Our first Twixism!

Posted on August 14, 2017 by Lisa

Back in 2012 we started keeping track of some of the random things Peanut would say as a three and a half year old. You can read some of them HERE, HERE, HERE an HERE.

Well, here it is 2017 and Twix is right on schedule. Her first Twixism (that’s been shared with me) was heard this morning while they were getting ready to come to our house.

Backgrounder: Peanut is starting third grade on Wednesday. She is both excited and a bit anxious. She started a new school last year when they moved into their newly renovated house. She knows the school and has tons of friends. But I suppose that doesn’t overcome those first-day-of-school jitters about the unknown that lies ahead.

This morning The Recruiter told us Peanut said she had “butterflies in her stomach.”

To which Twix replied: “Maybe you stood outside with your mouth open and butterflies flew in.”

Completely reasonable.

Planning on sharing this at
Peabea’s Scribble Pad
for Pictorial Tuesday.

Photo Blogging Challenge: Point of View

Posted on July 31, 2017 by Lisa

July is over! Can you even believe half the year is gone already? From my point of view, it’s a bit scary how days seem to drag but weeks and months go by at the speed of light. And speaking of Point of View, that’s PJ’s prompt this month.

In keeping with last month’s post using quotes, I decided to continue that trend for this prompt.

Point of View #1
Nothing’s beautiful from every point of view.
~Horace
I kept these seed pods because I thought I’d do something creative with them in an arrangement…..in my spare time. By themselves, they’re probably not very beautiful from most people’s point of view. But I love the warm, aged color of the pod.

Point of View #2
Life is like a landscape. You live in the midst of it but can describe it only from the vantage point of distance. ~Charles Lindbergh
Life is messy…especially when we’re in the middle of challenges, crisis and struggles. Sometimes it helps to distance ourselves from the emotion of the moment and see the bigger picture. Sometimes looking at it from that point of view can offer some clarity. It’s like the difference between being in the middle of the lake versus sitting on the bench, looking at the entire landscape.

Point of View #3
There are three sides to every coin (Heads, Tails, and The Edge). Your ability to understand contrasting points of view and your ability to glean what information you believe to be valuable from each side is a crucial skill.
~Robert Kiyosaki
Now, some may look at this and believe it’s just another excuse for sitting on the fence and not making a decision. But, what I’ve learned in 50+ years of living is situations are rarely heads or tails….black or white….rather, they are shades of gray. And, to have the wisdom to discern useful information from contrasting points of view is the secret to compromise and a more peaceful existence.

Point of View #4
From the dog’s point of view, his master is an elongated and abnormally cunning dog.
~Mabel Robinson
Do you ever wonder what goes through a dog’s mind when they look at us? Do they see another strange-looking dog? Or, do they really care what we are as long as what they are looking at plays with them and feeds them? How do they decide whether you’ll be the “alpha dog”….or not!? Cabo is coming along nicely, but I will say he’s a very opinionated puppy!

Point of View #5
A unicorn is just a horse with a point of view.
~Ron Sexsmith
I couldn’t resist this quote! It really makes no sense when you think about it, but it’s a good excuse to use a photo from the point of view of this little filly. I’m sure she wishes she was a unicorn with a horn. Or, maybe this quote refers to having a magical perspective on life?! 🙂

I hope you enjoyed my point of view on PJ’s Point of View prompt. Please visit A “lil HooHaa to see all the other points of view for July.

Celebrating the life we’ve built together

Posted on July 26, 2017 by Lisa

Today is Entrepreneur and my 37th wedding anniversary. Hard to believe it’s been that many years since we stood at an altar as doe-eyed twenty-somethings…believing the life ahead of us was full of endless possibilities.

No one really clued us in as to just how hard this thing called marriage really is. At that time, both our parents had been married twenty-some-odd years. That seemed like a lifetime to us. Now, our 25th seems like a lifetime ago.

Thirty seven years; two children, two grandbabykins, four dogs, four cats, and nine residences. That’s a lot to cram into a life together. Those years were filled with both blissful highs and abysmal lows. Personal and professional challenges have done their best to derail us. We’ve had moments when we couldn’t have been prouder of our children…balanced with time we weren’t sure they would ever be responsible adults. Over 37 yeas, we’ve experienced the frustration of trying to figure out how to navigate life, and keep those negative influences at bay that can destroy a marriage.

The couples that are ‘meant to be’ are the ones who go through everything that is meant to tear them apart, and come out even stronger than they were before.
~Author unknown

I always assumed we’d be one of those odd, little couples who made it to their 50th anniversary. Our children and grandchildren would throw a party to commemorate that milestone in grand style. We would toast each other for “putting up” with the other for so many years.

Now, given our current circumstances, I’m hoping and praying we are able to celebrate that 40th anniversary. Forty-five years might be a gift. Fifty? I would count myself extremely fortunate if that was in the master plan.

And, yes, I know all this sounds a bit on the pessimistic side. But, along with my Pollyanna hopes and dreams, there’s a realist lurking on the edges. And reality is, unless a treatment for renal cell cancer is found soon…or there is some divine intervention….that’s our reality.

