June 2014 – Jennifer's Journal

My First “Friday Bouquet”

Published on June 27, 2014February 12, 2020 by J. Kelland Perry

Isn’t she beautiful?

This is a drawing of my cat, Vivian. My blogger friend, Kath Unsworth, of Minuscule Moments, put my name in for a chance to win a pet portrait last month, and I won! She drew Vivian with soft colour pencils and mailed it to me all the way from the Land Down Under.

Kath writes and illustrates children’s picture books. She lives on a dairy farm in Australia with her husband and family. I find her artwork dreamy and magical, perfect qualities for a child’s eyes, or anyone’s, for that matter.

Check out these other selections from her blog.

This marks the beginning of a new category on my blog I call Friday Bouquet. I am excited and look forward to this new adventure. Most Fridays, I will toss a bouquet to deserving bloggers who have caught my attention doing something worthwhile and positive in the blogosphere, and in their lives.

This is not a new idea, as I follow a blogger or two who pay it forward like this (you know who you are 😉 ), and just as they do, I am disabling comments here, in hopes you will visit the blog I spotlight and comment there. Simply click on the link below for a visit and tell her I sent you. Thank you again, Kath! xo

The Artist in Me by Minuscule Moments

A Lesson in Compassion

Published on June 21, 2014January 17, 2016 by J. Kelland Perry35 Comments

One of the most valuable lessons we can teach our children is kindness and compassion for all living things, no matter how big or small.

This topic is on my mind because I was disturbed to read this morning of yet another local case of animal cruelty. How does a person exist, and sleep at night, who can commit such cruel acts against an innocent and defenseless animal?

I find it difficult to believe a child raised to respect and empathise with the feelings of all creatures can grow up into someone who can treat an animal with cruelty. My dad, in particular, taught us how to care for all living things. We grew up with pets, as many do, but it was more than that. He taught by example. He not only loved that little spider that he picked up and brought outdoors, he wished it well.

I wish every small child could experience that kind of lesson.

Teaching a child not to step on a caterpillar is as valuable to the child as it is to the caterpillar. ~ Bradley Miller

Our task must be to widen our circle of compassion, to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. ~ Albert Einstein

It is widely believed that empathy training for children can prevent violence, against animals and human beings. What are you doing to teach children compassion?

Sweet Daughter

Published on June 14, 2014January 17, 2016 by J. Kelland Perry18 Comments

My One-Year-Old Daughter and Me

Denise was born on a beautiful sunny day, just like today. She decided to show up three weeks before her due date of July 6th. Born at Carbonear Hospital, she was the smallest baby there at the time, weighing a dainty five pounds, seven ounces.
My life as a very young mother had begun!

Denise at Six Years Old

Denise was a happy child, but she was also softhearted, intelligent, and focused.

Bachelor of Nursing Graduate

She always worked hard to realize her goals.

Her Beautiful Family

Happy Birthday, Denise! I am so proud of you, and can’t imagine my life without you in it!
Love Mom ❤

Is There Room* in Your Book for Me?

Published on June 9, 2014 by J. Kelland Perry34 Comments

I thought it funny the book is called “Our Mutual Friend”!

Is your pet as clingy as ours? Please share your story!

*Weekly Photo Challenge: Room No. 2

Vivian’s Room

Published on June 7, 2014June 8, 2014 by J. Kelland Perry23 Comments

When the fog rolled in over our lounging chairs this afternoon (with us still in them), we counted ourselves lucky we at least had enjoyed an hour of hot, precious sunshine.

You may see some of the fog in the pic below.
We put our chairs back in the shed and went inside. But Vivian had other ideas.
She stayed behind in her outdoor room…