a new joy in life!

I found more hearts than ever ... and my sense of humor returned.
As you can see by my Halloween post "It Was a Dark and Stormy Night".

Now Thanksgiving has come and gone, as has Christmas ...
Already, a NEW YEAR is upon us ...

I welcome 2012 - with a heart full of JOY!
I can't wait to see what this year brings ...
I can't wait to see the hearts I find ...
I can't wait to see the hearts YOU find!!!

Yee haw, and LOOK OUT WORLD, HERE WE COME!!!

Guest Heart Thursday #90

2011-12-29T06:51:00.001-08:00

Welcome to a Special Creepy Crawly Edition ...
of Guest Heart Thursday!
A place to share YOUR heart!

I couldn't believe it when Susannah posted this heart shaped spider shield on her blog "Wanderin' Weeta (With Waterfowl and Weeds)"! Susannah finds the most amazing critters that most of us walk by/step over/step on!!! Susannah has taught me to look DOWN - and pay attention to the tiny beauty that surrounds me.

Thank you, Susannah, for sharing your creepy crawly heart!

Beth, whose artwork over at "Beth's Artworx" will warm your heart, found this amazing spider ... whose legs had become a heart! Beth has taught me many things ... most importantly she reminded me to look UP ... there's a lot of beauty going on over our heads that we simply don't see!

Thank you, sissie, for sharing your creepy crawly heart!

Inger is from Norway, and shares the beauty of her amazing country on her blog "A Picture in Time".
Inger also delights my heart - by finding hearts!

Even in pony poop! (I LOVE it!)

Thank you, Inger, for sharing your creepy crawly heart!

Rick shared this "bird business" heart on his blog "Found Hearts by Rick Ruggles".
How could I not smile?

And say thank you, Rick, for sharing your creepy crawly heart!

Not to be outdone, Beth, who delights me with her blog "Expect the Unexpected" shared this elk dung heart she found on a trip to the Oregon coast several years ago.

Thank you, sissie, AGAIN, for sharing your creepy crawly heart!

One world. One people. One heart.

A special thank you to all who sent healing thoughts and prayers in my direction - I am feeling MUCH better - and looking forward to a new year filled with YOUR HEARTS and mine!!!

As always - a huge thank you to all who linked up with Guest Heart Thursday last week. I loved seeing all of the delightful and amazing hearts you found in your world!

Would you like to share your heart on Guest Heart Thursday?
The rules are easy ...
There are none!!!
As long as your post includes a heart!

Have you found more than one heart?

Put in more than one link!,

Is your heart from a long time ago?

It doesn't matter, as long as you put the direct URL link to that post!

Taphophile Tragics #1

2011-12-27T06:37:00.000-08:00

"A taphophile is one who finds they are attracted to walking around cemeteries, reading the headstones and musing upon the family history contained therein."

On a blustery day last May, I spent the day in Dayton, Oregon, USA while my mom attended a writers conference.

I knew there was an IOOF cemetery just outside of town, and headed off to find it.

The only other (live) person there was an old man in an ancient military uniform, kneeling over a headstone, pulling up minute bits of grass. He soon wandered away, and I was left alone.

The stone he had been cleaning was for Ralph (1906 - 1988) and Mildred (1913 - 1981) Hedgecock, who were married in 1931 (wow - 50 years of marriage!). I wondered about the old man's relationship to the Hedgecock family ... although the cemetery is maintained by volunteers, and he may have been one of those caretakers.

I spent several more hours walking through the cemetery, letting my imagination paint pictures of the lives memorialized there. When I left I carried away with me some of the peace I found amidst the silent stones.

Julie has created a new meme - Taphophile Tragics - "A Warm Touch Upon Cold Hard Stone" - it's worth a visit!

Fir Cone Heart ...

2011-12-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

My Christmas experiment (we decided to not exchange gifts this year, and to concentrate on CHRISTMAS) benefited my life in ways I will always remember!

Christmas Day was peaceful, quiet, warm and happy.
Most of all, the stress which has always surrounded Christmas was gone.
Just ... gone.

The weather cooperated enough for us to take a short walk and enjoy the silence of the day ... and, of course, to find a heart!

Will I do this again?
Exchange chaos for peace?
Presents for presence?
Shopping for family and friends?

The answer is ... a resounding YES!

Angel Wing Heart

2011-12-24T07:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas Angels Show Their Heart ...

I would like to take a moment to say "Thank You" to those who have touched my heart this past year ... from the cardiac surgeon who rescued my heart (literally), to those whose words and photos touched my heart and brought beauty to my life (that would be YOU!)!

Thank you to my children who ARE my heart ... and Pam - a total stranger at Rite Aid who brought me to tears just yesterday with her generosity and beauty.

This Christmas is an experiment for me. For years I have said "no more commercialization", and still found myself last-minute shopping with sore feet and a bad attitude.
This year, I have not bought one single gift. I have not wrapped one single package.
Has the spirit of Scrooge overtaken my life? No!

I still love the beauty of Christmas ... the lights, the decorations, the cookies, the FUN, the magic. I guess what I'm doing is trying to find the simple HEART of Christmas (for me) .

How is my experiment working?
I have to say I have mixed feelings ...
And I will let you know after tomorrow how it all turns out ...
But so far, I have a peace surrounding my life that I haven't felt in years! I am looking forward to reading the story of Jesus' birth ... with a fire on the grate and a cup of hot cocoa beside me ... my family tucked close.

My heart is full.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T17:39:00.000-08:00

I actually posted this a couple of years ago - a leak had developed over one of my Christmas boxes and I was frantically trying to rescue my treasures.

I found this old giant Christmas stocking, and threw it in the wash.
It disintegrated!
But I had to laugh when I realized two of the holes had become a distinct heart, and a dove!

Merry Christmas to everyone.
I hope any "disappointments" you have are "HEARTY" ones!

Guest Heart Thursday #89

2011-12-22T07:39:00.000-08:00

Welcome to a special Christmas Edition of Guest Heart Thursday!
A place to share YOUR heart!!!

(Due to being very sick this week, I am making each entry short and sweet. Merry Christmas everybody - if you don't celebrate Christmas, I hope your weekend is safe and happy.)

Wayne (AKA Woody) posed the delightful Zephyr for Christmas photos ...
Which he posted on his blog, "Wayne Woodruff Photography"

Don't you just love the look on Zephyr's face?
And don't you just love the heart around Zephyr's eyes???

Thank you, Wayne, for sharing your heart!

Inger posted this beautiful candle heart on her blog last year.
I think it is perfect for Christmas this year!!!
You can visit Inger at her blog, "A Picture In Time".

Thank you, Inger, for sharing your heart.

Beth makes a special drawing each year for Christmas - she outdid herself this year. I am in awe of this artwork she calls "Welcome Holy Babe". You can visit Beth at "Beth's Artworx", where she posts her art ... and you can join in each week as she hosts "FATuesday Artist Spotlight"!

Thank you, Beth, for sharing your heart!

This card, with it's beautiful tree - topped with a cross, decorated with HEARTS appeared in my mailbox last weekend. It could only have come from ...

Yep, Terry over at "Lady Liberty Patriot" sent me a Christmas Card with HEARTS!!!

Terry - I love you too - thank you so much! This card came at the perfect time!

Thank you, Terry, for sending this card ... and for sharing your heart!
Happy Trails, my friend!

Cheryl over at "Life is What You Make It" shared this snowy heart last year.
It's still lovely - and perfect for sharing at Christmas!

Thank you, Cheryl, for sharing your heart!

One world. One people. One heart.

As always - a huge thank you to all who linked up with Guest Heart Thursday last week. I loved seeing all of the delightful and amazing hearts you found in your world!

Would you like to share your heart on Guest Heart Thursday?
The rules are easy ...
There are none!!!
As long as your post includes a heart!

Have you found more than one heart?

Put in more than one link!,

Is your heart from a long time ago?

It doesn't matter, as long as you put the direct URL link to that post!

Another Fall Leaf Heart

2011-12-18T08:06:00.000-08:00

There are a few leaves still stubbornly clinging to the trees, but most of them have fallen.
The ones on the ground are losing their beautiful colors ... this one in the shape of a heart!

Graffiti on a Fence

2011-12-16T06:01:00.000-08:00

I found this graffiti on a fence in a nature park area. I was saddened to see it - I don't get the point of ruining somebody elses property. I would much rather find a heart MADE by nature!

