You Know That Spring is Really Here...

• Who can find a virtuous woman? her price is far above rubies
• ...with the fruit of her hands she planteth...

(click on pictures to see larger)

You know that spring is really here to stay, at least in the south, when the azaleas are in bloom.

This was the view this morning from my front porch--two beautiful, if a bit overgrown, azaleas. Our house once belonged to my grandparents, and I can remember my mother and my aunt planting these for my grandmother, probably close to 30 years ago.


They're way taller than me, close to 7 or 8 feet tall.

We haven't been here at the right time to trim them back in the last few years, but I sort of like the "wild" look anyway, and they make a good year round bird habitat.

They don't last long, but aren't they pretty while they're here?

This post is linked to:

Outdoor Wednesday at A Southern Daydreamer

Just for the Joy of It at Good, True and Beautiful

And because they are about 30 years old, also to Vintage Thingie Thursday at Colorado Lady

Until next time...

Let's Party! Ultimate Blog Party 2010

Hello to everyone dropping by the Ultimate Blog Party 2010! I haven't been on-line much lately due to some computer and internet issues, so this year's party kind of snuck up on me. I'm slightly late with my entry, but it's a week-long bash, so let's get ready to party!

My name is Charlene, and I'm a I'm a GRITS gal--Girl Raised In The South. Born and raised in southwest and central Louisiana, I lived there most of my adult life until recently, as well. In the last four years, I've lived in Alaska, Colorado, back to Louisiana for a while, and now in Georgia. Faith and family are central to my life. I'm a credentialed minister with the Assemblies of God, and love Women's Ministry and smalltown rural churches. I've been married for 26 years to the same great man, and we have one son, who is a senior in college.

This blog started out to chronicle my struggle to become a true chayil woman of strength and virtue, and it evolves in different directions according to what I'm doing or thinking about.

Topics range from:

• Spiritual reflections
• Frugal shopping and deals
• Thrift store finds
• Couponing
• Dollar Store Decorating
• and more!

I have a companion food blog, Secrets of a Southern Kitchen, where I share simple, easy, recipes for everyday foods, as well as the occasional kitchen tip and food product review.

I'm also on Twitter, @AVirtuousWoman, and would love to follow and be followed there, as well.

At any rate, thanks for stopping by, and I hope to see you partying around the blogosphere!

Until next time...