Feel Good Photos

There is something indescribable that happens when looking at old photos. Some photos in particular are so good at keeping memories, warming hearts or producing smiles. This batch of photos is from a short trip we took to Phone Guy and SJo's house in the early Spring. I just ran across them while browsing through my online photo albums and they produced such a feel-good, warm-heart feeling that I have to pass them on today.

Setting off on a road-trip is a great feeling. This photo was taken just South of Seattle. In clear blue skies, Mt. Rainier looms above a fast moving freeway full of cars, the perfect conditions for driving.

God's creation causes us to marvel.

A row of daffodils along SJo's back fence brighten the day with their cheery yellow blooms. Even though daffodil season is long past and it's now time for annuals to shine, this photo makes me want to go outside and work in my flowerbeds. I love how a backdrop of well weathered wood is a beautiful pairing for daffodils, or flowers of any sort.

Yellows that remind me of butter and lemon.

Here are brothers Phi and Leroy, sorry Jeffy for being left out, I guess you were inside somewhere. I love the relationship these kiddos have. It was so fun spending time with this family. Look at their little bellies and Phi's pink little toes. Also, a kid isn't a kid without a few smears of food somewhere on them, white onesies make for a perfect backdrop for breakfast splatters on Lord's Day morning.

Awwww!

When you are done reading this post, go find a friend or family member to hug. Why? Because it feels good, read the excerpts below that I snagged from this article.

"Each time we hug, we increase the level of oxytocin in the blood. This hormone is known as the bonding hormone because it triggers a “caring” response in both men and women."

"As adults, that daily dose of oxytocin-laced hugging protects us from heart disease."

"When the researchers tested the levels of oxytocin after the hug, both men and women showed an increase. However, the researchers also discovered that all of the women had reduced levels of cortisol following the hug. Cortisol is another hormone produced by the adrenal glands as part of the body’s response to stress. The fact that the women participants’ cortisol levels were significantly lower means that females are especially responsive to the calming effects of a hug-- proving that a hug a day can go a long way to keeping a woman you love heart healthy."

On our return trip, just two hours away from home, to our left we see downtown Seattle. This sight brings to mind so many good memories we have made in this area. Time well-spent with family and friends, views of the Puget Sound and Olympic mountains, visits to tourist "traps"and local attractions, as well as sitting and enjoying numerous coffee-laden beverages!