So ... this is a found heart that breaks MY heart ...

Don't forget, "Guest Heart Thursday" is open through Sunday for you to link YOUR found hearts!

Also ... it's Jan and Jer's FRIDAY'S FENCES time!

Guest Heart Thursday #88

2011-12-15T07:23:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Guest Heart Thursday -
A place to share YOUR heart!

When I got a link to Kerri's blog in an e-mail from Laura, I couldn't wait to visit.
What I found was Kerri's blog "A Little Piece of Me".
And this gorgeous tree bark heart that stole MY heart!
As I looked back through Kerri's blog, I came to the decision that maybe she should rename her blog to - "A Little Piece of HEAVEN"!

Thank you, Kerri, for sharing your heart!
Thank you, Laura, for sending the link!

I love to tell everyone how special Bhavesh is ...
After all, he is the reason Guest Heart Thursday exists!
The very first guest heart ever posted here came from Bhavesh's "BLOG".
And Guest Heart Thursday was born!
Bhavesh is from India, where he takes some of the most amazing photos.
Like the cute little dog in this shot - do you see the heart around it's eye?

Thank you, Bhavesh (and Megha!) for sharing your hearts!

I have come to love the desert because of Diane, and her blog "Desert Colors". I never knew that what I always considered "arid" countryside could be so full of life and beauty!

Diane has captured so much of the life of the desert - including the hearts she has found along the way!

Thank you so much, Diane, for sharing the desert - and for sharing your heart!

Judy is an amazing artist - her photos prove that.
I have enjoyed following her blog, "Lilac Gate" for a long time now, and am always delighted by the beauty she finds in her world!

Like this wonderful heart-shaped milkweed pod!

Thank you, Judy, for sharing your heart!

I absolutely LOVE Helen's "Frumpy Heart" that she posted on her blog "Natures Walk Studio" - it makes me smile!

What made this post so special was the Haiku Helen posted for Frumpy:

Sidewalk mystery.
I wonder who 'hearts" Frumpy
writing it in stone.

Not to be outdone, one of the comments on Frumpy came from Madeleine Begun Kane who wrote ... "Fun haiku. I've written this in response:

Frumpy's adorer
clearly wanted to cement
their relationship."

Thank you, Helen, for sharing Frumpy's heart!

One world. One people. One heart.

As always - a huge thank you to all who linked up with Guest Heart Thursday last week. I loved seeing all of the delightful and amazing hearts you found in your world!

Would you like to share your heart on Guest Heart Thursday?
The rules are easy ...
There are none!!!
As long as your post includes a heart!

Have you found more than one heart?

Put in more than one link!,

Is your heart from a long time ago?

It doesn't matter, as long as you put the direct URL link to that post!

Hearts "In the Kitchen" - Tina's PicStory

2011-12-13T11:22:00.000-08:00

Tina's PicStory challenge this week is "In the Kitchen".

So ... we start our meal with heart pizza!

Unless you would prefer a frozen chicken heart.

A 'hearty' tea is our beverage of choice!

With a delightfully yummy strawberry heart on the side.

For dessert, cake - with a frosting heart!

Thank you, Tina, for hosting PicStory!

Cold Hearted Leaf ...

2011-12-09T16:30:00.000-08:00

I was waiting for Dad to get out of his doctor's appointment at the VA ... the fog was thick and freezing. I took a short walk, and found this amazing heart on a fallen leaf ... complete with frost(ing).

Guest Heart Thursday #87

2011-12-08T05:29:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Guest Heart Thursday -
A place to share YOUR heart!

"Yesterday's Trash" is where Michelle shares her "unique art made from found and everyday objects". But it's so much more than that. Michelle's art is definitely unique, and the work she does AMAZES and inspires me!

Michelle posted this heart along with a wonderful heart-warming story in keeping with "Random Acts of Kindness" - I urge you to read her post, and keep the circle going!

Thank you, Michelle, for sharing your art ... and your heart!

Gail found this little stone on the beach on the Washington State Coast last summer. It was about the size of a quarter and caught her eye immediately. Gail had so much fun seeing all the hearts in her world that she created a special place to share them!

Please come visit Gail over at "My Hunt For A Heart!" You'll love the amazing hearts she has found!

Thank you, Gail, for sharing your hearts!

When Laura sent me a link to "Ecobirder's" blog, I was curious.
When I visited, I was enchanted - and not just by this beautiful dragonfly heart!!!

Ecobirder is a self-proclaimed "Nature's Paparazzi", whose goal is to "use photographs, facts, and stories to entertain, educate, and inspire people about the natural world around us."

Thank you, Ecobirder, for sharing your inspiration ... and your heart!
Thank you, Laura, for finding him, and sending me the link!

Dorincard makes beautiful postcards ...
and posts them on his blog, along with research about his subjects ...
I am always amazed by the wealth of information he comes up with - and I learn something I didn't know - every time I visit his blog!!!

But my favorite posts from Dorincard are his Guest Heart Thursday posts ...
because Dorin finds hearts that I probably would have missed ... like the PERFECT heart he found on this turkey ... do you see it? (Hint: It's red!)

Thank you, Dorin, for sharing your heart!

Sandra over at "MadSnapper" sent me a heart.
It is a very special heart ... taken by her niece Patti in PA ... and touched MY heart with it's wispy and ethereal beauty.

Thank you, Patti, for sharing your heart.
Thank you, Sandra, for sharing Patti's heart!

One world. One people. One heart.

As always - a huge thank you to all who linked up with Guest Heart Thursday last week. I loved seeing all of the delightful and amazing hearts you found in your world!

Would you like to share your heart on Guest Heart Thursday?
The rules are easy ...
There are none!!!
As long as your post includes a heart!

Have you found more than one heart?

Put in more than one link!,

Is your heart from a long time ago?

It doesn't matter, as long as you put the direct URL link to that post!

Fireplace Heart and Random Acts of Kindness

2011-12-06T16:41:00.000-08:00

We heat our home with a fireplace only ...
Having a warm fireplace heart greet you at the door is very special!

I was reading through Michelle's blog "Yesterday's Trash". Last week, a friend of Michelle's did a blog post about Random Acts of Kindness. She pointed out that the holidays were a perfect time to give the gift of kindness, and shared her own personal Christmas story. Michelle then shared her own beautiful story that made me smile - through my tears.

It also made me think about a story similar to her own ... that happened to me just after my brother passed away nearly 10 years ago.

First, you need to know that my brother was a "bum". Yep, the kind you see on the street corners, or out picking up cans to eek out a living. He was a criminal, having spent a number of years in jail.

He had been "clean" for several years, holding down a good job, living in a small trailer at my parents' house.

Then the cancer came and took Dow away. It was nearly unbearable. At his funeral, drug dealers rubbed shoulders with preachers and missionaries. That's the way Dow was. He accepted everyone where they stood, no matter who they were.

Several weeks after Dow died, I left a convenience store with a cup of coffee. One of the local "bums" was standing outside, counting change into his dirt encrusted hand. He looked longingly at my coffee and asked me if I had 17 cents. "That's all I need for a cup," he explained.

Usually I would have said "NO!" and walked away. But there was something about him ...
I reached into my pocket, and pulled out what change I had.
I counted out one dime, one nickel and two pennies.
Exactly 17 cents.
And gave it to him.
For my brother.

What random acts of kindness have come your way?
I would love to hear your stories!!!

Winter Fern Shadow Heart

2011-12-04T08:52:00.000-08:00

I was trying to capture the heart I saw in the fern ... and became fascinated with the play of sunlight and shadows on the overlapping fronds.

Perfect for "Shadow Shot Sunday"!

A Special Birthday Wish ...

2011-12-03T07:20:00.000-08:00

Jenna!!!

I hope you have the best birthday ever!

With Love from Auntie Clytie

Guest Heart Thursday #86

2011-12-01T06:39:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Guest Heart Thursday -
A place to share YOUR heart!

Kavita is from India, and her blog "My Room" is full of the beauty of her country.

What I enjoy most of all is how Kavita shares not only her beautiful photos, but also the history behind the places she visits.

Do you see the heart she included in this colorful photo collage?
It's a balloon!

Thank you, Kavita, for sharing your heart!

"Marges8's Blog" is where Marlendy shares her awe-inspiring collection of (mostly) paper dolls. I am not talking about the kind I used to cut out of the Sears catalog either ... these are absolutely AMAZING!

