Tom and I are pretty old and settled – it doesn't take much to entertain us. Since we're also pretty broke, that's a good thing.

Taking a leisurely walk down our caliche road with the dogs on a sunshine-filled afternoon is a highlight of our weekends.

That's how old and settled we are.

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We live on an old sea shore. We know this because of all the shell fossils we find on our walks, if we remember to look for them. Sometimes they're just lying there, loose, right out in the open.

Sometimes they're not.

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Sometimes you have to dig a little to break them loose…

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On a good day, if you're lucky and paying attention, you can end up with a handful.

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But very once in a while you come across a buried one that turns out to be bigger and deeper than you thought. You start digging…

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The dogs sigh and settle down to wait.

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and wait…

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while you keep digging…

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Good dogs.

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Stubborn fossil.
(Stubborn Tom.)

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Persistence pays off (with the help of a rock hammer tossed in the car so you can stop and dig it out a few hours later when you're headed out to a friend's house)… a natural Valentine.

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To go along with the Valentine's Day sunset…

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and the best card in the world…

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"If you want to feel rich, just count the things you have that money can't buy."

Like time and sunsets with the one you love.

 

 

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15 responses to “What Money Can’t Buy”

  1. Karen Avatar

    First, thank you for stopping by and sharing your wish. I am so happy to have followed your words back to your blog and this wonderful post! I can’t agree with you more in finding our treasures in all the little bits & pieces of goodness that surround us. For me, when I keep my eye on the little things that make me smile, it is so much easier to handle the big stuff that life sometimes hands us.

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  2. Jillsy Girl Avatar

    First of all ~ you guys are NOT old (because if you were, we’d be older!). Secondly, I can not believe you live in area that was once a seashore. That’s mind-blowing! Austin, Texas/seashore, just doesn’t compute. Thirdly, WOW! on that heart!! Best Valentine gift and card anyone could receive!

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  3. Amy Avatar

    Great post! Finding Happiness in the simple pleasures is the best! What a gorgeous and amazing find!

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  4. JenZnewlife Avatar

    What a wonderful post and obviously a wonderful life. I absolutley love the love not straight from the heart. Beautiful.

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  5. Lexie Allen Avatar
    Lexie Allen

    I like it. Short, simple and very sweet.

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  6. shrinky1@yahoo.co.uk Avatar

    Oh my, what a perfect gift of a day! Few could ask for more (smile).

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  7. Lady Fi Avatar

    What a delightful and heart-warming post!

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  8. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thanks, Amy. It still amazes me when I find one, just thinking about how long they've been there and how it must have looked back then.

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  9. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Yeah, I know we're not really old. (And neither are y'all!!) But we are easily entertained, as you can see!

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  10. Gina Avatar
    Gina

    I just found this after following your post about your brother. You are a blessed woman..(love the picture of Tom sitting in the road working on that rock)
    Blessed by the men in your life and blessed that you see the value in all the little things in your day.
    I am blessed to have a friend who is such a good writer.

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  11. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I feel the same way about you, Gina. You inspire me with your writing all the time and help me see things I would otherwise take for granted. Thank you!

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  12. Dagmar Leuenberger-Swift Avatar

    Hi Barbara,
    what a lovely post..your photos of ordinary things are turned into extra-ordinary by your incredible talent…thanks so much for sharing your truly lovely find with us! BTW..very good dogs!
    xo

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  13. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you, Dagmar! What a sweet comment, and yes, they are (pretty) good dogs!

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