Love bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things.
~1 Corinthians 13:7

But for today, we celebrate thirty-seven. And are grateful and appreciative for that opportunity. There won’t be any fanfare or grand parties. A quiet dinner somewhere where we can reminisce and marvel at the life we built together will be enough for me.

And, though our children are grown, out of the house and making it on their own, there will be one waiting for us when we get home. And, we simply can’t end the day without mentioning Cabo turns four months old today!

So a Happy Anniversary to us AND Happy (four month) Birthday to our fur baby.

A summer palette of color

Posted on July 10, 2017 by Lisa

Love is to the heart what the summer is to the farmer’s year—
it brings to harvest all the loveliest flowers of the soul.
~Author Unknown

I haven’t played with the color palette template for a while. I find it interesting to take a photo that really appeals to me, separate out the colors and discover the combinations that makes the photo different…but you just can’t put your finder on why. This was one of those photos. Once I saw the warmth of the colors, I immediately knew it was a summer palette.

These posies were compliments of The Golfer during her surprise visit to see her dad. Arriving at 4:45am July 2nd, she let herself into the house and almost gave him a heart attack when we got up at 6am! She needed to see her dad….and he needed to see her. After all, Florida is a long ways away when major stress hits a family in middle Missouri. And, phone calls really don’t cut it.

She spent the week focusing on her dad, passing on other social invitations to spend hours chatting on the patio and watching TV in the evenings. They took a morning and went to the driving range so “her coach” could offer some pointers on her (LPGA-certified) golf swing. They floated in the pool, soaking up some Vitamin D. She spent Independence Day with us and her sister, The Recruiter. The only things missing were her god-daughters, who were still in Alabama with their dad. But she did get to meet Cabo….her fur baby little brother!

The summer palette…with the warmth of sunny yellows combined with the greens of life. No wonder I like this photo.

To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.
~Barbara Bush

Photo Blogging Challenge: Different Lens

Posted on June 30, 2017 by Lisa

While PJ’s intent over at A ‘lil Hoohaa was to use a different camera and/or lens for this month’s challenge…that’s a challenge in itself for me. My beloved Canon SLR died on me a couple of years ago and I replaced it with a smaller, more compact Canon camera (big mistake). So, aside from the camera phone (which has challenges of its own), a different lens is not really an option for me. Soooooo…….

I’ve decided to interpret the challenge in a different way; taking a more esoteric approach to the word, “lens,” which i think fits nicely with my blog’s name, Peripheral Perceptions. So, stay with me and I hope my wanderings will become more clear.

Let’s begin with the word, Paradigm. Everyone has their own lens in which they prefer to view the world. Those lenses, or paradigms, shape how we believe things should work or be done in our version of a perfect world. We all bring knowledge and personal experiences when forming our individual worldview. But, sometimes it’s beneficial for us to look at our worldview through a different lens. In doing so, we just might be able to make a shift away from those ingrained thoughts and expectations. In using a different lens, we experience paradigm shifts that can unmask stagnant thinking and help us look at ourselves and the world in a completely new way.

To further make my point, I’ve chosen five quotes that will, hopefully, help reflect the direction I chose to go this month.

Different Lens #1
Paradigms are like glasses. When you have incomplete paradigms about yourself or life in general, it’s like wearing glasses with the wrong prescription. That lens affects how you see everything else. ~Sean Covey
Entrepreneur is having a major paradigm shift with this recent bout with cancer. The lens in which he views his life has changed…and he would not agree it’s for the better. Looking at life through the lens of brain surgery and chemo pills is affecting how he’s viewing life and how he’s contemplating his future. One thing is for sure, these two little pocket rockets are the best lens correction anyone could ask for!

Different Lens #2
Just one step. Just one mile. Just one dollar. Just one kiss. Just one person. When we look at life through the lens of ‘one,’ everything becomes that much more attainable. ~Mick Ebeling
The paradigm shift mentioned above and the different lens used right now is one of “one day at a time.” The goal being to do one thing each day that makes life feel a bit more normal.

Different Lens #3
You see things through a different lens when you have a child. ~Kevin Nealon
Photographing children forces one to look at life through a different lens and try to capture the feeling of a fleeting moment in time. It’s much more than just point and shoot…and hope something of value wanders into your lens field. And, when you look at life through the lens of a child, everything is a wonder!

Different Lens #4
Art is kind of the lens through which I think about God. ~Dan Colen
There are many different forms of art. Drawing, painting, sculpting, photography, mixed media, textile, writing, performing, etc…the list goes on and on. God created the universe and everything in it, We were created, so it follows logic that the need to “create” is ingrained in our DNA, and is a reflection of our Maker. It’s been that way for millions of years. Peanut realized this when we went to a museum of art and archeology where she saw artifacts humankind created dating back to 5500 BC.