Sometimes Marlendy shares a greeting card - one special to her. I love these as well.

Do you see the heart in this card?
Hint - It's the hair bow!

Thank you, Marlendy, for sharing your collection - and your heart!

LouLou is also from India - although this award-winning photographer sells her work all over the world.

I am privileged to know LouLou through her blog "Indiaphragme". I have to issue a warning, though ... when you visit her, be sure to be prepared to stay a long time - because you will want to spend the rest of the day going back through her older posts!!!

Thank you, LouLou, for sharing your HEART!

For some of us, Lesley needs little introduction - Lesley hosts the wonderfully fun Wednesday meme - "Signs, Signs" - which I dearly love!!!

Lesley can also be found at "Southern Ontario, discovered"!

Thank you, Lesley, for sharing your Signs - and for sharing your heart!

Halcyon is a world traveler, who has been so many places I can't keep track of them! To check out her travels, you can find her at "Halcyon Travels".

She found this floor grate at the Vatican - complete with beautiful scrollwork hearts!!!

Thank you, Halcyon, for taking me places I've never been ... and for sharing your heart!

One world. One people. One heart.

As always - a huge thank you to all who linked up with Guest Heart Thursday last week. I loved seeing all of the delightful and amazing hearts you found in your world!

Would you like to share your heart on Guest Heart Thursday?
The rules are easy ...
There are none!!!
As long as your post includes a heart!

Have you found more than one heart?

Put in more than one link!,

Is your heart from a long time ago?

It doesn't matter, as long as you put the direct URL link to that post!

Bird Nest Heart

2011-11-30T10:30:00.000-08:00

I watched from outside the abandoned building as the barn owl dive-bombed the small bird. Even though I know it is the circle of life, and the owl, with it's 2 babies, had to eat ... I still felt myself rooting for the bird trying desperately to escape.

The owl's wing hit a piece of hanging wire, and she missed her prey - which promptly flew out a broken window, and the owl swooped away to find her dinner elsewhere.

I let out the breath I had been holding, and watched as bits of grass drifted down from the beams far overhead - the bird had been interrupted while making a nest.

She survived the day, but her nest did not.

Instead, it was left on a pile of debris ... a heart with a story I would never have known had I not been there.

Guest Heart Thursday #85

2011-11-24T07:16:00.000-08:00

Welcome to a special FAMILY Edition of
Guest Heart Thursday -
A place to share YOUR heart!

Here in the US we are celebrating Thanksgiving today -
In our family, there is so much to celebrate this year!

Like Dad's onion ring heart that he found in a bag of chips ...

And this elusive wet spot Mom found on the counter - in the shape of a heart!

My sister Beth found this wonderful driftwood heart on a trip she took to the beach ...

While my sister Leigh made me giggle with these hearts someone sent her in an e-mail!

My sister-in-law Bert found this perfect heart outside her apartment manager's place.

While her husband (my brother Darren) found this water lily heart in the pond at Dad's house.

Thank you, my family, for sharing your hearts.
For sharing your love.
For sharing your lives.
It's been a hard year, and I am so thankful that my family is still around, warts and all, to share this wonderful day.

A special thank you as well, to my FAMILY here at Random Hearts.
You are ALL special to me, and will be part of MY Thanksgiving celebration!

One world. One people. One heart.

As always - a huge thank you to all who linked up with Guest Heart Thursday last week. I loved seeing all of the delightful and amazing hearts you found in your world!

Would you like to share your heart on Guest Heart Thursday?
The rules are easy ...
There are none!!!
As long as your post includes a heart!

Have you found more than one heart?

Put in more than one link!,

Is your heart from a long time ago?

It doesn't matter, as long as you put the direct URL link to that post!

Frosty Morning Beauty

2011-11-21T07:30:00.000-08:00

I woke up yesterday to cold ... the first frosty morning of the winter.

It was foggy at first, then the sun started to break through - what a moment!

The world I found was magical ...

Then the sun peeked through some more, and the ice started to melt.
But not before I found a heart!

I am linking this post to "Straight Out of the Camera Sunday" over at Murietta 365.

Heart Found on Sidewalk

2011-11-19T07:02:00.000-08:00

I found this heart on the sidewalk in town ...
And I don't EVEN want to know what it is!!!
I will just accept that it IS a heart, and leave it at that!

Graffiti Heart

2011-11-18T07:04:00.000-08:00

Graffiti is constantly being added to the walls of the abandoned church ...

Sometimes a heart shows up!

Guest Heart Thursday #84

2011-11-17T06:52:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Guest Heart Thursday -
A place to share YOUR heart!

One of the most amazing random hearts I've ever seen was sent to me by Kay.
When I opened her e-mail, I was blown away!
I couldn't believe the heart Kay found on one of those restaurant jam container tops!
But what I love most is that Kay kept this heart.

Kay and her daughter Adrienne are wonderful heart-seekers, and I can't wait to share more of the hearts they send!

(Kay has a Facebook account, but being "Facebook challenged", I don't know how to access it to link here. I'm sorry, Kay!)

Thank you Kay and Adrienne, for sharing your hearts!

Ruth found this amazing heart at an orchid show in Thailand, and posted it on her blog, "Heart's Garden".

I found Ruth's orchid heart linked up to Tina's PicStory's "Weekend Flowers" - and of course it caught my eye right away!

When I visited Ruth's blog, I was touched deeply by a quote on her sidebar ...
"When I'm in my garden, I'm also gardening my heart. I sow seeds of love, patience and joy, and I pull out weeds of discouragement and despair. Every morning I wake up with the hope of harvest in mind."

Thank you, Ruth, for sharing your garden ... and your heart!

Scrappy Grams posted this heart-shaped photo of her late husband's father and step-mother on her blog "Scrappy Grams" - where I found it linked up to Al's "Sunday Scans".

If you have never visited Scrappy Grams, you are in for a delightful and whimsical journey!

Thank you, Scrappy Grams, for sharing your heart!

Isn't this an amazing wooden bowl heart? Judy was taking a walk when she found it in a garden, and posted it on her blog, "Lilac Gate". I love that she took the shot as-is ... weathered over the years, leaves and garden debris included.

Judy takes amazing photos of the world around her -- her macros are STUNNING!

Thank you, Judy, for sharing your heart!

When I think of Montana (US), I think of snow ... of mountains ... of indescribable beauty ... and I think of Tammie Lee.

Tammie Lee shares her stunning photographs and heart-touching poems on her blog, "Spirithelpers" ... and her beautiful artwork on her blog, "Beauty Flows".

Thank you, Tammie Lee, for sharing the beauty of your soul ... and for sharing your heart!

One world. One people. One heart.

As always - a huge thank you to all who linked up with Guest Heart Thursday last week. I loved seeing all of the delightful and amazing hearts you found in your world!

Would you like to share your heart on Guest Heart Thursday?
The rules are easy ...
There are none!!!
As long as your post includes a heart!

Have you found more than one heart?

Put in more than one link!

Is your heart from a long time ago?

It doesn't matter, as long as you put the direct URL link to that post!

Hearts Revisited - PicStory

2011-11-15T07:09:00.000-08:00

I am revisiting some of the hearts I have collected over the years ...
Here is a rusty heart, found on an old light fixture at the abandoned church across the street.

It was springtime when I found this feather heart tucked in amongst the hawthorn blossoms.

And one of my favorite hearts of all time ... I called it
"Worshiping the Chicken Wing Heart".

Tina's "PicStory" photo challenge this week is HEARTS - how could I resist???

A Furry Little Heart

2011-11-14T05:44:00.000-08:00

The ruffled fur on Ribbit's chest becomes an adorable heart ...

But it's the story behind her life that SHOWS her heart.
You see, Ribbit was born with square delicate ribs that didn't even reach around her chest. She developed much slower than her siblings, and would have died had it not been for the care and attention of her "adopted" moms - my daughters.

When it was time to nurse, my daughters carried Ribbit to where her mother was.
When the babies were moved and Ribbit left behind, they found the others and moved her with them. She slowly learned how to crawl, then walk, then run. Much behind the rest.

When the other kittens were old enough, they went to their new homes. Ribbit stayed behind as a "family cat". And thrived.

Today the only evidence of her disability comes when you pick her up - her ribs are small and don't touch completely, leaving a depression in her chest. Otherwise, she is active and loving.

