Tree Decorated with Black Lace

 

How is it that I never noticed this type of tree until this year and now they seem to be every where? Right around the corner from me I spotted this tree with gray bark and furry looking balls hanging from it. The contrast captured my attention. Not having figured out if my new camera has macro or not and if so how to use it I don't know how to explain these buds (?).

At first it looked like some one had tied pieces of black lace into balls and hung them from the tree. But then my husband gave me a call on his cell phone today and invited me to meet him at one of our favorite places to eat out. So I placed my camera away and drove to the restaurant. I parked right next to one of these trees and had a closer look. This time it looked like someone had crocheted a small ball with black chenille yarn. That would have been a lot of work because it was loaded with them. We split a Wiley potato for our Valentine's lunch then he had to go to work. What did you do for Valentine's day?

 

  

  

photo sources 

If you can't write take pictures!

  

It's my earlier day out of work. Most days are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and this one I got out at 4:00 p.m. My youngest daughter needed to run some errands, because her vehicle was in the shop. As I wait for her to come out, I snapped a couple of pictures of the trees across the street. I like the contrast of the white snow on the black bark of the tree even if it did make me feel cold. Icy, you were right, I'm still out here snapping pictures despite the cold. :-) 

I explained to her that I had written 299 posts and this was going to be the 300th, but what can you do? We know we love blogging, but life does go on and though it is hard to believe it does not always revolve around blogging.

I like the red berries on this tree, particularly with the white. Do you think the neighbors think I'm crazy as I snap away? 

First stop I waited in the car as she ran in to drop off a payment. It's still day light (for now). 

  While she was in city hall running another errand I took  pictures of one of the taller buildings down town. I was fascinated with the variations of tan and cream colored bricks.

She also had to go to the library to get her taxes done. We have a program here where community action prepares taxes for free for low income families. By the way, it's dark now. How is your weekend going?

Thankful Thursday - Encouragement

Like the planted seeds, I want to grow.

Balance criticism with praise.

I've known for a long time that when errors are brought to one's attention, those who are criticizing need to take a moment to balance the criticism with praise. If not soon the person upon who the criticism is being heaped fails to hear any more. They are too busy thinking up a defense or wallowing in their sense of worthlessness and defeat. Does anyone ever mess up a job so bad that nothing worthwhile can be said? Pointing out accomplishments and  suggestions  would enable them to perform the other required tasks without dwelling on the negative words.

Criticism that is not constructive is detrimental! 

As I said in an earlier post, my youngest son thought his first name was either Don't or Stop because he heard these two words used continually by his teachers in conjunction with his name, until I took him from public school and enrolled him into a private school. The major difference between public school and  his new school was the ability to encourage. Sometimes a student or workers inability to learn does not lie completely with them. If I plant a handful of seeds in dry ground and the sun does not shine and no rain falls are the seeds duds? My son began to thrive and I had the awesome opportunity to attend college classes with him.

I received encouragement today.

My personnel office evaluated me today for my annual performance review. I have felt discouraged, having just changed departments and learning a new program.  This program is a little more complicated than any I have previously dealt with. At times I had actually thought of speaking to them about other possible job openings feeling that I was some how failing to meet expectations. I want to do my best. I want to earn my pay.   I want to serve our customers. After our interview I came away encouraged. I feel that it is possible for me to become skilled in my new department.  Because of the ability of my personnel officer to encourage and enlighten me on areas I both do well on and need help with I have walked away with  more confidence. She even offered helpful tips to help me deal with my weaker points.

Maybe you aren't like me and never need encouragement, but if you are like me, I have a couple quotes from Thinkexist.com .

"We live by encouragement and die without it - slowly, sadly, angrily."

 Celeste Holm

"Nine tenths of education is encouragement."

Anatole France

Take care & God bless.

Wordless Wednesday - Buildings that catch your eye