Anxious

 I have been anxious for the anemones to bloom.  They are small but that lilac color with the complimentary yellow center makes them a favorite of mine.

 As spring unfolds, Ice Folly daffodils are making a show.  These were planted many years ago and as you can see they continue to flourish.

The butterfly daffodils have opened up.  There are many different species in this category.  The yellow ones are the very first to bloom.  More will come later.

Planting bulbs in the fall reaps a lovely reward when this time of the year rolls around.

I am anxiously waiting for the Virginia Bluebells and tulips to visit.    It will not be long now.  

How about you - what are you anxious to see arrive?  Hope you will share.

Hugs

Debbie

 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  Phil:4:6  

Gray Day

 In spite of it being a gray day...

Picked a bouquet of sunny daffodils.

They are the first to bloom.  " King Alfred" always makes quite a show.  

Is it not amazing how something so fragile survives the ups and downs of March!

We were in the 70's last week and today, barely above 40 degrees.

Ah such is spring.  It certainly is quite the teaser :)!

Mini Painting of the week

Well my two pooches are waiting for their walk.  They do not mind that the day is gray.   Best go for now.

Hope everyone has a blessed week.  There will be sunny days ahead.

Hugs 

Debbie

"Awake, north wind, and come, south wind!  Blow on my garden, that its fragrance may spread abroad."  SS 4:16a (NIV)  

Promise

These crocus bring the promise of spring...  

the budded pussy willows too.

The robins and red-winged blackbirds have returned.  The cardinals are busy building their nests and preparing for their young.  Spring is in the air!

All of this has filled my heart with hope making me anxious to plant seeds and work in the dirt.

Picked up this lovely book at the library yesterday.  There are beautiful photos and enchanting words that touch the soul with the meaning of how connected we are to the Great Gardener of all!  Christie Purifoy captures the beauty of how a garden can add not only to the outdoors but turn a house into a home.   A great book to read just before retiring for the night!

Well friends St. Patrick's  Day arrives Monday.

My blogging buddy Sandie at "Chatty Crone" encouraged me to celebrate.  Upon her advice, am doing so!

 To mark the celebration hubby and I will be having cabbage and corn beef with carrots and lime gelatin for dessert.  Naturally one must have something good to eat in order to celebrate :)!   May everyone have a blessed week.

Hugs

Debbie

"But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness." 2 Peter 3:13 (NIV) 

Possible

 Is it possible this may be winter's last hurrah?

If so it certainly was lovely.

It began snowing yesterday afternoon and into the overnight.

Each branch and limb was covered in white.

The sky gave a wonderful backdrop to the snowy hillside.

This type of winter morning shows me how breathtaking this season of the year can be.

 Hope everyone enjoyed stopping by and sharing a glimpse of how it is possible to savor a wintry morn while waiting on spring!

Have a blessed week!

Hugs

Debbie

"If you can?"  said Jesus.  Everything is possible for him who believes."  Mark 9:23 (NIV)

Like a Lion

 As you can see from the above photo...March came in like a lion.  Hope that it means it will leave like a lamb!

We even received a skiff of snow.

Our morning walk was quite cold.  Certainly felt the temperature change.  Yesterday was 52 and sunny.

Will be glad when this underbrush turns green and leafy.

In the meantime am keeping busy.   I have started following Leslie Stroz on You Tube.  She just posted a video of 100 small paintings.  It is a challenge she began in February.  I started March 1st.  Am hoping to complete this plan by this time next year.  Will keep you posted on my progress.   

 

Let me know if any of you decide to follow Leslie's goal of 100 small paintings in a year.  I think it will be fun and manageable.   

Thanks for stopping to visit.  Did your March come in like a lion?

Hugs

Debbie

..."Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith..." 1 Peter 5: 8b, 9a (NIV0

Spring Plans

 With March less than a week away and a warm up arriving, it is time to make some spring plans.  I am looking forward to a new season.  Bet most of you who live in the northern hemisphere are feeling the same.

   At the top of my list of plans is getting this puppy trained.  He is 7 months old and growing fast.  He officially starts class in two weeks.  Will he be perfect after six sessions?  Most likely not.  Hopefully though he will be on his way. :)!!

These heirloom seed packets caught my attention while shopping at our local Dollar General Market last week.  Had to bring them home with me.  Time to get some things for the garden started.

Drawing these flowers got me planning a painting...

 and also finishing this one!

Well these are just a few spring plans.  Are you making some too.  Please share!  Have a great week

Hugs

Debbie

"Make plans by seeking advice;"   Prov. 20:18a (NIV)

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)