Oh, and do you get the name? Square ribs - "Rib-bit"?
Smile.

Goat Nose Heart

2011-11-11T06:08:00.000-08:00

I tried ... really I did!
I was so inspired by Debbie over at "It's All About Purple" that I snuck between the fences at my neighbor's place to try and photograph her delightful goats.
This is the best shot I got - the darling little creatures just did NOT cooperate!
But this curious little one showed me it's cute heart-shaped nose!

From now on, I will leave the "Critter Cuteness Overload" to Debbie - who does it BEST!

It's Friday's Fences time! Check out "Life According to Jan and Jer" for some wonderful "fenciful" shots!

Guest Heart Thursday #83

2011-11-10T05:50:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Guest Heart Thursday -
A place to share YOUR heart!

Laura sent me this wintertime heart she had found ...
I love it for many different reasons!
It's beauty mirrors the seasons of life changes that we all go through ... and reminds me that even when life doesn't go the way we planned, there is still beauty to be found.

Laura personifies the beauty of this heart.
She is going through more adversity in her life than I can imagine, yet still shines, encourages, inspires.

Visit Laura over at "Shine the Divine: Creativity IS a Spiritual Practice" - you will love it there too!

Thank you, Laura, for being you - and for sharing your heart.

I have introduced you to Costas before - he makes MAGIC over at his blog "Nature Digital".
Costas is from Greece, a country in turmoil.
Yet it's beauty is undiminished - as Costas shows in every post.

So ... where you ask is the heart in this picture?

It's tiny, but it's there! Right near the bottom of the shot!

Costas has turned off his "Comments", and I wanted to take this opportunity to say "THANK YOU", Costas, for the magic you bring to my life!

And thank you for sharing your heart!

When I think of Tina, I think of her blog "Tina's PicStory" - and I think "photo challenge"!

When she posts her photos, however, I am amazed at her beautiful photos! Like this sunflower heart. I am in awe of you, Tina!

Thank you for all you do ... and thank you for sharing your heart!

JM's blog "Oeiras and environs daily photo" is fast becoming another of my favorite places to visit. JM is from Portugal, a country I will probably never visit in person ... but I am able to visit daily through JM's beautiful and evocative photography and narration.

Thank you, JM, for sharing your beautiful environs ... and for sharing your heart!

And what can I say about Owen???
His "Magic Lantern Show (OR ... Mr. Toad's Travel Diary)" is filled with fun, beauty, humor, history, rust, cemeteries, and just about anything that catches the eyes of Mr. Toad. I LOVE it!

Owen found these Chinese Lantern plants in his garden unbidden - and decided to leave them. I'm so glad he did - they are absolutely beautiful!
And "hearty"!

Thank you, Owen, for sharing your heart!

One world. One people. One heart.

As always - a huge thank you to all who linked up with Guest Heart Thursday last week. I loved seeing all of the delightful and amazing hearts you found in your world!

Would you like to share your heart on Guest Heart Thursday?
The rules are easy ...
There are none!!!
As long as your post includes a heart!

Have you found more than one heart?

Put in more than one link!

Is your heart from a long time ago?

It doesn't matter, as long as you put the direct URL link to that post!

Autumn Shows it's Heart

2011-11-09T15:43:00.000-08:00

Walking with Sissie yesterday was a delight to my heart!

The rain held off ... the sun even peeked through the clouds a time or two.

And the colors - unbelievably beautiful!

Everywhere we went we found reds and yellows and greens and oranges. ..
And HEARTS!

Chocolate Sweethearts ...

2011-11-06T11:05:00.000-08:00

There is, of course, a story behind this little box of chocolate heart candies ...
I'm not sure where or when it started, but it ended yesterday when I brought my neighbor to the auto parts store - just after he dropped the broken drill bit between the seats and I had to dig for it.

I have had this car for 5 years (give or take), having bought it used for really cheap from a Tweaker (don't ask). Due to it's varied history, my car came complete with the stereo torn out, and drug stash stickers in miscellaneous places on the interior (no drugs thank God!).

The car had been in an accident at one point, and the rear drivers side door is damaged.
The taillight is taped up with red tape (with it's own inherent issues, documented HERE).

There is red fingernail polish adorning one of the tire rim bolts ... Not sure why, I just call it "Tweaker Girlfriend Moment".

Oh, and there is a real bullet hole in the passenger rear door. Seriously!

But I'm getting away from the real story!
I was digging between the seats for the recalcitrant part, when my fingers dislodged a little box that had been lodged in tightly between the seats and center console.

And I pulled out a box of chocolate heart candies! The candies were so old the cute sayings were now just red smears on brownish blobs ... not very appetizing.

I wonder how long those chocolate hearts had been living in my car? I don't recall ever having bought such a thing, so I'm assuming they are over 5 years old. I looked up the UPC code number and it "expired" in 2006.

It just goes to show ... hearts of any age and condition are fair game for me!!!

And I really MUST clean out my car more carefully ...

OH! I almost forgot - it's the first Sunday in NOVEMBER, which means Al has opened up this months SUNDAY SCANS!!!

If you have scanned something ... ANYTHING ... come on over and link up!!
We want to see what you've got!
(I think I must be in a mood today, 'cause that just somehow didn't sound right)!

Guest Heart Thursday #82

2011-11-03T04:57:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Guest Heart Thursday -
A place to share YOUR heart!

My heart-sister Dani found this PERFECT heart in her tea cup.
Dani is still on sabbatical from her blogs, and sent this to me via e-mail.

I know you see some of these posts, Dani, and I just want you to know I MISS you!

Thank you, Dani, for sharing your heart.

Debbie over at "It's All About Purple" has done it again - I'm talking CUTENESS OVERLOAD!!!
Debbie humbles and inspires me for many reasons - one of which is the way she sees and captures the world with her photos. She doesn't just capture the subjects in her pictures ... she somehow captures their very essence ...

And sometimes she captures their cute little nose-shaped hearts!

Thank you, thank you, THANK you, Debbie, for sharing your world ... and your heart!

Terry over at "Bent Objects" is my hero.
I'm trying to come up with a description of his work ... it is delightful and whimsical and indescribable. You will just have to visit him to see what I mean!!!

Thank you, Terry, for bringing delight to my world, and for sharing your heart!

My sister sent me a link to Karen's blog "Contemplations and Ruminations" - and this post in particular. Karen had found a fascinating restaurant where all of the entrees had celebrity status ... for instance, this wonderfully delicious looking dish was called "Kurt Cowbain".

And was shaped like a heart!

Thank you, Karen, for sharing your laughter - and your heart!

Sandra was a bit worried about this shot ... She thought maybe this fierce looking Florida crocodile would be a bit too scary and gruesome to link up with Guest Heart Thursday ...

"On the contrary," I cried!!! - "It's all about hearts!!!" - cute and cuddly, ugly and gruesome, or just plain yucky ... ALL found hearts are BEAUTIFUL - even this one. In fact, it's PERFECT!!!

With that said, do you see the croc heart Sandra found?
Check out the end of his snout, you'll see. Isn't it perfect?

Be sure to visit Sandra's wonderful blog, "Mad Snapper" - you'll be delighted as you travel back through her archives ... I know I had a wonderful journey!

Thank you, Sandra, for sharing your heart!

One world. One people. One heart.

As always - a huge thank you to all who linked up with Guest Heart Thursday last week. I loved seeing all of the delightful and amazing hearts you found in your world!

Would you like to share your heart on Guest Heart Thursday?
The rules are easy ...
There are none!!!
As long as your post includes a heart!

Have you found more than one heart?

Put in more than one link!

Is your heart from a long time ago?

It doesn't matter, as long as you put the direct URL link to that post!

A Fern Heart for Beth

2011-11-02T07:07:00.000-07:00

I went for a long walk in the late afternoon sunshine yesterday ... this time I tramped through the woods. The beauty of the day delighted my soul, and hearts were everywhere!

But something was missing.
What could it be?
Then I knew - I was missing my sissie. The last time I went off into the woods was with Beth - we had so much fun! I love seeing the forest through her eyes!

So I dedicate this fern heart to you, sissie!

For those of you who don't know, Beth is a wonderful artist, and you can see her work over at "Beth's Artworx". When you go visit her, be sure to say congratulations - her meme "FATuesday Artist Spotlight" has hit 52 weeks - ONE YEAR!!!

