Three Treasured Tools

I have three treasured tools.  They are very special and each is important to me.  The first  was

was my dear maternal grandmother's spatula.  I inherited it when she passed away.  In my memory's eye I can see her using this to ice her delicious cakes.  I am certain that this one's age is at least 80 years young!  For me it has become useful in so many other ways...example - to clean out the slats between the deck boards or stir up a bit of extra paint for touch ups.  The edge is even sharp enough to slice a piece of bread or tear open a bag.  When I am looking for something to get into a tight place this is my go to tool.  

   

The second like the first belonged to someone else before it was mine.  This brush was owned by my sweet friend Barbie Belle who taught me how to paint.  I would joke with her that it was the magic brush.  In her hand it certainly appeared to be.  Now this well-used tool will serve to remind me of all the wonderful times we shared.  Yes, I will be using this brush often hoping to find a bit of her magical touch! 

Last, but my most treasured tool of all...God's Word.  This is where I go when I need comfort, advice, a good story, romance, mystery and a wonderful ending!  Here is where my truth is found.  This book holds everything one needs for wisdom and discernment.  It is my true "North Light"!  Many tools will come and go but this one is timeless.

Thank you for letting me share these three treasures with you.  Perhaps you will share some of yours with me.

Hugs

Debbie

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."  John 1:1 (NIV)

Value Patterns

 Our mistress has been spending a great deal of time doing value patterns this week.  She is reading a book "7 Keys to Great Paintings" by Jane R Hofstetter.    It is a book that has been on her shelf for quite some time.

According to Jane having value shape plans in place can be such a wonderful tool when creating a painting.  Often times the struggle to turn something into a pleasing composition lacks good planning.  Having these small thumbnails with just dark and light passages can be quite useful when it comes time to putting down color.  Jane's work, showcased within the book, covers a great variety of subjects . 

Her art is a pleasure to study.

  

With the return of ice and snow we are once again limiting our play time outdoors.

We all will be very happy when spring arrives.  Well thanks for stopping by to visit.  Looks like more bone chewing inside will be the pattern plan for the coming week.  Take care.

P.S.  Happy Valentine's Day.

Hugs,

Kelsey and Gunnar

"What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus."  2 Tim.1:13 (NIV)

For The Birds

 Winter would seem long if it were not for the birds.  They flock to the feeders when the first snow comes and they keep me entertained when the weather is cold and blustery.

The photo above was snapped this morning.  As you can see most of our white stuff is gone.  We did finally get a thaw.    This male cardinal does not show up well due to the morning's rosy glow.  I think he was happy that things had warmed up a bit.

This was the weather two weeks ago.  Will it be back?  Most likely it will return.  For now though I am enjoying spring like temperatures.

Will share todays glorious sunrise with you and hope everyone's February is blessed.

Hugs!

Debbie

"Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say."  Ecclesiastes 10:20 (NIV)

Moved Into Glory

Barbie Belle's  Painting of Geese

 I received news this past week that someone I loved has moved from this life into glory.  Barbie Belle was my friend for over twenty-seven years.

She taught me how to paint and laugh when something didn't work out.  She listened to my challenges and most importantly she prayed for me. What is my loss is her gain.  She has finished her race and she ran it well.  Her faith was strong and it never waivered even when she lost her beloved Jack.

Barb was multi-talented and exceptionally artistic.  In her 50's she began to paint.  One of her paintings was chosen to travel internationally with an art exhibit to over 9 countries.  

This painting hangs in my studio - it never fails to make me smile!

 

She was not only a self-taught artist but also a wonderful musician.  She was a dream on the keyboard and shared that talent by traveling with a local well-known vocalist.  They performed not just close to home but afar. 

Unfortunately Barb's later years left her housebound.  She had many infirmities that were challenging.  One was losing her precious sight.

I recall my last visit with her.  She was still her cheerful self.  We laughed and joked about the things that "tickled our funny bones".  Then we moved onto more serious matters...the concerns of our nation and what the future would hold.  Barb always stayed up on all that was happening in the world.  I know she spent much time in prayer desiring that God's peace would reign. 

When it was time for me to go...she told me she was so ready to go home to the Lord and see her Jack.  I take comfort in the knowledge that is where she is now.     

Barb painted this painting for my home several years ago!

 Most assuredly she has moved into glory!

 I will be seeing you sweet friend!

Thank you all for letting me share my sadness as well as my joy for this wonderful lady, Barbie Belle!

Hugs

Debbie

"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit ."  2 Cor. 3:18 (NIV)

Time for...

Vegetable Beef

 soup,

Red Headed Woodpecker

watching the birds,

Witten by John MacArthur

and reading a good book that has me dreaming about heaven!

We have an Arctic blast coming our way...may be eating quite a bit of soup in the coming week. (LOL)

How are you spending your time these winter days?  Hope you will share.  Hugs Debbie

"...and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure."  Ecclesiastes 8:5b (NIV)

 

Patterns and Such!

Have you ever noticed how patterns make up our days? They can be quite comforting. 

I have been rediscovering Zentangles.  It has been several years ago that I pursued this form of art.  It is a relaxing way to just let your pen find repeated strokes that come together and form abstract shapes.  It is neat to combine them with watercolors.  There are many "You Tube" channels available to watch.  Even if you are not artistically inclined you may find this a great way to unwind. 

 Speaking of unwinding...a trip to the library last weekend produced a delightful stack of books.

I am reading the Last House by Jessica Shattuck.  It spans several generations and approximately 80 years.  All about the "age of oil".  Thus far very enjoyable read.

Winter has certainly come to stay for awhile.  We received another 3-4 inches overnight.

The birds are visiting constantly.  When the snow flies they come by for some nourishment.

Kelsey is always happy to come indoors after a romp in winter's wonderland...

Gunny too!

Especially if he can have a bone.

There are certain things that comprise the quiet days of this season.. There are patterns I fall into...like reading a good book...taking long walks with the pooches...watching tv with my sweetie and sipping a hot drink.  These form my days and bring me comfort.   

How about you?  What patterns are you enjoying?

Have a lovely week.

Hugs

Debbie

"What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 1:13 (NIV)

Stillness

 The stillness of winter has arrived.  It brings quiet and moments of reflection.  Every season holds beauty... 

this time of the year is no exception.

Even the wildlife stop to pause and are still.

 As the snow blankets the earth.. stillness blankets my soul.

For a little while I too will cease to strive and surrender to the lovely stillness of winter's sojourn.

Will you come join me?

Have a peace filled week.

God Bless

Debbie

"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him..."  Psalm 37:7a (NIV)