Different Lens #5
In life and in politics, it’s helpful to try to perceive the other person through the most generous lens. ~Megyn Kelly
And that, unfortunately, doesn’t happen a lot anymore in our culture; maybe not in any culture. We’re so quick to be judge, jury and executioner for anyone and anything that goes against our opinions. Our current political climate is a perfect example. There is no photo to literally portray this quote, but I hope closing with something beautiful will motivate everyone to try to be kinder and more generous, and choose to look at situations from different perspectives and lenses. Perhaps in doing so, we can let go of our judgmental, critical minds and focus on looking at life through the lens of appreciation and generosity—treating all people with respect, and giving others the benefit of the doubt.

One thing for sure is we all use different lenses interchangeably when looking at life. Paradigm shifts may force us to change lenses, but it’s in the refocusing of our lens that makes all the difference.

Hope you enjoyed my interpretation of PJ’s prompt this month. Now you can visit his page and see the lens in which others viewed this topic.

Cabo says, Hello Summer!

Posted on June 21, 2017 by Lisa

Hello Summer! Hey…….wait a minute…..I think I might resemble that remark. Can’t understand how Mom can say that. She always says I’m the smartest puppy she knows.

In case you missed my introduction, you can read it HERE. I’ve jumped up to 14.5 pounds in just three short weeks. Everyone keeps talking about the size of my paws…….but I think they’re pretty perfect just the way they are. All I know is it’s getting easier to clear the step from the backyard into the house, and I’m able to catch the little white dog that lives next door. Boy, I rolled her a couple of times last night real good while we were chasing each other!

So, it’s my first official day of summer, and there are sooooo many things to ~~get into~~ ~~tear up~~ discover. I’ve really only just begun. So far, no shoes, socks or clothing have been sacrificed to my razor-sharp teeth. Whenever I get into something really interesting, all of a sudden I find a substitute chewy bone in my mouth. What’s up with that?

But I did discover I luuuvvvvvv watermelon….and strawberries….and peaches…..and apples! I found out I even like green beans and broccoli. I hope Mom lets me come with her to the garden soon. I could be such a big help.

I am part Golden Retriever so, of course, they got me my own pool! The Poodle in me keeps trying to suppress those water instincts, but I’m sure I can overcome those negative vibes before summer ends. And it’s so much fun when the litter mates play in there too!

I have to admit, I do tend to get into some trouble from time to time. It seems to come when all I want to do is play….rough…with my mouth…..on their fingers. But I have all this pent up energy and am so happy to share it with anything that crosses my path! And, I am a little mouthy at times, especially when I’m hungry.

Because of this, Mom and Dad have decided it’s time for me to start learning something called “manners.” They say words like Come, Sit and Wait. And then there’s the one I don’t care for so much. No.

I’m hearing that one a lot lately.

It’s very hot outside now because it’s summer. Duh. What? You sit outside on a 90F day in a fur coat and tell me how YOU like it. My yard does have lots of shade, but……

This is my preferred napping location, but just to show I’m flexible, I’ll relocate to various AC vent around the house. 🙂

That’s all for today. Take care, stay cool, and may all your puppy dreams be sweet.

Conflicted

Posted on June 16, 2017 by Lisa

Well, they are on their way to stay with their dad for a month. The Recruiter, Peanut and Twix left this afternoon to make the trek to Nashville for the hand off for the second leg of their trip to Alabama.

And I’m oddly conflicted.

On one hand, with all that’s happened since February, Entrepreneur and I need a break from the endless energy and incessant “whys” of a three year old. And, having both of them since mid-May when the after-school sitter left college for summer break has been both a joy and a challenge. AND, add the fur baby that arrived the beginning of June and…..well…are you tired yet? We are. We really do need this time to regroup and Entrepreneur needs this time to rest due to chemo fatigue. So, we’re down two children….but training a fur baby.

But, on the other hand, each time they leave, the relief is replaced with worry and concern. Call it parental paranoia or whatever. I’m counting the days until their return. When they hit the door again in mid-July, there won’t be much summer left before those back-to-school and after-school activities begin again. In the meantime, my house will be void of munchkin-size clothing lying around, half-drank beverages in the frig, books, crayons, pencils and toys on every surface in every room. Gone will be the bath toys in my soaker tub, and luvies within arms reach of every bed.

I feel guilty about looking forward to the break…knowing the time we have with them is a gift not afforded to every grandparent. Am I ungrateful for that gift if I’m relieved to be relieved of those child care responsibilities? What if something happens to them while they are gone? I would be devastated knowing I was looking forward to time in the empty nest…even if it was only temporarily.

Such is the life of long-distance visitation.

So we try to pack as much as we can into the few weeks of summer before they have to leave. We did picnics and playgrounds; pool time and popsicles; Peanut and I visited a museum and took in a movie; went to our church’s version of VBS (on steroids); and scheduled horseback riding lessons. Plus, we made sure there were times for just hanging out with nothing organized so the mind could wander uninterrupted.

Please enjoy a few early summer childhood captures of our grandbabykins.

A nosefull of posies.