Beth started FATuesday to encourage and inspire the artists she finds and features each week. In her own words - "Each one of us is creative in one way, or another -- FATuesday Artist Spotlight celebrates the creativity found in every person."

So hop on over and tell her happy memoversary - and be sure to link up YOUR art - you'll be encouraged and inspired as well!!!

Clean-up Hearts

2011-11-01T11:50:00.000-07:00

After the roof repair, there were lots of scraps of rotten and discarded wood lying around the back yard. I was happy to see these pieces were shaped like hearts!!!

It Was a Dark and Storm Night ...

2011-10-31T08:02:00.000-07:00

It was Halloween night when strangeness struck ...

The fireplace dude snuck out of the woodpile to see what was amiss ...

Electric Man was SHOCKED to see such a sight ...

Broken and discarded from the toybox, Matel thought it was just plain funny ...

While Garbage Man remained aloof ...

Only the Crate Monster truly understood ...

The true nature of the Green Ghost HEARTS!!!

Aaaaaaaaackkkk!!!!

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Eaten Mushroom Heart

2011-10-31T05:32:00.000-07:00

I was waiting for mom to get out of the dentist's office
when something under the pine tree caught my eye.
A raggedy mushroom, eaten by unseen critters ...

Whose "good taste" - made an unfinished heart!

Guest Heart Thursday #81

2011-10-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Guest Heart Thursday -
A place to share YOUR heart!

Darlene's beautiful art makes MY heart soar.
She is a constant inspiration to me. Not just for her art - but because she is one of the nicest people I've met.
You can find Darlene over at her blog, "A Dancing Mango" ... where she delights me by slipping in a heart or two now and then!

And thank you, Darlene, for sharing your heart. In more ways than one!

Debbie's post featuring these adorable donkeys made me smile.
But then ALL of her posts make me smile!
Especially when I find a heart - do you see it?
I "nose" you can if you look!

Check out Debbie's heart-warming blog "It's All About Purple" - be sure to scroll back through her older posts - she is a wonderful photographer!

Thank you, Debbie, for sharing your heart!

Look at this beautiful pansy heart that Judy posted on her blog "JBiggs Little Pieces". It was her entry to last weeks "Weekend Flowers" (thank you Tina!) - and I couldn't help but fall in love!

Thank you, Judy, for sharing your heart!

Gemma's entry in last week's "Weekend Flowers" was also a heart.
One of the most beautiful pink rose hearts I've seen!

Gemma's blog "Gemma's Greyscale Territory - Poetic Songlines" is one of my favorite places to visit. Gemma is from Australia, and her posts are always fascinating!

When you check out Gemma's blog, please notice my favorite part of each of her posts ... her Haiku. I am in awe of the way she puts just a few words together and creates magic!

Thank you, Gemma, for sharing your heart!

Marit's entry to this week's "PicStory" (thank you again, Tina!) made me gasp.
The theme this week was "silver or gold" - and just look at this beautiful gold heart Marit found and posted on her blog Velkommen til Marits hagekos Og litt til ...!

Thank you, Marit, for sharing your heart!

One world. One people. One heart.

As always - a huge thank you to all who linked up with Guest Heart Thursday last week. I loved seeing all of the delightful and amazing hearts you found in your world!

Would you like to share your heart on Guest Heart Thursday?
The rules are easy ...
There are none!!!
As long as your post includes a heart!

Have you found more than one heart?

Put in more than one link!

Is your heart from a long time ago?

It doesn't matter, as long as you put the direct URL link to that post!

Tied-Down Heart

2011-10-25T07:09:00.000-07:00

Just a random tie-down strap you say?
Fallen onto the road from a random load of stuff?

No! It's a HEART!

Kiama Finds Heart!

2011-10-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

My daughter Georgia belongs to Kiama (AKA Nubbins, AKA Stubby).
Kiama was born with only a stub for a tail, but what he lacks in tail he totally makes up for in personality.

How did Kiama find a heart you ask?
Well ... this morning I caught the playful Kiama batting something around the floor under the dining room table. I picked it up, and found it was a long-lost memory card!

It had only a few pictures on it, but one of them was this flowery heart taken the summer before last!!! I had wondered where that memory card was ...

Thank you, Kiama, for finding my heart!!!

Heart Faced Bee on Thistle Flower

2011-10-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

I have been fascinated with bees ... even more so since I realized they have such cute little HEART-shaped faces - like this honeybee I found on a thistle flower!

Be sure to visit "Tina's PicStory's" Weekend Flowers - to see gorgeous flowers from around the world!

Guest Heart Thursday #80

2011-10-20T06:34:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Guest Heart Thursday -
A place to share YOUR heart!

Deann, AKA Grannie Annie is amazing. We met shortly after I started blogging - and have decided that we must be related ... sisters-with-different-parents-who-have-never-met and all.
When you visit Deann's blog "The Whimsey Asylum", you will see that she is a wonderful artist as well as a great friend ... the digital art she creates boggles my mind. Her wonderfully wicked sense of humor delights my soul.

Thank you, Sissie-Dea, for sharing your heart!

Dani is my dear heart-sister. She lives in Macedonia and is going to school in China.
The hearts she finds in her world make me smile, and sometimes bring me to tears.

Dani is taking a break from blogging for a while, but will continue to send hearts via e-mail, and I will continue to share them with you.
"Life certainly is not easy, but it is beautiful." ... I will miss you so much, dear friend. You hold a special place in MY heart.

Thank you, dear Dani, for sharing your heart!

If you love nature and photography, you will LOVE Judy's blog, "Lilac Gate".
Judy is an amazing photographer, and her macros are spectacular.
And look at this beautiful sunflower heart she found!

Thank you, Judy, for sharing the beauty of your world - and for sharing your heart!

Lois is another dear blogging friend. Her blog, "Tallahassee Daily Photo" is part of the hugely popular and fun "City Daily Photo" series of blogs.

One of the first guest hearts I posted was this beautiful Spanish moss heart that Lois found. It's been one of my favorites for a long time!

Thank you, Lois, for sharing your City ... and your heart!

Michelle is a gifted artist whose work amazes and inspires me.
You will see what I mean when you visit her blog "Mouse House ART" -
But be sure, when you start looking back at her work, to cover your keyboard ... I know I must have drooled all over mine (her "paint chip art" is absolutely AWESOME!)

Michelle's mom found this heart rock on the beach in California ... complete with two perfect hearts, a circle and a diamond - all made by wind, waves and critters!!! I got goosebumps when I saw this on Michelle's blog!!!

Thank you, Michelle (and Michelle's mom) for sharing your heart!

One world. One people. One heart.

As always - a huge thank you to all who linked up with Guest Heart Thursday last week. I loved seeing all of the delightful and amazing hearts you found in your world!

Would you like to share your heart on Guest Heart Thursday?
The rules are easy ...
There are none!!!
As long as your post includes a heart!

Have you found more than one heart?

Put in more than one link!

Is your heart from a long time ago?

It doesn't matter, as long as you put the direct URL link to that post!

Gouged Cement Heart

2011-10-19T06:20:00.000-07:00

I was walking along the sidewalk at the abandoned church ...
Noticing how nature was working hard to reclaim the property.
When I found this gouge in the cement.
In the shape of a heart!

Autum Shows Heart

2011-10-17T06:01:00.000-07:00

Just a few days ago there were only a few colorful Autumn leaves showing ...
Now they are everywhere!

So many hearts!
So little time!

Pacific Ninebark Heart

2011-10-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

I was sorting through my springtime flower photos when I came across this beautiful Pacific Ninebark heart.

And knew it was perfect for Tina's "Weekend Flowers"!!!
Come join us, and share with us the beauty of YOUR flowery world!

Guest Heart Thursday #79

2011-10-13T05:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Guest Heart Thursday -
A place to share YOUR heart!

Today, I am featuring YOUR hearts - found in nature!

Susannah found this wet begonia heart and posted it to her blog "Wanderin' Weeta (with Waterfowl and Weeds)".

Susannah has been a great inspiration to me - I've learned to look down and see the tiny beauty of nature. When you visit her blog, you will be inspired as well!

Thank you, Susannah, for sharing your heart!

Beth has several wonderful blogs that I love - they reflect the beauty she finds in her world (like these GORGEOUS heart raindrop reflections!), as well as her amazing artwork!

