Moments in Life

How many lives are altered by one moment in time, one decision made in that moment? How many moments does it take to completely and irreversibly alter ones life?

--Jennifer DeNaughel

Beware of Cute Faces!!!

Look at that face...but don't be fooled!!!

I had never seen a raccoon in its own natural environment before. I, like most people, thought that something so small and cute and adorable would be friendly and let you take a photo. Well, right after I took this photo, at a safe distance, or so I thought...she took offense and decided she wanted us out of there. Unfortunately, our dog chose that moment to jump out of the truck and she attacked him, biting him on his backside several times before my husband could get her off him. Copper then ran to me and I opened the door of the truck. He jumped in and I followed then she went after my husband. He had to jump in the back of the truck to get away from her. He had to climb into the cab without touching the ground and she was still coming at him. We figured out that she was either protecting babies or just didn't want us getting the food that some brilliant human had put there by her tree...dog food and a dead animal carcass. Don't feed wild animals and don't go within twenty feet of them. No matter how adorable they are. We learned this lesson the hard way. As for Copper, he had a trip to the vet and he will be okay with antibiotics and time. Luckily he was up to date on his shots so doc said he will be just fine.

Find Me

My First Trip to the Oregon Coast Age 4

I remember a little girl, a funny happy little girl, so full of life and mischief. Somewhere along the way I lost her. She is missing. I sense her presence from time to time, but I still cannot seem to find her. I want to. I try to. I long to. Someone help me find my way back to her again. With each and every pound I gain I bury her deeper and deeper. One day I will feel her no more. One day I will lose her forever. I have to find the strength. I have to find the courage. She needs me. I need her. I need me.

Home Is Where The Heart Is...

How is it that I feel homesick for a place that has never been my home. A place I have visited often and love so much that my heart longs to go back again. A place where I feel like I truly belong. Idaho may be my birthplace and my lifelong home but Bandon in Oregon is where my spirit feels at peace and my heart fills with contentment. One day I know that I will finally be home to stay...in Bandon-By-The-Sea.

Bandon-By-The-Sea

I close my eyes and then
On a dream and a wish
I am carried back there
Senses coming to life again
The sights...the sounds
The scent of the air and sea
And the feel of the sand
Beneath my weary feet
It seems so very long ago
But the memories of then
Guide me through the now
Showing me the way home
Giving me the strength
To face the pain and fear
To emerge from the fog
And find solace in my soul
And courage in my heart
To carry me through life
'Til I can return there again
To Bandon-by-the-Sea...

By Jennifer DeNaughel

Through the Storm...

Lonely sentinel

Beautiful and steadfast

Its beacon shining

Wind rain and surf

Take their toll

But the light burns on

Guiding lost souls

Toward safe harbor

Bringing them home

Renewing hope

And faith in man.

By Jennifer DeNaughel

©2004 Jennifer Christine DeNaughel

Springtime arrives in Idaho again

So beautiful and yet so unpredictable

It was a long and dreary winter

So glad it is finally over and done

We survived it again all in one piece

Despite the challenges it always brings.

Springtime in Idaho warmly welcomed

Even though it isn’t so warm today

Yesterday it actually snowed again

And the wind howled and whipped

Today it was chilly with only a little sun

Tomorrow it could be in the sixties.

Springtime in Idaho you never know

Anything is possible rain, snow or sun

I look forward to the bright sunny days

And spending an hour or so outside

Enjoying the fresh air and bird songs

Watching as the season comes to life.

By Jennifer DeNaughel

Goodbye Marco and Best Wishes

My new Scrabble Blast Record!!!

I scored '521' points on one...yup just one word...EXUBERANTLY!!! Aren't I just the smarty pants...hehe. Ok so my top score is now 16,677 points and level 32!!! Ok all done bragging now. I need a life!!!

The crashing waves lull me to sleep…but only in my dreams. My heart longs to go there again…to feel the ocean mist on my face and hear the sound of the children playing, sand in their shoes and smiles on their faces. One day soon I will walk the shore again.