One of Beth's blogs that inspires me is "Geometric". If you haven't been there, you will be delighted at the wonderful and unique shapes Beth finds in nature!!!

Thank you, my sister, for sharing your heart!

Costas is another artist who inspires me - you've met him before - on his magical blog "Nature Digital".
Here is where I ALWAYS say - when you visit Costas, be sure to click on his pictures to enlarge them. And to see the MAGIC I'm talking about!!!

Thank you, Costas, for sharing your heart!

Dani shared this wonderful tomato heart on her blog "A Lovely Home For Hearts".
And a LOVELY home for HEARTS she has created!!!

Dani shares hearts from her home in Macedonia and her adopted home in China - I am constantly amazed and delighted at the beauty she finds in her world!

Thank you, dear heart-sister Dani, for sharing your hearts!!!

I had to gasp when I saw Tina's pigeon heart on her blog "Tina's PicStory".

If you haven't visited Tina, you are in for a VERY special treat!

Tina hosts "PicStory" - a wonderful and ever-changing weekly challenge ...
And "Weekend Flowers" - a wonderful place for us to share our flower photos!!!

Thank you so much, Tina, for sharing your heart!!!

One world. One people. One heart.

As always - a huge thank you to all who linked up with Guest Heart Thursday last week. I loved seeing all of the delightful and amazing hearts you found in your world!

Would you like to share your heart on Guest Heart Thursday?
The rules are easy ...
There are none!!!
As long as your post includes a heart!

Have you found more than one heart?

Put in more than one link!

Is your heart from a long time ago?

It doesn't matter, as long as you put the direct URL link to that post!

Fall Leaves With Heart

2011-10-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

It is autumn here, and the oak leaves are starting to turn brown and fall off the trees ...
Becoming, in the process, a perfect frame for a beautiful cyclamen leaf heart!

Guest Heart Thursday #78

2011-10-06T05:35:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Guest Heart Thursday -
A place to share YOUR heart!

Nina P. touched my heart
With this beautiful poem ...

Choosing Your Path

Do I take the road that lies ahead or do I forge a brave new path?
Do I follow my heart to where it leads? Will I find Peace or wrath?

Choose to follow the road to Light, though it may twist and turn.
Walk your path to Love and Light, and Together we can learn.

Follow your dreams towards Higher ground, walk in Angels hand.
And be the change you want to see, Across this earthy land.

Time will come when we'll see, all paths follow the same Light.
God's has many names and forms, yet has One Great Sight.

Let's unify this world we're in, and find the common ground.
For brothers and sisters all are we, to see this just look around

We are more alike than we differ, open your senses and know
We're all created in the Light; all seeds that God did sow

Each of us has a place on earth, and also a place Above.
As One let's walk on our paths and Unite through Infinite Love.

Written with Love and Light, by Nina P. Ploetz 9/30/2011

Nina P. has touched my heart so many times ... when you visit her blog "Nina P's Thoughts and Musings ..." your heart will be touched as well.

Thank you, Nina, for sharing your heart!

I've introduced you to my friend Costas several times in the past.
His blog "Nature Digital" showcases his magical photographs.
As always, I urge you, when you visit him, to be sure to click on his pictures to enlarge them. That's when the magic happens!!!

Speaking of magic ... do you see the heart Costas found in this shot?
Did you even know that bees have heart-shaped faces???

Thank you, Costas, for sharing your heart!

And look at the wonderful heart Boki found - on the sidewalk!!!

If we all could go without our cars knowing we'd find delightful hearts along the way, we'd all be walking a lot more often!!!

You can find this and other beautiful hearts over at Boki's blog "Ninas y Corazones".

Thank you, Boki, for sharing your heart!

I am enchanted with Donna's garden ... what a beautiful and magical place!
Her garden is on display over at "Gardens Eye View" ... but be sure to devote some extra time to explore when you visit her - you will want to stay a long time!

This picture in particular caught my eye ... Donna created this painting from a real photograph!
Complete with a beautiful glowing heart!

Thank you, Donna, for sharing your garden ... and your heart!

The hearts Gemma found in this delicate pink rose are subtle ...
Hearts of shadow and velvety petal ...
I see several!

Be sure to visit Gemma's "Greyscale Territory" - you will be delighted - as I am every time I visit her.

"Whisper of colour
Kiss of a new Spring morning
May it linger here"

Thank you, Gemma, for sharing your photos, your Haiku ... and your heart!

One world. One people. One heart.

As always - a huge thank you to all who linked up with Guest Heart Thursday last week. I loved seeing all of the delightful and amazing hearts you found in your world!

Would you like to share your heart on Guest Heart Thursday?
The rules are easy ...
There are none!!!
As long as your post includes a heart!

Have you found more than one heart?

Put in more than one link!

Is your heart from a long time ago?

It doesn't matter, as long as you put the direct URL link to that post!

Heart Shaped Bush!

2011-10-05T10:01:00.001-07:00

I was waiting for mom and dad to meander out of church ...
When I noticed at the other end of the parking lot ...
This heart shaped bush!!!

I don't know if it was planned to be a heart - I doubt it - but I LIKE it!!!

Every Day is Valentines Day - HERE!

2011-10-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

One of the things I was able to do while recuperating from my recent heart problem was catalog and scan my collection of ephemera.

Actually, it became more like an ATTEMPT to catalog and scan my collection of ephemera!!! I found I have had a life long fascination with paper, with boxes and boxes of it stashed all over the place.

As I happily cataloged and scanned my card collection, I earmarked the cards that contained hearts. There were more than I anticipated - and this cute Valentine card is just the beginning!!!

I am linking this HEART card to Al's "Sunday Scans" - one of my very favorite memes!

I hope you will join us - and link up something YOU have scanned!!! Al has made this into a monthly meme, so you have lots of time to join in on the fun!!!

My Car is 'Lichen' This Heart!

2011-10-02T13:28:00.000-07:00

Sunday mornings can be such a rush around here ...
We were late out the door - again - for church.

As I rushed out to start the car, I noticed this cute little lichen heart on my bumper!

And ended up being just a little bit later for church!

Guest Heart Thursday #77

2011-09-29T07:09:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Guest Heart Thursday -
A place to share YOUR heart!

Once again, I have to break from tradition ... usually I spotlight YOUR found hearts here ... but it's been quite a week, and I find that between the near heart-attack/Emergency Room stuff, follow-up appointments, and following doctors orders ... I am out of time!

In looking back, I realize just how much my "heart" illness had affected my HEART! I hadn't picked up my camera in nearly a month ... and even though I had been "seeing" hearts everywhere I went, I didn't have the 'heart' to care.

I am feeling more and more like my old self now -- not just physically but emotionally as well - my camera has seen more use in the past 3 days than it has in the past 3 months!!!

So ... it is with renewed excitement, vigor and HEART that I welcome you to a brand new Random Hearts - and Guest Heart Thursday!!!

I thank you ALL - yet again - for your healing thoughts and prayers - this week especially. Your comments and messages are so much appreciated - YOU are a HUGE part of my healing process, and I hope together WE are part of healing the world!!!

One world. One people. One heart.

As always - a huge thank you to all who linked up with Guest Heart Thursday last week. I loved seeing all of the delightful and amazing hearts you found in your world!

Would you like to share your heart on Guest Heart Thursday?
The rules are easy ...
There are none!!!
As long as your post includes a heart!

If you have found a heart (or drawn a heart, or designed a heart, or ...), please join us for Guest Heart Thursday. Just link the URL of your heart post to Linky! It would be nice if you linked back to Random Hearts ... but it's okay not to ... we just want to see your hearts!
The link will be open from Thursday morning until Sunday night.

Have you found more than one heart?

Put in more than one link!

Is your heart from a long time ago?

It doesn't matter, as long as you put the direct URL link to that post!

Thank you everyone for your patience while Linky Tools was down. It is up now, and I will be adding the links for those who left comment links.

A Heart(y) Scare !!!

2011-09-26T14:42:00.000-07:00

My heart full of thanks goes out to everyone who has had me in their thoughts and prayers this past few days and weeks.

As you know, for the past couple of weeks I have not been feeling well ... I had a horrible burning pain between my shoulder blades and into my chest, and was diagnosed with acid reflux. It was a pain that was deep and burning, and came on mostly while I was walking or exercising. I changed my diet, and seemed to be getting better ...

This past Saturday, about an hour after I woke up, I had another "episode" of extreme debilitating pain - and it would not let up. The pain spread to my left arm and underneath my jaw. I knew it was time to go to the Emergency Room.

To make a long story short, I did NOT have acid reflux --
I had a significant blockage in two of the vessels of my heart.
Yesterday I had an angiogram, and a stent was inserted into the blocked area - a very successful procedure!!!

I am back home now, a little ragged around the edges, with a bunch of new medications to take.

It has been a very humbling and learning experience.
There were scary moments and times that made me laugh til I nearly split my stitches.

I urge each person who reads this to take a second look at your HEART life ... your health decisions ... those little things that may or may not "mean something" to your health ... don't overlook anything! Because if something seems wrong ... it's worth checking out. Please.

Because I love all of YOU - my heart seeking friends and family!
And I want you all to be HEART HEALTHY!

Again ... thank you all for your healing thoughts and prayers. You mean so much to me!!!

Guest Heart Thursday #76

2011-09-22T06:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Guest Heart Thursday -
A place to share YOUR heart!

When I saw this post that Namaki submitted to "Weekend Reflections", I was stunned beyond words - isn't this the most amazing reflection heart???

Namaki is from France, and I have had such a wonderful journey going through her blog "Objectif Regarder" - and you will too! Namaki's macro photos are amazing!!!

Thank you, Namaki, for sharing your heart!

Owen is from France as well ... and his blog "Magic Lantern Show ... or Mr. Toad's Travel Diary" is one of my favorite places to visit.

Owen loves rusty things, broken down old buildings, old cemeteries, and life in general. You will absolutely LOVE him when you get to know him!

Thank you, Owen, for sharing your heart!

When I think of Tina, I think PHOTO CHALLENGE!
Tina's blog "Leckeres fur Mensch und Katze
Goodies for a pleasant life" is full of them - and is another of my favorite places to visit!

Thank you, Tina, for sharing your beautiful photos ... and for sharing your heart!

I just couldn't resist featuring this wonderful "bake sale hearts" photo that my sister Leigh sent me in an e-mail. I laughed until I had tears in my eyes!

I know Leigh didn't take this photo, and I'm not sure who to give copyright credit to ... but whoever came up with this gem ... thank you!

And thank you, Honey, for sharing YOUR heart!

I found this beautiful heart rock in Dennis and Sharon's front yard - the focal point for one of their AMAZING garden spots. I love visiting their farm - what a peaceful place!

Thank you, Dennis and Sharon, for sharing your heart!

A NOTE for all of my wonderful heart friends ...
I thank you for all of the kind words, prayers and thoughts that have come my way this past several weeks. On a good note - My computer is healed!
My health issue, however, isn't so easily fixed. Knowing what is wrong, and knowing how to fix it are two very opposite concepts. I have good days and bad days. Learning what I can and can't eat is truly a LEARNING experience. I did fine yesterday until I ate a bit of onion with dinner, and had one of the worst "episodes" ever. But now I know I can't eat onions!

I haven't been able to visit you, my friends, as much as I want to ... and I truly miss you. I am working on being able to spend more time up and about, and I hope to catch up soon!

One world. One people. One heart.

As always - a huge thank you to all who participated in Guest Heart Thursday last week. I loved seeing all of the delightful and amazing hearts you found in your world!

Would you like to share your heart on Guest Heart Thursday?
The rules are easy ...
There are none!!!
As long as your post includes a heart!

Have you found more than one heart?

Put in more than one link!

Is your heart from a long time ago?

It doesn't matter, as long as you put the direct URL link to that post!

Guest Heart Thursday #75

2011-09-15T06:58:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Guest Heart Thursday -
A place to share YOUR heart!

Here is where I usually share with you hearts found 'round the world ...
Today, I must break tradition for several reasons.

First, my computer is ill. When I turn it on, I have between 5 and 20 minutes before my screen freezes, and I have to hard reboot ... my 'system administrator' has diagnosed an interface issue between two programs I use, with the end result being I must do a 'wipe and restore' before I can use it for more than a few minutes! It has crashed twice since I started working on this post! Arrrrgh!!! Treatment time frame is TODAY - with my computer going back to full health sometime this evening or tomorrow morning!!!

It breaks my heart that I was unable to visit everyone who linked last week, but PLEASE rest assured I WILL catch up, and am looking forward to visiting each and every heart I missed!

The second reason for breaking tradition is that I haven't been feeling well lately. I have had a painful burning sensation between my shoulder blades, radiating into my chest. After a particularly painful episode, my blood pressure went through the roof (for those of you who don't know, I survived a stroke nearly 2 years ago, which I documented here) - and I knew I was in trouble.

I went to Providence Sherwood's Urgent Care clinic, where I underwent multiple tests.
As I sat waiting for the results, I went over in my mind the 'possibilities'. Stroke. Heart attack. Lung cancer. Bone cancer. GERD - all of these have similar symptoms.

To make a long story short, each test result came back 'negative'. It turns out I had hurt my back while scraping some moss off the roof. This injury for some reason caused extreme acid reflux whenever I started moving around a lot, and the resulting pain (and stress) spiked my blood pressure.

By the time I left the doctor's office, I was feeling much better, and my blood pressure was back to near normal. I am taking one more pill per day, and making further lifestyle adjustments, until things get back to normal. Sigh.

Guest Heart Thursday should be back in full swing next week - I have a whole file of WONDERFUL hearts YOU have found that I can't wait to feature !!! In the meantime, PLEASE link your hearts this week! I will be around sometime tomorrow to check them out!!!

I THANK YOU for sharing YOUR HEARTS!!!
I will be visiting all of them. SOON.

One world. One people. One heart.

As always - a huge thank you to all who participated in Guest Heart Thursday last week. I loved seeing all of the delightful and amazing hearts you found in your world!

Would you like to share your heart on Guest Heart Thursday?
The rules are easy ...
There are none!!!
As long as your post includes a heart!

Have you found more than one heart?

Put in more than one link!

Is your heart from a long time ago?

It doesn't matter, as long as you put the direct URL link to that post!

Guest Heart Thursday #74

2011-09-08T06:33:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Guest Heart Thursday -
A place to share YOUR heart!

With just a few strokes of color on paper, Boki stole my heart with this beautiful drawing she has called "Love Confusion". This is not the first time Boki's drawings and photography have touched me - to see more, visit her over at "ninas y corazones" - you will be delighted!

Thank you, Boki, for touching my heart ... and for sharing yours!

I had to giggle when Cheryl posted this "rose heart in training" on her blog "March to March". It is a photo well named!

Cheryl has been a wonderful friend and inspiration to me. She has been here since I started blogging, and has helped me through good times and bad. I can't say how much I appreciate her!!!

Thank you, Cheryl, for being there, for inspiring me ... and for sharing your heart!

One of my favorite things to do is to find hearts in the posts of my friends ... hearts they don't see! When JM over at "Oeiras Daily Photo" posted this photo "Vertigo", I couldn't help but look for the hearts I knew I would find in this amazing shot ... Do you see any hearts here?
(hint: look just above the word "and" in the copyright watermark!)

If you haven't discovered JM's blog, you are missing out on some of the best photography I've seen in a long time. Every time JM posts, I am stunned at the beauty he finds ... and his unique point of view in which he shares it!!!

Thank you, JM, for sharing your beautiful Portugal ... and for sharing your heart!

When I got the e-mail from my friend Louis, I knew I would find a special heart attached. When I saw this astounding shot, I knew Louis had found a heart in a million!

So ... my imagination has added something new to Louis' paradise in "backwoods Southern California" ... I will now add the sound of a low note wind chime to the picture in my head of Louis kicking back on the deck, surrounded by the beauty of nature ... listening to the low beauty of the chimes ... Sigh ...

Thank you, Louis, for this beautiful vision ... and for sharing your heart!

Laura has posted this beautiful tree heart before ... and I have loved it each time I see it.
I hope someday you will meet Laura. She in every way inspires me, shames me, makes me look beyond myself, bring me to tears ... I am in awe of someone who can take their own pain ... face their own demons ... and still shine with faith and grace. That is Laura.

"Shine the Divine: Creativity IS a Spiritual Practice"

"It makes me wonder how much my slender body can hold, how big will my heart grow through the years, am I up to the tasks that life has in store for me, and will I be able to withstand the storms of living with a fraction of the grace this tree embodies? It is an awe inspiring mystery, discovering a tree that grew perfectly into a heart."

Thank you, Laura, for sharing your heart. Your whole heart.

One world. One people. One heart.

As always - a huge thank you to all who participated in Guest Heart Thursday last week. I loved seeing all of the delightful and amazing hearts you found in your world!

Would you like to share your heart on Guest Heart Thursday?
The rules are easy ...
There are none!!!
As long as your post includes a heart!

Have you found more than one heart?

Put in more than one link!

Is your heart from a long time ago?

It doesn't matter, as long as you put the direct URL link to that post!

Guest Heart Thursday #73

2011-09-01T07:08:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Guest Heart Thursday -
A place to share YOUR heart!

I love Jill's work. She is a phenomenal photographer, with the best job in the world!
When you want to see nature at it's best, just visit her at "Count Your Chicken! We're Taking Over!". Gorgeousness overload!!!

Do you see the heart in the clouds? Be sure to enlarge the photo - and look for the 'heart where the cloud isn't'!

Thank you, Jill, for sharing your world - and your heart!

Louis did it again - here's another backwoods Southern California heart!
Louis doesn't have internet at home, and sends me the occasional found heart via e-mail.

Sometimes I wonder if Louis doesn't have the right idea!!!

Thank you, my friend, for sharing your heart!

When Gypsy Lala posted this heart, I smiled - I LOVE creativity like this!
What a wonderful heart! Be sure to visit "Just Capture ... When It Happens" - for a fun place to warm your heart.

Thank you, Gypsy Lala, for sharing your heart!

Dani went on vacation for a couple of weeks, and I do believe this photo is from that vacation. I immediately fell in love with the glowing cloud heart. It takes my breath away!

Dani is my heart-sister, and shares the hearts that find her on her blog "A Lovely Home For Hearts". She shares bits and pieces of her life on her blog "Snow Flowers".

Dani is soon to be traveling back to school in China (she has been home in Macedonia for the summer break).
My heart will be going with you, my friend-sister!

Thank you, Dani, for sharing your heart.

Several people (thank you, thank you!) sent me a link to Charlene's blog "My Nature Photography", where she had posted a series of shots from Storforsen Camping, Alvysbyn, Sweden - including this perfect heart-shaped pothole. When I went to visit her, I was caught by her description of her world ... "To be with nature is like being in the arms of the Creator who, in His loving-care, put all these lovely things around us to
lift our spirits."

Thank you, Charlene, for lifting our spirits ... and for sharing your heart!

One world. One people. One heart.

As always - a huge thank you to all who participated in Guest Heart Thursday last week. I loved seeing all of the delightful and amazing hearts you found in your world!

Would you like to share your heart on Guest Heart Thursday?
The rules are easy ...
There are none!!!
As long as your post includes a heart!

Have you found more than one heart?

Put in more than one link!

Is your heart from a long time ago?

It doesn't matter, as long as you put the direct URL link to that post!

Guest Heart Thursday #72

2011-08-25T07:17:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Guest Heart Thursday -
A place to share YOUR heart!

My thoughts and prayers go out today to all who are dealing with the rash of natural disasters that have befallen our world lately.
For those who are recovering ... heart healing is my prayer for you.
For those who are preparing ... heart mercy is my prayer for you.

Once so vibrant and strong, my dad now spends most of his days reading and dreaming of times gone by.
Most of his life was spent living month to month, doing without in order for his family to thrive.
Now, at 85, he has the time and money to indulge a little ...
Onion rings are among his favorite "treats", and I had to giggle when he silently handed me this one, an adorable grin on his face.

I have to say thank you, Daddy, for sharing your life ... and your heart ... for all these years.

Susannah, over at "Wanderin' Weeta (With Waterfowl and Weeds)" has done it again - she found this upside-down rose hip heart - and didn't even know it! And even though I've said it before, I will say it again ...

Thank you Susannah, for being my inspiration ... and for sharing your heart!

When Texwisgirl e-mailed me this picture, I was stunned - and just HAD to feature it today. She was photographing some painted buntings, when she realized this one has a PERFECT HEART on it's shoulder!!! To see a bunch more gorgeous pictures, visit her wonderful blog "The Runaround Ranch Report"!

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Texwisgirl, for sharing your most amazing heart!

Rick took a short hiatus from his blog, "Found Hearts by Rick Ruggles" - but he's back!
I love the random hearts Rick finds, like this pavement heart.

Welcome back, Rick, and thank you for sharing your heart!

My sister Beth sees things differently, and shares her amazing photos on her blog "Expect the Unexpected". That's where she posted this beautiful broken tree branch heart a few months ago.

She is also one of my favorite artists - and always has been. I remember as a child I was in awe of her "doodles" - amazing fairies, elves, hand trees and beautiful ladies in flowing dresses. Beth shares her awesome art on her blog "Beth's Artworx".

Thank you, sissie, for sharing your heart!

One world. One people. One heart.

As always - a huge thank you to all who participated in Guest Heart Thursday last week. I loved seeing all of the delightful and amazing hearts you found in your world!

Would you like to share your heart on Guest Heart Thursday?
The rules are easy ...
There are none!!!
As long as your post includes a heart!

Have you found more than one heart?

Put in more than one link!

Is your heart from a long time ago?

It doesn't matter, as long as you put the direct URL link to that post!

Cement Gouge Heart

2011-08-24T10:42:00.000-07:00

The workers who gutted "The Abandoned" stripped the building of everything except some hanging pipes and metal strips ... as well as a few huge piles of debris.

But look ... they gouged out a heart in the process!!!

Cheese Sandwich Heart

2011-08-23T07:09:00.000-07:00

Among the yummies we got from the Gleaners this week were a bunch of "cheese sandwiches". I decided to have one for lunch, and was delighted and surprised when I found this one has a heart in the middle!

(I played around with the photo on Gimp, and I think I like the effect. What do you think?)

Guest Heart Thursday #71

2011-08-18T07:23:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Guest Heart Thursday -
A place to share YOUR heart!

I am pleased to introduce to you - Pagan; a delightful Yorkie whose charmed life includes helping out in the garden! When I say "garden", I mean one of the most gorgeous gardens I know of!
Of course I mean "Sunray Gardens" ... a beautiful and magical place of beauty and peace.
When you visit, be sure to say "Hi" to Pagan - whose adorable heart-shaped face stole MY heart!

Thank you, Sunray, for sharing Pagan, and for sharing your heart!

Judy over at "Lilac Gate" posted this picture last winter ... do you see the whimsical heart in this "weed"?

I love visiting Lilac Gate ... Judy's flower macros are absolutely beautiful!

Thank you, Judy, for sharing your heart!

Rachel is one of my heroes. She is an amazing artist, she looks like a model, and she has devoted her time to life on her farm. Rachel documents the ups and downs of her adventures on her blog "Memories of Mine to Thine".

And don't you just love the mossy heart Rachel found on the roof of one of her outbuildings?

Thank you, Rachel, for sharing your heart!

Another blogger who has inspired me greatly is Susannah. You can find her over at "Wanderin' Weeta (With Waterfowl and Weeds)". Be prepared to stay a while, and look over some of her older posts. You will be amazed at the beauty she finds in her world!
Because of Susannah, I can no longer walk by a rock in a stream without wondering what is underneath ...
I see tracks in the mud and wonder what made them ...
I long to go to the beach to look for tiny creatures ...

Thank you, Susannah, for the inspiration you bring to my life, and for sharing your heart!

Another blogger who inspires me is Rachel over at "Yesterday's Trash". I am in awe of her creativity, her imagination, and her talent.

And don't you just love this pendant? I do!
But look closer ... it's made of something you would absolutely NOT expect ...
Vintage heart-shaped cookie cutters!
Seriously!!! Isn't that awesome?

Thank you, Rachel, for YOUR inspiration ... and for sharing your hearts!

One world. One people. One heart.

As always - a huge thank you to all who participated in Guest Heart Thursday last week. I loved seeing all of the delightful and amazing hearts you found in your world!

Would you like to share your heart on Guest Heart Thursday?
The rules are easy ...
There are none!!!
As long as your post includes a heart!

Have you found more than one heart?

Put in more than one link!

Is your heart from a long time ago?

It doesn't matter, as long as you put the direct URL link to that post!